Chapter 109: As If Heaven Itself Had Lent Aid

Chu Yun said, “The news of the Wu Yi Sect’s invasion will inevitably spread to everyone sooner or later. Rather than waiting until their forces are at our gates and then causing panic by informing everyone, it’s better to tell them now. Even if panic ensues, those who flee Chujia Town aren’t the people we need.”

“Understood, Your Excellency, the Earl!”

“Indeed, the Earl is most considerate!”

“We’ll go notify everyone immediately.”

The three headmen of the major households each responded in agreement, then turned and left to make arrangements.

Not long after they departed, Chen Ping came to report, “Yun’er, the remaining grain supplies are less than ten shi.”

Chu Yun replied promptly, “Good, I understand. I will send a message by pigeon to Viscount Lin Yang in Nanhua Town, requesting some grain to be transported here.” Chen Ping added, “Yun’er, when I came in, I happened to overhear the three headmen talking. It seems they said the Wu Yi Sect has led troops to attack us—is that true?”

Chu Yun nodded. “It is true. That’s why I’m going to inquire with Lin Yang about what’s really happening in the capital and why the Wu Yi Sect suddenly launched an assault on Chujia Town.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Ping’s face filled with worry. “Yun’er, the Wu Yi Sect is coming with troops—do you have any plan to deal with this?”

With a faint smile, Chu Yun said, “Second Uncle, rest assured. I’ve studied some immortal arts under the guidance of a celestial master. No matter how many come, I can drive them back.”

Only then did Chen Ping nod in relief.

Chu Yun then gathered some white hemp cloth, ink, brush, and inkstone to write a letter, which he sent by pigeon to Lin Yang in Nanhua Town, requesting grain and inquiring about the situation in the capital.

Shortly after the message was dispatched, the headmen of the major, medium, and minor households all arrived at the Earl’s mansion.

Chu Wencai spoke up, “Your Excellency, the Wu Yi Sect is about to attack. We’ve come to discuss countermeasures with you.”

Chu Yun had intended to say he already had a plan, but since everyone was here, it was better to gather their collective wisdom.

He nodded and said, “Very well, let’s deliberate on how to respond.”

Chu Wencai said, “The military texts say that in warfare, provisions come first. I believe we must first prepare ample grain supplies.”

He then looked at Chu Yun. “Your Excellency, I’ve already checked with Lord Chen Ping. We have just over nine da-shi of grain left. I also went to the granary to see how much stock they have. I wanted to suggest that Your Excellency purchase it all.”

“However, unexpectedly, the granary was closed, and its owner had left Chujia Town two days ago. He said he was going to buy grain, but he took his entire family with him.”

“Though he didn’t take any household goods, I find it strange. He’s never taken his whole family when buying grain before.”

Upon hearing this, Chu Yun frowned deeply.

The granary owner was a man loyal to Prince Qi.

If he had packed up and fled, did that mean Prince Qi had abandoned them?

If so, Lin Yang in Nanhua Town surely wouldn’t maintain an alliance with them.

Chu Yun pondered before saying, “Then send people shortly to see how much grain remains in the granary. Take it all to our storehouse. When the owner returns with the grain, we’ll settle the payment.”

Chu Wencai replied, “Understood, Your Excellency. That’s what we thought as well, which is why we haven’t spread the news of the Wu Yi Sect’s attack—to prevent anyone from rushing to plunder the granary.”

Chu Yun smiled and nodded. “Well done on that point.”

The three headmen smiled faintly in response.

Chu Yun then said, “Among you, who has combat experience from the western wars? Step forward and offer your advice.”

A man in his thirties, a medium household head, stepped forward. “Your Excellency, I served in the army for five years. Our battles were fought with generals against generals, infantry against infantry, cavalry against cavalry, archers against archers, and chariots against chariots. Now, we have no cavalry, no archers, and no chariots. How do you intend to fight?”

Hearing this, everyone turned to look at Chu Yun.

He was momentarily stunned, then asked in surprise, “Why is the fighting conducted this way? Isn’t cavalry more effective against ordinary infantry? Why must cavalry fight cavalry?”

Chu Wencai promptly explained, “Your Excellency, this is the custom of warfare etiquette.”

Hmm… warfare etiquette?

Is there really etiquette in battle?

Chu Yun, unfamiliar with such notions, was curious and asked Chu Wencai to explain further.

Chu Wencai began to outline the warfare etiquette:

First, before launching an assault, the attackers set up camp outside the city, exerting great pressure on the defenders.

Then, the attackers send a formal challenge to the defenders, urging them to prepare for battle, increasing psychological tension.

Next, the attackers dispatch envoys to persuade the defenders to surrender. If the defenders feel overwhelmed, they often accept the terms to avoid fighting, allowing the attackers to take the city without bloodshed. Hence, skilled negotiators were highly valued.

If the defenders refuse to surrender, the attackers notify them to remain ready at all times, threatening an imminent siege to further stress the defenders.

However, the defenders may raise a white flag to refuse battle, preventing the attackers from laying siege.

In response, the attackers send troops to provoke the defenders with insults, calling them cowards and such, to force them into battle.

If the defenders persist in not engaging, and the attackers run out of supplies, they must retreat without success.

If the defenders cannot withstand the pressure and agree to battle, they first send a few generals to face the enemy generals.

If the attackers’ generals lose, the attackers withdraw.

If the defenders’ generals lose, the attackers proceed to send cavalry, archers, and chariots to fight the defenders’ corresponding units.

If the defenders suffer a complete defeat, they must surrender and hand over the city.

Typically, after the archers’ engagement, the battle’s outcome is decided, since chariots and infantry are usually commoners with little impact on the overall result.

Chu Wencai concluded, “This etiquette exists to avoid excessive casualties and unnecessary losses. But, Your Excellency, given that Chujia Town has only sixty guards, no generals, no cavalry, no archers, and no chariots, how can we fight?”

Upon hearing this, Chu Yun laughed heartily. “Ha ha ha! Who says this warfare etiquette isn’t important? With this, I guarantee that no matter how many troops the Wu Yi Sect sends to attack Chujia Town, I will easily repel them.”

He truly felt this warfare etiquette was a godsend.