The attack on Zhang He's forces had begun in the morning, while Xushui and Quanzhou were attacked in the afternoon. There had not been much time between them, because Yuan Shao's troops were simply too weak in battle.
Moreover, these garrison troops had been stationed here for a long time and were all too familiar with the lands under General Wang's rule. Quite a few scouts had even chatted with Wang Yan's scouts and constantly heard how wonderful things were over there. After returning, those scouts would let such things slip during idle conversation. After all, they were not far apart. Anyone bold enough could simply go over and take a closer look.
Unlike Yuan Shao's side, the common people under Wang Yan lived not far from the military camps. If one could see the camps, one could see the villages as well—the houses, the fields, and how lively things were every day could all be seen clearly.
This was because Wang Yan had deliberately ordered it, so that people could see the prosperity and strength on his side. It was also in keeping with his consistent principle: keep war beyond his own borders and fight on someone else's land.
For that reason, over the past ten years, he had not built a single city or expanded a single one. He had even removed the gates from every city, only carrying out necessary repairs on the walls.
In fact, people were allowed to stroll atop the walls of Ji County. But most of those who went up were children, running wild across the ramparts like mad. Adults generally did not care to return after going once. There was really nothing remarkable about it.
It was precisely this decision that united the soldiers and civilians. To protect their own property and