On the Map of Mountains and Rivers, Bai Xiaowen could clearly see that Zhang Wei and Yang Ren, Hanzhong's two great generals, were both at the east gate!
Anyone could guess that the plan had changed. The east gate had become a dragon's pool and tiger's den.
Ge Xuan was also somewhat startled when he saw this. "Ma Chao has probably already covered more than half the distance by now. It's too late to call him back."
Bai Xiaowen took a breath, steadied himself, and summoned the strategist Xun You. "How many troops and officers remain in the camp?"
Xun You replied, "Twenty thousand remain. Led by Generals Han Qiong, Cao Hong, and Ju Hu, along with more than ten subordinate commanders, they are guarding the camp."
Bai Xiaowen nodded. "That's enough."
Xun You asked, "Does Duke Yan have a plan?"
Bai Xiaowen said, "What is past cannot be changed, but what lies ahead can still be pursued. Our previous deployment is enough to make the enemy believe I fell for their trap. They will surely concentrate their forces at the east gate to defend it. I need only lead a personal guard unit around to attack the west gate, and the city will fall."
Xun You praised, "Duke Yan's foresight is unfathomable."
East Gate.
At the fourth watch, a white flag rose from the city walls. The drawbridge at the east gate was silently lowered, and the gates opened.
Ma Chao was anxious and immediately urged the vanguard forward, rushing into the east gate first. Ma Dai and Ma Yunlu followed close behind.
On the city wall, Zhang Wei and Yang Ren crouched behind the battlements as they watched Ma Chao enter the city.
Yang Ren said, "That man is not Yuan Xi, but Ma Chao of Western