"News of Bao Bozhao's defeat has already spread. Chongxuan Sheng and Jiang Wang are leading more than thirty thousand troops, while Xie Baoshu leads another thirty thousand-plus. They are advancing in two columns, supporting each other like horns... We absolutely cannot meet them at Wuyang City. The battlefield cannot even be within Wuyang City's territory."
In the council hall, Tai Yin spoke with certainty. "Because Wuyang City is their objective on this campaign. Every tactic they employ has been devised around attacking Wuyang City. Every preparation they have made is based on the battle for Wuyang City. Within Wuyang City's territory, they will inevitably be at their most vigilant. At Wuyang City, the enemy we face will be at their strongest."
"And from our own perspective—Wuyang City does indeed have a great city-protecting formation, high walls and heavy gates, ample War Machines... But even with all that to rely on, we can defend but not attack. Once the Qi Army encircles us, the best outcome will be nothing more than a drawn-out struggle of attack and defense.
"The situation in Huiming Prefecture demands that we establish an advantage as quickly as possible. Otherwise, once the Qi Army has gnawed away at the entire prefecture, no matter how firmly we hold out, this will only be a dead city. Sixty thousand troops trapped in a city of sorrow—sitting there and waiting to die."
"So we will not fight here."
His forefinger struck the map, carrying the force of a nail driven through iron. "Everyone thinks we should hold the city and defend it... This 'correct deduction,' based on military common sense, is precisely our opportunity! If we proactively abandon the advantage of city defenses and seek a decisive battle in the field, we will certainly catch them off guard!"
In Tai