After Qin Tian declared that he would break the camp within four days, he sent three thousand troops across the river northward. This move left both Zhang Liao and Gao Shun deeply perplexed.
The reason was simple: crossing the river northward would clearly have no effect on them.
After all, Zhongli lay northwest of Dongcheng, while this northern force had entered Pei Commandery.
Pei Commandery was Liu Bei's own territory, so these troops could not be going to cut off Lu Bu's retreat.
And while three thousand men were no small number, there were more than ten thousand troops in the Xiapi direction. If this force charged into Xiapi, it would be throwing meat to the chopping block.
Likewise, crossing the river in broad daylight had allowed them to discover it. It would be difficult for the force to circle around for a surprise attack from the rear.
After carefully analyzing it, the two generals' instincts told them that this force was merely making an ostentatious show.
But the problem was that Qin Tian delighted in strange stratagems and possessed an exceptionally high grasp of tactics. He clearly would not waste his soldiers' strength on such empty posturing!
Thus, Zhang Liao and Gao Shun were naturally filled with doubt, unable to understand Qin Tian's tactical intent.
Zhang Liao wished to discuss the matter with Gao Shun, but his pride kept him from going over.
Instead, the moment Gao Shun heard the news, he disregarded Zhang Liao's earlier words and came to him on his own initiative. "Does the general know that after we returned to camp, Qin Tian immediately had men cross the river northward?"
"Now this man claims he will break the stockade in four days, yet he has made such an unusual move. How does the general intend