Anger Reaches the Jiang Family

Zhang Da looked embarrassed as he reminded him, "General, thirty thousand—"

"What about thirty thousand? Their supplies for thirty thousand men will be more than we can eat. Scout again. I want Xiahou Mao's full details." Zhang Fei's face was full of disdain.

"Yes." Zhang Da clasped his fists and cautiously withdrew.

Zhang Da had distinguished himself in Jiangxia before being taken under Zhang Fei's command. After following Zhang Fei into Liang Province several times, he discovered that his once-reckless superior had somehow become increasingly shrewd.

Zhang Da had no idea what Zhang Fei had gone through these past few years. The black-faced general he remembered, who had always loved charging headlong into battle and slaughter, now especially enjoyed playing mind games.

No sooner had Zhang Da left than Zhang Fei summoned his attendant Wu Er and sternly ordered, "Ma Zun has been hiding in his shell and refusing to come out lately. With no battles to fight, the men have grown slack. Hurry and take them out for a round of drills."

"Is there going to be a battle?" Wu Er asked curiously.

Zhang Fei nodded. "Xiahou Mao is leading thirty thousand men to relieve Tianshui. Our provisions are nearly exhausted, and Cao Pi is so considerate of my difficulties that he has promptly sent someone to deliver more."

"That's wonderful. I'll go train the troops at once." Wu Er departed happily.

Outside the tranquil Ji County, thunderous hoofbeats rang out once more. Upon receiving the news, Ma Zun hurriedly led the commandery officials to the city wall. When he saw the thick cloud of dust in the distance, he instantly sank into thought.

Chief Clerk Yin Shang looked at the young man beside Ma Zun and asked meaningfully, "Could Zhang Fei be planning to attack the city for