Liu Dun frowned and stroked his beard. "Jiao Province is neither truly far from here nor particularly close. Earlier, when General Dai passed through Guiyang, the land routes were completely sealed off. Then Guangzhou was taken with the speed of wind and thunder; presumably the waterways have been blocked as well. Lan Tian may not yet know what has happened in Guangzhou."
"But hadn't I reminded him?" Lu Fan was deeply puzzled.
Liu Dun replied, "Perhaps Lan Tian is still gathering intelligence. Yet with the general's heavy forces already here, even if he learns that Jiao Province is in danger, he cannot simply leave. Otherwise, once Changsha falls, would he not become a bird trapped in a cage?"
Lu Fan nodded in agreement. "That makes sense. Lan Tian is full of schemes and tricks. Even in such a desperate plight, he is still frantically reinforcing his troops, hoping to use his son's prestige to force me to withdraw. Unfortunately, his camp is full of clay chickens and porcelain dogs. How could I so easily fall for it?"
"Lan Tian's troops are weak, but his generals are valiant. This enemy cannot be broken without overwhelming forces. The soldiers in the city have not yet recovered their morale, while his men are fighting like trapped beasts. General, you should promptly request more troops from the King of Wu. Once the reinforcements arrive, victory can be won through numbers." Liu Dun cupped his hands and offered his counsel.
Lu Fan's expression turned grave. He sighed. "The King has already entrusted me with the troops of the entire realm. If we truly need more men, they can only be drawn from Chaisang. But I fear Gan Ning may seize the chance to launch a surprise attack."
"Lan Tian excels at making a feint in