As Lu Xun stood by the river lost in thought, the officers and soldiers lodging at Jianye's docks had already finished breakfast and were now assembling into formation, preparing to march on Jianye.
Watching the orderly ranks being readied, Zhang Zhao sighed at Lan Tian's soldiers' strict discipline. They truly were stronger than the "allied army" cobbled together from Jiangdong's private retainers; he simply wondered how Lan Tian intended to arrange matters once he took charge of Yang Province.
"Father, the time is about right. Let us depart," Lan Yuan reported with clasped fists.
Lan Tian nodded lightly. "We need to establish our authority upon first arriving in Yang Province. Have the Trap-Breaking Army march at the very front, so the people of Jiangdong can see them."
"Yes." Lan Yuan accepted the order with clasped fists.
Once the command was issued, the fully armed Trap-Breaking Army began to move. Gao Ling led two battalions of soldiers ahead to clear the way, and the rest of the troops stationed at the docks stirred into action.
Before setting out, Lan Tian summoned Gan Ning and instructed him, "With so many troops, it is impossible for all of them to flood into Jianye. Xingba, remain here for the time being. First, maintain contact with Chaisang and Wuchang. Second, the mouth of the Ruxu River is still in Sun Quan's hands. Be wary that, driven to desperation, they may invite the Cao Army into Jiangdong. Lastly, Sun Quan's remaining forces have fled downstream to Jiangcheng. Guard against their making a comeback. Only by completely controlling the Yangtze River waterway can we gain a foothold in Yang Province."
"Sir, you are entirely correct. At dawn, I already dispatched patrol boats. I believe intelligence from Jiangcheng will arrive shortly. I will enter the city and report