Zhuge Guanqi said, "No matter what, we must hold them up for two hours. Only then will you have enough time to complete the surprise attack, my lord. If you cannot take Eastern Luo Granary within eight hours, you must retreat promptly, or you will fall into the Yong Army's encirclement."
Taking Eastern Luo Granary in so little time was undoubtedly an extraordinarily difficult task for Hu Xiaotian. He asked, "And if we take it?"
Zhuge Guanqi said, "Whether they win or lose, the five thousand troops led by General Zhao must withdraw toward Eastern Luo Granary as soon as two hours have passed. If you have taken it as planned, they can enter without difficulty and help defend it. If the assault fails, send the signal for a full withdrawal." His expression grew solemn. "For you, my lord, time is everything. Every step must be completed within its allotted time. Any deviation could have unthinkable consequences."
Hu Xiaotian asked, "What if we attack Eastern Luo Granary ahead of schedule?"
Zhuge Guanqi shook his head. "Neither early nor late will do! Favorable timing, favorable terrain, and unity among men-timing comes first. You must seize the right moment, my lord."
Meanwhile, a military council was underway in Shaoyuan City. Qin Yangming, Shaoyuan's commanding general, pointed to the map on the wall. "Noon the day after tomorrow is when the last batch of prisoners will be exchanged. It is also when we will attack Eastern Liang Commandery."
Qin Yangming traced a route from Shaoyuan to Eastern Liang Commandery with his finger. "I will personally lead twenty-five thousand troops from the north. Within six hours, we must reach Eastern Liang Commandery. Chang Fanqi!"
Chang Fanqi, the commander defending Eastern Luo Granary, stepped forward. He stood over ten feet tall, with red hair and