Zhu Ba led two thousand beggars on a detour to lie in ambush five li upstream from Xiasha Port. Once the Yong army arrived, they would launch a fire attack from behind using light boats and rafts.
Yu Tianxing picked up a command arrow. "Liang Yinghao, receive your orders!"
Liang Yinghao stepped forward and cupped his fists. "At your command!"
"Lead five hundred men into ambush in the Reed Marsh," Yu Tianxing said. "As soon as the Yong army arrives, set the reeds alight to create smoke and block their view. Then head to Duck's Mouth to provide support."
Liang Yinghao accepted the command arrow and departed with five hundred men.
Yu Tianxing continued, "Hu Zhongyang, receive your orders!"
Clad in Bronze Chainmail, Hu Zhongyang strode forward with an imposing air. Yu Tianxing said, "Lead one thousand elite soldiers to guard the siege crossbows and catapults. You must keep these weapons safe and prevent the Yong army from destroying them by force."
"At your command!" Hu Zhongyang also accepted a command arrow. He had supplied Hu Xiaotian with the siege crossbows and catapults in the first place, so he was naturally well suited to protecting them. The thousand men under his command belonged to the Guard Corps he had previously formed. With a great battle imminent and every available man needed, Hu Zhongyang had asked Hu Xiaotian for permission to muster the Guard Corps again. Hu Xiaotian had agreed, bringing his available fighting force up to six thousand.
Yu Tianxing continued, "Tang Tiehan, Tang Qingxuan, receive your orders!"
The siblings Tang Tiehan and Tang Qingxuan stepped forward and saluted with cupped fists.
"You two will lead one thousand soldiers to hold the city," Yu Tianxing said. "Once the fighting begins, unforeseen incidents may occur inside the walls. You must maintain