Hefei, Xiaoyao Ford.
Xiaoyao Ford was a vital crossing linking the Fei River to the outside world. Sun Quan advanced with his army by land and water and seized it immediately, cutting off Hefei's waterborne link to the outside.
Aboard a warship.
Sun Quan glanced at the troops streaming off the ships, then turned his gaze toward the city standing in the distance, scarcely able to conceal his longing.
Hefei City was now within arm's reach!
Looking away from the city, Sun Quan asked Cheng Pu beside him, "General Cheng, what is the situation with Zhang Liao? Has he fled?"
Zhang Liao was certain to discover their army's entry into Huainan Commandery in advance, so Sun Quan had sent informants early on to monitor his movements.
Cheng Pu shook his head. "He hasn't withdrawn. Over the two days before our arrival, he kept gathering his troops and even evacuated the civilians outside the city into it. He seems intent on defending the city to the death."
"But according to the intelligence gathered by our scouts, the garrison numbers no more than four thousand. Most of his troops are still scattered across the commanderies of Yang Province and in Yu Province, unable to return in time."
Sun Quan sneered disdainfully. "A mere four thousand troops think they can hold the city against my army of thirty thousand?"
"They're dreaming in broad daylight!"
If ten thousand men had been defending the city, he truly would have struggled to take it quickly. But how could a mere four thousand possibly withstand his assault?
Hefei was already in his pocket!
"The army will rest for one day. Tomorrow we begin the siege. We must take Hefei within ten days!" Sun Quan declared without hesitation.
He knew full well that this battle could not drag