"Heavenly General, what are you considering?"
"Isn't it good that they've agreed to peace talks? It means they no longer have the strength to defend Chang'an at all. Our chance has come!"
"We should launch a full-scale assault tomorrow!"
The Shaohe Tribe Chieftain asked, unable to understand why Ma Chao looked so troubled after hearing this good news.
Ma Chao pondered for a long time without reaching any conclusion. Finally, he made up his mind and instructed the soldier, "Go tell them: one thousand carts of grain and valuables, to be handed over on the bank of the Wei River tomorrow."
"Yes, General!"
The soldier cupped his fists in acknowledgment, then turned and left the tent.
Ma Chao then told the tribal chieftains, "Have the elite troops of every force prepare. Once they hand over the Empress tomorrow, launch the assault immediately!"
The Empress was still very important.
If he breached Chang'an City, the Empress might kill herself; but if the Imperial Court handed her over of its own accord, he could hold her captive.
That would give him another bargaining chip.
"Whether they truly intend to negotiate or have some scheme in mind, we'll know once we send the army to try an assault tomorrow."
"If we can't take the city tomorrow, we withdraw!"
Ma Chao walked out of the tent and gazed at Chang'an City, crouching in the distant darkness, his mind made up.
A hundred li outside Chang'an.
In the pitch-black night.
A vast army raced beneath the moonlight, traveling under the stars and moon without daring to stop for a moment.
This was precisely the army of reinforcements led by Zhao Yun, rushing to Chang'an City's aid!
"Your Majesty, we are now less than a hundred li from Chang'an. We should arrive before noon tomorrow