Yu Xi in Jingkou saw that the soldiers outside the city under Xi Yizhi, Guo Long, and Hong Rong had only maintained their siege these past two days without attacking, and did not know why. He discussed it with Yu Miao, Wu Zun, and the others. Wu Zun guessed, "Could Governor Yuan of Yu Province have already raised his troops?"
Yu Xi could not believe it. "Today is the sixteenth of the third month. Youzhi left for Shouzhou on the third; he would only just have arrived by now. How could Governor Yuan already have risen in support?"
Wu Zun, whose left shoulder had been wounded by a crossbow bolt, was very optimistic. "Surely Governor Yuan has eyes and ears in Jiangdong. It has been nearly half a month since you obeyed the edict to suppress the traitor, General. Governor Yuan must have received word long ago. Judging the times and weighing the situation, he would also know that this is an excellent opportunity to rise in immediate support."
Yu Miao said, "Whatever the case, let us tell the soldiers that Yuan Zhen has risen in support to bolster their spirits. We shall keep holding out and await a change in the situation."
Yu Xi nodded in agreement and went to inspect Jingkou's six gates. He told the soldiers struggling to defend the city that Yuan Zhen in Shouzhou had also risen to punish Huan Wen, that Huan Wen would face enemies on two fronts, and that Xi Yizhi's commandery troops were already panicking and had no heart to fight on-
The soldiers who had followed Yu Xi into rebellion had seen that the army outside had stopped attacking these past two days. Hearing Yu Xi's words now, they believed them, and their morale soared-
Yu Xi secretly rejoiced. When