When the ambush of Korean troops emerged from all directions, the Qin patrols in the city panicked. However, their formidable military discipline quickly kicked in, and they formed up to resist.
In an instant, Yangcheng, which had seen two days of calm after the battles ceased, descended into chaos once more.
Although over 5,000 elite Qin soldiers patrolled the city, the sudden emergence of Korean troops, accompanied by a flurry of arrows from all directions, inflicted significant casualties. Moreover, these ambushing Korean forces seemed far greater in number than the Qin patrols in the city.
At the County Governor's Residence
"What's going on?"
Wang Yan's expression darkened as the sudden sounds of battle reached her ears.
Moments later, hurried footsteps echoed from outside the hall.
"Report!"
"Military Commander, I bring urgent news!"
"A large number of Korean troops have suddenly appeared in Yangcheng and are attacking our patrol units. Their numbers are substantial."
"They are not remnants but well-organized Korean forces."
"They are now advancing toward the County Governor's Residence!"
The vice commander under Wang Yan rushed in to report.
"What?!"
Wang Yan abruptly stood, her face showing a mix of shock and anger.
"Korean troops hiding in the city?"
"How could they evade detection when we entered Yangcheng with an army of 100,000? How did they hide?" Wang Yan questioned in disbelief.
"Commander," the vice commander quickly explained, "Yangcheng is a major military hub for Korea. They may have long dug underground shelters beneath the city. Moreover, there are tens of thousands of residential houses within the city.
"Although we searched the city after capturing it, these Korean forces must have been meticulously prepared in advance."
"They likely aim to retake Yangcheng or sever our supply lines to cut off General Li Teng's retreat."
"Immediately mobilize all available elite troops in the city to counter the attack. Send orders to the rear supply forces outside the city command them to enter the city immediately and join the battle!"
Wang Yan's tone was resolute as she drew her sword and quickly stepped out of the hall.
Nighttime Chaos in Yangcheng
The city was now engulfed in a cacophony of shouts and the clashing of weapons.
In the dark, the Korean troops demonstrated their intimate knowledge of Yangcheng's layout, using it to their advantage. The 5,000 Qin elite soldiers patrolling the city found themselves overwhelmed and suffered heavy casualties.
In a Secluded House
Baoyuan, the fugitive commander whom General Li Teng had been searching for, was seated inside, surrounded by a few Korean officers.
At that moment, the door swung open.
"Reporting to the General!"
"Eight thousand of our brothers have already launched the assault. The Qin troops in the city are caught off guard. We are steadily clearing them out. By dawn, Yangcheng could return to our hands."
A bloodied Korean officer reported with excitement.
"Months of planning have finally borne fruit," Baoyuan said with a cold smile.
"King Zheng of Qin," he continued, "if you think conquering Korea will be easy, think again."
"Wang Jian, you may consider yourself a master of warfare, but tonight, I'll show you the true art of battlefield cunning."
He slowly rose from his seat, his expression resolute.
"Relay my orders: Do not linger in prolonged battles. Break out of the city and strike directly at the Qin army's supplies.
"This is the key to Korea's survival.
"If we can burn their provisions and cut off their supply lines, no matter how strong the Qin army is, they will falter. This will buy us time for Zhao and Wei to intervene and save Korea."
Baoyuan's cold determination sent shivers through the room.
"Yes, General!"
The Korean officers bowed in unison before departing.
Baoyuan stood by the window, gripping his sword. Gazing toward the direction of Xinzheng, Korea's capital, he murmured, "Your Majesty, Korea will not perish. Await the triumphant return of your loyal servant."
Outside Yangcheng: The Qin Supply Encampment
The rear supply forces, stationed outside the city, had settled into their encampment for the night. Most soldiers were sound asleep after a long day's labor, with only a few sentries patrolling the perimeter.
Inside one of the tents, Zhao Feng suddenly jolted awake. He quickly put on his boots and stepped outside.
"Something's not right," he muttered, his eyes narrowing as he gazed toward Yangcheng in the distance.
Though his camp was located hundreds of feet away from the city and the night was eerily quiet, Zhao Feng's heightened senses detected faint disturbances.
Without hesitation, he returned to the tent, donned his armor, and grabbed his sword.
"Get up, everyone!" Zhao Feng shouted. "Something's happened!"
The sudden noise woke the soldiers in his tent, who blinked in confusion.
"Squad Leader, what's wrong?"
"What could happen in the middle of the night?"
"Yeah, didn't we complete our tasks for the day?"
The rear supply soldiers were puzzled, still groggy from sleep.
"Put on your gear and arm yourselves," Zhao Feng ordered. "I'm going to alert the others."
Reluctantly, the soldiers complied, sensing the urgency in his tone.
Soon, the entire squad of a hundred men was awake and ready.
"What's going on, Zhao?" asked Wei Quan, the squad leader, rubbing his eyes.
"I think something's happened in the city," Zhao Feng replied grimly.
Wei Quan looked toward Yangcheng, puzzled. "The city was already captured. What could go wrong?"
"I can't say for sure, but it's better to be prepared," Zhao Feng insisted.
Moments later, shouts erupted from the city walls.
"Attack!"
"Kill them all!"
The cries of battle carried across the night air as Yangcheng's gates were thrown open.
"Enemies! Kill all the Qin soldiers!"
"Charge!"
Korean troops poured out of the city in a relentless wave, shouting battle cries as they advanced. Archers at the forefront loosed volleys of arrows toward the Qin supply camp, while the main force charged straight into the encampment.
The sudden barrage of arrows caught the sleeping soldiers off guard, and many fell in their sleep, struck down before they could react.
"Enemy attack!"
"Wake up! Enemy attack!"
"Form up! Defend the camp!"
Panic spread through the camp as soldiers scrambled to respond.
But it was too late.
Countless Korean troops surged forth, plunging the rear supply encampment into chaos.
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