Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2293: Taking the Initiative

Within two days, Shao Yunduan sent another letter to Zheng Sangge.

After a discussion with Qiao Xuan, he felt a surge of emotion. Why should they allow themselves to be bullied, even by someone like Su Huai? Instead of waiting for Su Huai to seek revenge, why not strike first?

They decided to give it a try. After deliberating, they sent a letter to Zheng Sangge, instructing him to investigate thoroughly. They needed to assess the military strength and defense situation of Hangzhou City. If reinforcements were required, they would respond promptly and provide support from the rear.

The plan was to lure Su Huai into making a move, then annihilate him in one decisive blow. They intended to dictate the terms of the engagement, ensuring Su Huai could not fight on his own terms. If he was hesitant, they would provoke him into action, drawing him out to be defeated.

Zheng Sangge was thrilled. This was exactly what he had hoped for. Deep down, he had always wanted to take the initiative and fight alongside Shao Yunduan. However, Huaixi Province was still too weak compared to other provinces, and he had been hesitant to propose this plan, fearing it would seem too reckless.

Now, having secured Hangzhou City and with the autumn harvest approaching, they lacked nothing. Moreover, the wealth of Jiangnan promised that if they managed Hangzhou City and its surroundings well, the next year would yield another bountiful harvest, ensuring ample supplies.

Most importantly, everyone had just won a battle. They were filled with confidence and fighting spirit. Now was the best time to strike while the iron was hot, and their chances of winning were high.

While Su Huai and his son were gathering and preparing their forces, Huaixi Province also secretly mobilized troops, transported supplies, built fortifications, and prepared weapons. They were confident in their ability to destroy Su Huai.

Su Huai’s preparations progressed slowly, giving Huaixi plenty of time to get ready.

On the Jiangning side, it wasn’t until Su Huai became furious that he secretly threatened the two ministers of the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War. He told them that if they didn’t find a way to solve his problems and gather the necessary resources quickly, he would target their families.

The two ministers were both shocked and furious, but Su Huai’s threat was effective. He was the kind of despicable person who would follow through on such threats. If he acted in secret, they would have no evidence and couldn’t even complain to the Emperor.

Under pressure, the ministers accelerated their efforts. By mid-October, Su Huai led 80,000 troops and charged toward Hangzhou City with a murderous aura.

This time, he wanted to take revenge!

An army of 80,000 was said to be 120,000. It represented nearly all the strength Jiangning could muster.

The Minister of War was reluctant to allocate so many troops, but Su Huai knew exactly how many he could mobilize. If he demanded them, it was nearly impossible to refuse. Moreover, if the army was too small and they lost again, the confidence of the entire court would be shattered, and the commoners would become disloyal. That would spell the end for Jiangning.

Despite his hatred for Su Huai and his opposition to supporting him, the Minister of War recognized that, given the extent of the preparations, he had to hope for Su Huai’s victory. For the sake of the overall situation, he had no choice but to fully support him.

Given these circumstances, it was better to provide Su Huai with enough troops.

However, Su Huai never imagined that what awaited him was not the victory he was so confident in, but his downfall.