Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

Chapter 1417 Stabilize the Situation!

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes turned cold, and he said coldly, "Wang Baobao? Hmph, how could I, Zhu Yuanzhang, be afraid of him! Dazi, tell me in more detail where the Yuan army is currently assembled and their marching route."

Xu Da hurriedly said, "The Yuan army is currently assembled in Yingchang City, about 300 miles away from our stronghold. They plan to divide their forces into three routes: one to launch a frontal assault on our stronghold, and the other two to outflank us from both sides, attempting to completely surround our rebel army and trap us like turtles in a jar."

Zhu Qiwu frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Fourth Brother, Wang Baobao is indeed cunning in his military tactics. If he succeeds in encircling us from three directions, we will be in dire straits. However, we are not without a way to deal with this."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Qiwu with anticipation in his eyes: "Qiwu, you've always had a lot of ideas, tell me your thoughts."

Zhu Qiwu smiled slightly, confidently saying, "Fourth Brother, we can take advantage of the terrain of this stronghold. The stronghold is surrounded by rolling mountains, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. We can set up multiple defensive lines on the front and station elite troops there to resist the Yuan army's frontal assault. At the same time, we can ambush troops in the forests on both sides, and launch a surprise attack when the Yuan army's flanking forces enter the forests, catching them off guard."

Tang He, listening from the side, nodded repeatedly and said excitedly, "Qi Wu's idea is brilliant! In this way, the Yuan army's three-pronged attack will be blocked, and we can defeat them one by one."

Zhou Dexing frowned and said worriedly, "That's true, but the Yuan army has a large force this time. If our front line can't hold them off, even if the ambush can play a role, I'm afraid it will be difficult to turn the tide of the battle."

Zhu Qiwu said confidently, "Brother Dexing, rest assured, our front line not only has elite troops, but also some advanced defensive weapons that I obtained through system check-ins. These weapons are extremely powerful and will definitely make the Yuan army suffer greatly."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up, and he asked, "Seven Five, what exactly are these advanced defensive weapons you mentioned?"

Zhu Qiwu smiled mysteriously and said, "Fourth Brother, this weapon is called a cannon. It is extremely powerful and has a long range, capable of causing widespread casualties to the enemy. As long as we deploy cannons reasonably on the front line, even if the Yuan army has a large number of troops, it will be difficult for them to break through."

Upon hearing this, Xu Da's eyes flashed with delight: "If we really have such a powerful weapon, then our front line will be impregnable. However, 75, is this cannon complicated to operate? Can our brothers master it in a short time?"

Zhu Qiwu patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, Dazi, this cannon is not complicated to operate. I'll go and explain the operation method to the brothers right away, and I'll make sure everyone can master it before the Yuan army arrives."

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately decided, "Good! Qiwu, you go and train the brothers to operate the cannons. Dazi, you are responsible for arranging the defensive fortifications of the front line, making sure they are foolproof. Tang He and Zhou Dexing, you two lead a group of brothers to set up ambushes in the mountains on both sides, and you must cleverly conceal your movements so that the Yuan army cannot detect them."

Everyone responded in unison, "Yes! Fourth Brother (My Lord)!"

Zhu Qiwu arrived at the place where the cannons were stored, and saw several brand-new cannons neatly arranged. He had obtained these cannons through system check-ins; they were imposing and powerful in appearance, with thick barrels that gleamed with a metallic sheen.

The brothers surrounded the cannon, their eyes filled with curiosity and excitement. Zhu Qiwu cleared his throat and said loudly, "Brothers, this is our secret weapon to resist the Yuan army—the cannon! Next, I will explain to you how to operate this cannon."

As he spoke, Zhu Qiwu began to explain in detail the steps of loading, aiming, and firing the artillery. The brothers listened very attentively, occasionally asking questions, which Zhu Qiwu patiently answered one by one.

Under Zhu Qiwu's guidance, the brothers began practical exercises. At first, they were a bit clumsy, and the shells they fired either missed their targets or lacked power. But as the practice deepened, the brothers gradually mastered the techniques, and the cannon's power increased significantly.

"Boom!" A loud explosion rang out as a shell accurately struck a distant target, kicking up a cloud of dust. The brothers cheered, their morale soaring.

Zhu Qiwu watched his brothers operate the cannons skillfully, nodded in satisfaction, and encouraged them, "Brothers, well done! Keep practicing, and when the Yuan army comes, let them taste the power of our cannons!"

Meanwhile, Xu Da was leading his men in constructing fortifications along the front line. They used the stones and timber around the stronghold to build sturdy walls, and also set up crenellations and watchtowers on the walls to observe the enemy's movements.

"General Xu, do you think this section needs further reinforcement?" one of the men asked, pointing to a section of the city wall.

Xu Da examined it carefully and nodded, saying, "Reinforce this area further. When the Yuan army attacks the city, this is likely to be their primary target."

With the brothers working together, after several days and nights of effort, the defensive fortifications on the front line were finally completed. Looking at the sturdy city walls and the neatly arranged cannons, Xu Da was filled with confidence.

Tang He and Zhou Dexing led their men to the forests on both sides of the mountain to set up an ambush. They cleverly concealed their movements based on the terrain of the forest and set traps and obstacles on the roads that the Yuan army might pass through.

"General Tang, if we lie in ambush here, won't the Yuan army find us?" one of the brothers asked worriedly.

Tang He smiled and said, "Don't worry, we're so well hidden that the Yuan army will have a hard time finding us. Once they enter our ambush, they won't leave alive!"

Just as the rebel army was making intensive preparations to fight the Yuan army, the Yuan army was also speeding up its march. Wang Baobao, riding a tall horse, looked at the vast army behind him and was filled with confidence.

"General, according to our scouts, the rebels are actively building fortifications and seem to have learned of our actions," a lieutenant said.

Wang Baobao sneered and said, "Hmph, a bunch of rabble. Even if they have built fortifications, so what? This general is leading an army of 100,000 to annihilate them in one fell swoop and make a great contribution to the Yuan Dynasty!"

The lieutenant quickly flattered, "General, your strategy is brilliant. The rebel army is no match for you. However, we must not let our guard down. There is a Zhu Qiwu in the rebel army. It is said that he is cunning and treacherous. We must be wary of him."

Wang Baobao frowned and asked, "Zhu Qiwu? Is he Zhu Yuanzhang's younger brother? What's so special about him?"

The lieutenant said, "It is said that Zhu Qiwu has learned some strange and unusual skills from somewhere, and also possesses some extremely powerful weapons. With his help, the rebel army has greatly increased in strength. We must be careful when we fight him this time."

Wang Baobao pondered for a moment and said, "Even if he possesses extraordinary skills and powerful weapons, he is nothing more than a mantis trying to stop a chariot in front of my 100,000-strong army. Pass down the order to speed up the march and reach the rebel stronghold as soon as possible to annihilate them in one fell swoop!"

After several days of forced march, the Yuan army finally arrived near the rebel stronghold. Wang Baobao stood on high ground, looking at the rebel stronghold before him, secretly calculating his attack strategy. "General, when shall we launch our attack?" a lieutenant asked.

Wang Baobao glanced at the sky and said, "Pass down the order: have the main force launch an immediate attack to draw the rebels' attention. The forces on both flanks should simultaneously outflank and encircle the rebels, making sure to surround them in one fell swoop."

"Yes!" The lieutenant accepted the order and left.

With a burst of rousing war drums, the Yuan army's main force launched an attack on the rebel stronghold. They carried ladders, pushed siege engines, and charged toward the city walls, shouting as they did so.

Xu Da stood on the city wall, watching the Yuan army charging towards him, and shouted, "Brothers, prepare for battle! Artillerymen, aim at the enemy and fire!"

"Boom! Boom! Boom!" A deafening barrage of cannon fire erupted, and cannonballs rained down on the Yuan army like meteors. Caught off guard by this sudden attack, the Yuan soldiers fell to the ground one after another, and their offensive was immediately thwarted.

Wang Baobao was shocked to see this; he hadn't expected the rebel army to possess such powerful weapons. But he quickly regained his composure and shouted, "Don't panic! Keep attacking! They must have limited weapons. Hold on!"

Encouraged by Wang Baobao, the Yuan army rallied and continued their charge towards the city walls. However, the rebel army's artillery fired relentlessly, raining down shells and inflicting heavy casualties on the Yuan forces.

Just as the Yuan army's frontal assault was stalled, the flanking forces also encountered trouble. As they entered the mountains, they were suddenly ambushed by the rebel army. Arrows rained down like locusts, and stones pelted the Yuan troops. Unable to dodge in time, the Yuan soldiers were struck by arrows and fell to the ground.

"There's an ambush! Retreat immediately!" a Yuan general shouted.

But it was too late. The rebel army's ambush troops surged out from all directions, completely surrounding the Yuan army. The Yuan army was thrown into chaos, trampling each other, and casualties continued to rise.

Wang Baobao was both shocked and furious when he learned that his troops on both sides had been ambushed. He had not expected the rebel army to be so cunning, not only setting up a strong defense on the front but also deploying ambushes in the mountains and forests on both sides.

"General, what do we do now? Our flanks are surrounded, and our frontal attack is stalled. If this continues, we'll be wiped out," a lieutenant said anxiously.

Wang Baobao pondered for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "Pass down the order: have the main force temporarily halt its attack and remain in place. The flank forces should make every effort to break out of the encirclement and rejoin the main force."

However, the rebel army's ambush would not allow the Yuan army to break through so easily. Tang He and Zhou Dexing led their brothers in a fierce battle, trapping the Yuan army deep in the mountains. Although the Yuan army resisted valiantly, they were unable to break through under the rebel army's relentless attacks.

Standing on the city wall, Zhu Yuanzhang watched the fierce battle unfold and felt a surge of satisfaction. He said to Zhu Qiwu beside him, "Qiwu, this time it was thanks to the cannons and brilliant strategies you provided that we were able to withstand the Yuan army's attack so successfully."

Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "Fourth Brother, this is the result of the brothers working together. However, we cannot let our guard down. Although the Yuan army has suffered a setback for the time being, Wang Baobao is a brilliant strategist. He will definitely not give up easily and may come up with some other tricks."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "Qiwu is right. Dazi, send someone to keep a close eye on the movements of the Yuan army. If they discover any unusual behavior, report to me immediately."

Xu Da replied, "Yes, Fourth Brother."

Just as the rebel army was engaged in fierce fighting with the Yuan army, a scout suddenly ran up in a panic, knelt down in front of Zhu Yuanzhang, and said breathlessly, "My lord, something bad has happened! A Yuan army unit has been spotted behind our stronghold. They are quietly approaching us and seem to want to launch a surprise attack."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's expression changed. He said, "What? The Yuan army still has a force behind us? This Wang Baobao is indeed cunning. Qi Wu, what do you think we should do?"

Zhu Qiwu pondered for a moment and said, "Fourth Brother, this Yuan army force should not be large. They want to take advantage of our fierce battle with the Yuan army on the front and flanks to launch a surprise attack from the rear. We can send some brothers to block this Yuan army, and at the same time adjust the deployment of troops on the front and flanks to prevent the Yuan army from launching another attack."

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately decided, "Good! Qiwu, you lead a group of brothers to intercept the Yuan army in the rear. Dazi, you continue to command the battle on the front line. Tang He and Zhou Dexing, you two strengthen the attack of the ambushes on both sides and eliminate the surrounded Yuan army as soon as possible."

Everyone responded in unison, "Yes! My lord (Fourth Brother)!"

Zhu Qiwu led a group of elite soldiers and quickly headed towards the rear of the stronghold. When they arrived, they discovered that a Yuan army force of about five thousand men was quietly approaching the stronghold.

Zhu Qiwu carefully observed the terrain and discovered a narrow valley ahead, which was the only way for the Yuan army to pass. He immediately had an idea and said to his brothers, "Brothers, let's ambush them on both sides of this valley. When the Yuan army enters the valley, we'll launch a surprise attack and wipe them out in one fell swoop."

The brothers obeyed orders and quickly concealed themselves on both sides of the valley. A short while later, the Yuan army entered the valley. When they reached the middle of the valley, Zhu Qiwu gave the order: "Brothers, charge!"

The rebels charged out from both sides of the valley, shouting, and launched a fierce attack on the Yuan army. Caught off guard by this sudden attack, the Yuan army was hit by arrows and fell to the ground one after another.

"Don't panic! Hold your ground!" the Yuan general shouted.

But by this time, the Yuan army was already in chaos and unable to mount any effective resistance. Zhu Qiwu, wielding a long spear, charged into the enemy ranks, dashing left and right as if entering an empty field. His brothers also fought bravely, engaging the Yuan army in fierce close combat.

After a fierce battle, the Yuan army was completely annihilated. Zhu Qiwu looked at the Yuan corpses scattered on the ground, his heart filled with a sense of accomplishment. He said to his brothers, "Brothers, well done! Let's return to the stronghold immediately and support Fourth Brother and the others."

Meanwhile, fierce battles raged on both the front and flanks. Under the rebel army's relentless attacks, the encircled Yuan troops on both flanks suffered heavy casualties and gradually lost their ability to resist. Tang He and Zhou Dexing seized the opportunity and ordered a general offensive, annihilating all the Yuan troops on both flanks in one fell swoop. (End of Chapter)