Restlessness gnawed at him; without seeking revenge, he couldn’t find peace.
Furthermore, with the Emperor’s cousin still embroiled in conflict against the Fourth Prince in Henan, Sun Pu had to resolve the situation flawlessly before the cousin’s return. Failure would not only disappoint the Emperor’s cousin but also risk his father’s disapproval.
Among them were several contenders, bound by blood as cousins, clan brethren, and promising talents, intensifying the rivalry among them.
Opportunities to make a mark were scarce, and Sun Pu knew he had to seize any chance to shine. Falling short would likely dim his prospects for standing out in the future.
Driven by his aspirations and pride, Sun Pu cast aside caution, resolved to mobilize reinforcements at any cost.
In Huaixi Province, the populace and officials harbored newfound confidence in Shao Yunduan after their victory in the initial skirmish.
Following the battle, Shao Yunduan hastened to Anze Province to reassure Qiao Xuan before swiftly returning to Huaixi.
This time, he was acpanied by his wife, Qiao Xuan, and their son, Anan.
Three days after Qiao Xuan hosted a lavish banquet for the noblewomen and dignitaries of Huaixi Province, Shao Yunduan received alarming news: Sun Pu was marching towards Huaixi Province at the head of a fifty-thousand-strong army.
The gleam of armor and the glint of cold, sharp weapons heralded their advance, acpanied by a seemingly endless convoy of supply-laden carriages.
Catapults, ladders, and other siege equipment adorned their ranks, signaling Sun Pu’s unwavering determination to seize the provincial capital this time.
He aimed to expose Shao Yunduan’s alleged rebellion, eager to vindicate his suspicions and prove his righteousness. In his mind, not only was he innocent, but he also sought to claim credit for his actions.
With fifty thousand soldiers under his mand, Sun Pu possessed ample force to lay waste to Huaixi Province. Despite his confidence, he still regarded Shao Yunduan with disdain.
He believed his previous defeat stemmed from underestimating Shao Yunduan’s cunning, falling prey to his adversary’s traps. But he resolved not to repeat that mistake; there would be no second loss.
Shao Yunduan would be deluding himself if he thought he could outmaneuver Sun Pu’s numerical superiority.
Furthermore, Sun Pu would leave no room for chance, issuing a direct order to attack the city.
With 50,000 formidable soldiers at his mand, Sun Pu exuded a confidence not to be trifled with.
He aimed to assert dominance and secure an advantageous position, yet Sun Pu’s forces made no effort to conceal their presence, acting brazenly and with impunity, heedless of detection.
They even boasted of being an 80,000-strong elite force.
Anticipating a grueling battle, Shao Yunduan, Zheng Sangge, and their rades were prepared for the onslaught.
Presently, they could muster between 6,000 to 8,900 soldiers, including a contingent of hastily trained recruits.
On the flip side, Zheng Sangge and Wu Guan felt a resurgence of their battlefield fervor. They thumped their chests, vowing to Shao Yunduan that victory would be theirs!
Facing a newer like Sun Pu, defeat seemed improbable.
Despite Sun Pu’s formidable reputation, his presence sent ripples of unease through Huaixi Province. However, the continued operation of the local government and the presence of Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan’s family within the city brought a modicum of reassurance.
Fan Ruyin brimmed with excitement, sensing opportunity once more.
She frequented the mansions, aligning herself firmly with Shao Yunduan’s cause and rallying support in his favor.
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