Chapter 640: Zhao Shuo is quite courageous, which is surprising!

Chapter 640: Zhao Shuo is quite courageous, which is surprising!

Zhao Shuo was filled with dissatisfaction and annoyance, because the loss of this battle was too frustrating. He thought he had made sufficient preparations, not only that, he even carefully arranged an ambush, the purpose of which was to seize the opportunity to launch a surprise attack and directly attack the enemy camp when the southern border army was attacking the city with all its strength. If this plan could be successfully implemented, it would undoubtedly be a brilliant strategy.

The reality was quite different from his imagination. This fierce battle did not unfold as he wished. After only one hour of attack, Xiayuan City, which had nearly 10,000 defenders and a large amount of defense materials, was easily captured. Faced with such a result, Zhao Shuo felt shocked and helpless. He really could not find any reason to refute.

Han Xin did not use common strategies such as instigating rebellion or feigning surrender, but attacked the city with real weapons. However, the weapons they used were something Zhao Shuo had never heard of. Those shells not only easily smashed the city walls, but more importantly, they completely destroyed the morale of the defenders.

Zhao Shuo was extremely depressed. He had been thinking hard and planning carefully for so long, but in the end he was still no match for the advanced weapons of the Southern Border Army. This sense of frustration almost made his mentality explode, and he couldn't help but begin to doubt whether his ability and decision were really correct.

"The enemy general's name!" Han Xin looked at Zhao Shuo in front of him with dignity. His voice was like a loud bell, echoing in the empty battlefield.

Zhao Shuo looked at Han Xin fearlessly, his eyes firm and resolute. He whipped his whip hard, the horse under his crotch neighed, and then he dismounted and walked to Han Xin with big strides.

"I am Zhao Shuo. You can kill me or chop me up, all is up to you!" Zhao Shuo's words were loud and clear, without any hesitation or fear.

Han Xin could not help but feel somewhat surprised at Zhao Shuo's toughness. He originally thought that Zhao Shuo would kneel down and beg for mercy like other defeated generals, or at least show some fear of death. However, Zhao Shuo's reaction was completely beyond his expectations.

Han Xin thought that Feng Yu must be a capable person, otherwise how could he have conquered the entire Donghui County in less than seven days? And Zhao Shuo, as Feng Yu's subordinate, was so loyal and would rather die than surrender, which really surprised Han Xin.

Just as Han Xin was about to speak again, a messenger suddenly ran to his side in a hurry. The messenger whispered a few words in Han Xin's ear, and Han Xin's face changed slightly, revealing a hint of surprise.

He turned his head and glanced at Zhao Shuo, a trace of doubt flashed in his eyes, and then he asked: "Did you ambush the cavalry outside the city in advance?"

"Haha, so what? I've heard of General Han Xin's reputation a long time ago. Today I see that he is indeed famous. My defeat is not unfair!" Zhao Shuo smiled bitterly. Although he felt a little unwilling in his heart, he still sincerely admired Han Xin for being able to see through his ambush.

After hearing Han Xin directly reveal his hidden ambush, Zhao Shuo's surprise lasted only a moment before he was relieved. After all, the city had been lost, and the hidden ambush must have been in chaos, so it was reasonable for them to be exposed and discovered.

The fact that Han Xin was able to detect that this was an ambush in such a short time and accurately analyze the mystery behind it undoubtedly shows Han Xin's extraordinary talent.

Han Xin looked at Zhao Shuo, with a hint of admiration in his eyes, and said slowly: "Haha, you are too flattering. I think the general is quite capable. Why don't you submit to my prime minister? My prime minister doesn't care about family background the most. Everything is based on ability. The capable ones are promoted and the mediocre ones are demoted. The general is loyal, but now the general has done his best and deserves to be Feng Yu."

Han Xin's words revealed his admiration for Zhao Shuo, and also implied that if Zhao Shuo could surrender, he would definitely be valued.

But his face did not show the slightest sign of wavering. His eyes fell firmly on Zhao Shuo and he said loudly: "Thank you for your kindness, General, but I, Zhao Shuo, only want to follow a wise master in my life. Now I have decided that Feng Yu is the one I want to follow, and I will never change my mind. Moreover, isn't it clear to General Han Xin that loyalty does not mean serving two masters?"

At this moment, Han Xin no longer hesitated. He made a prompt decision and went straight to the point. The reason why he wanted to save Zhao Shuo's life as much as possible was because he wanted to recruit him. After all, it is easy to get thousands of soldiers, but it is difficult to get a general. Gao Yao has emphasized this principle many times, and Han Xin naturally kept it in mind.

However, what Han Xin did not expect was that Zhao Shuo was so persistent. He never thought that Zhao Shuo would have such thoughts. Originally, Han Xin planned to kill Zhao Shuo without mercy.

But at this moment, Yang Mao appeared beside Han Xin like a timely rain. He whispered to Han Xin: "General, in my opinion, why not hand this man over to the prime minister? Since the general thinks this man is quite talented, it is nothing more than sending a few soldiers to escort him. The general only needs to write a letter to the prime minister and let the prime minister decide the matter. In this way, no matter whether the prime minister decides to kill or release him, it will not be a problem for the general!"

Yang Mao's words were like a revelation to Han Xin, and his eyes suddenly brightened. He thought for a moment, then nodded with satisfaction, indicating that he agreed with Yang Mao's proposal. Then, he waved his hand casually, signaling Yang Mao to take Zhao Shuo away.

Seeing this, Yang Mao waved his hand without hesitation, signaling his men to take Zhao Shuo away. After all, the generals that Han Xin could recruit personally were rare. Although facing the powerful Southern Border Army, there were many who surrendered voluntarily, but there were only a few generals who could really catch Han Xin's eye and were worth recruiting. The gap between them was self-evident.

Han Xin was in a time crunch. If the situation was not urgent, he might have enough time to slowly recruit the other party. However, at this moment, he was in a critical moment of a forced march and had no time to spare. So, instead of wasting time and energy on Zhao Shuo, it would be better to send a few people to send him back to Gao Yao. In this way, the decision of whether to recruit Zhao Shuo was completely handed over to Gao Yao, and Han Xin could continue to lead the army forward.

"Send the order down immediately, let the soldiers rest in place for a hundred days, taking turns to rest during this period. Tomorrow morning, all soldiers must set out on time, and head directly for Langya! At the same time, quickly order the navy to send troops to block the main road of Dongjiao and the retreat to the west!" Han Xin's order was concise and clear, and there was no room for doubt.

"Yes!" The subordinates responded in unison and quickly carried out Han Xin's orders.