Chapter 1174: Delay? Playing Games! (1/2)
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
”What do we do?”
It was Hular's turn to ask the question, a difficult expression on his face.
”Let them do it,” said the Blood of Black Radiance, Firas. ”It's just eight hours, right? I'd like to see what sort of tricks they can pull.”
The Three Titans of Black Radiance quickly seemed to reach an agreement. After issuing an order, the three of them turned their horses around and returned to the depths of the army.
Meanwhile, the Great Tang side broke into cheers upon receiving the news from the Arabs. Eight hours was half a day. Just a few simple words had the Arabs dancing in their palms.
”Let's go back and rest. Great General Bahram, I leave the walls to you. Although the Arabs have promised not to attack until after eight hours have passed, they won't completely keep their word. Protector-General Gao and I will be ready to assist you at any time.”
After fighting alongside Bahram, Wang Chong had slowly begun to develop an understanding of this Great General of the Sassanid Dynasty. This man's way of fighting was straightforward and proper, steady and firm, so tight that not even a drop of water could get through. With him holding the walls, even if a problem did occur, Bahram would be able to buy enough time.
”Be at ease. Leave this to me.”
Bahram's eyes were bright as he patted his chest.
”Mm.”
Wang Chong nodded and turned to Li Siye.
”Li Siye, you remain as well. Work with Bahram to defend the walls.”
”Yes, Milord!”
……
Wang Chong quickly descended the walls of Khorasan and entered the governor's mansion, accompanied by Zhang Shouzhi, the Gangke King, and Banahan.
Wang Chong seated himself in the hall and solemnly said, ”Senior Zhang, have you finished preparing what I ordered you to do?”
Zhang Shouzhi lowered his head and respectfully said, ”Lord Marquis, according to your orders, we began preparing eight days ago. Everything has arrived. There will be no mistakes.”
”Milord, we're ready on this side, but—forgive me for speaking out of line—will it really turn out as Milord says it will?” Banahan dubiously asked. When he had first received Wang Chong's order, he had privately asked this question, but he still felt this matter to be far too absurd.
”It's fine if it doesn't get to that level, but if it's really what I imagine it to be, then when the time comes, it won't be just the Arabs, but also us who will collapse without a battle.”
Wang Chong slowly scanned the people in front of him, his expression grave.
In front of everyone else, he was always relaxed and assured as if victory was in his hand, but only Wang Chong knew that this matter was far from simple. If it was not done properly, the entire army was at risk of being wiped out.
”Understood!”
Seeing how serious Wang Chong was, all of them immediately voiced their approval.
”Inspect everything again!” Wang Chong said.
”Yes, Milord.”
……
As time slowly passed, the Arab ranks became more concentrated and ever closer, now only ten-some paces from the surging Tigris River. Seven hundred thousand soldiers packed together exuded a formidable pressure. However, just as had been agreed, the Arabs did not begin to attack and instead waited for the Tang to open the gates and surrender.
In the blink of an eye, it was noon, and everyone was awaiting Wang Chong's answer.
Bang!
An arrow soon flew from the walls of Khorasan and landed in front of the Arabs.
A messenger holding the arrow rushed into a tent in the rear. ”Milord, the Tang have sent another letter saying that the resistance of the rebels in the city is intensifying. Although many of the rebels have agreed, another two hours will be needed to make all of them submit.”
”What?”
Hular suddenly stood up, his expression wrathful. The Three Titans of Black Radiance remained seated, but their brows creased.
”What's going on? Eight hours have passed. Does he still plan to keep fooling us?” Hular angrily said.