Yu Mingjing was not exaggerating. Although the Northern Army was mostly stationed outside the city, if anything were to happen, the Southern Army and others within the city would be useless and unable to react in time.
"General Yu's words are perhaps a bit alarmist," someone retorted.
Many officers in the Northern Army were from noble families. If the Northern Army were to face trouble, their families would inevitably be implicated.
This General Guo's nephew was a junior commander in the Northern Army.
"This subordinate would not dare. This subordinate fears unforeseen events. It is better to prepare for the worst than to mend after the damage is done," Yu Mingjing said respectfully, cupping his hands.
"Young General Yu speaks the truth. We are currently bogged down by the rebels. If something were to happen in the capital, the distant water would not quench the nearby thirst."
"Your Highness, this subordinate is willing to lead a cavalry charge to break through, just in case," General Fan said first.
...
"If the Northern Army truly rebels, a single cavalry unit would be like a drop in the ocean," Xiao Che shook his head, disagreeing.
"If this won't work, and that won't work, are we to do nothing upon receiving this news?" General Fan's temper flared again.
"Your Highness, this subordinate has a plan. I wonder if it is feasible!" Yu Mingjing said.
Xiao Che nodded, and Yu Mingjing continued, "Since we cannot ascertain the situation of the Northern Army, and we are locked in a stalemate with the rebels, why not... fish in troubled waters."
Xiao Che's eyes lit up, and he listened as Yu Mingjing elaborated.
The most likely scenario was that someone within the Northern Army was using Han Congsheng's dismissal to instigate others, leading them astray. Once battle commenced, there would be no turning back, even if they regretted it.
This person would have to hold a significant position in the army. Given that many officers in the Northern Army were from noble families, and they now knew there was a spy within their ranks, it would not be difficult to find them.
Even if they couldn't be found immediately, sowing confusion and making them uncertain would cause them to falter.
"This method is feasible. However, withdrawing troops to return to the capital might not be so easy. Xiao Changgong has been in command for many years. He will likely discover our withdrawal as soon as it happens, and then won't they counterattack us?" General Guo asked.
"General Guo's concerns are valid. That is precisely why we need to fish in troubled waters. We need to stage a play."
"Stage a play?"
"Precisely. We need to prepare a letter for Xiao Changgong," Yu Mingjing said with a sly smile.
Xiao Changgong was cunning and suspicious by nature. He would not easily trust others, so he needed to verify it himself.
General Guo nodded after listening. "This plan is brilliant. Indeed, the younger generation is formidable."
Han Zhong Army Camp
"My Lord, we have captured a messenger," the general in charge of reconnaissance and military intelligence rushed in.
"A messenger from where?" Xiao Changgong asked without looking up from his sand table.
"The fellow refuses to speak. I searched him and found a letter from the Marquis of Chenliu."
Xiao Changgong narrowed his eyes. "Marquis of Chenliu? Where is the letter?"
After reading it, Xiao Changgong's expression turned grim, and his voice grew colder. "Where is the messenger? Bring him to me."
Soon, someone brought in a bound and gagged soldier, who cursed defiantly with a thick dialect from Longxi.
"Is what this letter says true?" Xiao Changgong asked, holding up the letter.
"I don't know," the soldier said, twisting his neck and refusing to look at Xiao Changgong.
Xiao Changgong raised an eyebrow. "You don't need to be stubborn. I have the letter, and I have read its contents. I will not kill you. As long as you tell me the truth, I will let you go, and even return the letter to you. It will not interfere with your mission."
"I said I don't know, and I don't know," the soldier remained defiant.
Xiao Changgong actually smiled and patted the soldier's face with the letter. "You are quite stubborn, young man. Yumenguan is a vital strategic point of our Wei. The defenders are not allowed to leave without authorization. How many men can your young general lead? I have already set up a net along the road. His meager force will never reach Mangshan."
"Nonsense! The young general is leading a hundred thousand troops to reinforce us. Your net might catch sparrows, but against our Guanzhong Army, it's like chopping vegetables with a big knife," the soldier said dismissively.