The Roman formation began to move slowly, and the Wei troops on the city walls naturally observed this.
Wei Bao was not foolish. When he saw a large number of Roman soldiers disengage from the battle and others replace them, Wei Bao understood the Romans' plan.
A straightforward strategy!
This was a straightforward plan. The Romans were relying on their superior numbers and ample resources to engage in a war of attrition with the Wei army, and the Wei army had no effective countermeasure.
Wei Bao furrowed his brow deeply at this moment. The Romans' intention was clear, but the Wei army was indeed at a disadvantage in terms of numbers.
The reason Wei Bao had insisted on leading his troops out earlier was because he felt the city lacked sufficient troops, both in morale and in actual numbers.
That surprise attack had also been very successful. The Wei army had suppressed the Romans' momentum and, in conjunction with the Wei army massed not far outside the city, had truly begun to pose a threat to the Romans and tie them down.
Everything had been arranged perfectly, but unexpectedly, the Roman commander was so decisive. Upon discovering the threat, they launched a large-scale offensive with swiftness and efficiency.
Furthermore, they attacked with full force from the outset, as if all previous probing exchanges had been eliminated.
This put the Wei army in a difficult position. At this moment, the Wei army forming a defensive line not far away was not at an advantage. While a surprise attack might be feasible, actively engaging in battle meant the Wei army voluntarily relinquished the advantage of the city walls, fighting the Roman army in the open field, which was inherently problematic.
However, if they did not actively engage, then the large army stationed outside the city would lose its purpose and become a waste of Wei military strength.
As Wei Bao was deep in thought, a sudden outcry ahead jolted him awake.
Wei Bao looked towards the city walls and turned to see many Roman soldiers charging onto the battlements. These Roman soldiers were clearly from the army that had been resting behind, possessing immense stamina.
By this time, the sun was already approaching its zenith. The Wei soldiers had been fighting valiantly for the entire morning and were thoroughly exhausted.
At this moment, they were caught off guard by the fresh Roman troops and were being pushed back steadily. The defensive line that had held firm all morning showed signs of weakening.
Wei Bao had no time to ponder further. He immediately led his personal guards to relieve the pressure and issued orders for the reserve troops to move up and fill the Wei army's current manpower shortage.
With the reinforcement led by Wei Bao himself, the Wei army quickly stabilized the defense on the city walls, pushing the Romans back below the battlements.
However, after this tumultuous engagement, Wei Bao was filled with worry. The Wei army's defensive line had encountered such a significant crisis after merely one morning of attrition by the Romans.
If this continued, the Wei army might not be able to hold on.
On the city tower behind the lines, Kong Li, the Prefect of Ningxia, who was observing the Wei soldiers fighting fiercely, could not help but frown.
Kong Li clearly understood that the current situation was dire and that countermeasures were necessary, otherwise, the city would likely not be held.
Kong Li turned to the Prefectural Assistant of Ningxia, Wei Lin, beside him and asked, "Lord Wei, how many able-bodied young men are currently in Ningxia Prefecture City?"
Wei Lin thought for a moment and replied, "Originally, Ningxia Prefecture City had over sixty thousand able-bodied young men. Some left, but later many young men came from various counties. The current number of able-bodied young men in the city is significantly higher than that!"
"Over sixty thousand," Kong Li said thoughtfully.