The sound of cannons in the distance sounded like low thunder. A tense and depressing atmosphere filled the main hall of the Dragon King Temple. Everyone was silent and no one spoke.

When Cui Guoquan knew that the reinforcements were not far away, only more than ten miles away, through the telegram from Shiqiao Longsheng and the sound of artillery in the distance, he became restless again, so he summoned everyone to discuss strategies. As he spoke, he observed everyone's expressions and captured the subtle expressions on everyone's faces. Zhang Sanyou had already made arrangements at this time, so he was not in a hurry to speak to avoid arousing Cui Guoquan's suspicion. He was like an experienced gambler, patiently Waiting for the most certain opportunity to make his final bet.

Cui Guoquan could see that the silence of the crowd was a manifestation of pessimism and negativity. He couldn't help but feel agitated, and his body was dripping with sweat. He understood the importance of winning over people's hearts in the current situation, and could not reprimand him as he usually did. He tried his best to resist the impulse, and said in a tone that was almost pleading: "Everyone, we are at a critical moment. This is not only related to my personal success or failure, but also to your wealth and life. We are all brothers in need. There is nothing to be taboo about, just say whatever you have to say," he said, winking at his brother-in-law, the regiment chief of staff Zheng Shilun.

This Zheng Shilun is an unlearned guy. He can't make suggestions in terms of literature, and can't mount a horse to kill in terms of force. He only climbed up to the position of chief of staff because of Cui Guoquan. When he saw Cui Guoquan's eyes, he immediately jumped out and shouted: "Being trapped here without food or water is not an option at first sight. We should break out while the reinforcements are not far away from us. Don't leave quickly on a sunny day and just wait for the rain to hit your head."

As soon as Zheng Shilun fired the cannon, several of his cronies also started shouting.

"Now people are in panic, and brothers are complaining and complaining behind their backs. If this continues, things will become even more difficult to handle,"

"There are many wounded soldiers, and there is insufficient medical care. They are crowded in the gallery, crying and making trouble, which puts all the brothers in danger. If this continues, it will be difficult to maintain morale."

"Ammunition reserves are getting smaller and smaller. If this stalemate continues and consumption continues to increase, it will be more difficult to cope with the enemy's large-scale attack,"

Zhang Sanyou listened to their noise and couldn't help but sneer in his heart, Damn, they are a bunch of libertines and idiots. If they want to break out, why don't I take the lead? The noise is quite fierce. Is there anyone who is not afraid of death?

"It's my incompetence that caused me to miss you," Cui Guoquan's words were sad and moving as soon as he spoke, "You can't recognize the past, but you can pursue the comers. Until now, there is no need to blame others. We can only work together with one heart and one mind to open a way out." ," He cast his gaze on the silent Zhang Sanyou and said, "Old Zhang, what do you think of the breakout?"

"Isn't it dangerous to break through?" Zhang Sanyou said hesitantly: "Now there is only one bridge for entry and exit. It is very difficult to block it with a few machine guns. Moreover, if the breakout fails, it will cost a lot of casualties and weaken the enemy." The current garrison strength is very detrimental to standing still and waiting for reinforcements,"

"Yes," Yao Shouzu echoed from the side: "The reinforcements are not far away. If they can defeat the enemy, they will naturally break our siege. If they cannot come, we will die if we break out of the siege."

Zheng Shilun then said coldly: "Have you lost confidence in the reinforcements? The imperial army is very strong and has artillery. How can the Second Route Army stop it?"

Yao Shouzu retorted: "It's not that I have lost confidence in the reinforcements, it's that they haven't arrived for a long time. You heard the sound of the artillery fire. They have been fighting for a long time, but there are signs that they are getting closer."

"It is precisely because the reinforcements have encountered a small setback that we need to attack from both front and back to defeat the enemy in one fell swoop," Zheng Shilun argued: "The enemy's forces have basically been mobilized to block the reinforcements. Now is the time when the defense is weak, and it is when we are most confident of breaking through. the timing,"

"Facing such an enemy and such a terrain, what kind of confidence can we have in taking risks to break through and make a desperate move?" Yao Shouzu sneered.

"Facing such an enemy and terrain, of course, a forceful attack is not possible," Cui Guoquan paused, lowered his eyes and fell into brief contemplation. His attentive look made people feel that he seemed to be examining a thoughtful person. After a while, he raised his eyes, scanned the crowd, and said consultatively: "In order to be more sure, I think it is best to select a general to lead a group of people. An elite force breaks out first, contacts the reinforcements, and then turns back to respond here. What do you think of this idea?"

Zheng Shilun and several officers immediately felt as if they had been saved, showing expressions of joy and approval.

Zhang Sanyou frowned and looked at Yao Shouzu. Seeing that Yao Shouzu was thinking, he remained silent.

Cui Guoquan continued: "If you don't object, then you agree. Who is willing to go through the hard work?"

Zheng Shilun and several officers lowered their eyebrows and kept silent. No one dared to take this risk.

Cui Guoquan looked at Zheng Shilun and several officers. They lowered their heads, not daring to touch Cui Guoquan's sharp and threatening eyes. The whole hall fell into a tense, oppressive and silent atmosphere. Cui Guoquan stared sullenly, but showed helplessness. look.

Yao Shouzu suddenly raised his head as if he had figured something out, secretly winked at Zhang Sanyou, and pursed his lips in the direction of Cui Guoquan.

Zhang Sanyou was stunned for a moment, nodded slowly, and said in a low voice: "Captain, please let me go."

"Battle Commander Zhang is brave and good at fighting, and he is qualified for this task," Cui Guoquan immediately praised him, and then mused: "With the deputy chief of staff, we will have all the wise and courageous generals, and we will have no problem breaking through."

Everyone took the order and went down to prepare. Zhang Sanyou and Yao Shouzu got together again to plot.

"What do you mean? It's obvious that Cui wants us to work hard, and he stays here and enjoys the fruits of his labor. Why do you want me to agree?" Zhang Sanyou asked with a hint of complaint.

Yao Shouzu smiled bitterly and said: "Can we escape? If you insist on not going, brother, Cui will take over your power."

"Take my power, huh, then I will fight to the death with him," Zhang Sanyou said fiercely.

"That's not necessary," Yao Shouzu said with a sly smile, "Breaking out may not be an opportunity. Think about it, as long as we can break out, who will care about this mess? We won't contact reinforcements, let alone risk our lives to turn back. If you get stuck in the cage of the Second Route Army and just lead your troops to start your own business, this is like letting birds fly when the sky is high, and fish can jump when the sea is wide."

"It makes sense, it makes sense," Zhang Sanyou grinned for a while, then suddenly frowned, "Then if you can't break out, wouldn't you die in vain?"
Chapter completed!