Chapter 106: Escape and a Price Increase

Tang Chen turned sideways and nodded slightly, signaling the few leading young soldiers behind him to retreat.

The young soldiers understood immediately and withdrew, pulling back beyond a five-li measure, leaving the youth standing alone.

Those atop the city tower were elated at the sight, calling out to their soldiers to bring forth the supplies.

After the burning of an incense stick’s time, the city gate slowly creaked open just enough to let soldiers emerge one after another, each bearing provisions on their shoulders.

The supply troops filed out in orderly ranks beneath the gate, their eyes meeting the youth’s across the distance.

“Deputy General Tang, here are 50,000 dan of grain and silver notes worth 150,000. I will arrange to send the rest to you later. How does that sound?” The defending general atop the wall shouted confidently.

Tang Chen responded with a nod, stepping aside to gesture for the supply troops to approach. “Bring the provisions to my camp, and I will come over myself.”

The supply soldiers glanced up at the banners fluttering on the wall, then stepped forward cautiously, each face taut with tension.

Behind them, the Chu family army’s archers stood ready, each stringing a crescent moon bow. One wrong move here could spell utter disaster.

When the last supply soldier had passed, a head eagerly poked over the battlements, shouting loudly to the youth, “Deputy General Tang, a gentleman’s word is his bond. I hope you will not go back on yours.”

The youth cast a sidelong glance at the crossbows mounted along the ramparts, then lifted his chin confidently and took a steady step forward. Once the crossbows fired, he would roll away along the path carefully planned—a blind spot in their line of fire.

Sure enough, as he entered the crossbow’s range, a low shout rang out from the wall, followed by the whizzing of arrows cutting through the air, volley after volley unleashed toward him.

Tang Chen snorted coldly, shaking loose the ropes binding his hands. With a leap, he rolled out of the crossbow’s firing zone and behind a nearby earthen mound.

The city’s officers grew irate, grinding their teeth as they cursed, “Stop shooting! A worthless lot, not a single arrow hit! What use are you to me?”

Hidden behind the mound, Tang Chen chuckled darkly. Though he could have ended it honorably there, a glint flashed in his eyes as he dusted himself off and shouted loudly, “I say you’re not playing fair!”

“Deputy General Tang, it’s a misunderstanding! A misunderstanding! My hands trembled! It was all a mistake!” The defending general’s voice carried regret—he had been too hasty.

“A misunderstanding? I think you just want me dead, General. It seems this deal is unworkable. I bid you farewell.” The youth feigned turning to leave.

The city soldiers, seeing him about to depart, nearly tumbled off the wall in desperation. Missing this chance would make capturing Tang Chen far harder. They shouted, straining to hold him back, “Deputy General Tang, wait! There’s still room to negotiate!”

Tang Chen halted, slowly turning to regard Kangding City. A mischievous smile curled at the corner of his mouth. “Add another 100,000 dan of grain, or we have nothing more to discuss.”

“Deputy General Tang, might that be a bit excessive?”

“Will you give it, or not?” The youth pressed unyieldingly.

“Yes, yes, yes…” The city officer’s voice betrayed his helplessness.

“Very well, as per usual, General, you may begin.” Tang Chen folded his arms, exuding arrogance and defiance.

The city officer wiped the sweat from his brow and hollered, “General, could you have your soldiers fall back a bit more? The thick crowd is intimidating; I’m truly afraid.”

Tang Chen frowned slightly. Falling back any further would place him beyond the archers’ protective range.