Three Kingdoms' Great Agent

  Wuji County, Ximen City Gate Tower.

  Guo Jia and the old soldier rushed to the city gate, their eyes falling on the more than 100 soldiers gathered inside.

  This is all the military strength of Wuji County.

  The weak and wounded soldiers stood inside the gate, swaying from side to side. Some people didn't even have a steel knife in their hands, many were wearing tattered armor, with a dejected and terrified expression, completely devoid of any will to fight. Guo Jia also couldn't help but shake his head when he saw this scene. He hesitated for a moment before ordering: "Clear out the civilians inside the city, let all the civilians retreat. At the same time, open the gate and throw it wide open."

  The old soldier was startled and hastily advised: "Sir, you can't! The soldiers guarding the city are already few in number, relying on closing the gate to block the Black Mountain bandits. Once the city gate is opened, the Black Mountain bandits will easily enter the city!"

  Guo Jia sneered and asked in return: "Closing the city gates can stop the Black Mountain bandits?"

  The old soldier sighed and shook his head, "The soldiers defending the city are all crippled, without weapons, without combat effectiveness. With just a few of us, we can't hold it."

  Guo Jia smiled lightly and said: "Since we can't stop them, what's the point of closing the gate? Open it, I have a plan."

  The old soldier saw Guo Jia's confident appearance and no longer hesitated, ordering the gatekeeper Men Bo to open the city gate. Guo Jia nodded in satisfaction and continued to order: "No one is allowed to stay at the city gate, and there is no need for anyone to defend on the city wall. I can do it alone on the city wall. You hide inside the city and are not allowed to come out without my orders."

  "This..."

  The old soldier hesitated, thinking that opening the door would be fine, but there was no defense at all, which made people uneasy.

  "Go and prepare!" Guo Jia's eyes gleamed coldly, leaving no room for doubt.

  The old soldier did not dare to disobey orders and immediately gave instructions.

  Guo Jia went up to the city tower alone, standing quietly on the city tower waiting. At this moment, Guo Jia needed time, to delay enough time for Wang Yue. He had nothing to do, observing the layout of Wuji County's city walls.

  "What a mess!"

  Guo Jia scanned it and couldn't help but shake his head.

  The grand and majestic county city wall unexpectedly didn't even have defensive equipment.

  Rumble!

  A distant rumbling sound came from outside the city walls.

  Guo Jia raised his head and gazed into the distance, his eyes falling on a black line wriggling in the far-off place near the county town. Guo Jia knew that the Hei Shan bandits had arrived, but he was not afraid of crisis, his expression remained calm, and his eyes even showed a hint of excitement.

  Outside the city, among the Black Mountain bandits.

  The leader of the troops was named Zhang Yan, and he was the chief of the Black Mountain Army. This time, they had emerged from the mountains and surrounded Wujixian County. Zhang Yan intended to replenish their funds and food supplies in order to increase the Black Mountain Army's grain reserves. The army halted outside the city, and with a wave of his hand, Zhang Yan stopped his generals from advancing, a hint of solemnity flashing across his eyes. Because the gates of Wujixian County were actually open, while inside the city was empty and desolate.

  This situation made Zhang Yan feel an unusual atmosphere.

  Before that, Zhang Yan had visited the nearby county towns of Wuji County, and without exception, all the city gates were closed. Suddenly encountering an open one made Zhang Yan feel unaccustomed to it, feeling that something was not right.

  Zhang Yan looked up and saw a young man standing on the city wall. He thought for a moment, then drew his sword and rode forward, shouting loudly under the city wall: "Who is on the city wall?"

  "Guo Jia of Yingchuan!"

  Guo Jia smiled lightly and replied in a clear voice.

  “……”

  Zhang Yan thought carefully and had never heard of such a person in Wujixian County.

  Pausing for a moment, Zhang Yan raised her head and said loudly: "I am Zhang Yan. This time I brought troops to pass through Wuji County. Due to the lack of grain and weapons in the army, we need your county to provide supplies. You immediately prepare 10,000 stones of grain and grass, 1,000 sets of armor, 1,000 steel knives, and prepare one million dollars. I will lead the troops to leave immediately. Otherwise, you will bear the consequences."

  Guo Jia let out a loud, cold breath.

  Not to mention a million dollars, even ten thousand dollars can't be taken out of the county government.

  Not even 100 stones of grain and fodder were left.

  As for the fine clothes and steel swords, the arsenal had been sold off by the previous county magistrate and officials, leaving nothing but an empty shell for Wang Lei, Guo Jia and Du Ji.

  Under no circumstances can it be completed.

  Kuo Chia's thoughts turned rapidly as he continued: "General Chang, the Magistrate knows that you have led your troops with great hardship and admires your ability to lead. However, General Chang is unaware that due to his reputation, the officials in the county yamen and the Magistrate himself have fled with grain and money. The new Magistrate took office today and has no funds at all! I heard that the neighboring counties of Wu-chi are rich in money and grain, and if General Chang were to ask them for help, it would surely be granted."

  Zhang Yan's heart fluttered at the news.

  This kid is still quite sensible.

  This will make a name for itself and wherever it goes, it should be treated with respect.

  "General, we went to Xinshi County in the west of Jixian and Hanchang County in the east. The magistrates of both counties saw you and gave very little money and food. They all said that the people in neighboring counties are foolish and have a lot of money. Now, even the young people on the city wall are saying this. In my opinion, these officials are all cunning and intentionally cheating us."

  Zhang Yan's face turned gloomy and suspicious under the gaze of Da Jiang, with a hint of resentment.

  "Hmm, this young man is quite young, he's different from the old foxes in Xinshi County and Hanchang County, doesn't seem to be pretending. Besides, we've already received news that the officials in Wuji County have fled with money and grain, he's not telling lies."

  Zhang Yan held a sword in her hand, with an arrogant expression.

  "General, the little brat on the city wall said that a new county magistrate has taken office. This new magistrate must have money and wealth. Let's call him out, extort some money and grain from him. At the same time, let's also get him to summon the head of the Zhen family and make them contribute some money too. We can't leave empty-handed after this trip!"

  Zhang Yan nodded her head in approval and said: "You're a clever kid, let's do it this way!"

  "Hey kid, where is the county magistrate? Let him come out."

  Zhang Yan let out a loud roar, her aura overwhelming.

  "General Zhang, the county magistrate knows you've come to Wuji County and is extremely conflicted! He's heard of your great reputation and wants to cooperate with you. However, he also thinks that as a new official, he should be loyal to his duties and defend Wuji County to the death, as entrusted by Governor Han Fu. The county magistrate is in a dilemma, and after careful consideration, has decided to take the most respectful approach towards you, General, and engage in a fair battle. Currently, he's recruiting soldiers to prepare for battle. If you want to enter the city, the county magistrate has ordered the gates to be opened, and General Zhang can come in at any time. If you're willing to engage in a fair battle, please wait."

  The most important thing is that it was said with courtesy and enthusiasm, which made Zhang Yanshu feel relieved.

  Zhang Yan burst out laughing after hearing it.

  For someone who dared to resist, Zhang Yan would not have any good face. But after listening to Guo Jia's words, Zhang Yan felt even more proud in his heart, because he thought the new county magistrate was respectful of him!

  This is great!

  Moreover, the county magistrate is a loyal person to the country, and choosing to fight is inevitable.

  Respectable!

  Zhang Yan's heart surged, and he immediately said: "I will indeed respect such a righteous person as you. As you said, I will wait outside the city for him to bring his troops. After I defeat the county magistrate, I will let the local gentry donate money and grain."

  Kuo Chia let out a sigh of relief and finally calmed down Chang Yen.

  Yu Du shook his head and said, "General, this is clearly a ploy to stall for time."

  Zhang Yan waved her hand and said, "That kid has already made it clear, I'm very clear in my heart. However, this newly appointed county magistrate is worthy of respect. Isn't it worth waiting a bit for someone like that?"

  He stomped his foot in anger and cursed: "Scholars are full of evil intentions, they're too wicked."

  "Ta-da! Ta-da!!"

  Before long, the sound of horseshoes came from within the city. Wang Lüe held a black gold spear and led three hundred guards to charge over.

  Guo Jia thought to himself: Let's see how you perform next.

  PS: Monday, asking for flowers.