Outside Kuaiji City, Yue Kingdom.
The sprawling Chu army camp was situated just outside Kuaiji City, stretching for over ten miles into the distance.
The Chu army had been stationed outside Kuaiji City for over two months. After continuous battles, the Yue army within the city had suffered heavy losses, but the Chu army's casualties were also significant.
Although King Si Wuchang of Yue had lost his fighting spirit and had little hope for Yue, he still valued his own life. When the Chu army approached the city, Si Wuchang emerged from the deep palace to lead the Yue army and civilians in resisting the Chu forces.
Regardless of Si Wuchang's actions, the people of Yue remained fiercely resistant. They organized themselves to fight against the Chu army.
At this time, the Chu forces were simultaneously attempting to capture Kuaiji and fighting against Goujian's army. Therefore, the Chu army had not exerted its full strength, which allowed Yue to barely survive.
However, the Chu army was vast and numerous. Ultimately, they succeeded in encroaching upon the territory held by Si Wuchang, encircling him in Kuaiji. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Although Kuaiji was a strong city in the southern region, it was isolated and without aid. As long as the Chu army was willing to exert effort, it would certainly be able to breach its defenses.
But Duke Shen received distressing news: the Wei army was marching south to attack Chu!
If the Wei army truly attacked Duke Shen's forces, Duke Shen would have no hesitation; he would meet them in battle.
However, the Wei army directly invading Chu placed immense pressure on Duke Shen. Furthermore, because Chu had entrusted most of its elite troops to Duke Shen in Yue, the forces defending the homeland were insufficient, allowing the Wei army's offensive to be fierce and swift.
In the past few days, Duke Shen had received reports that the Wei army had successively captured several cities and appeared to be heading directly for Shouchun.
There were not many troops left to defend Chu, and they had to be stationed in various locations. It was difficult to mobilize additional forces to resist the Wei army, allowing the Wei army to rampage through Chu territory without any effective opposition.
Initially, Chu was able to maintain stability, and the King of Chu and some ministers still supported Duke Shen. However, some aristocratic families had begun to urge Duke Shen to dispatch a portion of his troops back to the country.
Duke Shen was in a state of turmoil at this time. Frankly speaking, Duke Shen had initially intended to launch a direct assault on Yue, but Yue's resistance was indeed fierce, and the Chu army found itself restrained.
However, Duke Shen was unwilling to withdraw his troops and return to the country at this juncture.
Of course, Duke Shen understood the combat power of the Wei army better than anyone. But with the fall of Yue imminent, if Yue were given time to recover, it would be uncertain whether Si Wuchang and Goujian could be so easily defeated again.
"Report! My Lord, urgent report from the front!"
A messenger rushed into Duke Shen's main tent to report.
Duke Shen took the document and read it carefully, his brow furrowed deeply.
"My Lord, what is the news from the homeland?" asked Shao Zai Zheng Dan, noticing Duke Shen's displeased expression.
Duke Shen put down the document and said, "According to intelligence, the general attacking our Great Chu is Lin Fan!"
"What?"
Shao Zai Zheng Dan asked with a grim expression, "Wasn't it said that Lin Fan's main forces were all transferred to the north? Why would Lin Fan lead his army to attack our Great Chu?"
Duke Shen remained silent for a moment and then said, "Whether it is true or not, the Wei army's momentum is immense this time, and it appears they are serious. I must lead my troops back to rescue the homeland."
Shao Zai Zheng Dan asked hesitantly, "Are we returning with the entire army?"