Shao Yunduan, along with Jia Heming and the other two County Magistrates, managed to pacify the populace with relative ease.

After seizing the four cities from the Prefect of Hangzhou, Shao Yunduan wisely halted further expansion.

He understood the principle of not biting off more than one could chew. These newly acquired cities would require careful management and consolidation before any further actions could be considered.

Shao Yunduan was not driven by greed; instead, he epitomized prudence and deliberation. This was his true strength.

Upon receiving the order, Zheng Sangge promptly transitioned from offense to defense.

The Prefect of Hangzhou, seething with anger, perceived Shao Yunduan’s actions as excessive. He harbored deep-seated resentment and vowed revenge. Now, with Zheng Sangge transitioning to a defensive stance, the Prefect saw an opportunity. He believed Shao Yunduan was vulnerable and incapable of maintaining his hold on the newly acquired territories.

This was the Prefect’s chance to strike back.

With unwavering determination, the Prefect of Hangzhou issued orders to reclaim Lishui and the other cities at any cost!

Despite the Prefect of Hangzhou’s determined efforts, the siege proved to be a formidable challenge, particularly when facing a seasoned warrior like Zheng Sangge.

Huaixi province, although not aggressive in expanding its territory, was far from weak. Zheng Sangge’s reluctance to initiate offensive maneuvers didn’t equate to weakness or an invitation for others to take advantage.

The Prefect of Hangzhou had ruled over the affluent Jiangnan region for many years, amassing considerable power. Thus, his attempts to reclaim lost territory were strenuous and resource-intensive. This protracted battle dragged on for nearly three months.

As reality sank in, the Prefect of Hangzhou was left reeling with frustration and exasperation. He couldn’t afford to continue pouring resources into a losing battle. Saving face and preserving his resources became paramount. Moreover, with the approaching Lunar New Year, prolonging the conflict risked further destabilizing the region.

Resigned to the situation, the Prefect swallowed his pride and penned a letter to Shao Yunduan, proposing a ceasefire. He acknowledged the futility of further bloodshed and suggested that Huaixi return the seized territories in exchange for peace. For now, he sought no additional concessions.

Shao Yunduan’s silence in response to the Prefect of Hangzhou’s proposal only fueled the latter’s fury.

In a desperate bid to salvage his position, the Prefect launched a surprise attack, hoping to catch Huaixi off guard. However, Zheng Sangge’s cunning tactics foiled his plans, resulting in a devastating defeat for the Prefect’s forces. Humiliated and decimated, he had no choice but to retreat in disgrace, his ambitions shattered.

Amidst these tumultuous events, Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan finally received a letter from the Northwest Army and Qi, delivered by a group of messengers. The letter, penned by General Feng and Qi, conveyed urgent news: more than 3,000 troops were en route to Huaixi to assist in transporting food supplies.

Shao Yunduan wasted no time in responding to the call for aid. He assured the messengers that provisions had been set aside for their arrival and instructed them to rest while he made the necessary arrangements.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Shao Yunduan had treated the matter with utmost importance from the outset. While he and Qiao Xuan alone couldn’t provide sufficient sustenance, their combined efforts would ensure the troops were well provisioned.