Chapter 25: Persuading a Surrender

"Your Highness, please stop keeping us in suspense. Just tell us how you intend to deal with these bandits. You're driving me crazy!" Linyue urged impatiently.

"The truth is, this battle cannot be fought conventionally. The only option is to persuade them to surrender," Li Ye replied without hesitation, laying his cards on the table.

Xiao Cui, Linyue, and even Master Xiao were stunned into silence. The bandits on Bald Eagle Mountain were remnants of the previous dynasty's army. Having survived, they had occupied the mountain along with their families. Unlike common thugs, they were well-versed in military strategy and possessed formidable martial skills. That was precisely why the Dayuan Dynasty’s forces had failed to conquer them despite numerous attempts. Even Master Xiao found it inconceivable that Li Ye intended to rely on mere words to secure their surrender.

Linyue slapped her forehead in despair. "I honestly can't tell if I'm dreaming or if Your Highness is simply indulging in a wild fantasy. I have a sinking feeling that this will be a wasted effort."

Xiao Cui stood to the side, looking flustered. She didn't know what to say. Subconsciously, she told herself she had to trust Li Ye, but logically, his plan seemed utterly unreliable.

Li Ye smiled and said, "How will we know unless we try? Besides, if the negotiations fail, we can simply lead the troops back. That is far better than forcing a head-on assault when we know there is no chance of victory, which would only lead to countless casualties."

"I truly wish Your Highness could work a miracle, but it's simply impossible!" Linyue concluded bluntly, showing no regard for his dignity.

Li Ye laughed. "How about a wager? If I win, you will massage my shoulders and back for a month. If I lose, I will grant you one wish. As long as it is within my power, I will agree to it."

Linyue’s eyes lit up at the offer. "Deal! And no going back on your word!"

"Master Xiao and Xiao Cui shall be our witnesses!"

"No problem. I, too, am very curious to see how you intend to persuade these men," Master Xiao agreed readily.

"I’m on your side, Your Highness! You definitely won't lose," Xiao Cui insisted, her belief in him remaining unshaken.

"Hmph!" Linyue fell silent, holding her head high with a glimmer in her eyes. She was likely already contemplating what to ask of Li Ye, certain of her victory in this wager.

As they strolled through the camp, Li Ye greeted the soldiers warmly, asking if they were facing any difficulties or if they had any requests. He also reminded them that even while encamped during a campaign, they must maintain constant vigilance to ensure the enemy had no opportunity for a surprise attack.

The soldiers had never imagined that a prince could be so considerate. He did not treat them with condescension, but rather with genuine warmth. This moved them deeply and fundamentally changed their impression of him. They had always heard that the Sixth Prince was a disgrace to the royal family, obsessed with lowly mercantile pursuits that brought shame to the crown. Yet, upon actually meeting him, they realized he was the only one who truly treated them like human beings. Many began to wish that they could serve under his command in future campaigns.

After patrolling the camp and finding everything in order, Li Ye finally felt at ease. He confirmed that the generals had not been negligent and that the arrangements were sound.

Two days passed. The soldiers, well-fed, looked noticeably more robust and healthy than the gaunt, weary men they had been at the start.

Lei Ying, the bandit leader, remained on high alert, observing the army's movements. Although he had sent scouts to probe the camp, they had quickly retreated after encountering the army's patrols. He had expected the army to launch an attack after resting, but two days had passed without a single move. This left him baffled. No matter how hard he thought, he could not fathom the generals' strategy. The initial momentum his men had gathered was beginning to wane.

"Could it be that the Dayuan army intends to lay siege and cut off our supplies?"

"That makes no sense. After fighting us so many times, they should know that Bald Eagle Mountain has no shortage of food. Such a strategy poses no threat to us at all."

"Then we shall simply wait. If they don't attack, all the better. Let's see who outlasts whom," the second-in-command suggested.

"We cannot be too complacent in war," Lei Ying frowned. "Feeding thousands of troops consumes a great deal of provisions. I am certain they have an objective."

"Then what should we do? Should we launch a surprise attack tonight to test them?"

Lei Ying was tempted; waiting like this was driving them mad. He had to uncover the army's true intentions. "Very well. Prepare five hundred of our best men. Have them eat and rest, and we will raid their camp in the second half of the night."

"Understood! We should have done this long ago!" The bandits on Bald Eagle Mountain were thrilled at the prospect of a raid, hoping to kill more soldiers and seize armor and weapons, which were rare and precious commodities on the mountain. If they could capture such supplies, they would become heroes in the eyes of all the women in the camp.

Back in his tent, Li Ye listened to the reports from his scouts. Within two days, he had gained a clear understanding of everything surrounding Bald Eagle Mountain. Just then, another messenger arrived.

"Your Highness, a merchant caravan has arrived, claiming they are acting under your orders."

"Excellent! Sound the war drums. Prepare for battle!"

The generals were still confused. How did these matters relate to attacking the mountain? Finding water sources, uncovering secret paths, and summoning a merchant caravan—all these things had made the Sixth Prince so excited and confident. They truly couldn't understand how this would defeat the bandits. However, since Li Ye had ordered the entire army to mobilize, they had no choice but to comply. If Li Ye made a truly dangerous decision, they could intervene then.

The army quickly assembled and marched toward the mountain gate. There was only one narrow path leading up to the fortress. With the gate positioned on high ground, a few boulders dropped from above could easily stop an advancing army. Even with superior numbers, the troops could not maneuver. A frontal assault would only lead to senseless casualties.

Just as Lei Ying finalized the plans for the night raid, he heard the enemy drums. They were finally attacking. His heart skipped a beat. "The enemy is attacking! Everyone, prepare!"

"Yes!" his men shouted in unison. They rushed to the ramparts, readying their bows and stones. They were well-practiced in this; standing on the heights, they were virtually invulnerable. Even heavy bows couldn't reach them at that distance. All they had to do was drop stones, and if the army tried to rush, they would use their bows. This tactic had never failed them and had repelled the imperial forces many times before.