The Su brothers swiftly returned to the battlefield with the siege ladders and catapults, buoyed by high spirits.
Confident of imminent victory, they prepared to deploy captured civilians to operate the siege equipment. Su Huai was resolute that they would lead the charge, sparing no concern for their lives.
Yet, with his Su Family Army reduced to fewer than 30,000 troops, each soldier was precious and not to be squandered.
Responding to the crisis, the Third Prince dispatched Lord Han, the Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War, and Liao Mingzhong, who had previously sought to recruit Shao Yunduan.
Upon their arrival in Hangzhou City, they conveyed the Third Prince's direct command: release all forcibly conscripted citizens and return seized wealth immediately.
They also informed Su Huai that Jiangning had begun preparations to send essential supplies such as food and medicine.
