“General, the scout reports that Gaodu has declared martial law!”
“As expected.” Sitting on his horse, Liu Cong snorted coldly. During the previous attack on Shangdang, he had experienced the hardships of strict vigilance everywhere, so this time, he was not in a hurry to march. Since a rapid cavalry charge wouldn’t bring any advantage, he opted for a steady and methodical approach, taking each step with caution.
In this campaign, the Han forces didn’t advance through the Hangu Pass but chose to attack Henan, crossing the Yellow River along Mengjin, and heading straight for Luoyang. This strategy not only avoided the edge of Hongnong’s large camp but also allowed them to approach the capital quickly. Therefore, the seventy thousand troops were divided into two forces, with one heading for Henan and the other for Shangdang.
The thirty thousand troops led by Liu Cong were precisely responsible for the left flank’s attack on Shangdang. In fact, this battle was not easy to fight. Since Liang Zixi rose to prominence in Bing County, the situation below was like a collapsed frame, with small tribes escaping every day. Even though Lishi was still in the hands of the Han, it no longer had farming or fighting populations. With such an empty shell, not to mention launching an attack, even maintaining control was extremely difficult.
What Pei Dun failed to accomplish initially, Liang Zixi achieved in just a few months, completing seven or eight. How could this not chill the hearts of others?
This was precisely why Liu Cong insisted on taking command and personally attacking Shangdang. Having such an enemy at the rear was truly unsettling. He had already suffered two defeats in Shangdang, and this time, he was determined to wipe away the previous disgrace and regain his position of merit!
His elder brother, Liu He, had already been named the Crown Prince. After all, he was the legitimate son of Empress Huyan, and in terms of status, Liu Cong couldn’t compete. But no one knew what Liu Cong was thinking. He was the most beloved child of the emperor, rumored to be a miraculous birth accompanied by the vision of the sun entering the womb when his mother gave birth to him. Moreover, among all the imperial princes, he had the best talent and the greatest achievements. Why should he let that bookish fool inherit the throne?
Although the Han Dynasty followed Confucian principles, Liu Cong had also studied for several years at the Taixue in Luoyang. However, their bloodline ultimately traced back to the Xiongnu Chanyu. How could they only consider legitimacy and not strength?
As long as he could take Shangdang, or even just the Taihang Pass, the emperor would surely reward him with higher titles and positions. And that hypocritical elder brother of his couldn’t underestimate him anymore…
Numerous thoughts raced through Liu Cong’s mind. He tightened the reins in his hands and shouted loudly, “March to Shangdang and flatten Gaodu!”
The horns sounded, and tens of thousands of troops set out, crossing the Qīn River and advancing straight to the walls of Gaodu!
※
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“The Xiongnu are preparing to attack the city!” Standing atop the walls of Gaodu, Zhu Guo’s face became solemn as he watched the siege engines being set up below.
This time, the Xiongnu did not come with light cavalry but with a mix of infantry and cavalry, bringing many siege weapons. Obviously, they intended to capture Gaodu in one fell swoop. If they followed the same tactics as before, defending the city with only a few hundred soldiers, it might fall within a day. Fortunately, General Yi had made preparations, stationing the elite troops of the Yongrui Camp inside Gaodu.
Even so, dealing with the thirty thousand troops below the city was no easy task. Although Gaodu had undergone multiple renovations in recent years, even with higher and thicker walls, it was still just a county seat. How to endure the first few days was the key!
“Order to seal the city gates!” Zhu Guo commanded sternly.
Behind the city gates, sand and stones were piled up, symbolizing the determination to defend to the death. Gaodu must not fall into the enemy’s hands at any cost. However, he wondered if there would be enemy forces in the Prefectural Government.
With heavy thoughts, Zhu Guo didn’t reveal his concerns on his face. Instead, he said, “Order Magistrate Guo to reassure the commoners and send two more teams of civilian laborers to the city walls.”
The messenger quickly ran down to the city below, and Zhu Guo shouted loudly, instructing the soldiers on the city walls to be on guard for the approaching enemy.
“Beat the drums!” Sitting on his horse, Liu Cong coldly issued his orders. “As long as Gaodu falls, the entire army can enter the city and loot. All the spoils of war in the city will belong to you all!”
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This was a veiled hint at city slaughter. Liu Yuan valued reputation and wasn’t particularly fond of his subordinates wantonly slaughtering the city’s inhabitants. However, Liu Cong couldn’t manage such concerns. Gaodu was a tough nut to crack, and if he wanted to take it, he had to up the stakes. Situated near the Taihang Pass, it was a crucial trade route in Bing County and also the stronghold of Liang Zixi. The city might have accumulated considerable wealth and provisions. Just this order was enough to ignite the fighting spirit among his subordinates.
Indeed, upon hearing Liu Cong’s words, a fierce gleam appeared in the eyes of those generals. The thunderous drumming began, and siege engines, ladders, and battering rams all charged towards the city.
After capturing Hedong, the Han Dynasty acquired a new batch of siege equipment, including the Thunderclap Cannons that almost routed Liu Cong’s forces before. Though not as advanced as the siege engines in Shangdang, Liu Cong wouldn’t miss the chance. Dozens of laborers pulled the cannon ropes with force, and head-sized stones whistled toward the city walls, immediately suppressing the enemy’s arrow barrage.
Covered with oxhide, the battering rams followed closely. However, inside were not giant logs for ramming the walls but soldiers carrying sandbags. Shielded by the ram’s cover, the battering ram swiftly advanced toward the city. Once the moat was filled, they could set up ladders and rush the city walls!
However, these arrangements did not go as smoothly as planned. The bed crossbows on the city walls emitted sharp sounds, shooting towards the Thunderclap Cannons. The laborers pulling the ropes fell to the ground, dead. Several dozen ceramic jars accurately landed around the battering ram, covered in black grease, and were shot with rockets, instantly turning into a fireball. The soldiers hidden inside screamed as they rushed out, only to be shot down by the rain of arrows from the city walls.
Liu Cong coldly watched the intense scene before him without any change in expression. Siege warfare indeed incurred losses, especially when attacking a fortified city like Gaodu. However, they couldn’t bypass it. Attacking Gaodu was the beginning of everything and a bait to lure out the hidden forces of Shangdang for a decisive battle.
If they couldn’t defeat the forces of Shangdang, even capturing Gaodu wouldn’t be of much use. Liu Cong didn’t want to let those people lead him by the nose again, falling into pre-set traps. He intended to control the battlefield of this decisive battle!
“Send three thousand troops to Taihang Pass, within two days, make sure to capture Taihang Pass!” Liu Cong ordered coldly.
Attacking Gaodu with thirty thousand troops might be challenging. However, Taihang Pass, being a small stronghold, could be taken with three thousand men! Taihang Pass wasn’t like Gaodu; he was determined to succeed!
Three thousand troops left the main camp and headed towards Taihang Pass. The drums of siege warfare continued unabated. The soldiers of the Xiongnu were like a turbulent wave made of iron and blood, fiercely assaulting the towering city walls.
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Meanwhile, in the highlands, a scout rushed in with the latest information. “General, the Xiongnu have begun their siege! Thirty thousand troops are surrounding Gaodu, and they’ve also sent several thousand soldiers to attack Taihang Pass unexpectedly!”
After several major battles, the forces in Shangdang weren’t abundant, totaling less than twenty thousand at full strength. Additionally, five thousand troops were dispatched to guard various cities to prevent the Xiongnu from attacking. Now, how would this force of fifteen thousand repel an enemy several times their size?
Yiyan’s face remained as cold as ice. “What about the Liang residence? Are there enemy forces?”
“Not seen. However, our scouts are keeping a close watch. If they leave the camp to rescue Gaodu, they will likely be ambushed by cavalry!”
This is the Xiongnu’s strategy for this campaign: using the siege of Gaodu as bait to lure out the enemy’s main forces. Whether against the Liang residence or the Shangdang forces, the Xiongnu holds a numerical advantage and isn’t afraid of open-field battles. If left unchecked, Gaodu might not last for many days, and Taihang Pass could be captured in one fell swoop.
If they lose Taihang Pass, the Xiongnu will open up the route to Henan, and they will be able to encircle Luoyang in conjunction with the Western Army. If they can capture Gaodu, it would be even better, as they can use it as a stronghold deeply rooted in the Shangdang region. Not to mention the threat of heavy forces, just the safety of the Liang residence is a cause for concern.
The enemy has a quite capable general.
However, Yiyan did not show any signs of anxiety. It could be said that these tactics did not catch him by surprise in the slightest.
“Order the Xianbei to hasten their pace, escort the supplies, and immediately come to Li Ting. Two days later, the army will break camp!” Yiyan commanded.
Two days, that was the “expected” reaction time for them. If the enemy wanted to control the overall situation, he would allow them to take the initiative. Only in this way could they strive for a glimmer of hope in a dire situation!
※
“Is Minister Cui in the rear hall?” The day’s lessons finally ended, and Liang Rong walked out of the academy, immediately asking his bodyguard in a low voice.
“He is. Does the young lord want to go there?” the bodyguard asked.
“Yes!” Liang Rong nodded quickly.
The bodyguard didn’t ask much, taking a step forward to clear the way for Liang Rong. These days, the governor’s mansion had multiplied its defenses, mostly surrounding the rear residence to take care of Liang Rong’s daily life. Seeing these well-armored, fierce-looking bodyguards, how could Liang Rong not realize the peril of the Shangdang war? It’s just that he didn’t expect his father to dispatch so many bodyguards to watch over him!
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If they were on the battlefield, these elites would surely kill many enemies, but now they remained in the rear, guarding by his side. This made Liang Rong feel a complex emotion, a mix of powerlessness and shame. He knew his father had experienced many battles, but this was the first time he personally felt the oppressive pressure of impending warfare.
However, Liang Rong was not frightened by such a situation. On the contrary, he continued his daily routine of attending school, and spending hours in the academy before returning to rest. His father did not allow him to leave Shangdang, intending to stabilize the hearts of the people in this county. Despite any worries, Liang Rong did not show them on his face. However, once the lessons were over, he couldn’t sit still; he had to go to the rear courtyard to see and feel at ease.
Without hesitation, he walked towards the rear courtyard. In recent days, Cui Ji had to spend a considerable amount of time in the strategic room deducing the war situation and controlling the rear army’s supply routes. Today was no exception. In the small rear hall, people bustled about, officials entering and exiting briskly, carrying scrolls. In the center of the room, there was a huge sand table depicting the entire topography of Shangdang, as if the entire county was laid out before his eyes.
Liang Rong didn’t disturb the busy Cui Ji; instead, he hid on the side, observing the changes on the sand table. From Gaodu to Lu City, even with a fast horse, it would take a day. This should be yesterday’s battle situation. How many troops did the Xiongnu bring? How was the situation in the mansion?
“Lord Rong!” Cui Ji noticed Liang Rong’s figure and quickly walked over. “Have you finished your studies?”
“Exactly!” Liang Rong quickly bowed to his teacher. “Rong’er delayed Master’s official business.”
“Where is it? You’ll learn these sooner or later.” Cui Ji didn’t mind and personally led Liang Rong to the sand table, pointing with his hand. “These are the Xiongnu troops, represented by black flags, one flag for a thousand soldiers.”
There were densely packed flags, seemingly around thirty. Liang Rong’s face turned a bit pale. “Are they besieging Gaodu?”
“Exactly, and Taihang Pass has also been attacked and captured.” Cui Ji pointed to another location.
Seeing the small city representing Taihang Pass with inserted black flags, Liang Rong’s expression became even more unpleasant. “Then… what about our army?”
“Still at Li Ting, set to march tomorrow.” Cui Ji answered simply.
Liang Rong counted accurately, immediately noticing the number of red flags at Li Ting. “Only fifteen thousand troops? Can they win?”
He had read military books and knew the difficulty of winning with fewer numbers. The enemy had twice as many troops; could Gaodu be defended?
Cui Ji smiled faintly. “This is something Lord Rong should know. The situation in war changes rapidly, but strategy must be set before deploying. With a proper response, there is hope for victory. Also, General Yi is the most formidable commander under the Lord. In over a dozen battles, regardless of the size of the forces, he has never been defeated!”
These words seized Liang Rong’s cautious heart. Never been defeated! What a heroic declaration! The image of that cold, peculiar face rushed into his mind. However, this time, he didn’t feel the rejection he used to. Had his father spent more time teaching that person than teaching him? If so, could he also, as he grew older, fight for his father, exterminating those thieves daring to trespass into Shangdang, and even the entire Bing County?
Seeing the little guy’s excited and flushed expression, Cui Ji breathed a sigh of relief in his heart. After all, Liang Rong was the only son of the Lord. If he were timid and cowardly, how could he support such a grand undertaking? However, in these days, his performance surprised everyone. Being calm in the face of change, even many adults might not achieve that. Now that he showed interest in military matters, it was even better.
“Someone, bring a stool.”
A stool was brought, and Cui Ji turned to Liang Rong, saying, “Lord Rong, my side is busy with military affairs and doesn’t have much time for a lengthy conversation. If you’re interested, sit there quietly and watch, alright?”
Liang Rong nodded vigorously, and without Cui Ji urging him, he sat on the stool, looking like someone thirsty for knowledge. Cui Ji smiled faintly, no longer paying attention to him, and went back to dealing with the intricate military affairs.
“General, the scout reports that Gaodu has declared martial law!”
“As expected.” Sitting on his horse, Liu Cong snorted coldly. During the previous attack on Shangdang, he had experienced the hardships of strict vigilance everywhere, so this time, he was not in a hurry to march. Since a rapid cavalry charge wouldn’t bring any advantage, he opted for a steady and methodical approach, taking each step with caution.
In this campaign, the Han forces didn’t advance through the Hangu Pass but chose to attack Henan, crossing the Yellow River along Mengjin, and heading straight for Luoyang. This strategy not only avoided the edge of Hongnong’s large camp but also allowed them to approach the capital quickly. Therefore, the seventy thousand troops were divided into two forces, with one heading for Henan and the other for Shangdang.
The thirty thousand troops led by Liu Cong were precisely responsible for the left flank’s attack on Shangdang. In fact, this battle was not easy to fight. Since Liang Zixi rose to prominence in Bing County, the situation below was like a collapsed frame, with small tribes escaping every day. Even though Lishi was still in the hands of the Han, it no longer had farming or fighting populations. With such an empty shell, not to mention launching an attack, even maintaining control was extremely difficult.
What Pei Dun failed to accomplish initially, Liang Zixi achieved in just a few months, completing seven or eight. How could this not chill the hearts of others?
This was precisely why Liu Cong insisted on taking command and personally attacking Shangdang. Having such an enemy at the rear was truly unsettling. He had already suffered two defeats in Shangdang, and this time, he was determined to wipe away the previous disgrace and regain his position of merit!
His elder brother, Liu He, had already been named the Crown Prince. After all, he was the legitimate son of Empress Huyan, and in terms of status, Liu Cong couldn’t compete. But no one knew what Liu Cong was thinking. He was the most beloved child of the emperor, rumored to be a miraculous birth accompanied by the vision of the sun entering the womb when his mother gave birth to him. Moreover, among all the imperial princes, he had the best talent and the greatest achievements. Why should he let that bookish fool inherit the throne?
Although the Han Dynasty followed Confucian principles, Liu Cong had also studied for several years at the Taixue in Luoyang. However, their bloodline ultimately traced back to the Xiongnu Chanyu. How could they only consider legitimacy and not strength?
As long as he could take Shangdang, or even just the Taihang Pass, the emperor would surely reward him with higher titles and positions. And that hypocritical elder brother of his couldn’t underestimate him anymore…
Numerous thoughts raced through Liu Cong’s mind. He tightened the reins in his hands and shouted loudly, “March to Shangdang and flatten Gaodu!”
The horns sounded, and tens of thousands of troops set out, crossing the Qīn River and advancing straight to the walls of Gaodu!
※
Advertisement
“The Xiongnu are preparing to attack the city!” Standing atop the walls of Gaodu, Zhu Guo’s face became solemn as he watched the siege engines being set up below.
This time, the Xiongnu did not come with light cavalry but with a mix of infantry and cavalry, bringing many siege weapons. Obviously, they intended to capture Gaodu in one fell swoop. If they followed the same tactics as before, defending the city with only a few hundred soldiers, it might fall within a day. Fortunately, General Yi had made preparations, stationing the elite troops of the Yongrui Camp inside Gaodu.
Even so, dealing with the thirty thousand troops below the city was no easy task. Although Gaodu had undergone multiple renovations in recent years, even with higher and thicker walls, it was still just a county seat. How to endure the first few days was the key!
“Order to seal the city gates!” Zhu Guo commanded sternly.
Behind the city gates, sand and stones were piled up, symbolizing the determination to defend to the death. Gaodu must not fall into the enemy’s hands at any cost. However, he wondered if there would be enemy forces in the Prefectural Government.
With heavy thoughts, Zhu Guo didn’t reveal his concerns on his face. Instead, he said, “Order Magistrate Guo to reassure the commoners and send two more teams of civilian laborers to the city walls.”
The messenger quickly ran down to the city below, and Zhu Guo shouted loudly, instructing the soldiers on the city walls to be on guard for the approaching enemy.
“Beat the drums!” Sitting on his horse, Liu Cong coldly issued his orders. “As long as Gaodu falls, the entire army can enter the city and loot. All the spoils of war in the city will belong to you all!”
Advertisement
This was a veiled hint at city slaughter. Liu Yuan valued reputation and wasn’t particularly fond of his subordinates wantonly slaughtering the city’s inhabitants. However, Liu Cong couldn’t manage such concerns. Gaodu was a tough nut to crack, and if he wanted to take it, he had to up the stakes. Situated near the Taihang Pass, it was a crucial trade route in Bing County and also the stronghold of Liang Zixi. The city might have accumulated considerable wealth and provisions. Just this order was enough to ignite the fighting spirit among his subordinates.
Indeed, upon hearing Liu Cong’s words, a fierce gleam appeared in the eyes of those generals. The thunderous drumming began, and siege engines, ladders, and battering rams all charged towards the city.
After capturing Hedong, the Han Dynasty acquired a new batch of siege equipment, including the Thunderclap Cannons that almost routed Liu Cong’s forces before. Though not as advanced as the siege engines in Shangdang, Liu Cong wouldn’t miss the chance. Dozens of laborers pulled the cannon ropes with force, and head-sized stones whistled toward the city walls, immediately suppressing the enemy’s arrow barrage.
Covered with oxhide, the battering rams followed closely. However, inside were not giant logs for ramming the walls but soldiers carrying sandbags. Shielded by the ram’s cover, the battering ram swiftly advanced toward the city. Once the moat was filled, they could set up ladders and rush the city walls!
However, these arrangements did not go as smoothly as planned. The bed crossbows on the city walls emitted sharp sounds, shooting towards the Thunderclap Cannons. The laborers pulling the ropes fell to the ground, dead. Several dozen ceramic jars accurately landed around the battering ram, covered in black grease, and were shot with rockets, instantly turning into a fireball. The soldiers hidden inside screamed as they rushed out, only to be shot down by the rain of arrows from the city walls.
Liu Cong coldly watched the intense scene before him without any change in expression. Siege warfare indeed incurred losses, especially when attacking a fortified city like Gaodu. However, they couldn’t bypass it. Attacking Gaodu was the beginning of everything and a bait to lure out the hidden forces of Shangdang for a decisive battle.
If they couldn’t defeat the forces of Shangdang, even capturing Gaodu wouldn’t be of much use. Liu Cong didn’t want to let those people lead him by the nose again, falling into pre-set traps. He intended to control the battlefield of this decisive battle!
“Send three thousand troops to Taihang Pass, within two days, make sure to capture Taihang Pass!” Liu Cong ordered coldly.
Attacking Gaodu with thirty thousand troops might be challenging. However, Taihang Pass, being a small stronghold, could be taken with three thousand men! Taihang Pass wasn’t like Gaodu; he was determined to succeed!
Three thousand troops left the main camp and headed towards Taihang Pass. The drums of siege warfare continued unabated. The soldiers of the Xiongnu were like a turbulent wave made of iron and blood, fiercely assaulting the towering city walls.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, in the highlands, a scout rushed in with the latest information. “General, the Xiongnu have begun their siege! Thirty thousand troops are surrounding Gaodu, and they’ve also sent several thousand soldiers to attack Taihang Pass unexpectedly!”
After several major battles, the forces in Shangdang weren’t abundant, totaling less than twenty thousand at full strength. Additionally, five thousand troops were dispatched to guard various cities to prevent the Xiongnu from attacking. Now, how would this force of fifteen thousand repel an enemy several times their size?
Yiyan’s face remained as cold as ice. “What about the Liang residence? Are there enemy forces?”
“Not seen. However, our scouts are keeping a close watch. If they leave the camp to rescue Gaodu, they will likely be ambushed by cavalry!”
This is the Xiongnu’s strategy for this campaign: using the siege of Gaodu as bait to lure out the enemy’s main forces. Whether against the Liang residence or the Shangdang forces, the Xiongnu holds a numerical advantage and isn’t afraid of open-field battles. If left unchecked, Gaodu might not last for many days, and Taihang Pass could be captured in one fell swoop.
If they lose Taihang Pass, the Xiongnu will open up the route to Henan, and they will be able to encircle Luoyang in conjunction with the Western Army. If they can capture Gaodu, it would be even better, as they can use it as a stronghold deeply rooted in the Shangdang region. Not to mention the threat of heavy forces, just the safety of the Liang residence is a cause for concern.
The enemy has a quite capable general.
However, Yiyan did not show any signs of anxiety. It could be said that these tactics did not catch him by surprise in the slightest.
“Order the Xianbei to hasten their pace, escort the supplies, and immediately come to Li Ting. Two days later, the army will break camp!” Yiyan commanded.
Two days, that was the “expected” reaction time for them. If the enemy wanted to control the overall situation, he would allow them to take the initiative. Only in this way could they strive for a glimmer of hope in a dire situation!
※
“Is Minister Cui in the rear hall?” The day’s lessons finally ended, and Liang Rong walked out of the academy, immediately asking his bodyguard in a low voice.
“He is. Does the young lord want to go there?” the bodyguard asked.
“Yes!” Liang Rong nodded quickly.
The bodyguard didn’t ask much, taking a step forward to clear the way for Liang Rong. These days, the governor’s mansion had multiplied its defenses, mostly surrounding the rear residence to take care of Liang Rong’s daily life. Seeing these well-armored, fierce-looking bodyguards, how could Liang Rong not realize the peril of the Shangdang war? It’s just that he didn’t expect his father to dispatch so many bodyguards to watch over him!
Advertisement
If they were on the battlefield, these elites would surely kill many enemies, but now they remained in the rear, guarding by his side. This made Liang Rong feel a complex emotion, a mix of powerlessness and shame. He knew his father had experienced many battles, but this was the first time he personally felt the oppressive pressure of impending warfare.
However, Liang Rong was not frightened by such a situation. On the contrary, he continued his daily routine of attending school, and spending hours in the academy before returning to rest. His father did not allow him to leave Shangdang, intending to stabilize the hearts of the people in this county. Despite any worries, Liang Rong did not show them on his face. However, once the lessons were over, he couldn’t sit still; he had to go to the rear courtyard to see and feel at ease.
Without hesitation, he walked towards the rear courtyard. In recent days, Cui Ji had to spend a considerable amount of time in the strategic room deducing the war situation and controlling the rear army’s supply routes. Today was no exception. In the small rear hall, people bustled about, officials entering and exiting briskly, carrying scrolls. In the center of the room, there was a huge sand table depicting the entire topography of Shangdang, as if the entire county was laid out before his eyes.
Liang Rong didn’t disturb the busy Cui Ji; instead, he hid on the side, observing the changes on the sand table. From Gaodu to Lu City, even with a fast horse, it would take a day. This should be yesterday’s battle situation. How many troops did the Xiongnu bring? How was the situation in the mansion?
“Lord Rong!” Cui Ji noticed Liang Rong’s figure and quickly walked over. “Have you finished your studies?”
“Exactly!” Liang Rong quickly bowed to his teacher. “Rong’er delayed Master’s official business.”
“Where is it? You’ll learn these sooner or later.” Cui Ji didn’t mind and personally led Liang Rong to the sand table, pointing with his hand. “These are the Xiongnu troops, represented by black flags, one flag for a thousand soldiers.”
There were densely packed flags, seemingly around thirty. Liang Rong’s face turned a bit pale. “Are they besieging Gaodu?”
“Exactly, and Taihang Pass has also been attacked and captured.” Cui Ji pointed to another location.
Seeing the small city representing Taihang Pass with inserted black flags, Liang Rong’s expression became even more unpleasant. “Then… what about our army?”
“Still at Li Ting, set to march tomorrow.” Cui Ji answered simply.
Liang Rong counted accurately, immediately noticing the number of red flags at Li Ting. “Only fifteen thousand troops? Can they win?”
He had read military books and knew the difficulty of winning with fewer numbers. The enemy had twice as many troops; could Gaodu be defended?
Cui Ji smiled faintly. “This is something Lord Rong should know. The situation in war changes rapidly, but strategy must be set before deploying. With a proper response, there is hope for victory. Also, General Yi is the most formidable commander under the Lord. In over a dozen battles, regardless of the size of the forces, he has never been defeated!”
These words seized Liang Rong’s cautious heart. Never been defeated! What a heroic declaration! The image of that cold, peculiar face rushed into his mind. However, this time, he didn’t feel the rejection he used to. Had his father spent more time teaching that person than teaching him? If so, could he also, as he grew older, fight for his father, exterminating those thieves daring to trespass into Shangdang, and even the entire Bing County?
Seeing the little guy’s excited and flushed expression, Cui Ji breathed a sigh of relief in his heart. After all, Liang Rong was the only son of the Lord. If he were timid and cowardly, how could he support such a grand undertaking? However, in these days, his performance surprised everyone. Being calm in the face of change, even many adults might not achieve that. Now that he showed interest in military matters, it was even better.
“Someone, bring a stool.”
A stool was brought, and Cui Ji turned to Liang Rong, saying, “Lord Rong, my side is busy with military affairs and doesn’t have much time for a lengthy conversation. If you’re interested, sit there quietly and watch, alright?”
Liang Rong nodded vigorously, and without Cui Ji urging him, he sat on the stool, looking like someone thirsty for knowledge. Cui Ji smiled faintly, no longer paying attention to him, and went back to dealing with the intricate military affairs.
