Chapter 95
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When Prince Yan learned of their visit, his initial concern was that his younger brother might disrupt the flags on the sand table. Han Jiao hurriedly testified that Xie Duo had only looked and had not touched anything.
It was only after realizing that Han Jiao wanted to examine the sand table that Prince Yan obediently accompanied them into the tent.
Han Jiao explained the severity of the terrain disadvantage to Prince Yan, and then asked Xie Duo to explain the potential crisis and solution strategies in detail.
Prince Yan listened, nodded, and promised to have the Commander-in-Chief consider Xie Duo’s strategy later.
Han Jiao was concerned. “Will the Commander-in-Chief follow your orders?”
Prince Yan laughed. “Of course, does Master doubt me?”
“Why not invite the General now for a discussion?”
“General Chen has gone to inspect the artillery camp. I’ll invite him for a discussion once he returns. Master, you should head home and rest. The city gates will close shortly.”
After some thought, Han Jiao bluntly asked, “Could I stay for the night and share a space with the soldiers?”
Xie Duo looked sternly at the little child prodigy. “My tent can accommodate you.”
“That won’t work,” Prince Yan reminded, “Master, you have to be at the palace by dawn tomorrow. The city gates won’t open until then.”
Han Jiao turned to look at the big boss.
Xie Duo, understanding without words, replied, “I’ll inform the Hanlin Academy tomorrow. I’ll say I allowed you to stay for the night.”
Prince Yan shook his head. “It’s better to return to the city, Master. The court believes that we’ve severed our ties. If you stay in the camp tonight, it will surely raise suspicions.”
Xie Duo thought for a moment and looked at Han Jiao. “Let’s go. I’ll have someone escort you back home.”
Anxiously, Han Jiao looked at Prince Yan and said, “In that case, I’ll take my leave now. It’s up to you to convince General Chen.”
Prince Yan smiled. “Don’t worry, Master. I’ll inform General Chen.”
“Not just inform, but persuade the General.” Han Jiao’s tone grew firm as he stared at Prince Yan. “Tonight, you must convince General Chen to carefully analyze the strategic plan under Prince Ling’s guidance.”
Prince Yan was taken aback by Han Jiao’s words. He looked at Old Ninth with surprise.
Xie Duo gave a curious glance in the same direction.
Han Jiao reiterated, “Prince Ling is well-versed in military strategies. I’m his tutor and know his talents in warfare.”
Prince Yan nodded politely. “Understood.”
Han Jiao turned to the big boss and instructed, “Your Highness, make sure to share everything you know, even the smallest detail. A single reminder from you might save the lives of thousands of soldiers.”
Xie Duo nodded, and then the two brothers saw Master Han off on his carriage.
From the carriage, Han Jiao extended his head through the window and seized the last opportunity to shout, “Your Highness! Pay close attention and don’t overlook any corner!”
It wasn’t until the carriage disappeared from view that Prince Yan sighed in relief. He turned to go find Old Third but was stopped by his younger brother’s hand on his shoulder.
Prince Yan turned to look at Old Ninth.
“Let’s go back and look at the sand table,” Xie Duo said, with no hint of joking.
“I still have things to discuss with Old Third.”
“Didn’t you promise Han Xiaobai?”
Prince Yan turned back and said sternly, “Don’t be disrespectful. Han Jiao, despite his young age, is your tutor. Address him as ‘Master.'”
Xie Duo nodded indifferently and gestured toward the military tent, “Let’s go.”
“Didn’t you just mention everything? I’ve taken note. I’ll remind General Chen later tonight.”
“There are still some things I haven’t said,” Xie Duo replied seriously. “I was worried Han Jiao would be alarmed if I said them with him around.”
“What do you want to say?”
Xie Duo’s eyes shifted. “I think this battle might be quite troublesome.”
Prince Yan smiled wryly. “This is warfare, not child’s play. It’s natural for battles to come with difficulties. What looks like an insurmountable challenge to us may be easily handled by experienced commanders on the battlefield. Don’t worry too much.”
Xie Duo still had confidence in front of his sixth brother. “Han Jiao mentioned I have a talent for military strategies.”
Prince Yan chuckled and patted his brother’s shoulder. “Compared to Master Han, you might indeed have some talent, better than me. But marching and fighting in reality is no child’s play. On the battlefield, we rely on the experience of the Commander-in-Chief.”
“Did General Chen notice what I just found? The potential danger,” Xie Duo asked. “Why did he lead the main army through that perilous route?”
“We’ll ask him when he returns.”
“Invite me along too. I want to hear his perspective.”
Prince Yan sighed in resignation.
“Aren’t you planning to bring it up at all?” Xie Duo furrowed his brows. “Are you worried I’ll embarrass you?”
“We certainly need to address it with him, but you must be more tactful. You can’t question the General’s strategy with such an attitude.”
“This mission involves all of Great Chu’s elite forces going to suppress the rebellion in Luozhou. It’s such a significant matter. Do we really need to worry about whose face is saved? You’re setting out before dawn. You must clarify things quickly,” Xie Duo asserted with determination. “I not only want to ask why he led the main forces through peril, but I also want to know why he brought in the northwestern garrison for this battle. Why not bring our own southeastern troops?”
“Do you want to falsely accuse General Chen? The deployment of troops is all arranged by Senior Minister Xu.”
“Even if it’s Senior Minister Xu, I still want to ask,” Xie Duo said with a cold expression. “Why did Senior Minister Xu bring the northwestern troops for this battle? Is he trying to weaken Senior Minister Li’s military authority? This is war. It’s no place for his political games.”
Prince Yan furrowed his brow and explained, “The reason we didn’t bring in southeastern troops is that they are too far away. Father Emperor demands a swift victory. Why not use the northwestern forces?”
“Why not? Are you asking me why?” Xie Duo looked at his sixth brother in disbelief. “Didn’t you see the terrain on the sand table? Sending northwestern cavalry for mountain warfare?” Xie Duo lowered his voice, “Big Brother, Senior Minister Xu is getting old. Maybe it’s time for him to retire.”
Prince Yan sighed and led Old Ninth back to the camp for a detailed discussion.
Prince Yan sat down by the sand table and patiently explained to Xie Duo, “The deployment for this campaign is very rushed, and you know how angry Father Emperor is. Every moment counts. Senior Minister Xu’s arrangements naturally have flaws. The questions you raised, General Chen privately discussed with me just now.”
Xie Duo brought over a stool, sat next to his sixth brother, and expressionlessly asked, “How does he plan to resolve it?”
“He said there’s no problem capturing the first pass,” Prince Yan pointed to the sand table. “General Chen assured me that we can take it within five days at most. We’ll send the news of the initial victory back to the capital urgently. Once Father Emperor’s anger subsides, we can slow down the offensive and plan carefully, making it easier.”
Upon hearing this, Xie Duo’s frozen expression softened a bit. He gestured to the tea pot on the small table next to Prince Yan. “I’m thirsty.”
Prince Yan turned to personally pour a cup of tea for his younger brother, showing no signs of anger. Having grown up together, Prince Yan never confronted Xie Duo’s temper head-on.
“So, as I just mentioned, everything is within General Chen’s control. If you have doubts, you can raise them, but don’t confront him.”
“Whose guilt am I questioning?” Xie Duo put down the tea cup. “You just acted as if it didn’t concern you. Can that not make one anxious?”
Prince Yan was about to argue but then, looking at his brother’s eager expression, he suddenly realized and smiled warmly. He spoke in a gentle tone, “Now you’re worried about your Big Brother’s safety?”
Xie Duo turned away and said, “I’m concerned about the two hundred thousand elite troops.”
“Alright, alright, no need to be upset. It’s my fault,” Prince Yan laughed. “Are you willing to share your concerns now? You can tell me everything.”
Xie Duo stopped being stubborn and stood up. He pointed to the sand table. “It’s not just about the cavalry’s disadvantage in mountain warfare. The enemy has a network of defense lines at each pass, creating a deep defensive route. If we force our way through the third pass, our army will get stretched like noodles. I’m not exaggerating. If we follow the attack route marked by the yellow flags on the sand table, by the time we reach the fourth pass, the local residents who know the terrain well can set up ambushes. One of them can defeat twenty of us!”
Prince Yan felt a bit uneasy listening to this and furrowed his brow as he looked at his brother. “In the same terrain, you’re so sure our elite troops can’t defeat the rebels? You’ve never been to that place.”
Xie Duo was resolute. “The layout of these mountain paths is cunning and intricate, clearly the work of the local residents. Do you think it comes cheap for us? You must consider the worst-case scenario.”
Prince Yan found merit in his words and held his ninth brother in higher regard. After deep thought, he asked, “So, how do you suggest we proceed?”
Xie Duo sat upright, his gaze fixed on his sixth brother. “After the first battle, initiate a temporary ceasefire and send a surrender proposal to the Chieftain of Luozhou. If he refuses, negotiate with him. Even if he makes audacious demands, don’t decline. Say we need to send his requests to Father Emperor for approval. In essence, maintain a facade of negotiation while secretly recruiting local militias, especially those skilled in rock climbing, from nearby tribes. These neighboring tribes often suffer from raids by the locals of Luozhou, so they hate Zhang Mushi with a vengeance. They’ll fight harder than our regular soldiers, and most importantly, they know the terrain and the tactics of the Luozhou residents.”
Prince Yan shook his head helplessly. “The proposal to recruit local militia was already brought up by Senior Minister Li, but Father Emperor rejected it outright. You know Father Emperor’s temperament…”
Xie Duo leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes briefly, and then opened them slightly. “The last resort is what I discussed with Han Xiaobai. First, attack the southern grain supply route, capture the two forts along the river, and construct mountain paths in open terrain. It’s hard to estimate casualties and military expenses, but it’s better than total annihilation.”
Prince Yan suddenly furrowed his brow. “Is it really that dire?”
Xie Duo lowered his eyes and spoke in a deep voice, “In any case, the terrain is chilling. We’ll have to wait for General Chen to provide guidance.”
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