12dz Chapter 2025 This is an overt scheme
Chapter 2025 This is an overt scheme
When Li Jing mentioned reinforcements and the decisive battle, the tense atmosphere in the tent seemed to ease somewhat.
Then he stood up, his voice rising a few decibels, carrying an uplifting power:
"It is especially worth mentioning that General Guo Ziyi not only brought fresh troops with him, but also escorted a large amount of grain and military equipment!"
"Enough to support our army in a protracted and decisive battle with Chu Ning!"
"Generals, our logistics are secure, reinforcements are on their way, and the scales of victory will ultimately tip in our favor!"
He looked at his generals and gave clear instructions: "In the next few days, all units must strengthen their vigilance and guard against the Chu army repeating its old tricks or launching a surprise attack on our newly defeated army."
"Patrol the camp with extra caution!"
Finally, his gaze fell on Tuwu Jin again, his tone softening, carrying a hint of reassurance and encouragement:
"Leader of the Tujuejin, your troops have suffered in today's battle."
"Let your warriors rest and recuperate, heal the wounded, and restore morale. Today's defeat is a common occurrence in war."
"Believe me, as long as the allied forces are of one mind, the opportunity to avenge our defeat is just around the corner!"
"At that time, the leader and the warriors of the Blood Wolf tribe will need to show their prowess once again!"
Li Jing's words were reasonable and well-founded.
It demonstrated both tolerance and understanding for failure, a clear plan for the future, and crucial information on logistical support, effectively stabilizing morale and providing Turkic forces with a dignified way out.
Upon hearing this, Tuwu Jin felt a mix of emotions: resentment at not being able to avenge his defeat, gratitude for Li Jing's magnanimity, and a renewed fighting spirit for the future.
He bowed again, this time with a touch more sincerity in his voice: "This general will obey the commander's orders! I will certainly discipline my men and have them rest and recuperate in preparation for our next mission!"
at the same time.
In stark contrast to the oppressive and somber atmosphere within the Tang army camp, which carried a sense of dejection and forced self-reinforcement following a recent defeat, the council hall of the temporary palace inside Zhennan Pass was filled with an air of triumphant confidence and vigor.
The charcoal fire burned brightly, dispelling the last chill of winter and reflecting the excited expressions on the faces of the generals present.
Zhao Yu, clad in silver armor and a white robe, had just finished his report. He stood tall and straight, showing no signs of fatigue despite the fierce battle. Instead, his eyes shone brightly, radiating the glory of a victorious return.
He clearly and powerfully recounted how he led the White Horse Cavalry into battle, how he tore through the flanks of the Scorpion Clan Cavalry like a hot knife through oil, how he routed the Tuwu Jin army, and how they ultimately achieved a great victory and retreated calmly back into the pass.
"Excellent! General Zhao has indeed lived up to my expectations!"
Chu Ning clapped his hands and laughed, his face full of joy and praise, "The White Horse Cavalry are unstoppable!"
"This battle not only dealt a heavy blow to those arrogant barbarians from Tuwujin, but also greatly boosted the morale of our army, letting Li Jing know that the mighty army of our Great Chu is not to be trifled with!"
His gaze toward Zhao Yu was full of admiration: "General Zhao deserves the greatest credit for this battle! All the soldiers who participated will be rewarded!"
"On behalf of my men, I thank Your Majesty for your great kindness!"
Zhao Yu bowed respectfully, his voice booming, his heart filled with heroic spirit.
To receive such praise from the emperor would be an unparalleled honor for any general.
Other generals in the hall, such as Ran Ming, also cast admiring and congratulatory glances at Zhao Yu, creating a warm atmosphere.
However, amidst this joy of victory, a calm voice tinged with worry rang out, like a piece of ice thrown into a boiling pot, slightly cooling everyone's excitement.
Feng Anguo stepped forward, his brows slightly furrowed, and bowed to Chu Ning, saying:
"Your Majesty, General Zhao fought a brilliant battle, which has enhanced the prestige of our army."
"However, just now, the scouts at the front risked their lives to send back the latest intelligence, saying that during the battle between our army and the Tuwu Jin tribe, they observed signs of multiple troop movements within the Tang army camp."
"The flag's position has also changed. Although the specific details cannot be ascertained due to the heavy security, it is certain that Li Jing took this opportunity to secretly adjust the camp's deployment while our army's attention was diverted."
He raised his head, his gaze grave: "This humble general suspects that much of the important intelligence that General Ran Ming painstakingly gathered about their catapult positions, crossbowmen distribution, and grain storage points has probably become obsolete."
"Li Jing's move was intended to blind our army, making it unable to carry out precise strikes in the decisive battle."
This news made Ran Ming, who had just been excited, look rather grim.
He clenched his fists, realizing that the intelligence he had obtained last night amidst a hail of arrows and boulders had become worthless so quickly.
However, Chu Ning, who was sitting upright, did not show much surprise on his face after hearing Feng Anguo's report. Instead, a calm smile appeared on his lips, as if he had everything under control.
He gave a soft "hmm," his gaze sweeping over everyone present before finally settling on Feng Anguo, and slowly began to speak:
“I am aware of Anguo’s concerns. In fact, I had already considered this when I ordered Zhao Yu to attack.”
He stood up, walked with his hands behind his back to the huge sand table of southern Xinjiang, his gaze sharp as a hawk, as if he could see through the sand table and see Li Jing's figure strategizing in the central command tent.
"Li Jing is a seasoned and shrewd strategist, well-versed in the art of deception and deception."
Chu Ning's voice was calm yet powerful: "General Ran Ming's probing last night was clearly motivated by something."
"With Li Jing's abilities, how could he not see through my intention to find out his camp layout? His sending Tuwu Jin to attack the city today is both a response and a cover."
"He calculated that I would send troops out of the city to intercept them, and thus used this confrontation to attract our army's attention, carrying out his secret plan to adjust his deployment and render our previous intelligence useless."
"This is an open strategy, and also a brilliant one."
He readily acknowledged the wisdom and response of his opponents, a composure that won the respect of his generals.
"but--"
Chu Ning changed the subject, her tone filled with powerful confidence: "If Li Jing can change, does that mean our Great Chu is completely unprepared and can only rely on outdated intelligence?"
He pointed heavily on the sand table, marking the location of the Chu army's main camp: "No problem! Let him adjust his plans, I'll prepare mine!"
"During this period, I have ordered officials of the Ministry of Works and artisans in the army to work day and night, taking advantage of the Zhennan Pass!"
"Fifty new catapults have been built and deployed! Siege towers, battering rams, siege towers, and other siege equipment have also been inspected and are in ample supply!"
His gaze swept over the routes representing logistical supplies: "As for provisions and weapons, I have been expediting their transport from various prefectures in the rear. The provisions currently stockpiled within the pass are sufficient to support our 300,000-strong army for three months!"
"Further supplies are being continuously transported. In this respect, our army has gained an absolute advantage!"