12dz Chapter 2001 Jia Yu's Advice
Chapter 2001 Jia Yu's Advice
A brief silence fell over the tent once again.
The complete annihilation of Helian Wujiu's 40,000-strong army was undoubtedly a glorious victory, but the Vermilion Bird Legion, as the main force, also paid a heavy price.
This series of figures clearly outlines the brutal nature of the Battle of Luoxia Mountain.
The Chu army captured the strategically important Luoxia Mountain camp, a brilliant victory, but the foundation of this victory was forged by the blood and lives of countless soldiers.
Feng Mulan's gaze passed over Xue Huaide and landed on Jia Yu, the strategist behind him who had been standing silently with a white feather fan in his hand.
Jia Yu had a lean face, three long wisps of beard, and eyes that revealed the composure and insight of a wise man.
Mr. Jia,
Feng Mulan spoke, her tone carrying a consultative tone: "The current situation is clear. Wang Zhongsi has just suffered a defeat, losing most of his troops, and has retreated to Zhennan Pass."
"In your opinion, should our army press on and take Zhennanguan in one fell swoop, or should we make other plans?"
Upon hearing this, Jia Yu, holding a feather fan, bowed respectfully with a composed demeanor.
He paused for a moment, then spoke slowly, his voice gentle yet clear and articulate:
"Your Majesty, although our army has won a great victory, the soldiers are exhausted from days of fierce fighting, and the casualties need time to be digested and integrated. The newly surrendered soldiers need to be reorganized, and the captured supplies need to be counted and distributed."
"At this time, it would be a poor strategy to rashly launch a distant attack on a pass with an exhausted army."
“Zhennan Pass is a key border town, easy to defend and difficult to attack. Although Wang Zhongsi was defeated, he was still a great general.”
“Li Jing is no ordinary man. He has secured the pass and is waiting for the enemy to tire themselves out. Even though our army has the advantage in numbers, it will be difficult to conquer it quickly. If we linger at the foot of the fortified city, something unexpected may happen.”
He changed the subject, gently waving his feather fan: "Furthermore, the Battle of Luoxia Mountain was large in scale and had a far-reaching impact."
"Such a strategic-level operation means that the next move is no longer a purely military consideration, but also related to the overall strategy of the court and the surrounding situation."
"In my humble opinion, the best option for our army at present is to rest and recuperate on the spot for a few days."
"Firstly, it allows the soldiers to recover their strength, treat the wounded, and consolidate the newly acquired Luoxia Mountain defense line; secondly, and most importantly—"
Jia Yu raised his head and looked at Feng Mulan with clear eyes: "We await His Majesty's reply and clear decree."
"I believe that after receiving the report of the victory and the details of this battle, His Majesty will take a holistic view and make arrangements and instructions for our army's next steps."
"Before this, our army should hold Luoxia Mountain, consolidate our gains, and observe the situation. This is the best course of action."
After listening to Jia Yu's analysis, a hint of agreement flashed in Feng Mulan's eyes.
Jia Yu's considerations were indeed mature and prudent.
Such a great victory will surely bring rewards from the court. However, whether to fight or make peace, to attack or defend, requires Emperor Chu Ning to weigh and decide from the strategic perspective of the entire empire.
Although she had intended to continue expanding her gains, she also knew that Jia Yu's words made sense.
"Mr. Jia is thoughtful and mature in his approach to governing the country."
Feng Mulan nodded slightly and made a decision: "Very well, I will do as you say, sir."
"Order all troops to rest in place, strengthen defenses, provide compensation for the wounded and the injured, and take stock of the battle results."
"At the same time, we closely monitor the enemy's movements in the direction of Zhennanguan."
She then turned to the table beside her, where paper, ink, brush, and inkstone were already prepared.
"I will personally draft a memorial to His Majesty, reporting in detail the course of this battle and its gains and losses, and requesting instructions on the next steps."
Having said that, she picked up the imperial brush, dipped it in thick ink, and began to write on the spread-out bright yellow silk.
The tent fell silent again, with only the soft rustling of the brush tip gliding across the silk and the flickering candlelight.
The smoke of a major battle has gradually dissipated, but the struggle and decision-making regarding the future direction have only just begun with this victory report that is about to be sent to the capital.
One day later.
Inside the courtyard of Zhennanguan, which was temporarily used as the headquarters.
As dawn broke and the thin mist had not yet completely dissipated, the air was filled with the unique moisture and fresh scent of grass and trees characteristic of southern Xinjiang.
Dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, Chu Ning was wielding a long iron spear, moving nimbly and skillfully in the center of the courtyard.
Gunfire streaked across the battlefield, sometimes like a dragon emerging from the sea, powerful and heavy, sometimes like a nimble snake slithering out of its hole, cunning and swift.
He was agile and steady, each move embodying strength and skill. Beads of sweat slid down his resolute face, clearly indicating that he had been practicing for quite some time.
Since Feng Mulan led the main force of the Vermilion Bird Legion to the direction of Luoxia Mountain, Chu Ning, though stationed at the relatively safe Zhennan Pass, was constantly preoccupied with the battle situation at the front.
The outcome of the battle along the Luoxia Mountain-Heihe Valley line will determine the course of the entire war in the southern border region, and even more so the safety of his beloved and the strategic layout of the entire Chu army.
This concern transformed into even more arduous daily training in martial arts, and only when he was sweating profusely could he calm the turmoil in his heart.
Just as the gunplay was about to end, a series of steady yet rapid footsteps came from outside the courtyard gate.
Shen Lian, a commander of the Imperial Guards, dressed in a flying fish robe and with an embroidered spring knife at his waist, strode into the courtyard, holding a secret letter with a feather inserted and sealed with sealing wax.
He stopped three zhang away from Chu Ning, knelt on one knee, and held the letter high with both hands:
"Your Majesty, an urgent message from the Empress via carrier pigeon, sent from the front lines at Luoxia Mountain!"
Upon hearing the sound, Chu Ning flicked his wrist, and his spear twirled beautifully before settling firmly to his side with a clang.
He took a deep breath, calmed his slightly rapid breathing from the exercise, strode up to Shen Lian, and took the letter containing crucial information about the outcome of the battle on the front lines.
He quickly tore off the sealing wax, unfolded the letter, and scanned Feng Mulan's delicate yet powerful handwriting word by word with lightning speed.
The letter provided a clear and concise report on the battles, including the attack and defense of Luoxia Mountain, the blocking of Heihe Valley, the annihilation of Helian Wujiu's troops, and Wang Zhongsi's defeat, as well as the approximate casualties and troop strength of both sides.
When Chu Ning saw the line "Xue Dingshan fought fiercely and was seriously injured, but his life is not in danger. He has been sent back to the camp for treatment," Chu Ning's tightly furrowed brows visibly relaxed, and the corners of his usually taut mouth even slightly turned up in a smile.
He let out a soft breath and muttered to himself, "It's good that you're alright. That kid Xue Dingshan really didn't disappoint me, nor did he disappoint his father."
This sense of reassurance did not stem entirely from his appreciation of the young general.
Chu Ning had his own considerations.
Xue Huaide was originally a famous general of the Great Zhou Dynasty. He had only recently submitted to the Great Chu Dynasty, and his loyalty still needed time and achievements to solidify.
This southern expedition, which involved sending his only son Xue Dingshan to the army for training and to shoulder heavy responsibilities, was inherently a test of trust.
If Xue Dingshan were to die in this battle, it would be a heroic sacrifice for his country.
However, it will inevitably leave an indelible mark on Xue Huaide's heart, and may even affect his sense of belonging to the Great Chu in the future.
Although Xue Dingshan was seriously injured, he survived and made great contributions in battle.
This was undoubtedly the best outcome, as it not only demonstrated the loyalty and bravery of Xue and his son, but also eliminated a potential destabilizing factor, easing the emperor's psychological burden of "sending the son of a surrendered general to his death."