My Cultivation Starting from Archery

"My lord, I have heard..."

After receiving permission, Zhao Kang said, "This Liang Jinian has some kind of divine artifact, what's it called again..."

"The Heavenly Book!"

Feng Yong supplemented, "It's been spread everywhere that he is the heaven-ordained child who has seen an Immortal, holding a scroll of the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book, extremely powerful. With the Heavenly Book, coupled with the strong support of several Major Sects, it is indeed possible for them to fight to this extent."

"You're right,"

Stroking his beard, Xu Wencai said, "He has the Heavenly Book, but if the Heavenly Book is truly so powerful, why were they stopped at Golden Spring Manor? The garrison of Golden Spring Manor is only five thousand strong, and General Dong's thirty thousand reinforcements haven't arrived yet."

"Geographical advantage, perhaps."

Zhao Kang said, "Golden Spring Manor is easy to defend and hard to attack, comparable to Henglong Prefecture in Yunzhou. As long as there is no internal chaos, it is very difficult to take."

After they arrived in Liangzhou, aside from practicing, they spent their days poring over Military Books, all to avoid holding back their superior.

"Good, you're all correct, so now comes the biggest doubt!"

Narrowing his eyes slightly, Xu Wencai said, "Given that Yunzhou is in such chaos, why hasn't the West Qi Kingdom launched a full-scale assault by now, why are they still only probing with their attacks? Wang Li, what do you think?"

"That..."

Wang Li, rubbing the hilt of his knife and frowning in serious contemplation, said, "They are not yet confident, waiting for the right opportunity."

"Waiting for what?"

Xu Bin muttered, "It's indeed strange, by the time our reinforcements get there, won't West Qi Kingdom have missed their chance?" Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire

Upon such analysis, the group began to feel something was amiss.

"My lord."

Xu Wencai asked curiously, "After our Liangzhou forces enter Ming State, how will we deploy them, how will we annihilate the enemy, and where will we transport the food and forage from? Will we rely on local supplies or transport them?"

Chen Sansi did not answer.

These matters were not for subordinates to know.

Strategic deployment was a secret.

Even generals with fifth rank and above did not have the full picture, and he could only listen in on account of his third-rank title. Even if he trusted Xu Wencai greatly, it was impossible to reveal such information.

According to the plan,

the Liangzhou forces would travel lightly, passing through Yan State directly into the heart of Ming State. Supplies and heavy equipment would be provided by Ming State. After all, "speed is the essence of war", and the idea was not problematic.

But in case of any unexpected events that prevented timely support from Ming State, the Liangzhou forces would turn into an isolated force, without even a city to rest and regroup in.

If it were up to Chen Sansi to command, he would definitely choose a more cautious approach.

After much consideration, he finally went to General Zhao's camp, prepared to offer his counsel.

"Yo, General Chen is here!"

Zhao Wuji, also studying a sand table, greeted him warmly, "General Chen, how well are your men trained? This could be a good opportunity to distinguish yourself."

"General Zhao."

Chen Sansi got straight to the point, "I have a suggestion regarding the deployment of our forces for the suppression of the rebellion, I wonder if it's appropriate to speak of it now?"

"Speak, of course."

General Zhao jestingly said, "In terms of military achievements, you're no less than me."

"My lord."

Chen Sansi, pointing at the sand table of Ming State, said, "I think our current march arrangement is somewhat insecure; perhaps it's better this way. After our army enters Ming State, we should not rush to advance southward but rather station and regroup at Guyu Prefecture, famously impregnable. Then we can wait for the Mingzhou Army to advance westward and join up with them at this point, merge our forces and proceed in an orderly fashion, gradually eating away at the enemy.

"Additionally, I suggest transporting supplies from Yan State and Liang State, rather than relying entirely on Ming State, because an unexpected interruption of supplies could cause great turmoil within the army, with dire consequences."

"Hmm, that's very cautious, but..."

Zhao Wuji, tapping on the sand table, said, "General Chen, haven't you commanded an army larger than ten thousand before? Do you know how much is consumed daily by the men and horses when a large army advances? Transporting supplies from Liang State to Ming State, the loss is significant; out of ten bushels transported to the frontline, at most only one or two bushels remain. When the Mingzhou Army has ample supplies, why bother with extra effort?

"As for your suggestion to merge forces, it's stable, yet it would maximize our losses.

"The Red Eyebrow Army is not foolish; while you're consolidating, they'll be preparing. If they retreat back into the city, you should know how brutal a siege can be.

"Or is there something else you're worried about? Feel free to speak up."

"I can't quite articulate it."

Chen Sansi nodded, "I just feel that West Qi's delay in taking action might be due to some other scheme."

"They're just too scared to act,"

Zhao Wuji said calmly, "General Dong was someone who could arm-wrestle with General Fang Qingyun; although he failed to come out on top, he is still a grandmaster of military strategy. With him there, it's natural for West Qi Country to be cautious and wait to see the extent of the Red Eyebrow Army's success.

"But ultimately they're just a disorganized mob who lack even a Martial Saint. Even if they have some worthless Heavenly Book, what of it? If the Heavenly Book were so potent, they wouldn't have come to a standstill."

"Everything General Zhao says is correct."

Chen Sansi stated, "But I still have this feeling..."

"Combat isn't about feelings, General Chen!"

Zhao Wuji patted his shoulder, "I believe that you will certainly become a great general in the future, likely even a Martial Saint, but for now, you are still young and need to grow.

"The plan to suppress the rebellion was formulated by General Lu, Mr. Hou, and me. It's too late to change, and it wouldn't be possible either.

"This time, it's your valuable chance to learn large-scale military operations by accompanying the army.

"You don't need to worry too much."

"No matter what, with Ming State's thirty thousand plus Liang State's forty thousand, seventy thousand against the rebel army's thirty thousand, the advantage is ours!"

"..."

Chen Sansi had no rebuttal to the other's argument.