According to the "Records of Arts and Literature," "Wuzi's Art of War" consists of forty-eight chapters, but only six remain today, with the other forty-two lost to the sands of time. "Wuzi's Art of War" and "The Art of War by Sun Tzu" are collectively referred to as "Sun-Wu Military Strategy," honoring both authors, Sun Wu and Wu Qi.
Wu Qi's military achievements surpassed those of Sun Wu; he established the first professional army in China. A general who remained undefeated throughout his life, he was revered by countless future statesmen and military leaders. His most classic battle, where a force of fifty thousand Wei soldiers defeated a Qin army ten times its size, solidified his legacy. His presence made the Wei Kingdom one of the strongest feudal states during the early Warring States period.
Although he was later assassinated due to reforms orchestrated by the Wei nobility, his exceptional military theories had already taken root in people's hearts. Generals throughout the Wei Kingdom kept "Wuzi's Art of War" close at hand. Thus, it was no surprise that Jin Bi, a general of Wei, carried this book with him.
As Sun Yue was about to take his leave, he caught sight of his idol's heartfelt work and was immediately moved to tears. He realized that as a general, one must possess a general's heart and not lose sight of the bigger picture for personal glory or shame. He clasped his fists in salute and expressed his desire to report a matter.
Seeing Sun Yue's serious demeanor, Jin Bi felt an inexplicable irritation. "If General Sun wishes to discuss tomorrow's battle, it's best to stop here! You may return to rest; I need to rest as well!"
Determined to risk everything to advise him, Sun Yue knew that if he left now, he would be unable to sleep peacefully all night. Hearing the general's dismissal, he remained resolute for the sake of the soldiers' lives. "General! Military strategy states: advance when possible and retreat when necessary. The Wild King City is no longer within our capability to breach; I dare suggest that you order a withdrawal."
Earlier, Wei Wujie had caused chaos in the camp; now another person was coming to disrupt their morale! Jin Bi was frustrated by anyone bringing this up. Did they think that the elite forces of Wei Kingdom were so weak? It was one thing to suffer losses without seeking revenge; now they were even suggesting a retreat!?
Jin Bi slammed his hand on the table and shouted, "You dare! You are merely a Centurion! How can you question the battle plan? What punishment do you deserve?!"
With unwavering determination, Sun Yue pressed on. "General! We have already missed the optimal time for an attack; I believe reinforcements from Qin State are on their way. I am not trying to undermine anyone but speaking honestly about my thoughts. Regardless of how many defenders remain in Wild King City, their general is a formidable opponent. With him defending the city, the troops will fight until the last man."
At this moment, Jin Bi, leading the Wei Army, was also an experienced veteran. Although he had few notable achievements to boast about, he understood what mattered on the battlefield. Whether one liked it or not, ignoring reality could cost lives. Seeing Sun Yue willing to risk his life for his principles reminded him of everything that had transpired during their siege earlier that afternoon.
Jin Bi took a deep breath to steady himself. He gestured for Sun Yue to sit down and said, "The Qin Garrison relies on their catapults; we just need to ensure we take out these long-range weapons for an unobstructed advance. As for the reinforcements from Qin Army... it won't be so easy for them to arrive."
At this moment in the Shangdang Campaign, dawn had yet to break, and Jin Bi did not want to reveal the truth to anyone just yet. Therefore, when he mentioned Qin State's reinforcements, he deliberately downplayed its significance as a precaution.
If the Army did not inform anyone of their destination before setting out, then arriving in the Shangdang Region now provides some insight. The Qin and Zhao Feudal States have been engaged in a prolonged battle here, and who among the common people is unaware of it?
After Sun Yue arrived at Wild King City, he pulled out the Wei Kingdom's Military Map to analyze the current enemy situation. What puzzled him was that the reinforcements from Qin State, which should have arrived by yesterday evening, had not appeared. This place is the supply base for the Qin Army; losing supplies would mean losing morale!
Not being able to understand something temporarily does not mean it will remain unclear forever. Given enough time, attentive individuals will eventually grasp the key points through various details. By observing his own country's troops, some questions began to find answers. Additionally, the military strictly forbids revealing their national affiliations, leading observant individuals to realize that this battle might be a globally significant Joint Operation.
Sun Yue belonged to that observant group; seeing that the Qin Army had not come to rescue Wild King City solidified his deductions. At this moment, the Qin Army had not forgotten their supply station; rather, they were unable to break free. If he was correct, the Shangdang Region was likely in complete chaos.
"General! I do not understand why the nearby Qin Army does not save their Granary; this is the supply base for hundreds of thousands of Qin soldiers. How important is Wild King City to the Qin Army? The fact that our army has been unable to descend means there is something amiss. Their failure to come to our aid now does not mean they will never come!"
Upon hearing this, Jin Bi nodded in acknowledgment of its truth. "Continue!"
"Yes!" Sun Yue felt a sense of relief at the change in the general's attitude. "In tomorrow's battle, our army will undoubtedly face fierce resistance from the Qin Garrison. If that is indeed the case, the entire fortifications of Wild King City may be destroyed. As the commander of Wild King City, he will not easily surrender the supplies within; I believe he has long prepared to fight alongside this city and all its provisions!"
Sun Yue paused here because there was no need to elaborate further. If the Wei Army descended before the Qin Army arrived, the defenders would leave behind a battered city for their enemies. Not only would the supplies within be set ablaze, but all fortifications would likely be utterly destroyed.
If time allowed, capturing the city would give the Wei Army a chance to quickly repair defenses. But at this moment, was that thought perhaps a bit presumptuous? The purpose of the Qin Garrison's desperate resistance was to delay time with all their might, even at the cost of their lives. And that time was precisely what the Wei Army needed most!
The best time for an assault on the city is actually on the day when the main force of Wei Army arrives; launching an overnight attack or rotating assaults would be feasible. It is believed that Wild King City is already in control of Wei Kingdom's forces, and those within the Qin Garrison have no time to prepare for destroying defenses or burning supplies.
However, war never operates on assumptions; it is best not to discuss clarity after events unfold!
As a seasoned warrior, Jin Bi knew well that speed in military matters is invaluable; this delay was due to waiting for news from other Feudal States, which wasted precious attack time. The mutual treachery among Feudal States has instilled fear in everyone; what appears seamless on the surface often conceals turbulent undercurrents beneath. Those who dare to fully trust one another often meet with disastrous outcomes!
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