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墨書 Inktalez
Since Luzi learned that the Zhao Army was launching a full-scale counterattack, he began searching for ways to cross the Dan Shui River. With a standard Military Map in hand, there was no need to look elsewhere. He had spent almost all his time these days familiarizing himself with the geography of the entire battlefield, to the point where he could describe it as knowing it like the back of his hand. Now, if he closed his eyes, the mountains and rivers would appear before him like a painting.
After careful consideration, he realized that there was indeed an optimal plan for secretly entering the East Bank of the Dan Shui River. The main force of the Qin Army only needed to sail upstream along the Qin River to reach Yang Gujian, then abandon their boats and land to successfully infiltrate the rear of the Zhao Army.
According to reports from Chen Youliang, who had returned from the front lines, Great King Village and Little Wang Village were originally the forward positions of the Qin Army. The locations of these two villages corresponded with each other and were situated on a crucial route leading into Taihang Mountain. Luzi, who was always concerned about the overall strategic situation, had been calculating how the Qin Army could achieve victory; if he was correct, this area would be key to determining the outcome of the battle.
When he heard Bai Qi ask how many troops were needed, he had already confirmed his thoughts in his heart. He paused to look back at the generals who maintained a certain distance behind him. This was protocol! When a general had important matters to discuss, it was customary for others to step away. Of course, this also served as a self-protective measure to ensure that he knew fewer confidential matters.
"Grand Commander! Since we are discussing troop issues, we don't need a Military Map, do we?"
Hearing Luzi's question, Bai Qi couldn't help but smile and shake his head. For Bai Qi, he understood the Shangdang Map thoroughly by now. If he wanted to know about every village and hamlet, all he had to do was close his eyes and they would all come to mind immediately. He nodded in acknowledgment that there was no need for it and encouraged Luzi to speak freely.
With this answer, Luzi addressed a strategic location: Great King Village. "If Grand Commander is willing to allocate me tens of thousands of troops, then searching for the Communication Camp will not seem so important. If Your Majesty wishes to achieve unparalleled success for Great Qin, Great King Village and Little Wang Village need to be controlled."
This was a conversation between understanding individuals!
Bai Qi's earlier mention of sending troops to search for the Communication Camp was merely an excuse! To recklessly send the Army into the heart of Zhao territory just to find a few hundred lost soldiers would disrupt the entire operational plan. That would not be Bai Qi, the war god of Great Qin Kingdom; it would be someone else entirely!
"Would General Lu be willing to take on this task?"
Luzi immediately expressed that this was exactly what he intended; naturally, he would not hesitate!
Delighted! Truly worthy of Luzi! Bai Qi secretly praised him and looked up at the gate of the general's residence just a few steps away. "If I am not mistaken, I believe Generals Meng and Wang may be in Great King Village! To honor Luzi's brotherhood, how about I give you twenty thousand elite troops?"
Luzi initially planned to demand fifty thousand troops, but upon hearing the other party mention less than half, he was left dumbfounded. After all, this was the Zhao Army, reputed to have a million soldiers! Deploying fifty thousand from their side for the mission was already the limit. How could they offer so few?
“Grand Commander, are you joking? Twenty thousand troops? That’s hardly enough to fill their teeth! Haha!”
Bai Qi, who had already made plans, observed Luzi pretending to be relaxed and asked, “General Lu, which eye did you see me joking with? This isn’t a Joint exercise; if we engage in battle, it could very well be a life-and-death situation.”
Even though they were familiar with each other, Luzi couldn’t ignore the sudden change in Bai Qi. He quickly cleared his throat to cover up the awkwardness. Ultimately, how many troops were needed? The initial plan of fifty thousand was already a result of repeated reductions. As Bai Qi pointed out, sending only twenty thousand for the mission was unrealistic. Not to mention whether anyone could survive this battle, ensuring that they completed the mission would be extremely difficult.
The main force of the Qin Army entering Shangdang Border had reached five hundred thousand. Logically speaking, they should be able to spare some troops for such a significant task. Luzi, feeling troubled, decided to push for more and subtly reminded, “Grand Commander! You know how many troops the Zhao Army has brought; twenty thousand Soldiers wouldn’t even be enough for them to chew on...”
Bai Qi naturally had his own difficulties; he could even describe his situation as being stretched thin. King Zhao of Qin had brought all able-bodied men over fourteen from his kingdom, indicating that the situation in Shangdang was critical. However, these matters were not for subordinates to discuss openly, so he smiled and said, “You, General Lu, managed to fend off tens of thousands of Wei soldiers with just a few hundred... that’s a ratio of one to two hundred against the Zhao Army. Now I’m giving you twenty thousand troops; by that ratio, it’s more than enough!”
This was an entirely different concept!
Luzi realized that this was how Bai Qi had formulated his battle plan and thought it best to let it go. Before the Commander made a final decision, he hurriedly put forth his conditions. Since this matter was settled, he would comply. However, those twenty thousand troops must be elite; at the very least, they should be an elite team!
Listening quietly as Luzi intended to request elite support from the Qin Army, Bai Qi suddenly showed a hint of a smile. He assured him regarding troop quality and stated that it was indeed arranged this way. Not only would they provide the finest elite from Qin State, but they would also be among those with rich combat experience!
In warfare, troop quality determined everything. In comparison, having combat experience seemed secondary. Just a couple of battles would quickly transform inexperienced recruits.
At this moment, Luzi didn’t pay attention to why Bai Qi smiled because his immediate concern was when those twenty thousand troops would arrive at Wild King City. When he inquired about this matter, Bai Qi informed him that they would arrive shortly—within five days at most or three days at least. Considering communication issues, subsequent military actions and supply logistics could proceed without needing formal requests or reports.
With the overall situation settled, further discussion was pointless. Looking at the nearby gate of the residence, Luzi invited the Grand Commander inside for further discussion. Having received permission to leave the city, he now needed to request a general to take over city defenses.
Bai Qi shook his head. "General Lu! The military situation at the front is urgent, and I cannot delay here any longer. There will be plenty of time for us brothers to gather again in the future." After saying this, he took out the operation order from his pocket and handed it to Luzi. "This is only for you and me to know; do not leak it."
Luzi took it with both hands and hid it inside his armor, indicating that he understood the importance of discretion. "Grand Commander, after such a long journey, why don't we rest a bit and have a meal before leaving?"
Bai Qi glanced again at the nearby General's Mansion. "There's no time; we can eat on the road! The troops transporting supplies will return to Wild King City shortly, and I will take care of the remaining journey. As for the guard duty in Wild King City, General Lu need not worry. I have already made arrangements, and the replacement will arrive with the troops. Alright! I hope we brothers can celebrate our victory together in the capital! Farewell!"
Luzi, who had intended to extend hospitality, understood that Bai Qi was not unwilling to stay for a meal but was indeed pressed by urgent military matters. Thus, he accompanied Bai Qi out of the city along with many generals, parting with tears in their eyes.
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