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In 262 BC, although it was a year of abundant harvest, the State of Zhao faced a shortage of labor as most of its young soldiers were drafted to the Shangdang Region. The country had to organize women, children, the elderly, and the young to gather food to ensure sufficient supplies for the frontline troops.
Despite this, intentional or unintentional misreporting and withholding of grain made the issue of public grain collection particularly prominent. After all, most fertile lands belonged to wealthy landlords, while common people often lived on barren land. This led to an extremely abnormal social situation, causing widespread discontent among the populace.
On one hand, the government continuously increased taxes under the pretext of war, leaving the already struggling lower class with no food reserves. On the other hand, the wealthy celebrated their bountiful harvests with feasts of chicken and beef. The widening gap between rich and poor even resulted in supply shortages during a year of plenty.
For the ruling class, their only concern was how much wealth they possessed. As for the common people and soldiers risking their lives on the front lines, it was best that each party took responsibility for their own affairs.
At this time, the Zhao Army stationed along the Dan River began facing supply shortages. To make matters worse, news arrived that the Granary and Lightwolf Fortress had been captured by the Qin Army. General Zhao Kuo, who had accompanied the Zhao Army into battle, hurriedly sought out Commander Lian Po to discuss strategies. Retaking Lightwolf Fortress seemed challenging; however, they could approach it in two phases.
The two men had clashing temperaments and had argued more since entering the Shangdang Region. One was overly cautious while the other valued speed in military operations. This discord created a disconnect between their intentions and actions, leading Lian Po, a seasoned veteran, to harbor reservations about his younger counterpart.
Lian Po understood the Qin Army's objectives and was determined to intervene. If the Qin Army achieved its goals and remained entrenched, it would be justifiable for the Zhao Army to defend its territory; at that point, organizing a large-scale counteroffensive would be reasonable.
"General Zhao! What do you propose we do?"
Zhao Kuo sensed that Old General's tone was unfriendly. Taking a deep breath, he replied, "The Zhao Army excels in cavalry archery; long-distance raids are our forte. The Qin Army primarily relies on infantry and emphasizes defense. We should launch a surprise attack during their initial advance when they are still unsteady to disrupt their formation."
Hearing this old argument again, Lian Po waved his hand dismissively; those were matters of the past. They needed to focus on current issues.
Zhao Kuo had no choice but to analyze the present situation for Old General. The Zhao Army should take advantage of the Qin Army's unstable advance to mount a defensive counterattack. As for Lightwolf Fortress, there was no need to consider retaking it; after all, supplies from within Zhao were already en route, and the Qin Army would likely set an ambush near Lightwolf Fortress.
"Please agree with me, General; I am willing to lead three thousand light cavalry straight into the rear of the Qin Army at Granary and Wild King City! Not to capture cities but solely to burn all their supplies."
According to reports from scouts in the rear of the Qin Army, the Engineering Corps of the Qin State is constructing the Heavenly Road along the way. This so-called Heavenly Road is a wide path created by clearing mountains and building bridges over rivers. Traveling on this road, ten military carts can drive side by side without feeling crowded. This means that once the Heavenly Road reaches the Shangdang Region, they will no longer face the threat of food shortages. Unless there are years of famine domestically, but currently, it seems that the weather is favorable.
On the other hand, the logistics supply for the Zhao Army is much more challenging, as they need to cross rugged mountains, making the journey difficult. Although there is an Engineering Corps within their own territory, no one has considered this issue. However, these concerns are not something frontline commanders should worry about; after all, such matters fall under the purview of the engineering department. The military belongs to a different sector, and suggesting road construction might seem out of place.
Lian Po naturally had no interest in suggesting that others build roads into the mountains, nor did he have any thoughts about attacking the supply base of the Qin Army. With that energy, it would be more practical to send troops to reclaim Lightwolf Fortress. What he thought in his heart did not affect what he said aloud, so he asked, "General Zhao, what do you think our chances of winning are? I can give you three thousand light Cavalry; how many do you think will return?"
Zhao Kuo replied, "According to reliable information received, there are only about eight hundred defenders at Wild King City. I only hope to destroy this Supply Depot of the Qin Army; whether I can return is not important."
If it weren't for my friendship with your father Zhao She, how could I listen to a young lad like you speak recklessly! Lian Po snorted heavily in his heart and said indifferently, "Young man! Adventurism is not advisable! Just as you mentioned earlier, the strength of the Qin Army lies in their defense. Since they focus on defense, how could they be careless with their supplies in the rear? What if that is their strategy to lure us into a trap? If something happens to you, how will I explain it to your father?"
Zhao Kuo bowed again and said, "General! We are at war! Since we have come out here, why fear personal life or death!"
"Enough! No need to say more on this matter!" Lian Po stood up and issued a dismissal order. "The Qin Army seeks a quick resolution; our army can simply hold our ground and wear them down. Once they run out of supplies, they will retreat without a fight."
Since the Qin Army's surprise attack, statistics have shown that the Zhao Army has lost over fifty thousand soldiers. If they remain holed up without engaging, it won't just be the Qin Army's supplies that suffer; our own logistics will also face prolonged depletion. Zhao Kuo was aware that the Engineering Corps of the Qin Army was working overtime to construct the Heavenly Road; thus, Zhao Army's strategy of holding firm might prove futile.
"General..."
Seeing that this person was so unyielding, Lian Po waved his hand and stopped speaking.
Zhao Kuo knew that due to the Old General's opposition, another opportunity for a surprise attack had been missed. But military orders are like mountains; one must obey them. He could only grit his teeth in frustration and turn away without saying goodbye.
When subordinates leave, they must face the Commander directly. At this moment, Lian Po saw this man daring to turn his back on him and couldn't help but feel furious. "Stop right there! I've heard you're well-read; how can you be so disrespectful and embarrass your father's reputation?!"
Watching countless great opportunities slip away, costing the lives of tens of thousands of brothers, Zhao Kuo was already furious. However, he refrained from saying much because Lian Po was his senior. At this moment, hearing the questioning voices, he turned around angrily and said:
"A certain general has only lost face for his father, but you have tarnished the dignity of the soldiers of Zhao! I simply cannot understand what is so frightening about the Qin Army! Ever since our army entered the Shangdang Region, you have been hesitant and unwilling to engage in battle. All you know is to fortify, fortify! You keep fortifying, yet here we are at the Dan River!"
Inside the Main Tent, it was not just these two generals present. Seeing them argue heatedly made everyone else break out in a cold sweat. They hurried over to mediate, seriously stating that with a great enemy at hand, it was crucial to prioritize harmony. There was no major issue outside; they absolutely could not let things fall into chaos first.
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