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墨書 Inktalez
Military Strategy There are clouds; whenever an army desires to gather its numbers, it must unify their hearts. When the three armies are of one mind, they can be commanded to be invincible. Xu Zhenxin understands that the morale of the Tingzhou troops cannot be forced; if he tries to lead them against their will, he will inevitably fall into a disadvantage. It is better to let them be and seek other methods.
It is also said that there are no constant formations in war, just as water has no fixed shape. Those who can adapt to the enemy's changes and achieve victory are called divine. Xu Zhen aims not to predict the enemy's changes but to observe the shifts in the Tingzhou Prefecture troops, utilizing changes in their morale to strengthen their resolve. Only then can they fight effectively; otherwise, they would merely be scattered soldiers, easily defeated. If one thinks of survival before battle, they will surely lack strength in combat.
In light of this, Xu Zhen begins to ponder how to inspire the morale of the Tingzhou Prefecture soldiers. The Western Turkic forces are still digesting their recent conquests of Golden Ridge and Pulei, and they dare not rush to attack Tingzhou. Their assaults on Golden Ridge and Pulley County serve both to plunder and to test the waters.
Thus, Xu Zhen anticipates that they will rest at Golden Ridge and Pulley County, waiting for reinforcements while observing the response of the Tang Army. Only when fully prepared will they dare to launch an attack on Jinman City.
He withdraws all three hundred men from the Delegation, including the Tang Imperial Guards and the Tibetan Guards, intending to boost the morale of these Tingzhou Prefecture soldiers. However, he could not foresee that while he sought to inspire the Imperial Guards, they would take action against his female slaves.
After conquering Golden Ridge and Pulei, various tribes from the Western Turkic Ten Clans Tribe gather daily, with numbers varying widely. After several days of observation with Old Black, they select an eight-hundred-strong small tribal army for their attack.
Old Black is an extraordinary expert; those hidden Western Turkic Scouts are completely exposed under his watchful eye. The two easily traverse numerous checkpoints and ascertain the movements of this tribal army before launching a fierce assault like a storm!
Although War Elephants possess immense power, they are cumbersome and slow. Xu Zhen knows that with only three hundred men, it is impossible to swallow this eight-hundred-strong tribal army in one go.
Thus, he adopts a hit-and-run tactic: all three hundred men ride fast horses with powerful crossbows, choosing moments when the tribal army is setting up camp and cooking meals. Each time they strike like a whirlwind and retreat like a sudden downpour, akin to wolves tearing at an elephant. After five days of relentless attacks, they finally decimate the tribal army before deploying the War Elephants to completely engulf them.
Led by Ero, the Eighteen Protectors are like cold-blooded killing machines; they are accustomed to mounted combat and even more so to group battles. The reputation of the Demon Suppression Vajra Imperial Guard from the Tubo Royal Family is well-known among the tribes of the Western Regions. These tribal soldiers, being mere scattered fighters hoping to attach themselves to Ashi Na Helu's Ten Clans Tribe, see the fearsome appearance of the Demon Subduing Army. They are instantly terrified into disarray, losing any will to fight!
Xu Zhen binds together the captives from this tribe like beads on a string, dragging them behind the War Elephants. The horses of both the Demon Subduing Army and the envoy's guards are covered in bloody heads; flags and spears pierce through enemy skulls as they triumphantly return through a curtain of rain, resembling a ghostly army emerging from hell after slaughtering everywhere!
Those who regarded Xu Zhen as merely a name without substance among the Imperial Guards, upon witnessing this victorious return, were profoundly shaken. Their gazes fell upon the legendary Golden Armored White Elephant King, landing on a certain general with a red armored longsword atop its back. They finally understood why Xu Zhen could rise to such heights in just a few years.
Previously, some may have thought that Xu Zhenzhi rose through tricks and deception; however, now they deeply realize that everything achieved by Xu Zhen was earned through effort, intelligence, and strength.
Some might believe that luck favored her due to support from figures like Li Jing Li Jue, which brought her fame. Yet whether it was from these generals or even Emperor Taizong Wen himself—if there were no exceptional qualities in her or if she did not strive hard enough—how could she have caught their attention?
The benefactors destined for her were all individuals of high standards who had seen countless people. Their ability to recognize potential in her rather than others speaks volumes about her capabilities.
To become a General of the Guard or a Grand Minister tasked with assisting a new ruler under a secret edict is no simple feat. Yet when it comes to Xu Zhen, it raises many questions and suspicions—why is that?
It is simply because she is far too young.
These people had long heard of the deeds of the Xu Zhen. Although the Xu Zhen had been sent to Tuguhun and gradually faded from the sight of the Tang people, her name and accomplishments continued to circulate.
Later on, the Xu Zhen was resurrected, reversing the situation in Tuguhun, becoming the National Master of Tubo, and spreading back through a series of embellishments and distortions until it reached the ears of the Tang people, where she became a legendary figure.
However, upon arriving in Tingzhou, these Imperial Guards still looked down on her and harbored doubts. Why was that?
Because their hearts were filled with jealousy. Many of them were older than the Xu Zhen and had fought valiantly in the military, enduring hardships that were certainly no less than those of the Xu Zhen. Yet, until now, they remained mere Veterans or Captains, small officers in the army.
They were not lacking in effort; rather, they did not know how to leverage their circumstances. They felt that fate would never stand by their side, and luck would not favor them. The Xu Zhen had power to rely on, while they were left with nothing. Even if they earned military achievements, they would be stripped away layer by layer, leading to very slow promotions.
Yet they forgot that the Xu Zhen also had no power to rely on. She did not borrow strength; she created her own opportunities. The weak wait for chances while the strong create them—that was all there was to it!
When they saw the Xu Zhen's team dragging over three hundred tribal captives, with countless heads hanging from their horses' saddles, their hearts were shaken. Rain fell on their faces, moistening their eyes, but no one wiped them away because they were all intimidated by the killing intent and grandeur radiating from the Xu Zhen's team!
With a force of three hundred soldiers penetrating deep behind enemy lines, beheading four to five hundred enemies and capturing over three hundred while managing to return unscathed—such achievements even impressed Wang Wukui; how could these Imperial Guards not be astonished?
In truth, it was not reckless bravery on the part of the Xu Zhen. During her days of absence, she had been acting as a scout with Old Black to gather intelligence on the enemy and had already thoroughly understood their situation. Not only did she know about this small tribal army of eight hundred men, but she also kept track of how many troops entered the Western Turkic camp each day.
She was neither overestimating herself nor relying on luck again; her current victories were all based on careful consideration and numerous rehearsals before deciding to target a soft spot to boost morale.
As the saying goes: knowing oneself and knowing one’s enemy leads to victory in every battle. She understood the combat capabilities of Delegation Guards and knew how powerful the Demon Subduing Army combined with Zhou Cang could be. She also recognized that the opposing tribesmen were unfamiliar with their surroundings and lacked supplies, warhorses, equipment, and morale. After analyzing various military situations together, she gained confidence in her victory before launching an offensive.
She did not treat her brothers' lives lightly; she cherished every soldier under her command just as she valued those female slaves.
If she were a native Tang person, perhaps she could afford some leniency. However, her soul had been shaped by twenty-first-century Ming culture. Although she felt fully integrated into this world’s rules, when she saw those tattered female slaves, she could not suppress her inner anger!
Trampling on women's dignity was common in this feudal society; it had become a trend where many even took pride in it. The Xu Zhen could not change this social phenomenon, but such things could never happen under her watch—this kind of insult against women must not occur among those close to her!
Compared to foreign oppression, it was even more detestable when one’s own people oppressed each other!
Although these female slaves were Tubo people, they were gifts from Tuguhun to the Xu Zhen; they belonged to her. The Xu Zhen did not treat them like livestock but regarded them as part of her team. Moreover, these individuals not only mistreated female slaves but even injured Caesar!
Li Wushuang and her son Sitang were present, and Zhang Suling was pregnant. If anything were to happen to them, what would Xu Zhen do?
If the situation endangered the family members of Xu Zhen, he would never let it go easily!
He could not stand by while hundreds of thousands of people in Tingzhou, Western Province suffered from the ravages of war, nor did he want to see his loved ones insulted and harmed by the Imperial Guards!
Zhou Cang, Ero, and others also discovered the chaos in the camp and saw the Female Slaves who were secretly shedding tears yet remained strong.
These Female Slaves had diligently served them, taking care of their daily needs along the way, earning everyone's respect. Now that they witnessed such treatment towards these Female Slaves, how could they endure it?
"Thud! Thud! Thud!"
The Guards tossed out the heads hanging from their spears and banners, as well as those on horseback, rolling them before Wang Wukui and the Imperial Guards. The heads of these filthy Western Turkic foreigners wore expressions of sheer terror, their faces pale as ash under the rain.
Even the Imperial Guards, who had been on the battlefield before, were forced back ten steps by the sight of the severed heads!
The Golden Armored White Elephant King seemed to sense its master's impending explosion of rage; it raised its trunk high and let out a sharp roar!
"Boom!"
The Golden Armored White Elephant King stomped its feet in anger. Zhou Cang and Ero led the Eighteen Protectors and other War Elephants, all of them striking their War Elephants. Over thirty War Elephants roared and stomped simultaneously, creating an overwhelming momentum that turned the faces of the Imperial Guards outside Yuanmen pale with fear!
The Golden Armored White Elephant King slowly lowered its body. Xu Zhen expressionlessly slid down from its back, gripping his long knife as he approached steadily, with Ero and Zhou Cang flanking him.
His steps were calm and steady, his gaze focused on Caesar and others, seemingly ignoring Wang Wukui entirely and treating thousands of Imperial Guards as if they were nothing!
"My lord..." Li Mingda hurried over, holding Little Si Tang. Following closely behind was Xu Zhen who helped Caesar up and nodded at Li Wushuang. Zuo An and Gem quickly directed people to assist the Female Slaves and various servants to care for them properly.
Seeing their master return, the Female Slaves could no longer hold back their tears, crying out in unison. The Guards' faces twisted with rage reached a boiling point!
They had just slaughtered mercilessly; the stench of blood still clung to them despite the rain washing over. Now armed with knives, standing behind Ero with eyes filled with murderous intent was enough to make the Imperial Guards turn pale!
"Chief Steward..." Wang Wukui felt guilty, clasping his fists and bowing his head, unsure of how to speak. His lax military discipline had led to the violation of the women in the Delegation by his Soldiers. It was only upon seeing the furious Xu Zhen that he understood the gravity of the situation!
"Slap!"
The Xu Zhen struck like lightning. Wang Wukui did not dodge or evade; half of his face instantly swelled up, his lips cracked, and blood flowed freely. Yet, he returned to his original position, still maintaining a posture of repentance.
"Slap!"
Another slap, and this time, two of Wang Wukui's teeth were knocked out. He shook his dizzy head and once again resumed his posture of apology.
"Slap! Slap! Slap!"
The Xu Zhen showed no mercy until Wang Wukui was knocked to the ground, unable to rise!
The Imperial Guards were already stunned. Before they could regain their senses, a cold voice thundered directly into their ears.
"Kill them all!"
The Xu Zhen pointed at the soldiers kneeling on the ground and commanded Ero and Zhou Cang!
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