As the Qin Army stationed in the Gao Ping area, various defensive fortifications were gradually established. The supply of food and provisions was abundant, allowing them to hold out until after spring. By that time, the melting ice and snow on the roads would ensure smooth transportation of supplies for the Army.
General Wang He was anxiously awaiting news from the front, but the scouts he sent out had returned empty-handed. It had been nearly a month since Luzi and his companions left. Counting today’s snowfall, there had already been seventeen snowfalls of varying sizes.
The mountain roads were difficult, but hopefully everything would go smoothly!
In fact, Luzi could have stayed in the county town, simply sending his scouts to communicate with various places. However, what Wang He did not expect was that Luzi insisted on going personally.
If it were not winter, it would be easier; as long as personal safety was ensured, a round trip would be manageable. But now it was winter, and even walking on the main road could lead to a fall, let alone traversing the rugged mountain paths.
Luzi's reasoning was sound; time was of the essence. If scouts were to come and go to exchange information, it would effectively double the time taken to relay messages. We already had little time to waste; delaying further would only jeopardize our chances in battle. By the time we were ready, the main forces of the Allied Forces might have already pressed on Gao Ping!
The stakes were high, and General Wang needed to make a decision. As for danger, it was omnipresent as long as one was alive. If one were to hesitate out of fear, that would not be the behavior of a true man!
Wang He’s main concern against Luzi leaving the city was still about the treacherous mountain paths. What if... just what if an accident occurred? How would he explain it to King Qin? However, he also understood that military affairs were urgent at this time. Even a moment's delay could tip the scales of victory.
In warfare, seizing the initiative is crucial; timing matters greatly. If we end up in a passive situation, it would take considerable time to adjust and adapt. But at present, what the Qin Army lacked most was time.
There was no need to worry about long-distance transport for military supplies; after all, there were ten granaries captured by General Bai Qi to rely on. In case of a food shortage, provisions could be allocated temporarily for frontline combat units.
Seeing that Luzi was ready, Wang He finally nodded in agreement. But waiting for over a month had made him restless. In the long and torturous wait, on the thirtieth day, Old General dispatched an advance unit according to the agreed-upon time with Luzi to search for his whereabouts along the pre-planned route.
However, this agreement was limited; subsequent movements of the Army still depended on news from the front. It wasn't that Wang He did not want to send out reinforcements immediately; after all, it was winter. A single misstep could affect everything—caution was essential!
The sun rose slowly from the east, and the biting cold wind made the temperature feel even lower. It is often said that snow is not as cold as melting snow, and this was clearly demonstrated at this moment. Just as Wang He was about to return indoors, he heard news from the front lines.
After waiting for what felt like an eternity, you finally arrived!
As Sun Thirteen entered the room with frost on both brows, a chill swept in with him. "General Wang! Luzi requests to mobilize troops!"
Wang He felt a jolt at hearing this as soon as Sun Thirteen stepped inside. The implication of his words suggested that the vanguard troops had already engaged in skirmishes with the enemy forces. He quickly gestured for Thirteen to sit down and asked, "Is Luzi well?"
"Yes! Thanks to the general's blessings, Luzi is well."
Sun Thirteen replied, reassuring Old General Wang. He warmed his hands by the fire to regain some feeling and then recounted the events that had transpired. At this moment, the Zhao Army had already entered Shangdang County amidst the snow, indicating that our movements were somewhat slow. The only thing not to worry about now was that there had been no sightings of the Allied Forces.
Based on the information brought back by Thirteen, Wang He compared it against the map. The enemy's leading general was the seasoned Lian Po, so he couldn't afford to be careless. This individual was always a top figure in defense, and facing him required utmost caution. If he were given a chance to fortify positions, any prolonged battle would test anyone's patience.
However, warfare is about offense and defense; being able to attack when advancing and defend when retreating is the best strategy. He pointed at Old Horse Ridge on the map and finally confirmed where the army would be stationed next. If all went well, this location would be the most advantageous defensive point at present. It could ensure safety in the Gao Ping area while also exerting invisible pressure on Changping.
The key position for this battle lies here! Old Horse Ridge!
"Thirteen! When you returned, did Luzi mention anything about Old Horse Ridge to Meng Wu?"
Sun Thirteen approached to check the map and immediately confirmed that the Qin Army's vanguard had already moved toward this location. If he was correct, they should have already captured Old Horse Ridge by now.
Hearing this confirmation, Wang He finally breathed a sigh of relief. He secretly admired how formidable their backup plan was! Looking up at Sun Thirteen, whose eyes were bloodshot and weary, he quickly signaled for him to rest.
Do not be fooled by Sun Thirteen's expertise in horse breeding; he understands military maneuvers as well. Based on his calculations, if he is correct, the temporary forward command at Mountain God Temple is only a two-day journey from the main forces of the Zhao Army. In contrast, the distance from Mountain God Temple to Gao Ping County is a four-day journey. This means there is nearly half the time difference!
"General! Sun Thirteen is not tired; please send troops immediately. I will act as a guide and ensure we reach there to provide support in the shortest time possible."
Wang He nodded and said, "Haste makes waste; you should rest and regain your strength. When the army is ready to depart, I will have someone wake you."
The movement of the main forces is not like a street brawl where people can just gather on a whim. It takes considerable time from issuing orders to preparing each unit. Fortunately, all the divisions are already prepared at this moment. If they were to wait for news and then mobilize troops, it would likely be spring before they could officially set out.
Sun Thirteen understood this well; he bowed respectfully and then went to sleep. People are the same; when they have something on their minds and travel overnight, even if they are exhausted, there is a thought that keeps them energized. However, once everything is settled, the relaxation of the mind makes one feel so tired that they can hardly lift their hands. As soon as they touch their bed, they fall into a deep sleep without even organizing their thoughts.
Unexpectedly, he slept until noon. Although his mind was still foggy, he couldn't care much about it. Seeing delicious food laid out on the table, he suddenly heard his stomach grumble in protest.
Only when he is full can he have energy! So he didn’t hold back and filled his stomach first. After feeling satisfied with his meal, he planned to cross the courtyard to find Wang He, the Old General. He pushed open the door to the lounge and was immediately stunned by the weather outside.
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