Lian Po indeed has his own plans, but some things cannot be openly stated. Since the 300,000 troops of Zhao have stationed in the Shangdang Region, the alliance of Zhao, Han, and Wei has gradually formed. The states of Yan, Qi, and Chu have also expressed their willingness to help and sent observation teams, which are expected to arrive at the Zhao Army's Danhe Defense Line soon. If they can take this opportunity to eliminate the increasingly powerful Qin Army in Shangdang, the various Feudal States would be pleased.
Gaining strong support from the military observation teams sent by Yan, Qi, and Chu will take time. They need to conduct battlefield assessments and compile reports, which requires a significant amount of time. Currently, the Qin Army is attacking with great momentum; while it is possible to withstand their assault, doing so would lead to excessive casualties for the Zhao Army.
There have been rumors that the Qin State will unify Huaxia. Based on the current military strength analysis of various nations, no single country can defeat the Qin forces alone. The Zhao troops have long dealt with the Xiongnu, making their soldiers skilled in cavalry archery. With annual rotations for border defense operations, many brave warriors have emerged among their ranks. Thus, they have become another formidable armed force that cannot be ignored after the Qin Army.
The reason Zhao can become the second strongest nation ultimately lies in its powerful military. Once this foundation is lost, other nations that have been eyeing Zhao will surely take advantage of its weakness. Despite the fear that all Feudal States have towards Qin, if they truly united to eliminate Zhao, it could be done. In the past, during the Three Families Divide Jin, this was how it happened. At that time, without a large-scale military campaign organized by Jin's four ministers, Zhao, Han, and Wei directly divided it among themselves.
When two tigers fight, one must get hurt!
While attacking the Qin Army, the Zhao Army will inevitably suffer heavy losses. How can Zhao defend itself against the fierce assaults from neighboring states without its superior forces? Therefore, the best course of action now is to preserve strength while awaiting reinforcements from other nations.
Of course, it would be best not to engage in battle at all. As long as the Qin Army retreats in light of Zhao's current military capabilities, they can completely secure the Shangdang Region. This means that apart from the Qin Army, there is no other force capable of contending with the Zhao Army.
The best plan requires time for validation; as soon as any army from Han or Wei engages with the Qin Army, the Zhao Army can then launch an attack on them from Danhe Defense Line. At that point, with the full deployment of the three nations' Allied Forces, other nations watching from afar will no longer be able to remain passive.
It is well known that if they can take this opportunity to eliminate one-third of Qin State's army, it would at least ensure that there won't be any large-scale wars for a decade! If they can truly achieve their strategic goals, then the ownership of Shangdang Region would seem trivial.
The once-mighty Zhou Dynasty has long since ceased to exist; the direct military forces of Zhou Tianzi are weak and ineffective. Faced with the powerful Qin State, various feudal lords are united in appearance but divided in spirit. The current international situation is complex; no one dares to commit all their main forces recklessly. It is precisely because of these many taboos that Lian Po feels compelled to adopt such a confrontational stance.
On the other hand, Zhao Kuo's singular focus on warfare leads him to propose theories that clash with Lian Po's plans. How can they preserve their military strength without fortifying defenses? Facing a large-scale charge from both Qin's cavalry and infantry phalanx, how can they bear such losses? If Zhao were to lose its foundational strength completely, both you and I would become historical sinners!
That night when Zhao Kuo came to apologize after understanding General Lian Po's intentions, he contemplated deeply. It is understandable why Lian Po only revealed his plans now; too many voices can distort original meanings and if someone with ulterior motives overhears them, it could lead to significant trouble! While hoping for Allied Forces to enter Shangdang Region and engage with Qin Army is not out of question, it seems somewhat wishful thinking because it hinges on one premise: the attitude of Zhao Army in this battle.
But the current problem is that there isn't a fool among the remaining countries! Once you make your little calculations, they will immediately know what you're thinking. This is originally Zhao's affair; how can you not take the initiative to engage in battle and expect us to strike first? Is this madness!?
After coming to a firm decision, Zhao Kuo suggested, "General! My initial proposal to raid Wild King City represents Zhao's attitude towards the Feudal States. When the inspection teams from Yan, Qi, and Chu arrive, we need them to understand that our army is determined to engage the Qin Army. If we don't fight, they will question our resolve. The Qin Army is currently unstoppable, and even with the cooperation of all nations, we cannot guarantee victory, especially when we are so indecisive now."
Lian Po had just earnestly expressed his stance, aiming to avoid creating more enemies in the military. Especially with these young people, some have limitless potential for the future. As a disciple of the Zhao family, if nothing unexpected happens, he could achieve great fame in time. Even Bai Qi, the war god of the Qin State, recognizes Zhao Kuo and has remarked that what he lacks is experience.
As for Zhao Kuo himself, he is one of the few outstanding generals among the Zhao family disciples. He lacks the merchant-like demeanor and possesses a shrewdness that is commendable. Perhaps this is what people call innate talent, like a lotus that emerges untainted from muddy waters. His only flaw is his stubbornness, which may be related to his lack of experience! Thinking of this, Lian Po nodded heavily and said, "When the military observation teams from the three states arrive, you can first lead your troops to capture Lightwolf Fortress. As for leading the Zhao Army Cavalry on a long-distance raid to Wild King City, let's discuss that later!"
Zhao Kuo came with an apologetic mindset and was quite humble earlier. He considered that falling out with the Old General would be detrimental to future battles since a great enemy looms ahead; however, this was only part of his consideration. If there is discord within the army, the cost will be heavy. He thought that by saying a few soft words and then proposing a surprise attack on Wild King City would lead to acceptance; he never expected such an outcome!
Battles are fought based on timing, which often does not wait for anyone. Sometimes it can be fleeting; once missed, it may be too late to recover. Seeing that Commander Lian Po had no intention of discussing anything further, Zhao Kuo felt a tightness in his chest and almost wanted to draw his sword and strike something. Just as he was about to voice his dissent on this matter, he caught sight of the Old General's silver hair illuminated by the lamp light. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly; the general has aged! Perhaps this is what people refer to as a generation gap!
"I will obey your orders, General. If there’s nothing else, I will take my leave," Zhao Kuo said softly. Upon hearing the Old General's agreement, he stepped back and exited the Main Tent. He had finally made up his mind to request leave to return home tomorrow without waiting for any nonsensical military inspection teams; instead, he would hurry back to report to King Zhao about everything. Lian Po! You can wait for whoever you want! I won't serve you any longer!
Zhao Kuo was also anxious to return for another reason: the military was currently consuming last year's new grain. This indicates that Zhao's logistical supply has encountered significant problems. If their own supplies were in such dire straits while still talking about waiting for Qin State to run out of provisions before engaging in battle, they might find themselves starving before their enemy!
Before dawn on the following day, Zhao Kuo had already packed his belongings and approached Lian Po to request leave. Of course, he did not disclose the truth but merely stated that he had urgent matters back home. Lian Po was actually annoyed by this young man constantly presenting contradictory opinions; if he understood so well, he should just become Commander himself!
Moreover, since several attempts by the Qin Army to cross Dan River had been thwarted and the unfavorable situation from previous battles had been completely controlled, when Lian Po heard Zhao Kuo's plan to return home, he immediately advised him to be cautious on his way back. He even personally escorted him out of camp out of concern that this young man might change his mind halfway.
Standing outside the camp and watching Zhao Kuo's team disappear into the dense forest, Lian Po let out a long breath. This kid has finally left; having him buzzing in my ear all day was indeed annoying!
Everyone has their own different perspectives; this is understandable after all. Each person has their own thoughts—who is smarter than whom!? In military matters like this one, it should be decided by the Commander. If everyone speaks their mind separately, there will be no way to fight this battle!
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