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Thinking of the Shangdang Campaign, Zhao Kuo suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of decline. The Military Map of the Qin State was so detailed that it almost encompassed all of China, while his own country's Military Map couldn't even clearly depict the mountains and rivers within its borders. To do a good job, one must first sharpen their tools! The geographical map of Zhao State that they possessed was probably even less detailed than what the Qin State had.
One side had ambitions to conquer the world, while the other was merely getting by! Was there really a need to fight this battle in the future?
Zhao Kuo shook his head vigorously to dispel these thoughts. "Your Majesty! This is a half piece of the Qin military map we captured during our battle with the Qin State troops!" He said as he presented it with both hands.
For confidentiality, Zhao Wang Dan didn't even leave any attendants in the hall. Upon receiving this half map, which was clearly stained with blood and burn marks, he understood that a significant price had been paid to seize it! The Qin Army would definitely have dedicated personnel to protect these maps, even going so far as to destroy them to prevent them from falling into enemy hands.
"Well! You have all worked hard!"
Hearing King Zhao say this, Zhao Kuo took a deep breath. With your words, the sacrifices made by my brothers were worth it!
When the Cavalry Unit received orders to withdraw entirely to the Dan Shui River Defense Line, they organized a heavy ambush before retreating. Zhao Kuo had only one goal: to seize a Battle Map from the Qin Army! He wanted to see just how detailed this guide from the Qin Army really was!
It is well known that the strength of the Qin Army lies in its Infantry Phalanx defense. This excellent Arrow Formation was nothing short of a nightmare for Zhao Kuo's Cavalry Unit, which relied solely on rapid mobility. If he hadn't corrected Zhao State's map in advance and scouted out the ambush positions, the cost would have been even greater!
Even so, an uneasy Zhao Kuo still personally went to the front lines to command his troops in battle. Although they ultimately annihilated this advancing Qin State Cavalry Unit, they suffered nearly a thousand elite Cavalry casualties in the process. Tragically, such losses only resulted in obtaining half of a Battle Map from the Qin State.
Having something was better than having nothing!
Comforting himself, Zhao Kuo unfolded the map and was immediately stunned by its excessively meticulous cartographic craftsmanship. When he compared it with his own country's map, the difference was like comparing a child's drawing...
Zhao Wang Dan also had military maps on hand and would occasionally take them to the palace for games. At that time, dressed in general's armor and commanding confidently, arranging troops would be a matter of moments. This led him to have some impression of Military Maps in his mind; thus, when he saw this half map from the Qin State, he couldn't help but gasp in shock.
On the map drawn by the Zhao State, only high mountains and large rivers were marked, with no scale or proportion indicated. It could at best be considered a schematic map. If a general were to use it for military operations, they would still need to conduct further reconnaissance upon arrival.
In contrast, the Military Map of the Qin State was not only drawn to standard proportions but also annotated with details of every village and settlement. With a scale for measurement, any distance between points could be accurately calculated. It was equivalent to a true local geographical map, and its military value was undeniable.
Seeing King Zhao lost in thought over the map, Zhao Kuo added, "I do not dare to hide the truth from Your Majesty to deceive you. This map is merely a broad overview of the Qin Army; they have more detailed maps and indexes as well. If I am not mistaken, they likely possess corresponding scales as well. I am incompetent! I failed to seize these items!"
Zhao Wang Dan placed the half-destroyed Military Map, obtained at the cost of Zhao soldiers' lives, on the table and said softly, "This is already quite good! Do not belittle yourself! Regarding the compensation for the fallen soldiers, I will handle it appropriately."
Upon hearing this promise, Zhao Kuo quickly knelt down in gratitude. This matter had been weighing heavily on his mind, and hearing the Sovereign bring it up was deeply moving. "Your Majesty! There is something I am unsure whether I should say."
"Speak!"
Zhao Kuo hesitated for a long time but ultimately decided to speak the truth. "Since the Qin State launched the Shangdang Campaign, our army has repeatedly missed the best opportunities for attack. I dare say that continuing this war has lost its meaning. Looking at the current situation in the world, promises of troops from various Feudal States have yet to materialize. I fear that if we turn the Shangdang Campaign into a Zhao-Qin conflict, even if our army emerges victorious in the end, we will suffer significant losses. I hope... I hope Your Majesty can take a long-term view and order our troops to withdraw."
Reports from the front lines were not absent but were provided at regular intervals. Regardless of what happened, command centers within the country would be informed. For Zhao Wang Dan, while he could ignore other matters, he had to pay attention to issues that concerned Zhao's fate.
Thus, Zhao Wang Dan was somewhat aware of the situation on the front lines. Since the beginning of the Shangdang Campaign, he had not heard of significant losses among their main forces. Although over fifty thousand had fallen, hadn't the Qin Army also suffered over thirty thousand casualties? Moreover, in warfare, there are always casualties! As long as their foundation remained intact, continuing to invest in this conflict could still be considered.
Withdrawing troops was clearly out of the question! At this moment, there were still over two hundred thousand troops in the Shangdang Region; it felt unsatisfactory not to test their mettle against them. The various Feudal States were watching closely! To collapse upon contact with the Qin Army would be embarrassing enough; withdrawing without cause would only make us a laughingstock among the common people!
Having resolved to continue fighting, Zhao Wang Dan looked at Zhao Kuo standing with his hands at his sides and suddenly recalled the former Horse Armor General Zhao She. The grand welcome back then after defeating the main force of the Qin Army was still fresh in his memory. What an impressive display that was! Since all Feudal States feared Qin State, let Zhao State show them what we can do!
"Zhao Aiqing! It seems General Lian has indeed grown old! If I seize the initiative and allow you to return to Shangdang as commander, can you lead our Zhao Army to a glorious turnaround?"
The so-called "Seize the Initiative" refers to the ability of the Sovereign to change certain established customs. When parents pass away, as Offspring, regardless of their Official Position, they must resign and return home to fulfill their Filial Piety. There are Exceptions, however; if the country is at a critical juncture and needs you, the Sovereign can allow officials bound by Filial Piety to end their mourning period early and resume their positions. However, this action is not in accordance with etiquette, especially in an era that places great importance on such customs. Unless in extremely special circumstances, no one would dare to disrupt this rule without reason.
If King Zhao had said this at the beginning of the campaign, Zhao Kuo would have had no issues at all! Now, after being beaten by Lian Po to such an extent, it has become a complete mess left behind. The Zhao Army, which excelled in rapid maneuver warfare, has suddenly turned into a defensive force, while the Qin Army, known for its Infantry Phalanx, has unexpectedly transformed into a long-distance assault force! Is it possible that heaven is watching the masses live too comfortably and decided to play a little joke on you?
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