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墨書 Inktalez
The northern boundary of Zhao was constantly harassed by the Xiongnu, their frequency of raids becoming a source of constant headache. These nomadic tribes were not interested in seizing land; they invaded Zhao merely to plunder wealth, grain, and slaves.
Since these raiders were not focused on capturing territory, they would often strike and then flee. They would burn, kill, and ambush the Zhao Army along the way, aiming solely to seize supplies and a large number of people. Once they had taken what they wanted, they would immediately return to the grasslands and deserts, never lingering. By the time reinforcements arrived, the raiders had long vanished without a trace.
The fortifications built along the boundary appeared increasingly inadequate. The stationed troops were few in number, making it easy for the Barbarians to overrun them. If they spotted anyone in Military Uniform, they would leave no one alive. When there were more troops stationed within the defensive structures, the Barbarians would simply bypass them and choose to infiltrate through weaker points in Zhao's defenses.
This situation had existed since before Zhao's fief was established, naturally taking on the heavy responsibility of defending the frontier for Zhou Tianzi. After years of confrontation, the Zhao Army's cavalry archery had gradually become comparable to that of the nomads. As long as they seized the right opportunity, their cavalry could clash without losing ground. However, their combat effectiveness was limited because the Barbarians' goal was not to engage in battle but to survive by plundering supplies. Unless absolutely necessary, they would not give the Zhao Army a chance to fight.
Zhao Kuo, skilled in swift tactics, had spent over three years at the border and learned that speed was crucial in warfare. Any delay meant arriving only to find scorched earth. For this reason, he had long desired to resolve this issue once and for all; even if this battle could guarantee ten years of peace, it would be worth it! He even had preliminary plans for luring the enemy deeper into Zhao territory but had to continue delaying due to the Qin Army preparing to enter Han Territory for the Shangdang Campaign.
Zhao Kuo was a perceptive man; however, some things could not be openly stated. Seeing Sima Shang wanting to follow Li Mu, he asked Sima Shang about his future plans. To his surprise, Sima Shang expressed a desire to head towards the northwestern frontier.
Since there were Barbarians harassing the boundary there, he hoped to lead Li Mu in addressing this issue. As for how to fight, they would decide upon arrival after assessing the situation. If they did not engage in battle, at least they could secure ten years of peace!
One cannot fear ambition! Zhao Kuo nodded in agreement and finally resolved to request King Zhao to promote Li Mu and Sima Shang beyond normal ranks. At that moment, due to the withdrawal of elite Charioteer Camp soldiers back home, the border defenses were particularly vulnerable. If news leaked out, the Barbarians would undoubtedly seize this rare opportunity. At this moment, it was essential to find someone capable of turning the tide. They needed someone unafraid of failure who could maintain the current situation. Once the main army dealt with Qin's forces in Shangdang Region, they could return to implement their original plan of luring the enemy deeper into Zhao territory.
During his time at the northwestern frontier, Zhao Kuo meticulously recorded his findings. The strategies he ultimately summarized evolved from the rapid mobility of the Zhao Army. The approach involved luring enemies deeper into their territory while swiftly cutting off their retreat and surrounding them with infantry tactics. The Barbarians possessed exceptional mobility; controlling their range of movement and gradually compressing it proved to be the most effective means of dealing with them.
In a day or two, it would likely be time to depart. Zhao Kuo returned home and retrieved scrolls he had developed over these past years. They contained detailed strategic layouts and defensive concepts that formed a cohesive whole. He instructed Sima Shang that when Li Mu was well enough, he should present these scrolls to him and repeatedly emphasized that he entrusted the safety of Zhao's northern region to both brothers!
Sima Shang initially hesitated to accept Zhao Kuo's scrolls; his talk of resisting Barbarians seemed merely an excuse for self-preservation. However, seeing how serious General Zhao was about this matter made him realize there was no turning back. He hurriedly accepted the scrolls with both hands and vowed that he would not disappoint General Zhao on this mission.
After receiving this assurance, Zhao Kuo merely smiled faintly. He reached out and patted Sima Shang's shoulder, suddenly saying, "Our journey ahead will be fraught with difficulties, but I hope this general can still see the day of victory. Our State of Zhao is beset by internal troubles and external threats, and it seems we have long been in a dire situation. Nevertheless, the State of Zhao has always been our home. Behind us are our parents and our brothers and sisters! Remember! Fighting for our country is our mission. Sima Brothers! Take care!"
Seeing Zhao Kuo's solitary figure, Sima Shang was suddenly filled with mixed emotions. The seemingly unworldly general had unexpectedly become warm and approachable. Is this what parting feels like? Knowing the outcome yet still facing it without hesitation! To protect the Wei State, even Martial Valor in Death is worth it.
The general is right! We have parents, brothers, and sisters behind us! With this thought, Sima Shang finally decided to rush to the northern part of Zhao State with Li Mu. Almost everyone capable of fighting within the country had been brought along by Zhao Kuo this time. It seems that reorganizing some troops will indeed be quite challenging at present!
Zhao Kuo initially hoped that Li Mu and Sima Shang would follow him since it was a battle that would determine the future fate of both Zhao and Qin States. It is believed that in the end, whether within Zhao or Qin, it would be a final battle where all national strength would be poured in. Having one more person would increase the chances of victory, but reality often plays tricks on people. Li Mu's current unconsciousness and Sima Shang's reluctance to fight are realities they must face.
Perhaps this is what they call fate! Forcing me, Zhao Kuo, to accept this national battle alone! Victory will lead to eternal glory, while defeat will bring infamy for generations! As he mounted his warhorse, Zhao Kuo patted its neck and suddenly understood a profound truth.
In life, one should only seek to be guilt-free; why must one dwell on those once-in-a-century matters behind them? I, Zhao Kuo! Am worthy of both the State of Zhao and my own conscience. As for the final outcome, let future generations discuss it!
Having come to this realization, Zhao Kuo felt an immense sense of relief in his heart. Turning back to see his personal guards all mounting their steeds, he knew they were about to officially set off and join up with the various combat units that had arrived earlier. After completing the initial assembly tomorrow, they would formally depart; subsequent units would wait along the way and gradually merge into the main force. The nearby Wei Kingdom and Han forces would also wait to be incorporated along the route; the only difference being that both countries' legions were dressed in Zhao Army Military Uniforms.
Zhao Kuo looked up fiercely at the sky, exhaled deeply, pointed forward on the road, and laughed loudly: "Brothers! Cast aside those so-called selfish thoughts and let us write a glorious chapter in history together!"
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