Lu Zizheng wanted to express his thoughts about the person in the city, but he saw King Zhao of Qin shake his head, indicating that there was no need for oaths or vows. There was no need for this person to make promises; if one truly understood dedication, they would persist without needing to utter a single word. But if you cannot even believe in yourself, what use are the vows you make?
"I believe in you! Just as I believe in myself!"
As King Zhao of Qin's figure disappeared into the distance, those words echoed in the air. Luzi gazed at that spot, feeling a twinge of melancholy resonate within him. Another farewell always brings a sense of helplessness; perhaps this is the journey of life. In the coming together and parting ways, one gradually grows old.
Ever since King Zhao of Qin arrived at Wild King City, Xiao Yu'er had been keeping her distance. Now, seeing the Sovereign leave, she secretly squeezed out from the Troops to look in Luzi's direction. Apart from the advancing troops, there was no sign of King Qin.
Li Xin draped a long robe over Luzi's shoulders and quietly reminded him, "General! We should return to the city!"
...
The news of Bai Qi secretly stationed at Shangdang had not spread because he happened to arrive just as the Qin Army faced a massive defeat. The general could not find his troops, and the troops could not locate their assigned Officer. As the saying goes, a defeated army collapses like a mountain.
Even though the Qin Army had a retreat plan from their Commander, deviations occurred because the Messenger could not guarantee timely delivery of orders. Some Army units did not receive the message and failed to retreat as instructed; by the time they realized there were issues on both flanks, their escape route had already been completely blocked by the Zhao Army. If the initial situation for the Zhao Army was similar, then now it was time for the Qin Army to experience it firsthand.
Wuan Jun Bai Qi understood this situation all too well, but there was no alternative. When engaging in battle against an enemy, the first priority is to stabilize one's position. Whether attacking quickly or making a long-distance assault, having a solid formation is fundamental. Only then can timely communication between the Commander and various units be ensured. This is akin to the roots of a large tree that can withstand storms.
Communication delays are an issue every general must face and can be quite frustrating. Bai Qi, assessing the situation, decided that regardless of whether each Army received the retreat order, they must use the Dan Shui River Defense Line as their baseline. Each legion had a duty to relay information; when encountering one another, they needed to communicate clearly about where their defense line lay.
At this moment, once hostilities began, the situation became apparent. One side was prepared while the other was not; it was already difficult for an unprepared side to seek stability in time. The concept of territorial positions during wartime cannot be viewed with a long-term perspective based on temporary situations. Bai Qi was not someone who only cared about short-term gains or losses; a temporary retreat was merely a strategy to gain greater initiative. In warfare, whoever ultimately holds initiative can lead their opponent by the nose. As for what remains, it is simply to embrace victory!
When he arrived at the defense line established by the Qin Army at Dan Shui River, he realized that things were worse than he had initially imagined. Many units had not retreated in time and had even lost contact. However, this did not mean that these disconnected legions were completely annihilated by the Zhao Army. More likely, they were trapped!
Bai Qi ordered the safely withdrawn combat units to immediately dispatch a large number of Contact Personnel to search for the scattered troops along the previously established defense map. He emphasized that they must deliver the retreat notification at all costs. If the trapped legions could not break through the encirclement, they should find a way to hold their ground and establish an effective communication network.
As the leading figure of the Zhao Army, the Qin Army had already received news. If the Zhao Army had not changed commanders, the stubborn Lian Po would certainly be a headache for Bai Qi. Fortunately, this seasoned general was finally called back home!
Bai Qi, who excelled in mobile warfare and hailed from the Charioteer Camp, believed in finding opportunities to annihilate the enemy while on the move. However, if he faced Lian Po, who could adapt to any situation while adhering to certain principles, this mobile strategy would seem somewhat redundant.
To determine victory or defeat, one must do everything possible to annihilate the enemy's main forces. Minor skirmishes were irrelevant; even if it took a hundred years, it would be fine. Bai Qi was at home devising strategies for how the Qin Army could win against Zhao's Lian Po and ultimately realized that they could only lure the enemy deeper. As long as the Zhao Army was willing to leave their Fortification, the Qin Army would have a chance at victory.
However, there was a frustrating problem: Lian Po, who was skilled in defensive warfare, would not fall for such tricks. Take for example when Qin Zhao engaged in battle at Shangdang; Old General had powerful Cavalry forces at his disposal but never deployed them against the enemy. Instead, he relied almost entirely on Zhao Army's Infantry Phalanx.
This shows that the cautious old general Lian Po would never send troops into Bai Qi's carefully laid trap. In other words, Old General could very well remain on the City Wall watching Qin Army come and go without engaging. Seeking a decisive battle? That was out of the question!
Renowned as a war god by various Feudal States, Bai Qi was naturally unwilling to put on a circus show for anyone. When he heard that the king had sent him to Shangdang for battle, especially at the recommendation of Fan Ju, who had always been at odds with him, he immediately decided to refuse; he had no means to deal with Zhao's Lian Po!
What he did not expect was that this order was personally conveyed by Fan Ju.
Since Fan Ju decided to recommend Bai Qi for national service, he did so out of a sense of duty to his country. His purpose in visiting Wuan Jun's residence was to have a heart-to-heart talk with Bai Qi. As two pivotal figures of Qin State, they should understand what is more important: country or self. The Qin Army currently stationed at Shangdang might face numerous Joint forces.
After delivering his message, Fan Ju reminded Wuan Jun that those stationed in Shangdang were elite forces of Qin State. Without Your Majesty personally commanding them, hundreds of thousands of troops might perish in Shangdang. Fan Ju came here not for any other reason but to hope that General Bai could set aside personal biases and fight for Great Qin!
Bai Qi, who had been troubled by this matter, was also someone who understood the bigger picture. After quietly listening to what Chancellor wanted to convey, he accepted this matter. However, just thinking about Lian Po being present at Shangdang made him uneasy. The armies of Feudal States could be disregarded, but that old general from Zhao could not be underestimated. Thus, he expressed his willingness to join the campaign but requested ample time! If given a strict deadline, Chancellor might as well recommend someone else.
Fan Ju felt secretly pleased when he heard Wuan Jun agree; it meant his recommendation wasn't wasted! Of course, any issues could be raised; after all, it's reasonable for a scoundrel before becoming a gentleman. He assured Bai Qi that this request was completely acceptable as long as General agreed to go into battle. At that moment, he noticed Bai Qi seemed somewhat hesitant and asked if there were any other requests he might have.
Bai Qi, being from a martial arts background, casually explained the reason for proposing a deadline upon noticing the harmonious atmosphere.
When Fan Ju heard that Wuan Jun was actually worried about this matter, he couldn't help but burst into laughter. He informed Bai Qi that the Zhao Kingdom had already decided to secretly change their generals.
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