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Bai Qi dispatched Hu Shang to the critical route leading to the West Rampart, having already provided instructions. According to the overall operational plan, the so-called Qin Army Camp was merely a decoy. Upon hearing that the Zhao Army was following closely after returning early to Shanhou Village, Hu Shang ordered the soldiers dressed in general's armor to prepare for a retreat. As for when to start running, that would naturally depend on when the Zhao Army could see the fake Commander.
To make this act convincing, some strategic supplies were intentionally abandoned. If the Zhao Army, upon capturing the Qin Army Camp, discovered that this retreat was conducted leisurely, it might lead to unforeseen complications.
As dust rose from the hillside in the northeast, the protagonist Hu Shang mounted his warhorse and prepared everyone for action. If they were to fight desperately, it might not be as fast as preparing to escape. After casually discarding some conventional weapons, they waited for the pursuers to approach before taking off.
Leading from the front, Zhao Kuo spotted the Commander’s flag fluttering within Shanhou Village and nearly laughed out loud. Wang He! No matter how clever your schemes are! He urged his subordinates to quicken their pace; this battle's success hinged on this moment!
Commanders going into battle always have staff accompanying them; this is a basic requirement. Seeing that the flags in the village were not scattered but rather organized, one of his aides, Flood Control, approached the Commander closely. "Grand Commander, wait! The Qin Army maintains strict discipline; what just happened is completely different from usual. Any unusual actions must have a purpose behind them."
Zhao Kuo waved for his army to accelerate their pursuit and then glanced at the timid Flood Control. This aide had spent his days following Old General Lian Po and had learned nothing useful! While it was true that the Qin Army enforced strict military discipline, there were times when that didn't matter!
In the current Shangdang Region, our Zhao State has amassed an army of over a million! What does it matter if the Qin Army fought fiercely to capture the Dan Shui River Defense Line? They can abandon it just as easily! Even if there is a trick involved, can they pull off something extraordinary? Zhao Kuo nodded respectfully to acknowledge Flood Control's suggestion while noticing his anxious expression.
"Flood Control, there’s no need for concern! My actions are not aimed at claiming credit from anyone nor capturing the Qin Army's Commander for glory. Our West Rampart has held strong without being breached by the Qin Army; we are eagerly awaiting our chance to rush over and provide assistance. Right now, directly ahead lies our path to rescue those in need. If we do not break through the Defensive Formation set up by the Qin Army in the village, how can we reach West Rampart?"
Flood Control had indeed always followed Old General Lian Po, but he was neither part of Lian Po's faction nor anyone else's subordinate. Years of warfare had taught him one truth: there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Especially on the battlefield, things that come too easily are often more dangerous. Although it seemed that the Qin Army had abandoned their crucial Dan Shui River Defense Line, they still maintained heavy forces along the coast within their defensive line.
On the surface, it appeared that the Qin Army was in disarray; however, careful observation revealed that they were moving methodically. Despite Zhao Army reclaiming vast territories in Shangdang during this time, they had yet to engage in any significant encounters with the main forces of the Qin Army.
Those were all elite forces of the Qin State! How could they be unprepared!? Even if it were second or third-line combat units of the Qin Army, they would never be so easily defeated! The more Flood Control pondered these obvious issues while seeing Zhao Kuo completely disregard them, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Looking at the already distant figure of the Commander and all those young lives behind him filled his heart with an overwhelming sense of dread.
We may never return! Farewell! Zhao State! Flood Control turned back towards Zhao State in the northeast direction with gritted teeth and then waved his whip to follow his charging army toward Shanhou Village, which stood precariously amidst turmoil.
The Qin Army, waiting for orders, occasionally glanced back. Once they could clearly see the Zhao Army's Main General Flag, they all waved their whips and fled in panic. As for where to escape, the hearts of the Soldiers were already well aware, having received prior instructions. Just southwest, less than twenty miles away, in the hilly area of Daliang Mountain, was the main force of the Qin Army for this Fighting While Retreating strategy.
The encounter between the Qin and Zhao armies was a meeting at the highest Officer level. It should have been a confrontation of top leaders, but it ended with the Qin Army fleeing without a fight. On the surface, Zhao Kuo, who achieved a decisive victory, was overjoyed because he now held a Standard Bearer of the Qin Army Commander.
What is a Standard Bearer? Strictly speaking, it is the emblem of the Qin Army!
To hand over their own emblem so easily shows that the legendary elite of the Qin Army are nothing more than this! The only regret at this moment was that the hastily retreating Qin Army had not forgotten to take their maps with them. Looking back now, it was truly infuriating!
However, it was too early to draw conclusions without further investigation. Unwilling to accept this outcome, Zhao Kuo ordered the entire army to stop pursuing and to dig three feet into the ground to search for any clues left behind by the fleeing Qin Army. If anyone could find the Battle Map of the Qin Army, a reward of a thousand gold pieces would be given!
The thousand gold pieces mentioned here do not refer to a thousand taels of gold but rather to currency measured by weight in metal. Even so, this amount was not insignificant. It would be enough to buy land and property back home, with plenty left over to live comfortably for several lifetimes.
With such a generous reward, who would still care about chasing down the Qin Army!? After all, killing and fighting were also for rewards! Everyone rushed into Shanhou Village, crowding it tightly. Efforts bore fruit when a soldier from Zhao found a lone Qin Soldier. They brought him in triumph before the waiting Commander, seriously stating that this achievement belonged to the Zhao Cavalry Camp Fifth Cavalry Squad.
Seated in the Main Tent, upon seeing that this captured Soldier carried an oddly shaped leather bundle on his back, Zhao Kuo quickly ordered someone to untie him and then signaled for everyone else to leave. Once only two people remained in the tent, he reassured the captured Qin Army Soldier not to be nervous. "Our Zhao Army has always treated captives well; we are not as cold-blooded as you."
Whether treated well or not, as long as no one is killed, that is sufficient!
Understanding this, the Qin State Soldier quickly knelt down and expressed his gratitude to Zhao Kuo. He thanked him for his mercy in not executing him, mentioning that he had an elderly mother at home who needed support.
With a kind expression, Zhao Kuo repeatedly stated that he understood this situation. Those who value filial piety are respected wherever they go. If he truly understood, settling in Zhao State and obtaining permanent residency could be possible.
The Qin State Soldier assured him that everything he had just said was true and asked General Zhao to rest assured.
Zhao Kuo nodded and looked at the captive kneeling on the ground. "Since you are now one of the Zhao people, you no longer need to follow the rules of the Qin State! I will ask you, is there a Battle Map of the Qin Army in the bag on your back?"
Those who are favored often use so-called filial piety as a superficial excuse. The party in absolute advantage can even take the life of the party at a disadvantage! The disadvantaged side does not even have the right to appeal.
The captured soldiers of the Qin State were quite reasonable; while untying the bag on their backs, they admitted that it contained the confidential Battle Map of the Qin State.
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