Fully aware that this battle would determine the future trajectory of Huaxia, Luzi stood up and took out the Military Map to examine it closely. In fact, the issues could have been identified from the map before departing from the base, but too many trivial matters ultimately led to a misjudgment.
Not realizing until now, the sight was shocking.
Based on the earlier conversation with Feng Quji and combined with the markings on the map, it became clear that the problem was indeed quite serious. The two fortifications established by the Zhao Army were designed and built according to the terrain, and there was a secondary high ground to the north of the fortifications.
Although the situation was not as dire as Feng Quji had suggested, standing atop the mountain, the Zhao Army could throw stones at the defenders below. However, using a Catapult or heavy Crossbow could easily achieve this goal.
The so-called mountain terrain is interconnected. The southern slope of the fortification located at the mountain's peak is relatively steep, making it a place that is easy to defend but hard to attack. In contrast, its northern slope is gentler, extending for hundreds of meters and connecting with the peaks to the north.
Whether coming up from the southern slope or standing within the fortification, due to the terrain and vegetation, it is difficult to observe the mountain behind. However, this difficulty is not absolute; with intent to search or by referring to detailed Qin Army Battle Maps, one could discern it.
Perhaps due to a lack of reference points, if a person were to stand on the secondary peak behind the fortification and look over here, there would be no issue with visibility. Guided by distinctly different stone walls in the surrounding environment, it could even be described as clear at a glance.
The standard Military Map at that time indicated that the secondary peak behind the fortification was not a prominent mountain. Due to the clustering of mountains behind it, a relatively flat area formed with slight undulations. If not compared by elevation, this area would be considered a gently rolling hill region relative to its surroundings.
This area is vast and suitable for large-scale military camp arrangements capable of housing significant forces. If it were later used as a battlefield for confrontation between Qin and Zhao armies, there would be ample space for troop deployment.
It seemed there was no other choice!
Assessing the situation carefully, Luzi quickly adopted Feng Quji's suggestion and decided to abandon the still-strong Bastion City in favor of moving towards the secondary high ground behind. The main battlefield for ambush changed immediately, transforming from a fortification ambush battle to a Flat Top Mountain Battle.
To ensure that the operational plan was foolproof, Luzi, who was always cautious in handling matters, carefully discussed and studied it again with Feng Quji. After thorough discussion, the final revised plan was completed. It only required approval from King Zhao of Qin upon his arrival for this plan to be implemented and subsequently issued to the command center of Qin Tenth Legion for execution.
With a plan already in mind, Luzi stood up to stretch his arms and packed the plan into a cloth bag. He smiled and nodded at Feng Quji, then called over the brothers who were still weeding outside to gather.
This was Feng Quji's first time participating in the formulation of a battle plan, and he clearly found it difficult to adapt to the Qin Army's straightforward approach. In his view, a plan that required the approval of a Lord of the Nation should go through several levels of scrutiny before reaching the Holy Judgment.
Though he did not voice his doubts, he already had an answer in his heart. When he saw the figure of the person who had just walked out the door, he suddenly understood that this was indeed serious business. If before he had only heard or believed that the Qin State would be the nation to unify Huaxia in the future, at this moment, it felt as if he could see that day approaching.
Could this be fate? Was there already a plan laid out in the unseen?
With his conviction strengthened, Feng Quji felt as if he had found himself again. At that moment, Luzi's words echoed in his ears: "We do not strive for personal gain; we only seek to strengthen ourselves for the sake of all living beings! If you believe you are a great hero, then start being one from now on!"
Feng Quji, who never considered himself a coward, clenched his fists tightly and quickly walked out to assemble. When all the brothers arrived and lined up, their hundred-strong team stood together with immense strength!
Luzi looked at the orderly formation and instructed everyone to abandon West Rampart and immediately ascend to the next highest ground behind them. "Our upcoming mission may be heavy, but for us, it is merely a piece of cake! Heroes are those who never question the details but stride forward boldly! And you all are those who will stride forward!"
According to the original battle plan, this ambush position was set at East West Rampart left by Zhao Army. But not questioning why had long become a habit. As all the brothers saw Luzi confidently wave his hand and turn to march resolutely toward the northern high peak.
Upon reaching the new battlefield at the high ground, Luzi looked around and then dispatched three groups of men. The first group was led by Li Xin with five members to scout where the main force of Zhao Army was moving from Zhao State.
The second group was led by Feng Quji with a map in hand, aiming to verify the main battlefield area in the shortest time possible. Considering safety issues, they would rely on signal smoke from their camp as a reference. If they had not completed their task before Zhao Army arrived, they would return upon seeing smoke signals.
Once both groups rode out of the camp, Luzi called Sun Thirteen for further instructions. After confirming that Thirteen fully understood what was meant, they officially dispatched the third group under Sun Thirteen's leadership down the mountain toward the direction of Qin Tenth Legion.
Everything that needed to be done was done; all that remained was to wait.
Luzi reached out to catch the steaming bun that Xiao Yu'er handed over, sitting at the table while eating and checking the map. This map produced by the Qin State was unparalleled in the world and held significant military value.
As the saying goes, with a map in hand, the world is mine!
Although this map cannot be compared to the ones we use today, it was extremely rare for that era. Its level of detail was such that even without sending Feng Quji to verify it, there would be no issues at all. However, for the sake of thoroughness, sending a second group of people was still necessary.
The wind at the mountain top was strong, causing the tent to flap noisily. Occasionally, gusts of wind would sneak in, unreservedly bringing a palpable chill. If not for the need for good visibility, finding a more sheltered spot would have been the best choice.
Just as Luzi felt that the map before him was becoming somewhat blurry, a lamp suddenly lit up. Looking up, he realized that it had grown late outside. The time from noon to evening had quietly passed without him noticing.
As the sun sank behind the mountains, the mountain winds that had been somewhat restrained during the day finally blew fiercely without restraint. Luzi stood up to stretch his limbs and removed his cloak to drape it over Xiao Yu'er’s shoulders. The icy touch made his heart ache slightly.
Considering that he would soon enter Shangdang to fight, Lu Ziran and Jiao Niang were preparing to return to the capital of Qi State to wait for news. It could take half a day at least or as long as three months. He would follow up and return to Linzi afterward.
Jiao Niang, who knew nothing about warfare, understood that her presence would only complicate matters and could only express her agreement while urging Luzi to be extra careful. Unexpectedly, when it was Xiao Yu'er’s turn to express her stance, she insisted on following him under her identity as a Qin Surgeon.
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