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墨書 Inktalez
While the court was still debating whether to execute He Ruobi, Datou Khan of the Turkic army invaded the borders. Last year, the Sui Dynasty had fought against the Turkic forces and emerged victorious, but the Eastern Turkic Khagan had died in battle.
However, the Western Turkic Khan, Datou, had survived. Upon learning of Dulankhan's death, he immediately withdrew his troops and advanced towards the Eastern Turkic territories. Datou Khan proclaimed himself Bujia Khan, uniting the Eastern Turkic tribes and becoming a co-ruler of the north.
Yet, his authority was merely nominal; the Turkic tribes were not easily controlled. Only through continuous victories could he establish his prestige and truly become the Great Khan.
This urgency to invade was also driven by his precarious position; he was riding a tiger and could not dismount.
The same principle applied to Yang Guang, who needed victories to prove himself. Thus, he began to exert pressure, hoping for an opportunity to lead troops into battle.
Li Jian Cheng also visited the Eastern Palace daily, eager to join the campaign northward for observation and learning.
After several days of preparation and discussion, the emperor issued a decree appointing Crown Prince Yang Guang as the Grand Marshal for the campaign. He would march alongside Duke of Yue, Yang Su, from Spirit Martial Path, while Han Wang Yang Liang and Shiwansui would take Ma Yi Road, splitting into two routes to confront the Turkic forces.
Additionally, Changsun Sheng was tasked with persuading the Turkic tribes to surrender and join their ranks as vanguard once hostilities commenced.
Before setting out, Yang Guang requested that He Ruobi be allowed to accompany them in hopes of redeeming himself through merit. The emperor, having regained some clarity after facing a significant issue, agreed.
Li Jian Cheng led over a hundred Guardians into the prince's escort unit. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as they prepared for battle.
The army had already set out upon receiving news of the invasion. Given that the Turkic threat was a longstanding concern for the court and that there were ample troops stationed along the border fortifications, they only needed to catch up with their personal guards on horseback.
Commanding an army was no easy task; challenges arose not only during combat but also in managing countless logistical details—food, sanitation, rest—everything required attention.
Fortunately, since its establishment, the Sui Dynasty had faced numerous military campaigns. The officers and soldiers were highly experienced; Yang Guang and Yang Su only needed to give simple instructions for everything to be organized efficiently below them.
This exemplified a nation's foundation reflected in its skilled mid-level managers and grassroots officials. With such a foundation in place and a competent commander at the helm, victory was not an insurmountable challenge.
Aside from protecting the main commander during marches, Li Jian Cheng spent his time riding around exploring—digging pits for cooking, setting up campsites, latrines, fences, and barriers—nothing escaped his scrutiny. He frequently asked related officers questions until he fully understood each matter.
Yang Guang did not take it upon himself to personally instruct Li Jian Cheng but also did not restrain him. He allowed him to ride freely and learn by observation while Yang Su and Yang Xuangan merely watched with detached interest.
The disciples of the general were all raised in this manner. Leading troops into battle was not something that could be taught hand-in-hand, nor could it be mastered simply by reading a few military texts. It was about observing and learning; one either knew how to do it or did not.
The methods for achieving speed like the wind, steadiness like the forest, aggression like fire, immobility like a mountain, elusiveness like shadows, and movement like thunder had long been recorded in military treatises. If one had not trained to achieve these, there was no remedy.
Li Jian Cheng absorbed experiences like a sponge. There were many things he did not fully understand, but fortunately, given his status, he was eager to learn and not afraid of being refused instruction. Moreover, he was quite generous.
After marching for half a month, Li Jian Cheng's face had darkened considerably. He dismounted in front of a campsite where they had already set up cooking pots and sought out the City Gate Captain to relay the orders regarding the next day's march and where they would camp.
He wore only a warm robe, as did the other officers; heavy armor was donned only before battle, and bows were similarly strung only when combat was imminent.
If bowstrings remained taut for too long, they would lose their elasticity, so they had to be loosened during regular periods.
While marching, food supplies, tents, cooking utensils, armor, and arrows were all transported by carts. These carts were crucial; losing a person was acceptable, but losing a cart was not.
Not only did they serve to carry supplies, but in the event of a cavalry ambush, connecting the carts together and mounting long spears and short pikes would create a solid defensive barrier.
Li Jian Cheng tossed some dried meat to an approaching aide who saluted him and began chatting cheerfully. Everyone had grown accustomed to this young noble from the Li Family over these days; although he talked a lot and could be somewhat annoying, at least he asked questions without hesitation.
Li Jian Cheng noticed that the soldiers respected Yang Su but did not love him; instead, they fondly remembered Duke of Qi Gao Shan.
With a jug of fine wine in hand, Li Jian Cheng learned the reason: Yang Su was extremely harsh in his military tactics. He even executed officers before the troops as a means to intimidate them—no fewer than ten times—and yet he himself remained unscathed and cheerful.
After instilling fear among the soldiers, he would organize one or two hundred elite troops to engage the enemy first. If they could not break through but returned instead, regardless of how many there were, all would be executed!
Then he would send another two or three hundred men to follow suit with similar orders. The soldiers trembled with fear and were prepared to die; thus they won every battle.
Of course, after years of military service, Yang Su balanced his severe punishments with rewards; otherwise, such brutality would not allow him to lead troops to repeated victories.
As long as there are even minor military achievements, they will surely be recognized and rewarded by the court. If there are instances where the court fails to acknowledge them, he would rather compensate for it himself than allow any merit to go unrewarded.
After the battle, those soldiers who were left with disabilities would be properly placed in quiet offices, earning the gratitude of many soldiers. After all, as a general, he had to deal with numerous greedy officials who sought to embezzle military rewards and pensions. In comparison, serving under the Duke of Yue at least ensured that one would receive their due compensation.
...
Lingwu, located in Gubei City, was established during the Western Han Dynasty. Its governance has changed frequently over the years, from when General He'tao incorporated it into the territory until Li Jiqian of Western Xia captured Lingzhou City. It could be said that whoever controls Lingzhou controls He'tao.
The army gathered in Lingwu to regroup, while Changsun Sheng led the Turkic Forces to arrive. Li Jian Cheng organized terrain maps and documented orders to facilitate communication of military commands.
In such matters, he had no right to speak as a fledgling, especially since both Yang Su and He Ruobi looked upon him unfavorably. If he did not want to be scolded mercilessly, he had to keep his mouth shut.
It was understandable that Yang Su found him displeasing, but Li Jian Cheng had no idea when he had offended He Ruobi; perhaps it was simply a matter of personal distaste without any particular reason.
After discussing the situation, Changsun Sheng revealed his plan: "The General is familiar with every mountain and river in this area. The garrison at Da Tou is under our control; perhaps we could attempt poisoning their supplies. If successful, we can take advantage of it; if not, we will retreat."
Yang Guang naturally had no reason to refuse. After Changsun Sheng left, he dismissed several generals and looked at the documents sent from Han Wang's side, saying, "We must not allow Han Wang's achievements to overshadow mine."
Yang Su replied loudly, "Han Wang is inexperienced in military affairs and relies solely on Shiwansui. Although Shiwansui possesses great courage, he is merely a fierce warrior and not suited for the role of a great general. Your Highness need not worry."
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