Call of the Heroes of Chaos in Another World

Chapter 2666 The Strategist's Sword Points at Jiang Ziya, Zhang Han Leads the Vanguard on Horse

Chapter 2666 The Strategist's Sword Points at Jiang Ziya, Zhang Han Leads the Vanguard on Horseback

"General Xue, in my humble opinion, our army should immediately press on and pursue our victory, heading south along the Dongye Road and Jianye Road as quickly as possible," Zhang Liang said immediately after Xue Rengui finished speaking.

As he spoke, Zhang Liang, who had just sat down, stood up and walked slowly to the huge map hanging on one side of the tent. He pointed to Dongye Road and Jianye Road in the southern part of Xingbei Road.

“Dongye Road and Jianye Road.” Xue Rengui repeated the two place names, his gaze following Zhang Liang’s finger to the map.

Zhang Liang nodded and continued, "Although Ji Chengfu was defeated in this battle, his foundation is still intact. The main force of 30,000 troops stationed in Liuxian and 30,000 cavalry remains."

"However, it would be impossible for him to raise a large army again in less than a month, given the nearly 200,000 infantrymen who had fled."

"Ding! Zhang Liang's strategist skill effect is activated. When devising strategies, his own intelligence value is increased by 1 to 3 points."

Zhang Liang's intelligence value increased by 3, with a base intelligence of 104 and a current intelligence value of 107.

Zhang Liang turned around, facing the three people in the tent, and continued, waving his feather fan, "But our army cannot give him this month."

"Our army can take advantage of the enemy's recent defeat, their panic and disarray, and their current weakness, and march south with lightning speed to seize Dongye and Jianye."

Even though they captured around 100,000 prisoners, which seemed like a great gain, because the main infantry force did not arrive in time, the number of enemy soldiers who escaped was even greater.

However, these troops scattered and fled in all directions, becoming a series of defeated armies. Even if Ji Chengfu could send generals to regroup them afterward, it would be difficult to reorganize them into a large army in the shortest possible time.

However, this is not something that can be done in a day or two. It will take nearly a month to regroup such a large group of people.

Furthermore, after such a major defeat, it will take time to regroup and restore their fighting strength.

Therefore, although it seems that most of the enemy's main force has fled, at least for the next period of time, they will not face much resistance in their southward advance.

This period of time was the best opportunity for the victorious Han army to expand its advantage and further enhance its strategic advantage.

“Minister Zhang is right. Now is the time to attack the enemy when they are weak and launch a fierce attack.” As he spoke, Wang Changluo stood up and bowed to the people present.

“If we take Dongye Road, we can advance straight into the eastern part of Daqian. This place is rich in grain and densely populated. Once it falls into our hands, the war potential of the Qian army will be almost halved.”

As he spoke, Wang Changluo made a downward cutting gesture. War is not just about soldiers; the larger the war, the more things are involved. Destroying the enemy's logistical potential can be even more powerful than a breakthrough on the main battlefield.

"By taking the Jianye Road, we can bypass the White Wolf Ridge and head west, directly striking the rear of the Northern Frontier of the Great Qian. If the Northern Frontier of the Great Qian remains inactive, our army can coordinate with General Yue's million-strong army on the front to form a pincer attack..."

Wang Changluo did not continue speaking, but everyone in the tent understood his meaning.

It was already difficult enough that the 350,000 Qian troops in the northern frontier were able to hold off Yue Fei's million-strong army by taking advantage of the terrain; their flanks still needed Jiang Ziya to lead 40,000 troops to hold them off.

If Xue Rengui's army were to advance further, it would create a three-sided encirclement, trapping both Yao Xiong and Jiang Ziya's forces inside, leaving only the western opening. At that point, Yao Xiong might still have a chance to retreat westward, but Jiang Ziya would face a truly hopeless situation. If he retreated before Yao Xiong, allowing Bai Qi's army to cross Bailang Ridge, Yao Xiong's retreat would become much more difficult.

But if he waits until Yao Xiong has left before he retreats, then he will have almost no chance to withdraw.

This move was intended to force the Great Qian Dynasty to make a choice based on the strategic situation, and to force Jiang Ziya to choose between the land and his own survival, using a dignified strategic perspective to pressure them.

Therefore, the next step is a race against time. If they are fast enough to take down these two lines before Ji Chengfu can regroup the defeated troops, even if Jiang Ziya has extraordinary abilities, he will find it difficult to turn the tide.

After speaking with Wang Changluo, Zhang Liang returned to his seat, gently fanning himself with his feather fan, and said nothing more.

After a moment of silence in the tent, Guo Ziyi spoke first, his voice as steady as a mountain: "What the two gentlemen say is reasonable. Opportunities in battle are fleeting, and our army should indeed not linger here. However..."

Guo Ziyi paused, then looked at Xue Rengui, “Marshal, our army has just gone through a fierce battle. The soldiers are exhausted, and the horses have also suffered considerable losses. If we rush south in such a hurry, I'm afraid we will not be able to keep up. Moreover, we must be careful to prevent the enemy from dividing and defeating us.”

A fierce and reckless attack, extending the battle lines regardless of cost, naturally carries greater risks than a steady and methodical approach, especially since they had just experienced a fierce battle. While the cavalry casualties were within acceptable limits, the number of wounded soldiers was considerable, with the wounded camps almost overflowing.

Of course, Guo Ziyi was not unaware of the benefits behind Zhang Liang and Wang Changluo's strategies, and he himself was very inclined to launch a fierce and aggressive attack.

When offering suggestions, since some people have already contributed, others must take on the responsibility of dampening the enthusiasm. Just as someone points out the benefits, someone else must also point out the risks.

This is why different advisors from the same faction often offer different opinions on the same issue, which are then left to the monarch to choose from.

Since Zhang Liang and Wang Changluo have taken on the former's responsibility, then Guo Ziyi must take on the latter's responsibility.

Therefore, after Guo Ziyi finished speaking, he did not say anything more, but waited for Xue Rengui to make a decision.

As the deputy general of this army, it was his responsibility to point out the potential risks, but making the final decision was Xue Rengui's responsibility.

After listening, Xue Rengui turned his gaze to the map and remained silent for a long time.

The three people inside the tent waited quietly, without making a sound to disturb them.

After a long silence, Xue Rengui spoke: "Send an order to Zhang Han to select five thousand elite cavalrymen. Priority will be given to supplying Zhang Han with warhorses. Three days later, they will serve as the vanguard heading south to Jianye Road."

Zhang Han was originally a general of the Imperial Guards. His Shadow Guards were a special force of the Han Dynasty, just like the Emperor's Tiger Guards, and were obligated to ensure the Emperor's safety.

While the Shadow Guards are not adept at direct military battles, each of them is highly skilled, excelling at reconnaissance and tracking the enemy, making them excellent scouts.

This time, it was a rare occasion that the emperor had sent them out.

"Mr. Changluo, Ziyi, you two, along with Generals Wang Zhongsi and Hunjian, will divide your forces into four routes, each leading 30,000 troops, and advance south along the two routes as quickly as possible. Generals Wang Yi and Gongsun Zan will provide cover for you," Xue Rengui continued, issuing his orders.