Chapter 458: Chapter 232: Stabilizing Hanzhong_2
Translator: 549690339
This time, in response to the additional forces sent by the Zhou People, Bai Mengyang’s core plan did not rely on the uneven troops under his command.
His true reliance was still himself, along with Inborn Grandmasters Yang Jing, Yan Wangqiu, and Su Xuange.
With the power of four Inborn Grandmasters, they could deal with the invading Zhou People’s army, and that was the real key to this battle.
As for the 140,000 strong army, as long as they were not foolish enough to confront the Zhou People head-on in battle, seeking death.
If only to hold their ground and defend the camp, the gap between the ordinary civilian workers under the command of Nanhai and Ninghai, and the elite soldiers of Zhou could be greatly reduced, as long as they had the support of fortifications.
After all, in a siege, whether it’s an arrow shooting down or a stone thrown down, or a hot gold juice poured down, regardless of one’s martial arts prowess, as long as one is hit, the end result is often death.
Those civilian workers only need to know how to shoot arrows, throw stones and pour gold juice.
There were not many places where they really needed to confront the Zhou People directly.
As for dealing with the martial arts experts of the Zhou People?
That was even simpler.
Don’t forget the origins of the two countries, Nanhai and Ninghai.
Both countries have their roots in the Innate Great Sects of the Jianghu martial arts world.
You may not be able to ask them to bring out an elite army capable of fighting well, but martial arts experts accustomed to individual private fights? That’s their forte.
This time, with each of the two countries bringing 100,000 soldiers, the various officers in the army, large or small, were all filled with disciples and elders from the original two Innate sects, as well as experts from their affiliated sects.
In terms of martial arts experts, the two countries’ army was not lacking, even abundant.
As for the imperial court’s side, although they don’t have as many experts as the two countries, they still met the standard requirements.
Therefore, if the siege were to happen, the Zhou People would not be prepared for the attack. If they did send martial arts experts, the United Army could definitely surprise them.
Of course, everything Bai Mengyang said ultimately had only one meaning.
The situation at the main camp of the United Army had become very difficult, even critical.
Under these circumstances, I truly could not provide any assistance. You have to rely on yourself for this thousands of miles-long expedition.
Well…
Alright, it’s indeed quite speechless.
It’s a matter for everyone, but Lu Yuan has to shoulder the burden alone.
However, considering that he will be rewarded with three territories at the end of his efforts, while Nanhai Ninghai and even the imperial court don’t get a single part, it seems reasonable again.
So when Lu Yuan heard these words, he thought about it and nodded, “All right, I’ll rely on my own troops for the surprise attack. I will lead 50,000 soldiers to march on Xichuan and besiege Wushan Prefecture.”
Considering that if the United Army were to suffer a devastating defeat here, not only would they be unable to hold on to the three western prefectures of Xiangyang, but they might also lose Tianmen Prefecture in Jiangbei once again.
And the Zhou People might once again drink from the Yangtze River and threaten Lu Yuan’s territory in Jiangnan, Changsha.
Faced with the foreseeable terrifying consequences, he finally decided to take this small loss.
After all, some time ago, he had already killed two of Zhou’s Pillar States and eliminated two Inborns, and had already formed a deeply rooted blood feud.
At this point, even if the Zhou People agree to let him defect, Lu Yuan would not dare to do so.
Settling accounts after the autumn is nothing new or unusual, and he would not dare to gamble on it.
Therefore, compared to before the Northern Expedition, the options available to Lu Yuan had been greatly reduced. The only remaining option is to fight the Zhou People to the end and force them to surrender or retreat.
Now it’s time to make a move.
“Good, this time we will rely on the strength of the King of Changsha for the surprise attack.”
When Bai Mengyang heard Lu Yuan agree to the arrangement without mentioning any other conditions, he breathed a sigh of relief. He then stood up and bowed to him, “Sir, the survival of our united army lies with the King of Changsha. I hope you will achieve continuous victories in your expedition and bring us a great victory by conquering Xichuan.”
Yan Wangqiu and Su Xuange also stood up and bowed, “We hope Your Highness will achieve continuous victories in your expedition, conquer Xichuan and bring us a great victory.”
When facing the Zhou People, whether it was out of a national enmity and hatred due to historical factors, or personal factors of actual interest, the representatives of the four countries present had no good feelings towards them.
The people of the South in Jiangnan and the people of the North in Jiangbei could never be consolidated.
Now is the time for brave men to risk their lives and fight to the death.
Everyone present had this realization.
On the seventh day of the first month of Hongdao Year Eight, Lu Yuan led his army of 50,000 out to the west, after handing over the camp outside Xiangyang City.
Following the Han River all the way upstream, they spent three days to reach Fangling Prefecture. Then, after joining forces with Lan Cai’er who had rushed over, they continued to advance westward.
The reason for calling Lan Cai’er to join them was mainly due to the previous agreement.
To defend the southern part of Hanzhong Prefecture, they could trade territories with Jihui and Qiao Kangquan.
Therefore, in order to be safe, it was necessary to arrange for an Inborn Grandmaster to hold the territory in the southern part of Hanzhong Prefecture.
As for what to do with Gui Ning, Fang Ling, and Xi Cheng prefectures?
With Xiangyang under siege and Zhou forces withdrawing in Wushan Prefecture, as long as they were not foolish, who would dare to cause trouble at this time?