Fu Shanhe

Chapter 525 Drudgery

"Alliance Leader, Yongning is dead, and the situation in the world has changed drastically."

There will inevitably be a fierce power struggle within the imperial court over the vacant throne, and they probably won't have time to attend to us for the time being.

This is a rare opportunity, we should seize the moment!

"That's the gist of it," said the King of Chasing Deer.

If you can be the boss, no one wants to be the underling.

Yongning's death was merely a catalyst.

Essentially, these rebel kings didn't want to be subservient to others.

In terms of seniority in the rebel army, while these rebel kings were roaming the world, Gao Yunliang, the rebel king, was still serving the imperial court in the border army.

In just two or three years, Gao Yunliang led a group of deserters to become the leader of the rebel army, and they naturally wouldn't accept that.

The reason everyone joined forces earlier was because they were forced to stick together for warmth under pressure from the imperial court.

After capturing Guanzhong, internal conflicts within the rebel alliance gradually began to increase.

After sweeping across the Central Plains, the alliance showed signs of disintegration.

The alliance was maintained only because the Great Yu Dynasty was still very powerful and going it alone would make it easy to be defeated one by one.

At this moment, problems arose within the Great Yu, and the heavy burden that had been weighing on them was suddenly lifted, allowing the idea of ​​splitting up to take over again.

After all, they were all seasoned veterans of the martial arts world, and they all cared about their reputations. No one wanted to bear the blame for splitting the rebel alliance.

"We should definitely take action. Do any of you brothers have a plan?"

Gao Yunliang asked slowly.

Knowing what these people were thinking, he still chose to play dumb.

As long as the rebel alliance exists, he can be the leader of all the rebel armies in the world.

This position is not just an empty title; it also attracts talented people.

During his tenure as leader, the number of people who came to join him was almost equal to the total number of people from the other rebel armies combined.

Compared to when the alliance was first established, the power under his command has increased more than tenfold.

If this situation continues, he will eventually annex all other rebel armies.

Everyone was eager to split up the family business because they saw this.

"Leader, Xiangyang is one of the most important cities in the world, and it will not be easy to conquer it."

It's not a good idea for our million-strong righteous army to remain trapped under the city walls for so long.

To reduce logistical pressure, it's better to divide our forces and launch attacks in all directions.

Taking advantage of the court's distraction, we should first seize Hanzhong, De'an, Wuchang, Luzhou, and other regions, spreading our rebel forces throughout the land.

The Prince of Taiping, who was standing nearby, answered accordingly.

As can be seen from the place names, a number of prefectures and cities are distributed from west to east.

In name, it was a division of troops, but in reality, it was a division of family.

After leaving the rebel alliance, how they fight is entirely up to them.

The main problem is the exhaustion in the north; otherwise, people would have even more options.

"Oh!"

"Dividing our forces and attacking from all sides is one possible solution."

However, the eastern front is the main battlefield for the Liaodong Army and the loyalist army. If we go there now, we are likely to get ourselves into trouble.

If we really have to divide our forces and launch attacks on multiple fronts, it would be best to conquer Sichuan and Hubei.

Both places are granaries of the land; if either one is captured, the rebel army will never have to worry about food supplies.

Brothers, what do you think?

Gao Yunliang then threw the question back at him.

He could tell from the looks in everyone's eyes that a family division was inevitable.

However, even when it comes to dividing a family property, there are specific rules to follow regarding how to do so.

Rather than parting on bad terms, it's better to separate peacefully and leave behind a lasting bond.

The main reason for releasing the plan at this time is to leverage the power of the alliance to help him achieve his strategic goals.

If one cannot establish a foothold in the north, then the only option is to go south.

Following the advice of his strategists, in order to seize the world, he must first establish a solid rear base.

The rebel army has already taken control of Guanzhong. If they were to take over Shu as well, they would be on par with the mighty Qin.

However, to achieve this, his own strength alone was not enough; he also needed to rely on the strength of various rebel armies.

If we're lucky, we could take over Huguang while conquering Shu, which would make our position even more secure.

"Leader, the terrain of Shu is treacherous, and it may not be so easy to conquer."

If we are blocked by dangerous passes and miss the best opportunity, then we will be in big trouble.

"It would be better to concentrate our forces and seize the Huguang region."

"Killing King said with a smile."

He was fully aware of Gao Yunliang's scheme.

However, no matter how good the plan is, it still needs to be able to be realized.

Compared to the perilous passes on the way to Sichuan, the city of Xiangyang before us is only of average quality.

Despite mobilizing a million-strong army and launching a continuous attack for over a month, they still failed to capture Xiangyang.

What makes them think they can seize Shu in such a short time?
Rather than risk a desperate battle in Sichuan, it would be better to concentrate our forces and invade Hubei and Hunan.

Both are granaries of the land, so it doesn't matter to the rebel army whichever they occupy.

As for conquering the world, limited by his own strength, the King of Slaughter does not yet have such a lofty goal.

"Alliance Leader, the King of Slaughter is right. Now is not the time to enter Shu."

In fact, bypassing Xiangyang to attack Huguang was inherently risky.

To ensure our retreat isn't cut off by the enemy, we must leave at least 200,000 troops to defend against the garrison in Xiangyang.

The mighty king said with a serious expression.

Even sworn brothers have their own agendas.

Most of the Guanzhong region is controlled by Gao Yunliang. If he were to seize Shu as well, everyone would be in trouble.

"Ok!"

"Since both of you gentlemen have said so, let's divide the work."

Those who are willing to attack Huguang should seize the opportunity to attack the Huguang region.

Those who want to enter Sichuan should turn around and attack Hanzhong with me.

If you don't want to go to either place and are planning to head north to seize Shanxi, I won't stop you.

But let me make it clear from the outset: whichever direction we choose to advance, we must carefully control the pace and avoid causing internal strife within the court!

Gao Yunliang responded coldly.

He could tell from everyone's attitude that these guys wouldn't stay put.

Forcing everyone to send troops will likely be counterproductive and could even lead to a backstabbing at any time.

Rather than making the whole world an enemy, it would be better to generously untie the rebel kings and let them do as they please, in exchange for the survival of the righteous alliance.

Even if he is only the nominal leader of the alliance after they go their separate ways and cannot control the various rebel kings, it is still better than having none at all.

By securing his position as the leader of the alliance, he can also inherit a portion of the legacy should the rebel king's forces encounter any unforeseen circumstances in the future.

If the plan succeeds, there will be an opportunity to take advantage of the situation and incorporate various rebel armies.

The reason people are dissatisfied is mainly because the gap in strength between them is not significant enough.

This made the rebel kings feel that as long as they worked a little harder, they could catch up.

If the might of the powerful Qin dynasty were replicated and the ability to seize the world were demonstrated, the situation would be reversed instantly.

In chaotic times, the strong are respected.

Anything is possible if you are strong enough.

……

Xuzhou, on the city gate tower.

Looking down at the enemy troops busy setting up camp outside the city, Li Sanqi slowly lowered his binoculars.

"The Shi family really thinks highly of me. They haven't even finished cleaning up their own mess, yet they've managed to gather so many troops to attack Xuzhou City."

The rebels arrived faster than expected.

They originally thought that Emperor Yongning's death would affect the Shi family's marching speed, but they never expected that the enemy would directly find a substitute to impersonate Emperor Yongning.

Since the emperor is not dead, there is no need to consider funeral arrangements, and the army can proceed as normal.

"General, the Shi family has been acting perversely and is already like a grasshopper in autumn. If they don't try to jump around now, they won't have a chance to jump around anymore."

Cao Zirui immediately retorted sarcastically.

Compared to the last time he defended Xuzhou, he is now under no pressure.

On the one hand, the number of soldiers guarding the city increased, and on the other hand, the Grand Canal had been dredged, allowing Xuzhou Prefecture to be directly connected to Nanjing by waterway.

Strategic supplies from the rear can be sent over continuously.

The main force of the loyalist army led by the Marquis of Hanshui is also approaching the Xuzhou line.

Once the main force arrives, the balance of power between the two sides will be reversed.

Compared to the renowned Marquis of Hanshui, the Shi family and their group had no matching achievements.

No matter how elite the Liaodong cavalry was, their total strength was only a little over 20,000, and the rest were infantry.

In a major battle involving hundreds of thousands of troops, for 20,000 cavalry to play a decisive role requires extremely high military command capabilities from the general.

Moreover, the loyalist army was not without cavalry, though fewer in number, but with a clear advantage in weaponry and equipment.

Even in a head-on confrontation, the Liaodong cavalry would have to pass through a hail of bullets before they could have a chance to engage in close combat.

"Ha ha……"

"Brother Cao is right, the rebels really need to keep jumping around!"

Li Sanqi responded with a smile.

This scene was not simply meant to show contempt for the enemy; it was more of a performance for the soldiers defending the city.

Generals are the courage of soldiers; the more confident and prepared the generals appear, the more at ease the soldiers will feel.

The elite troops he brought were all seasoned veterans, so he wasn't worried about the enemy's numbers.

Back in Southeast Asia, it was common to win with fewer troops.

Having just arrived in Xuzhou, they defeated another 50,000 rebel troops, nearly wiping them out completely.

The officers and soldiers had already mustered their courage and would not waver in their belief in victory just because the enemy had more soldiers and generals.

However, the other defending troops were different; they had not experienced fierce fighting and their ability to withstand pressure was very limited.

Hearing that the main force of the rebels was coming, many people panicked and needed their generals to reassure the troops.

"Brother Li, when will the Marquis's reinforcements arrive in Xuzhou?"

Liu Conghan asked with concern.

Although both were generals appointed by the imperial court, his status was clearly inferior.

However, these are minor issues. Li Sanqi's status in the army is earned through battles, and as long as he makes enough contributions, he can achieve it.

Compared to the difference in social status, he was more concerned about when reinforcements would arrive.

If the loyalist army arrives a day later, they will have to fight the enemy for another day on the battlefield.

Li Sanqi was a direct descendant of the Marquis of Hanshui, and no matter how many troops he lost, he could always be replenished.

Cao Zirui was a surrendered general, and his troops were severely overstretched. Losing some of his troops would reassure the court.

Besides, they are local bigwigs with powerful families from Jiangbei backing them.

He was the only one with a weak position as a general. Although he was set up as an example by the court, he couldn't save himself from having no one in the court to rely on.

The 10,000 troops that followed him were all he had.

If you suffer heavy losses on the battlefield, you can recruit new soldiers, but you won't know who to ask for replacements of weapons and equipment.

Many historically renowned armies eventually disappeared into the annals of history due to logistical problems.

"Brother Liu, you can rest assured."

When the time is right, the loyalist army will naturally appear.

With the Marquis's control over fighter jets, what is there to worry about?

Li Sanqi gave a perfunctory reply.

Li Mu did not give a specific time when reinforcements would arrive, but only ordered the city of Xuzhou to be defended to the death.

Considering his lord's unpredictable military tactics, he didn't ask any further questions.

The final battle might not even take place in Xuzhou.

If reinforcements fail to arrive soon, then the Xuzhou front will have to withstand the enemy's advance.

As the defending forces, losses were inevitable.

He certainly couldn't say those things that would undermine morale.

"Brother Li is too kind. Your Excellency's military strategy is superb, so I have no worries."

He was simply too concerned about the war, which is why he said that.

Liu Conghan replied helplessly.

To question Li Mu's military command ability is to invite humiliation.

Both in the army and in the court, there was an almost blind trust in Li Mu.

Even though Li Mu has not personally commanded a single battle in the last ten years, it has not diminished his reputation as a renowned general.

This prestige was not something that could be gained simply by winning battles, but rather by reshaping the combat system of the Great Yu army.

With Li Mu's former subordinates scattered across various regions and taking on great power, Yu Jun's operational philosophy was overturned and reset.

Ironically, this military reform also proved its superiority through a series of battles.

……

Liaodong Camp.

"Where are the troops led by the Marquis of Hanshui now?"

Shi Jingfeng asked.

The only way out for the Liaodong army was to fight to the death for Xuzhou and open up a passage to the south.

The biggest obstacle on this path is the loyalist army led by Li Mu.

Without dealing with this enemy force, their southward strategy will be nothing but a castle in the air.

"Prime Minister, the Marquis of Hanshui's troops have entered Yangzhou Prefecture by boat and are expected to arrive in Xuzhou in five days."

Even if the enemy slows down, we won't have more than seven days to siege the city.

Shi Jinglin answered in a very formal and methodical manner.

Different enemies require different tactics.

This time, they were facing Li Mu. Everyone knew that ordinary schemes and tricks would not work, so the generals of Liaodong wisely refrained from offering any rash ideas and prepared to form a fortified camp and fight a protracted battle with the enemy.

As a result, the Shi family's top management has also become more rigorous in their strategic planning.

"Seven days is too short!"

"It will be difficult to take Xuzhou City in less than half a month."

"Generals, is there anyone willing to lead troops to intercept the enemy and slow their march?"

Shi Jingfeng asked.

Regardless of the era, defensive warfare is always a tough and arduous task.

Compared to the main battlefield, even if the attack is successful, the credit gained is not great, but the risks are enormous.

"Brother, Li Mu's troops are different from the other Yu troops."

Ordinary troops are no match for them.

If we really want to stop the enemy, the only option is to attack the canal.

If we could find a few large ships and sink them in the middle of the river, they should be able to play a role.

Shi Jingming immediately offered his advice.

learn from mistakes.

He had learned his lesson from the previous defeat at Xuzhou and was waiting to redeem himself through meritorious service.

However, he still lacked confidence in blocking Li Mu's troops.

They'd rather contribute their painstakingly conceived ideas than challenge themselves with hell mode.

After all, even if the waterways are blocked, the enemy can still use land routes.

Taking Xuzhou in half a month is the ideal scenario.

Once the war reaches a stalemate, the period for holding off the enemy will be passively extended.

The two sides are only a short distance apart, so even if the enemy marches on land, it won't take long.

Inevitably, we will have to fight a battle with the enemy.

With limited troops, they were trying to hold off an enemy force ten times their size, led by a renowned general of the time. This battle was simply unwinnable.

(End of this chapter)