Tiger Guards

Chapter 200 Opportunity of Victory or Defeat
Zhao Ji felt that the battle of Jinyang was very dangerous, but this was just what Zhao Ji thought.

When the battle report was delivered to the Zhongdu camp, a different image was presented to the emperor, ministers, Huochuizumi, Zhang Yang, and the new and old officials of the camp.

It's like a landslide, unstoppable!

In the blink of an eye, the strongest resistance force in Taiyuan was destroyed and annihilated.

The battle reports and folk news complement each other and are still spreading to the outside. After hearing the news, the county officials will feel reassured and work harder to eliminate the clan bandits for the court.

When Zhao Ji went north, he had only 5,000 infantry and cavalry, but the rebel army arrived first and enjoyed the advantage of terrain when defending, with no less than 8,000 people.

Even so, they were unable to hold out until night. Zhang Yang and Huochequan both knew their own strengths and did not think they could fight more fiercely and fiercely than Zhao Ji.

The rebels were not given any chance to breathe. After the vanguard gained the advantage, the entire army pressed forward.

Otherwise, if it drags on until dark, the army will be too tired and sleepy to fight; and under the cover of darkness, the rebels can attack and also take the opportunity to escape.

In short, the battle of Jinyang quickly cleared the dust that was spreading all over Taiyuan.

For the vast majority of people, survival and continuation are the most important things; when faced with an irresistible and powerful opponent, strategically bowing down and obeying is not unacceptable.

Zhongdu camp, inside the central military tent.

Liu Xie repeatedly studied Zhao Ji's battle reports, but he was still a little unconvinced. He didn't think Zhao Ji could wipe out the Taiyuan rebels so quickly.

As an emperor who gradually came to know the world in the midst of turmoil, he also had some understanding of the people's customs and military affairs.

He was very clear about the details of Zhao Ji's 5,000 infantry and cavalry. More than 2,000 infantrymen were reorganized from Hedong County soldiers, clan bandits and Wenxi volunteers. Even if they were strong, their strength was limited and they lacked the experience of war.

The biggest advantage of this group of Tiger Infantry is that they have selected the best armor and equipment, which barely meets the passing line of the border army.

The three thousand knights were even more unreliable Xiongnu volunteers. After a series of operations by Zhao Ji, the settlements and families of these Xiongnu volunteers were settled on the east bank of the Fen River, and pastures that were passed down from generation to generation were established.

Is it just because Zhao Ji dressed them in purple uniforms that were similar to but different from those of the Han army that they burst out with an extra strong desire to fight?

And what about the main force of the rebels?

The county soldiers were originally composed of the troops of each family. They were the main force to suppress the Huns and it was impossible for them to be just fillers.

Wang Rou's Xiongnu volunteers were also selected based on merit, and could be considered the elite among all the Xiongnu tribes; in terms of the quality of their men and horses alone, they were superior to Zhao Ji's volunteers.

There is also the Shang family's troops. The entire family and in-laws rely on the largest smelting plants in Bingzhou and Taiyuan for development, so they have no shortage of high-quality armor and equipment; they also have no shortage of fighting spirit. They travel around selling equipment and protecting assets, so that the Shang family's troops have no lack of practical combat experience.

The soldiers of Taiyuan County only fought a few battles a year, but the Shang clan’s troops fought every year.

Their combat experience is even richer than that of the Huns.

But such a battle-hardened army was also completely wiped out by Zhao Ji.

Liu Xie analyzed the situation silently and was extremely confused. He could only seek help from Sima Fang, who came from a family of military generals.

Although the Sima family has been studying Confucianism since modern times, and has studied Han Shu and the historical allusions of the current dynasty for generations.

But if you peel off Sima's skin and flesh, you will find the essence of a military family flowing in their bones.

Both Sima Fang and his eldest son Sima Lang were able to lead the family to avoid the war. They repeatedly predicted and moved back and forth in Hanoi, a place that was conquered on all sides, and managed to survive with their clan and fellow villagers to this day.

Without sufficient military literacy, do you still want to predict risks?
There are so many noble families and powerful people in Hanoi. After ten years of chaos, how many of them survived?

The military prowess of the Sima clan was in stark inverse proportion to the number of powerful and influential people in Hanoi.

When Liu Xie inquired, Sima Fang felt quite embarrassed and said, "Your Majesty, I am not familiar with military affairs. It is difficult for me to understand the secrets of the memorial submitted by the Marquis of Zhao."

"Sima Gong, there is no need to be modest. Among the officials accompanying the emperor, no one can match Sima Gong in terms of military affairs."

Liu Xie spoke gently, smiling and soothingly: "When Lord Zhao returns, I will ask you and you will tell me the story. Now I am curious, so please do not refuse, Lord Sima, and explain a few things."

"Yes." Sima Fang thought for a moment and then said, "The Lord of Zhao's great victory this time is not due to his military prowess or the ferocity of his officers and men, but to Your Majesty."

Sima Fang bowed solemnly, his expression serious. "The Marquis of Zhao is serving the Emperor in punishing the rebellious, so he is righteous and has many supporters. Your Majesty is in command of the central army, with the Marquis of Zhao as his pawn. Who among the wise and virtuous men in the surrounding areas would dare to rebel? There are no heroes among the traitors and captives, and they are a motley crowd. If the Marquis of Zhao pushes forward, the enemy will be defeated. What more can be said?"

Liu Xie felt that Sima Fang's words made some sense, but he was puzzled: "Then why did the imperial court lose four out of five battles when it moved eastward, and the royal army was completely destroyed?"

The only victory was when he led the Yicong knights to attack from the waist, killing more than 3,000 of them.

Sima Fang knew this chain of questions would arise, and he answered calmly, "Your Majesty, when the imperial court moved east, who issued the military orders?"

Liu Xie remained silent, and Sima Fang said, "The defeat of the prince's army in the past was due to the monopoly of power; when the royal army moved east, it was due to the division of power."

Liu Xie nodded and asked, "How could Li Jue, Guo Si, and the others, who hastily joined forces, defeat the imperial army? Now that Zhao Aiqing is in sole command of the military, how can he achieve victory?"

Sima Fang smiled and replied, "Those rebels Li and Guo may appear to be scattered, but in reality they are rebelling for survival, hence their unity of purpose. This is a case of victory when the will is shared. After seizing the imperial court, they engaged in infighting, their moral principles were not shared, and their downfall was unstoppable."

After a pause, Sima Fang sat up straight and spoke eloquently, "The Marquis of Zhao appears to be in sole control of military affairs, but he is a man who listens to all, regardless of rank. He often chats with soldiers and passersby. When commanding the army and the people, he is also good at listening to the opinions of his subordinates and selecting the best ones. Therefore, he is able to play to his strengths and avoid his weaknesses. However, when it comes to making decisions, the Marquis of Zhao often makes them first, which is why he appears to be making decisions alone."

Liu Xie understood that Zhao Ji had consulted professionals in advance, so his decisions only seemed arbitrary and could not be refuted.

In order to ensure execution efficiency, Zhao Ji doesn't mind killing anyone who dares to refute or go against him when making a decision.

And there would be nothing wrong with expressing more vehement opposition during prior discussions.

Although he felt that what Sima Fang said made some sense, Liu Xie still felt that Sima Fang had not hit the mark.

It is not a good idea to ask again, as asking again would be tantamount to denying Sima Fang's point of view.

Sima Fang's point of view was also his stance. He used victory and defeat to criticize the autocracy of Wang Yun. Even when Dong Zhuo was in power, he was willing to listen to various opinions.

There are many potential meanings. If Zhao Ji is unwilling to listen to all sides, he will become the second Wang Yun and will be on the verge of defeat.

Liu Xie kept these in mind and later called Jia Xu when he was taking a walk outside the tent.

Asked again, Jia Xu pondered the question carefully before answering, "What Sima Fang said is untrue, but also true. The Marquis of Zhao's victory in this battle was indeed due to your Majesty's support. But without your Majesty, who in Hedong and Taiyuan could check and balance the Marquis of Zhao?"

Liu Xie also thought it made sense, but he was slightly disappointed. He nodded and said, "As you said, my dear Lord Zhao's bravery is beyond the reach of ordinary people."

Seeing this, Jia Xu breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "As for the question of absolute power, division of power, and victory or defeat, I, too, have often wondered. I can only say that those who are resourceful and prudent will prevail, and those whose superiors and subordinates share the same ideals will prevail. If Your Majesty still has questions, you can write to the Marquis of Zhao and ask him. If Your Majesty is willing to ask, I know him well, and he will be able to speak frankly."

Liu Xie also felt a little relieved, so he asked, "Since you have worked with Zhao Aiqing, what kind of person is Zhao Aiqing like?"

Jia Xu bowed and retorted, "Your Majesty arrived in Hedong first, and I came later. You should know the Marquis of Zhao better, so why are you asking me?"

Liu Xie was stunned and embarrassed. After a few breaths, he recovered and said, "You have the ability to judge people. Please tell me."

"only."

Jia Xu thought for a moment and said, "Although the Marquis of Zhao was born into a humble family and has lived in poverty since childhood, that cannot change his nature."

"What is Zhao Aiqing's nature?"

"Yes, the noble Lord of Zhao is not particular about trivial matters and is a man of great love. This is the first time I have ever seen such a person."

Jia Xu answered seriously: "If the Marquis of Zhao wants to kill someone, then that person deserves to die."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xie asked with a smile, "Why didn't Zhao Aiqing harm the other ministers?"

Jia Xu calmly replied, "As the Marquis of Zhao wrote in his 'Commentary on the Suppression of Bandits,' the ministers are simply lacking virtue and ability. Keeping them is better than allowing those with less virtue and ability to usurp their high positions. They are of no use to the cause, but they will not actively cause trouble. For example, right now, the ministers are quietly awaiting the battle and not interfering."

Feeling that the emperor was looking at him with a strange look, Jia Xu added, "This is just my guess. It's not my true intention, and I don't think it's what the Marquis of Zhao wants either."

Liu Xie just smiled, turned his head and looked into the distance, squinting his eyes: "Then I will send Zhou Zhang to consult Zhao Aiqing and see what Zhao Aiqing has to say."

(End of this chapter)