My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 420 My mind is made up!

Gao Huan's good mood didn't last long.

July 16, night.

Bilugu hurriedly entered Gao Huan's tent again, bowing slightly in a flustered manner.

"He Liuhun, news has come from our spies at the front."

Gao Huan's heart tightened, and he quickly asked, "Has Erzhu Tianbao made another move?"

Bilugu nodded slowly, "Erzhu Rong has ordered that fine wine and good meat be brought out to reward the three armies, and that the army will arrive at dawn tomorrow..."

Gao Huan's expression darkened.

This is what he fears most.

Gao Yu is about to arrive. The best news for Gao Huan is to wait patiently for Gao Yu to come and let him take over the army and command from the center.

If it were someone else, parachuted into the army, they might not be able to quickly take control of it.

Gao Yu was the only exception.

Both the grassland soldiers and the people of the Six Garrisons highly respected Gao Yu.

Not to mention Gao Yu's domineering aura, which could make them wholeheartedly serve him with a single tremor, but... following Gao Yu's command to fight a battle would definitely not be a problem, and it would be a battle with high morale against the enemy, unlike the current situation of lax military discipline and wavering morale.

Even so, it was impossible to hide Gao Yu's whereabouts. After all, Gao Yu himself led tens of thousands of infantry and cavalry. Such a large army marched in a grand procession, and its whereabouts could not be concealed.

But that would simply mean both sides setting up their battle lines, engaging in a direct and physical fight, establishing strongholds, and fighting a protracted war.

The competition will be about the overall quality and organization of the army, the commander-in-chief's command and dispatch, the bravery of the generals, and... logistical support. The two sides will be locked in a long stalemate.

Just like the Qin and Zhao states of the past, until one side's logistics could not withstand the pressure and it took the initiative to change.

"He Liuhun, what should we do? We need to make plans as soon as possible."

Gao Huan stood before the map, his brows furrowed.

run?
It's highly unlikely.

He was able to obtain information from Erzhu Rong's camp through inside agents, and Erzhu Rong was also able to obtain information in the same way.

Mobilizing and organizing the retreat of tens of thousands of troops is simply impossible in a short time. The time spent making preparations is enough for the inside agent to send the message back, and for Erzhu Rong's cavalry army to catch up quickly.

Ultimately, it will evolve into...

The two sides have not officially started fighting yet, but the retreating army will be like a defeated army, running away in a thousand miles, and being chased and killed.

Unless Gao Huan only takes Hou Jing, Huli Jin, Gao Ang and other high-ranking generals and personal guards with him, leaving the main army here and neglecting them.

But that would be too much of a blow to morale.

Gao Huan's personal prestige will also be completely destroyed. Who would listen to a 'long-legged general' who abandons his army and only cares about escaping at a critical moment?
When Erzhu Shilong learned that Chen Qingzhi's northern expeditionary army was coming, he was so frightened that he abandoned the garrison in Hulao Pass and fled with some of his personal guards and retainers.

After doing this, although Erzhu Rong seemed to still entrust him with important responsibilities, he was no longer allowed to lead troops, effectively stripping him of his military power.

Once your reputation is ruined and your team loses its support, you can forget about leading a team.

"The only option now is to fight!"

Gao Huan clenched his fist!
A multitude of thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant.

He was also confused at times.

Especially after the Battle of Luoyang, Gao Yu rose to the rank of 'General of the Heavenly Strategy', and his status, which had previously relied on his younger brother, suddenly surpassed his own.

He was genuinely happy for Gao Yu. He knew better than anyone how capable his younger brother truly was, and he felt the satisfaction of an old father watching his son finally achieve great things.

But he couldn't help feeling a little disappointed, and he also felt a sense of desolation, like an old father who had been surpassed by his son. This contradictory feeling tormented him for a while.

He had originally thought that he might as well settle down and assist Gao Yu, helping his younger brother to achieve unparalleled feats.

However, Lou Zhaojun's encouragement and Yuan Ziyou's attempt to promote him to counter Erzhu Rong made him seem to see an opportunity for his own rise again. He even went so far as to plot against Yuan Ziyou.

From the time Yuan Ziyou died last year to the hasty enthronement of Yuan Xiu, Gao Huan's strength, status, and prestige did indeed experience a qualitative leap in a short period. However, with every gain comes a loss.

He schemed against Yuan Ziyou, and even schemed against his own brother in order to seize the credit for supporting the emperor, causing the two brothers to no longer be as close as before.

Once something is done, it's like a spoken word; no amount of reversal can mend the rift.

"Moheduo will be here soon."

Seeing his dilemma, Bilugu couldn't help but offer a reminder.

"Yes, Erlang is coming soon..."

Gao Huan repeated this sentence over and over, his confused gaze becoming increasingly resolute.

Yup!

When exactly did he begin to share the same thoughts as others?

If you encounter difficulties, Erlang will handle them.

Back in Huai Shuo, the reason why everyone respected him as their leader was because, in the eyes of those old brothers, He Liuhun could handle any situation properly.

When did he go from being someone who was relied upon to someone who relied on others?

"The only course of action now is war!"

Gao Huan gritted his teeth and strengthened his resolve!
Won!

That proves that his previous plan was not wrong, and that he also has the ability to defeat Erzhu Rong, or even win greater prestige!

He could join hands with Gao Yu to conquer the world. As for who would ultimately rule the world, that would be determined by their merits at that time.

Lost.

That would mean all his previous plans would be in vain, and he wouldn't need to think about it so much in the future.

Just focus on helping Gao Yu succeed.

Given the bond between the two brothers, if Gao Yu were to truly gain control of the world, he might very well be granted the title of king.

After his thoughts became clear, Gao Huan was no longer confused.

"Go! Summon Liu Yi and the others!"

Before long, Liu Yi and the others were brought before Gao Huan.

"Liu Yi, I'm sorry to trouble you all to make this trip. Set off tonight and go see Erlang as soon as possible. Tell him that I have decided to fight Erzhu Rong's army tomorrow! Just tell him this news, and I believe Erlang will be able to handle it properly."

Liu Yi was taken aback, but didn't ask any further questions. He simply bowed slightly and then hurriedly left.

Gao Huan then looked at Bilugu.

"Go, relay my orders! Tomorrow at dawn, start cooking and prepare a feast to reward the troops. Then, we will fight the traitor Erzhu Rong to the death!!"

"Then summon Hou Jing, Huli Jin, Gao Ang, and all the other generals to my tent, and tell them I want to discuss military matters with them!"

"Here!!"

With his mind no longer confused, Gao Huan became decisive and efficient again.

Success or failure depends on this!
That means defeat.

He also has a good younger brother who can support him.

What else does he need to be afraid of?

What's there to be afraid of?

PS: I may not have laid the groundwork well in the previous plot, making Gao Huan's rise too sudden and providing too little description of his state of mind.

In the original setting, Gao Huan had this very complicated feeling towards the protagonist at this time, which is why I said a long time ago that the two brothers would not become enemies.

(End of this chapter)