Wei School's Three Good Students

Chapter 125 Taking the bait
In June of the 36th year of the Xu Tian calendar, the world's attention was focused on major events such as Emperor Xu leading his army north, the active response of the Da Yao vassal states, and the alliance between the pseudo-Hao and pseudo-Guan.

From the eastern city of Yaodu, a group of "unscrupulous" forces arrived and began to disrupt the status quo.

Military strategy dictates, "Place them in a desperate situation, and they will survive." From a purely military perspective, the Eastern City Army showed no signs of entering a "deadly" situation. Precisely because of this, Zhao Cheng in the east was completely unaware of the existence of this destructive force.

However, from an individual perspective, every member of the Dongshi Army is in a "dead end".

Last year, those cowardly bastards who had retired were impeached by the censors as soon as they got home and were subsequently demoted to commoners. After I went to war, they died suddenly and mysteriously. This served as a wake-up call to all the纨绔 (spoiled brats) and 纨绔 (spoiled brats), reminding them what would happen if they didn't make a name for themselves.

For the boatmen in the capital city, who were at the bottom of the military ranks, this year was the happiest time of their lives. They went from being despised by prostitutes to being able to trample on these high-class playthings at will. After gaining power, they also took revenge on the brokers who had bullied them. These brokers were backed by Jianghu forces, so once the Eastern Market Army lost power, their fate would be very miserable.

The middle-ranking officers of the Dongshi Army were too arrogant and offended many people in Yaodu. These aristocratic scions who had enjoyed the taste of power and were then "forced" out of the city would be blacklisted by their families and subjected to endless ridicule if they failed to achieve anything.

As for Wu Fei, who was at the very top, he came to the North alone, had spent all his money, and was seen by outsiders as someone who couldn't afford to lose. Wu Xiaoque: Of course I can't afford to lose, I'll get carried away if I lose. If I get carried away, I'll just renege on my debt and walk away.

Meanwhile, the northern part of Da Yao is currently caught in a "treasured chess game". On the border of Da Yao, warlords like Zhu Liqiang are currently under the emperor's suspicion and are busy integrating local powerful families to gain support. They are in dire need of prestige and cannot afford to suffer any damage to their reputation from any "loss".

The dragon descendants that Haotian left here to guard the area were unable to mobilize their full strength due to certain conflicts with the local aristocratic families.

How should we break this chess game at this point?
…Xuan Chong: We need to come up with the method of the Great Han Chess Saint. …

In early June, Wu Fei displayed the peacock he had brought from the south. That night, it shone brightly before disappearing into the central command tent. The soldiers in the camp said it was an auspicious omen.

At the same time, Wu Fei summoned Jiu Feng and warned the peacock, "Don't go out for the next few days."

The peacock was very obedient, like a mother hen brooding over her brood, and disappeared into a hidden spot in the city.

On the other side, Wu Fei had Jiu Feng crow at dawn in Deer Horn City, and then flapped its wings and flew south for a stroll.

The reason for this was that Wu Fei knew there were Haotian scouts nearby.

Furthermore, Wu Fei knew that Haotian scouts had discovered that he possessed a large flying bird mount, so he had Jiufeng fly back and forth, creating the illusion that he was still seeking help from Zhu Liqiang in the south, thus causing a strategic miscalculation.

As for the peacock hiding in the city, it would reveal itself when necessary, causing the enemy to make a series of misjudgments. Just like when Zhang Fei fought Yan Yan, he used a substitution technique.

The Dongshi Army's early "mining cart attack" tactic had already forced Hao's main force to mobilize from Huangyu City.

Wu Fei learned from a few people who had slipped out of the northern city that the descendants of Haotian Dragon were now preparing for a decisive battle, so the troops in the Bohai occupied area had been withdrawn and were very weak.

…The perspective shifts to Haotian's side…

Dragon Descendant General Su Dong was looking at the 5,000-strong army gathered in front of him. The three camps stretched for seven or eight miles. During the march, Su Dong's army was divided into front, middle and rear, covering ten kilometers each day, pressing forward like a caterpillar.

It wasn't that they didn't want to move quickly, but the supplies needed to be moved little by little. In this marching formation, the camp was being set up and dismantled at the same time.

It's easy to understand why the front tents are set up camp, while the tents behind them are packed up and moved forward to the front camp.

After the army left, only a few fences and shacks remained in the camp for the subsequent laborers to settle down.

Looking at the entire army from beginning to end, the vanguard was clad in neat armor, with five jade lions arrayed in orderly formation, undoubtedly a magnificent torrent.

Behind Haojun, the small tent camps made up of conscripted farmers were like mushrooms on rotten wood after the rain. At first glance, they were arranged quite neatly, but upon closer inspection, they were like a line of caterpillars. They would only move after the tents in front had broken camp. Even if they had rested too long, they would not rush to "cut in line" and leave.

Su Dong wasn't in a hurry, because Deer Horn City was there, and there was no escaping it.

Su Dong told his generals that he really wanted to see the expression on the face of the "thief-like" southern barbarian generals in the eastern part of Da Yao when they confronted him with questions.

Su Dong guessed that when he caught Yao Jun's young general, he would be in a daze and deeply regret his decision to use "cleverness" to ambush Hao Jun over the past two months. —Note: When Wu Fei met Zhu Liqiang, he referred to himself as "little brother," a fact that was boasted about by Zhu's personal guards over drinks. Their assessment of Wu Fei was that he was a greenhorn.

Su Dong, a veteran who had spent seven or eight years on the battlefield, didn't think the young, spoiled General Que sent by Da Yao was particularly capable. (Wu Fei: What is my length of service?)
In the main camp, he looked at the map and learned about the movements of the Yao army that he had just scouted. He knew that the vanguard sent by the Yao army from Lujiao City was waiting for orders 20 kilometers away from his own vanguard.

The vanguard of the Yao army, like a little rabbit, ran back to Deer Horn City as soon as they were chased. Su Dong despised these cowards.

However, he was unaware that less than ten miles further north, Wu Fei's main force had already brushed past him; and during this process, the Longma cavalry were sent out day and night to suppress his scouts, preventing him from learning the slightest bit about the situation.

And so, just like that, the swift Wu Fei led three thousand main force members to circle around, followed by tens of thousands of conscripted peasant soldiers carrying only three days' worth of rations.

Compared to Hao Jun's laborers who carried provisions behind the vanguard, Wu Fei did not burden the laborers with any supplies. All the baggage was calculated and carried directly forward with the vanguard legion's wooden oxen and flowing horses. The laborers, on the other hand, were allowed to travel light and advance rapidly in formation.

This ensures that the entire army maintains a constant and rapid speed.

...Fast and slow dividing line...

During the forced march, Wu Fei took a deep breath and, based on the deviation of the starlight in the sky, accurately determined how far he had traveled and even mentally constructed a map.

During the march, Wu Fei found a sandy area and began sketching a map directly on it. Just as he finished drawing the map, the officers who had received the message arrived on time. The map-drawing hadn't wasted anyone's time.

Holding his horsewhip, Wu Fei pointed at the westernmost city and, after carefully analyzing the situation with his generals, decided to attack Dongleidu first.

Regarding Wu Fei's free battle lectures, most generals expressed their "complete obedience," but currently only about 30% are actually thinking critically and carefully following Wu Fei's line of thought. On the one hand, these people have no intention of thinking independently; on the other hand, they blindly believe that Wu Fei is reliable. Of course, many others are simply thinking that as long as they don't get stuck in Deer Horn City for so many days, everything will be fine.

As for the main force leaving, there are only two hundred elite soldiers left to defend Deer Horn City, the rest are all able-bodied men. Can they hold the city?
Not only can Deer Horn City launch a direct attack to the north, but it can also retreat by sea. Furthermore, it is backed by the mountains a few kilometers to the south, making it an excellent defensive location.

Well, why is it better to be backed by mountains for defense? Because guerrillas can hide in the mountains.

Wu Fei established three agricultural camps there, with approximately one thousand men, mostly descendants of prominent families from Bo County who had fled to the mountains. Wu Fei personally accompanied the locals, selecting caves in the mountains to store provisions and hide troops. This meant that when the enemy besieged the city, they would have to worry about an ambush from the southern mountains.
Even if this conscripted peasant army came down the mountain with drums and cannons, the besieging Hao army camp would have to be prepared for a surprise attack. —As for searching the mountains? A siege requires five or six thousand elite troops, but a mountain search would be impossible with even a hundred thousand men.

Of course, this place, which was so desirable in Wu Fei's eyes, was one that none of the Beijing garrison officers wanted to stay in for even a moment longer.

Because the place where they slept was an earthen bed, piled with straw, and the straw was infested with lice.

For example, Li Xiaorong, the cavalry captain next door who was conducting a dog-walking tactic against Haojun, commented on the washing conditions in Deer Horn City: "Back in the capital, my beard was wiped three times a day by the maids (he was bragging, this was the treatment his eldest brother received), but this morning I woke up to find it had been infested with insects! In comparison, building merit in the wind and frost is also hardship, and I'd rather stay here."

Back on the makeshift sand table map, Wu Fei, in a cold, almost mechanical tone, issued orders to all the soldiers. Each soldier pledged their loyalty, preparing for the impending carnage on the battlefield.

…The rhythm of “enter, exhibit, take” begins…

On June 16th, Dongleidu was a small earthen city with walls four zhang high. As usual, the city gates opened at cockcrow every morning and closed at sunset.

Most city garrison commanders abide by this regulation, which, like a door hinge, will remain in place for a long time unless confronted by external forces. However, there are always unforeseen circumstances that require leniency within the regulation.

Every month, merchants would come to Donglei Ferry to transport local sea freight and bring in cotton cloth. However, today, the merchants entered the city at four o'clock in the afternoon. Upon entering, their cart axle broke. The merchants then offered money, asking the gatekeeper to be lenient and allow them to repair their carts. The gatekeeper, appreciating the money, did not drive the merchants away, which resulted in the city gates being unable to close temporarily.

However, at this moment, a sandstorm swept up from the east, plunging the city into darkness. Merchants blocking the city entrance kept ringing their bells and shouting.

But amidst these shouts, the "da da da" sound seemed to grow closer and closer.

A few soldiers at the city gates sensed the danger, but by the time they tried to report it to the city walls and sound the horn, it was too late; they were immediately taken down by the "merchants" at the gates.

Once the dust settled, the knights with repeating muskets arrived at the gate. The merchants quickly overturned the carts blocking the way, tossed aside the earthenware pots and utensils tied with straw ropes, and then pushed the empty carts aside. The merchants, no longer as cautious as before because of their "small business," quickly cleared their goods, making way for the cavalry to enter the city.

The soldiers reached the city wall and shot dead the defenders who tried to resist with knives. The sound of gunfire was accompanied by the twisting sound of armor being smashed.

The explosive shotgun demonstrated its effectiveness within ten paces, delivering a swift and decisive blow. The surviving soldiers immediately and obediently discarded their weapons, crouching in the corner awaiting their fate.

The city walls were captured within three incense sticks' time. The soldiers who rushed into the city split into groups according to their flags and occupied the warehouses full of supplies. Then, an assault force in full armor charged to the location of the city lord.

The commander of the assault force arrived at the city lord's mansion.

Within this two-courtyard oriental mansion, Yao Jun confirmed that the official documents, such as those for registering records, were located in the rooms on either side of the mansion. The inner courtyard with its high platform was merely a place for pleasure-seeking. He then arrested the clerk, further confirming that the daily office was not on that luxurious platform. Wu Hong, gazing at the tightly closed four-story platform, grinned maliciously and ordered his men to gather firewood.

When the firewood piled up to fill the gate, almost becoming a cushion for someone to jump, the city lord shouted from upstairs with trepidation: "Don't set it on fire!" He then opened the city gate and surrendered.

…The stolen city is so delicious…

Outside the city, Wu Fei, who was taking advantage of the east wind, looked at the flags hanging high on the city wall, snapped his fingers, and a flash of Vermilion Bird Fire appeared in his hand. The peacock circling in the sky flapped its wings and hid in the clouds.

Wu Fei personally entered the city to maintain order, mainly to control the soldiers. Sure enough, after taking control of the territory as planned, the soldiers became interested in the city's abundant resources.

Wu Fei understood all the thoughts his subordinates dared not express openly, and he had calculated and recorded them all as a clear contribution.

Wu Fei quickly called out the officers who had entered the city first, giving them two choices: either stay and check the goods, or continue fighting and be assigned tasks later. The officer from the capital hesitated for a moment, but quickly realized the situation and asked to continue fighting.

Therefore, Wu Fei selected a very reliable sergeant to take over Donglei Ferry and gave him a list of available candidates.

Each name on the list has a boxed note next to it: "If you're unsure about xx, ask him." This includes several "spies" who were tricked into coming to the city gate. Wu Fei advises that these people should be kept in the city and given important responsibilities in the future.

In three hours, the reinforcements will arrive and enter the city to relieve the main combat troops. These troops will assist the sergeant in guarding the city.

Wu Fei explained to the selected officers: All valuables and women are to be sealed in the city lord's mansion. You must remember this: not a single seal on the valuables can be missing, not a single woman can be missed, and even if someone dies, their body must be preserved.

After the troop rotation arrived outside the city, Wu Fei ran outside and, in full view of the three thousand troop rotation soldiers, reiterated the issue of "guarding the captured goods" to the squad leaders. In his speech, he used words such as "resolutely," "definitely," "transparent process," "traceable entry and exit," and "responsibility assigned to individuals." Finally, he issued a death sentence to the sergeant in charge of the auxiliary defense.

Wu Fei deliberately unleashed his murderous aura, explaining the seriousness of disobeying military orders to the sergeant guarding the captured goods. In this matter, the mere act of whipping someone for the chaos observed on the streets today would not suffice—it would truly be fatal. Amidst this murderous aura, all the sergeants silently accepted this course of action.

Four hours later, the vanguard of the East City Army handed over the city's defenses to the farmers who arrived later. The local aristocratic sons among the farmers began to assist in the management and to tally the supplies of East Fortress City.

"Confiscated goods" is not just a show; it is the core of combat effectiveness.

This means maximizing the initiative of the most combat-effective troops to make contributions and quickly transferring tasks that require them to be stationed in local areas to second- and third-line troops. This process sounds simple, but it is quite intricate in practice.

How can we convince the soldiers that their spoils are being guarded by others and no one will dare to steal them?! — Wu Fei expressed his understanding of the soldiers' concerns: In the 21st century, normal people are not used to leaving their cell phones on strangers.

After Wu Fei first explained things to the officers, then emphasized it to the farmers who were being relieved of their duties, and finally, before the soldiers left the city, he listed the number of goods and women in the city in a table, read it aloud, and announced that after the annihilation was completed, they would return to this place to inspect the spoils of war in public!

In the training ground, the soldiers who had captured the city were certain that Wu Fei had settled accounts so clearly, so they casually declared that they had never doubted their commander. For the soldiers, what they wanted was Wu Xiaoque's "one is one, two is two" attitude.

During the withdrawal of the soldiers from the East Market, the heads of three laborers were hung on the city wall. These men were the ones who had harassed women, failed to march in formation, and lingered in front of the sealed treasury!
Severe punishments are necessary in times of chaos.

At this time, not even lingering near the treasury is allowed, because lingering means "thinking," and the second-line garrison should not even have such thoughts now.

…Wu Fei cared more about the morale of his troops than he cared about his girlfriend…

After the Battle of Donglei City, Wu Fei felt no joy at his "minor victory".

Under Wu Fei's serious reminder, all the sergeants put away their smugness about the "first victory".

"You've taken the first step on a tightrope, walking a tightrope. What's there to be happy about? If you fall and are smashed to pieces on the second step, what use is the success of the first step?" Wu Fei reprimanded these arrogant sergeants, forcibly directing their attention to the next step. He was trying to enlighten these guys who had never fought before.

Wu Fei drew a map again on the muddy ground with his feet and posed a question to the sergeant.

Wu Fei: "The Donglei City we have captured is actually very unsafe. To the east is Su Dong, who was originally going to attack us; to the west are two other Dragon Descendant Generals, Bai Jiawang and Jia Nantian."

Wu Fei pointed at the map with a straw: "The worst-case scenario is that the enemy will attack us from both sides, but I don't think they'll cooperate like that; 'Donglei' is Su Dong's territory, and he'll definitely be the first to react after finding out we've taken him by the nose."

Wu Fei looked at the assembled generals and said in a seductive voice, "Gentlemen, let's hurry and give him one last push!"

Many of the officers nodded in agreement, expressing that there was great potential in it, and they began to discuss how to plan the operation.

Having just conquered one city, the army's mobility remained undiminished, and they continued searching for the next one.

(End of this chapter)