My Realistic Simulation Game

Chapter 280 A Show of Force, A Power Play

"Reporting to the Commander! Fujian Governor Qing Duan has ordered Zhou Tianpei and Li Dingtai's troops to abandon their step-by-step advance strategy, concentrate their main forces, and launch a fierce attack on our Yuxi defense line! Commander Fu Zhongxin has sent an urgent report!"

"The Fourth Army is under immense pressure!"

The messenger's urgent voice, like a thunderclap, broke the silence.

The urgent military situation instantly drew everyone's attention away from the pedantic scholar.

A cold glint flashed in Qin Yuan's eyes. His conversation with the scholar about "reason" and "weapons" seemed like a trivial interlude.

The real storm has already erupted fiercely on the front lines of Fuzhou.

He glanced at the scholar who was slumped on the ground, pale as a ghost, and said in a calm tone, "Take him away and find a quiet place so that he can think carefully about whether he should believe the empty promises Qing Yao made to him or the rules that my Restoration Army wants to establish."

Having said that, he ignored the scholar who looked as if he had lost his parents, turned to Jiang Weichen and Cheng Xueqi beside him, and smiled slightly, a smile that carried a chilling fighting spirit:
"It seems the Qing demons can't wait any longer and are eager to test the sharpness of my Guangfu Army's swords!"

"Let's go back to the Commander's Mansion first."

He mounted his horse and led his entourage at breakneck speed toward the commander's residence.

The sound of horses' hooves struck the bluestone slabs with a rapid rhythm.

The General Staff had already prepared various contingency plans for the radical strategies that the Qing army might adopt.

Ignoring the critical situations in Zhejiang, Fuzhou, and Yanping, the opposing side attempted to concentrate its main forces to seek a strategic decisive battle with the Restoration Army, hoping to destroy the core strength of the Restoration Army in one fell swoop. This was one of the anticipated possibilities.

Therefore, Qin Yuan was not flustered.

The allure of war lies in its uncertainty; it never unfolds exactly according to one side's predetermined script.

The Qing army wanted to fight a decisive battle to achieve a complete victory, while Qin Yuan's strategy was to launch attacks from multiple points and conduct mobile harassment to disrupt the enemy's deployment.

Now, it all comes down to who can execute their strategy better while disrupting the opponent's rhythm.

As he rode his horse at full gallop, Qin Yuan's mind transformed into a battlefield sand table, rapidly conducting strategic simulations and considering how to take advantage of the Qing army's main force being drawn to the front of Fuzhou to exert greater pressure on other directions.

As soon as he returned to the entrance of the Commander's Mansion, Yu Zi'an, who was left behind, rushed up to greet him: "Commander, you're finally back!"

Qin Yuan nimbly dismounted, not inquiring about military affairs first, but instead asking with a smile, as if concerned about routine matters, "Zi'an, how's the training regiment doing? Have they cultivated any more outstanding talents like Jiang Weichen during this time?"

The two thousand people in the training corps were seeds that Qin Yuan had painstakingly cultivated.

He drew on the essence of "Militia Training Manual" and "Friends of Dual-Use Military and Civilian Talents" and combined them with the actual situation of the times to establish standardized combat, reconnaissance and training procedures.

Furthermore, courses such as map surveying and intelligence analysis have been offered, aiming to cultivate staff and command personnel with modern military thinking.

Qin Yuan took on the role of principal, Zhang Suimou was in charge of ideological education, and Yu Zi'an was responsible for specific teaching affairs and training.

Qin Yuan even envisioned upgrading the training regiment into a formal military academy after capturing Fuzhou, hiring foreign instructors, and creating China's first modern military officer school.

As the director of the teaching department, Yu Zi'an was well aware of the heavy responsibility on his shoulders. Upon hearing this, he immediately replied, "Commander, people like Jiang Weichen are extremely rare. I am currently responsible for the overall training coordination of these two thousand people, working day and night, and also taking care of the coordination with the General Staff and the Logistics Department. Right now, our Restoration Army system is lacking capable people everywhere. Commander, you must arrange for someone to take over these tasks as soon as possible!"

"Don't worry, I've remembered all of this." Qin Yuan patted his shoulder. "Once we take Fuzhou Prefecture and stabilize the situation, we'll immediately hold the first 'Talent Recruitment Examination,' and a large number of talented people will naturally join us."

"Right now, you need to cooperate well with Yuanzai and do a good job in the propaganda work. Also, pay close attention to Mr. Zeng Jinqian. The strategic significance of the Guangfu Xinbao is no small matter."

Along the way, Qin Yuan clearly noticed an increase in the number of newsboys on the streets, and that people in the city were more commonly discussing the contents of the newspapers.

Whenever the Restoration Army conquered a place, the corresponding proclamations to reassure the people and interpretations of policies would be quickly disseminated through newspapers.

Zeng Jinqian, as the Minister of Publicity, did a truly outstanding job.

"Xueqi..." Qin Yuan beckoned to Cheng Xue and called him to his side, "I hereby formally appoint you as the Minister of Commerce of the Restoration Army."

"Whether it's the cultivation and management of silk, tea, porcelain, or tobacco, you will be in charge of all related matters."

"If you need manpower, money, or supplies, just contact Yu Zi'an. He will help you coordinate with the relevant departments."

Although Cheng Xueqi is a "player," he knows that in this almost real world, he must respect and integrate into it.

He bowed respectfully and said, "Director Yu, I hope you will take good care of me in the future."

Yu Zian and Cheng Xueqi were about the same age, and Yu Zian was very approachable. He quickly helped Cheng Xueqi up, saying, "Minister Cheng, you are too kind. We are the ones who should be relying on you."

"From now on, you'll be our Restoration Army's 'God of Wealth.' Everyone's pay and provisions might depend on you!"

Although it was said in jest, it also revealed the truth.

As they discussed their plans for future business development, the group quickly entered the Commander's Mansion.

The messenger, who had been waiting nearby, immediately stepped forward: "Commander, the Chief of Staff has summoned the relevant personnel to the staff room and is waiting for you."

Qin Yuan nodded, his gaze sweeping over the people around him: "Zi'an, Xueqi, and Weichen, the three of you come in with me."

His personal selection of the generals clearly demonstrates the great importance he attaches to this military intelligence meeting.

Upon entering the somber staff room, all the staff members immediately stood up.

"Commander!"

"Sit down, everyone." Qin Yuan's gaze was steady. He first looked at Zhang Suimou, then glanced at Shi Zhenchang sitting next to him, whose expression was obviously anxious. He asked calmly, "Prime Minister, report on the current progress of each army's advance, as well as the latest battle situation on the Fuzhou-Ningde front."

"Yes." Zhang Suimou stood up, walked to the huge map, and said in a solemn tone: "Commander, the most serious situation at present is indeed the Fourth Army under Fu Zhongxin."

"Qing general Li Dingtai was extremely brave. After receiving strict orders from Fuzhou, he quickly advanced towards the Yuxi defense line and launched fierce attacks on the fortifications established by our army in places such as Zhoudun and Chiyan Town."

He paused, his voice growing deeper: "We have received reliable intelligence that the Qing army's high command has offered generous rewards to its subordinates and... has been condoning their actions, promising a 'three-day manhunt' after the city is breached. As a result, the enemy's morale has been boosted, and their offensive has become extremely fierce!"

Upon hearing this, Qin Yuan's eyes flashed with a cold light, and he chuckled coldly: "Zhou Tianshou is getting desperate and is starting to imitate Zeng Guofan's old tricks in Jiujiang, trying to motivate this rabble by massacring and looting the city!"

Zhang Suimou nodded heavily: "That's right, that's why Fu Zhongxin's department is under tremendous pressure."

"According to the plan, I have suggested that his troops gradually abandon some of the outer positions of Yuxi and retreat. As long as we can firmly block the main force of Li Dingtai and Zhou Tianpei outside the line of defense of Chiyan Town, Guanli Town and Xiaguan, it will be a victory and buy time for the main force to maneuver."

"Bring the map over," Qin Yuan ordered.

Jiang Weichen immediately stepped forward and spread out a more detailed battle map in front of Qin Yuan.

Chiyan Town, Guanli Town, and Xiaguan Town are arranged in a triangular shape on the northeastern border of Jianning Prefecture. Chiyan Town is closely adjacent to Zhoudun in Funing Prefecture, making it a key strategic point for protecting the hinterland of Jianning.

Qin Yuan took a brush, dipped it in cinnabar, and heavily marked the area above and to the right of the Yuxi defense line on the map—a location belonging to Chuzhou Prefecture in Zhejiang Province:
"The First Army under Shi Zhenji should have already captured Jingning by now. East of Jingning County, across Nantian Mountain, lies Taishun County of Wenzhou Prefecture. South of Taishun is this—Shouning!"

His pen tip traced an arc along the mountain range, pointing directly to the rear flank of Fu Ning Prefecture.

"Send the order! Tell Shi Zhenji not to linger in battle, but to immediately lead the main force of the First Army to penetrate into Taishun and Shouning counties at the fastest speed!"

"Stab them hard in the flank, threatening the Qing army's supply lines and rear in Fuzhou and Ningxia, and be sure to relieve the pressure on the Fourth Army in the Zhou Dun and Chiyan Town directions!" He put down his pen, his mind clear, and continued his deployment:
"In addition, I received a report that Lai Yuxin had already set off from Ruizhou, Jiangxi with 20,000 men and joined up with He Mingbiao's Third Army. They should be launching a fierce attack on Nanping, the capital of Yanping Prefecture."

"Send orders to He Mingbiao and Lai Yuxin: Nanping is of paramount importance! Once captured, there is no need to wait for further orders. Except for the necessary garrison, the main force should immediately move down the Min River, advancing by both land and water, and prepare to strike directly at Fuzhou!"

Qin Yuan raised his head, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, his tone resolute:
"This battle is a race against time!"

"Let's see if we can disrupt the Qing army's overall strategy and capture their key points first, or if they can break through our frontal defenses first!"

As he finished speaking, he found the staff room completely silent. Zhang Suimou and the other staff officers, along with Shi Zhenchang, were all looking at him with strange expressions, and no one immediately accepted the order or offered any suggestions.

Qin Yuan's gaze suddenly sharpened, landing squarely on Zhang Suimou: "Prime Minister, what's wrong? Is there a problem with my plan to outflank and strike at the heart of the enemy?"

Zhang Suimou felt the pressure of that gaze, glanced at Shi Zhenchang beside him whose forehead was already covered in cold sweat, gritted his teeth, and braced himself to report:

"The commander-in-chief has just received an urgent report from Yu Zhongfu, deputy commander of the First Army. Shizhen Jiqi has not advanced eastward to Taishun and Shouning as originally planned..."

He took a deep breath, almost forcing out the rest of his words:
"He led two divisions of the First Army, about 15,000 elite troops, and turned northwest, heading...towards Quzhou!"

Upon hearing this, the staff room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Shi Zhenji's unauthorized actions completely disrupted Qin Yuan's overall strategic plan!
Quzhou?

Qin Yuan's gaze suddenly turned cold. His voice was not loud, but it carried an invisible pressure that instantly enveloped the entire staff room.

He didn't immediately lash out, but instead turned his gaze to Shi Zhenchang, who was sitting to the side, his face already deathly pale, and spoke in a calm that sent chills down one's spine:
"Zhen Chang, were you aware of this matter beforehand?"

Shi Zhenchang jumped up from his seat as if he had been pricked by a needle.

A fine layer of cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead, and his voice trembled with anxiety: "Brother, I have absolutely no knowledge of this matter!"

"But... but I think that Zhen Ji... he must be harboring resentment because we suffered a setback under the walls of Quzhou, and he wants to take revenge and wipe away the shame!"

"He...he did all this for the sake of our Restoration Army's reputation, and even more so for you!"

"For me?" Qin Yuan sneered, his gaze sweeping over all the silent staff officers present. "Without a troop mobilization order signed by the General Staff Headquarters, you dare to lead 15,000 elite troops away from the main battlefield and change the established strategic direction?"

“Zhenchang, tell me, is this for my sake, or for Shi Zhenji’s personal pride, or... is it to disregard the military law of my Restoration Army?!”

In fact, Qin Yuan had already learned of this intelligence through his spies secretly planted in Shi Zhenji's army.

In addition, Deputy Commander Yu Zhongfu sent him a secret letter immediately, so he was fully aware of Shi Zhenji's movements after leaving Longquan.

Having witnessed history in his previous life, he was already prepared for Shi Zhenji's possible centrifugal tendencies.

The reason he held back and did not stop them in advance was precisely to take this opportunity to use Seok Jin-gil as a typical case after the war to crack down on those "old brothers" who relied on their seniority and were sometimes not obedient to unified command.

At that time, he will either be demoted or promoted in name only and transferred to the General Staff Department to remain idle, thus firmly keeping military power in his own hands.

The current attack is merely a prelude to future rectification.

As for whether or not to attack Shouning City, it is not irreplaceable in Qin Yuan's overall plan.

In addition to the First, Third, and Fourth Armies, he also held an ace in his hands, led by Chen Hengrong.

The Second Army of the Restoration Army is currently operating in the Gutian and Pingnan areas.

This team had previously feigned weakness to distract the enemy, but in reality, they were preparing to strike.

Even without Seok Jin-gil's First Army, he could still launch a deadly flanking attack from the right flank.

Qin Yuan's plan had already taken into account all sorts of variables.

But at this moment, he had to show the appropriate fury.

Shi Zhenchang was terrified by this sudden and stern questioning.

He was shocked by his younger brother Shi Zhenji's audacity and lack of strategic vision, acting on his own at the crucial moment that would determine the fate of the Restoration Army, and even more terrified by Qin Yuan's cold attitude at this moment.

As the Minister of Logistics, he deeply understood the reforms being carried out by the Restoration Army and was keenly aware of the importance of unified military command and the authority of the commander.

Times have changed. Shi Zhenji's behavior is tantamount to openly challenging the authority of the Commander-in-Chief's Office. If everyone follows suit, how will the Restoration Army be any different from the bandits who acted independently in the past?
Moreover, Qin Yuan entrusted the Shi brothers with important responsibilities: one to command a strong army and the other to manage finances and supplies. This shows the extent of his trust in them!

How could Shi Zhenji be so foolish!

He was filled with anxiety and resentment, and he knelt down with a thud, his voice trembling with tears: "Brother, Zhenji is someone you've watched grow up! He's been following you since he was twelve, serving you faithfully, risking his life for you. His loyalty to you is as clear as day, he has never been disloyal!"

"He just... he was so eager to share your burdens and wash away the humiliation of Quzhou that he acted rashly in a moment of confusion!"

"His attack on Quzhou was also intended to completely disrupt Zhejiang and draw away the Qing forces!"

"Alright, get up!" Qin Yuan said, softening his tone as he saw that the time was right.

He knew he couldn't push too hard.

In an era with strong clan ties, the Shi brothers were his core team. If they were to fall out of favor, it would only make him a laughingstock to outsiders.

The same reason why Yang Xiuqing vigorously promoted his relatives in the past.

Applying excessive pressure could actually force Seok Jin-gil to rebel, which would be counterproductive.

“I know Zhenji’s loyalty.” Qin Yuan sighed, his tone filled with disappointment and undeniable authority. “But his actions have greatly disappointed me and betrayed my trust in him. When he returns, have him come to see me immediately and explain himself!”

"Yes." Shi Zhenchang was shocked and quickly got up, saying, "When he comes back, I will make him apologize to you with a bundle of thorns on his back."

Having finished his reprimand, Qin Yuan stopped dwelling on the matter, his gaze sharpening and resolute as he surveyed the entire room:

"Prime Minister, record this!"

Zhang Suimou immediately picked up his pen and looked at Qin Yuan.

"The original operational orders for the Fourth and Third Armies remain unchanged!"

"Order Chen Hengrong's Second Army to leave one regiment behind to make a show of force and continue to feign attacks to contain the Qing army in the Gutian direction."

"The main force shall immediately assemble covertly and proceed at top speed through Pingnan to penetrate the right flank of Funing Prefecture. The objective is to threaten or even cut off the logistics line and retreat route of the main Qing army in Funing, and in coordination with the Fourth Army's frontal defense, to form a pincer movement against Zhou Tianpei and Li Dingtai's forces!"

His voice suddenly rose, turning icy cold:

"This time, I don't want to see any more surprises! All units must strictly follow orders; those who disobey will be court-martialed!"

"Yes! Commander!"

The staff members in the office were filled with awe and responded in unison, their voices louder and more unified than ever before.

(End of this chapter)