Sweep Yuan

Chapter 194 Mao Guixian's Meritorious Service in Breaking Through the Barrier

In Suzhou, at the central command tent of the Red Flag Battalion, the curtains were rolled up high, and the generals were gathered.

At the back of the main tent, a simple hand-drawn map hangs on a wooden frame, clearly marking mountains, rivers, camps, and roads.

Yin Congdao stood before the map, holding a smooth bamboo whip. After surrendering to Shishan, this former garrison commander of Hefei was transferred to the Marshal's Office as a military advisor, under the command of Pu Daoren, and became a colleague of Wang Zongdao.

He was already forty-seven years old and didn't have a deep obsession with commanding troops and fighting. He knew that this was Marshal Shi protecting him, so he had no complaints.

At this moment, Yin Congdao was lightly tapping the map with a bamboo whip, his voice steady and clear as he explained the military situation:

"The Yuan army constructed the first line of defense north of the Sui River."

The bamboo whip moved northward along a winding blue line (the Sui River) on the map, traversing an area:
"This defense line stretches from Jiagou in the west to Zhuzhai in the east, covering a width of about twenty li. It consists of two large stockades, guarding key transportation routes; and ten smaller camps, which are scattered throughout the area, forming a defensive network. The distribution is roughly as shown in the map above."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the generals in the tent, and added:
"Based on the size of the camp, the traces of cooking smoke, and the scattered confessions of prisoners, it is estimated that those stationed on this defensive line are all local militia temporarily recruited by the Yuan army, with a total strength estimated to be between six thousand and ten thousand."

After finishing his report, Yin Congdao bowed slightly and stepped aside. His gaze inadvertently swept over Zuo Junbi, who was sitting on the right front side of the stone mountain, and an indescribable ripple stirred in his heart, reminding him of the deceased Zuo Wu. He quickly suppressed this inappropriate thought and stood respectfully with his hands at his sides.

"Good! Military Advisor Yin, you've worked hard."

Despite the sweltering heat, Shi Shan did not remove his armor, only his helmet, revealing his neatly combed hair. His eyes gleamed as he turned to the generals from Suzhou sitting to his left.

"You are all locals, and have been stationed in Suzhou for many years, so you are more familiar with the geography, water conditions, and roads of this area than Military Advisor Yin is. Do you have any good strategies to defeat the enemy?"

"How difficult is this?!"

Xue Xian suddenly stood up, his burly body like an iron tower. He waved his large, fan-like hand and said casually:
"What a terrible formation Yuan Gou has set up! They're all country bumpkins who've never fought a war, and their camp setup is a complete mess, utterly disorganized! They're just relying on having more men and thicker walls to act like cowards and be hard to take on!"

He glanced around the tent, his gaze lingering for a moment on Peng and Zhao's faces, and said:
"Give me, Old Xue, five thousand soldiers, and in three days at most, I will uproot these unsightly earthen fortifications and sweep them clean!"

Most of the generals in Suzhou hadn't known Shi Shan for long and hadn't yet adapted to his style of encouraging his subordinates to speak freely. Seeing that Xue Xian, with his fiery temper and high status, had taken the lead, they all fell silent for a moment, and no one dared to easily object.

Shi Shan noticed a short, young general whose lips moved slightly and whose eyes flickered, as if he wanted to say something but held back due to Xue Xian's imposing presence and his own lack of seniority. He called out, "..."

"Mao Gui, tell me your opinion."

Mao Gui was from Xiayi. He joined the army relatively late. Although he had fought bravely and made many meritorious contributions, the power structure under Peng and Zhao's forces was basically solidified at that time, and he only reached the rank of centurion.

After Li Xixi publicly broke with Peng Dehuai and Zhao Ziyang, his original commander, Yu Zhan, did not want to miss the opportunity to curry favor with Shi Shan, so he promoted Mao Gui, who was known for his talent in training troops and had a good speaking style.

Li Xixi's troops had expanded rapidly and were in dire need of talent. After personally inspecting Mao Gui, he promoted him to deputy commander, thus enabling him to attend today's military meeting.

When he entered the tent, the generals had already called out their names, but Mao Gui was inconspicuous among a group of veteran generals. He never expected that Marshal Shi would remember his name and even call out his name in front of everyone. He was shocked and a surge of excitement rushed to his head.

Mao Gui suddenly stood up, took a deep breath, suppressed his excitement and nervousness, clasped his hands and said loudly:

"Reporting to the Marshal! This humble general does indeed have some limited opinions!"

He approached the map, picked up a bamboo whip, pointed it at the Suishui defense line, and said:
"Military Advisor Yin just emphasized that this is the Yuan dogs' first line of defense. After this line of defense, are there a second? A third? What are their troop strengths? What is their deployment? Although our scouts have done their best, time is still short, and we have not yet fully ascertained these matters!"

He paused, looked at Xue Xian, and spoke respectfully but with a clear point of view:
"General Xue's suggestion to proceed steadily and eliminate the camps one by one is certainly prudent. However, this strategy is time-consuming and laborious, and it is very likely to miss the opportunity. By the time our army has exhausted its efforts to clear this first line, the main force of the Yuan dogs may have already adjusted its deployment and is ready for battle."

They might even mobilize a large force to counterattack, forcing our army into a bitter struggle and causing us to lose the valuable opportunity to launch a surprise attack and break through the encirclement!

"you--"

Xue Xian was embarrassed when a deputy commander questioned his plan in public. He stood up abruptly, his thick eyebrows raised, ready to reprimand him.

But as soon as the words left his mouth, a glance out of the corner of his eye caught Shi Shan's calm, expressionless face, and his heart skipped a beat. He swallowed back the rebuke that was about to come out, and changed the subject, saying in a muffled voice:
"...That's an interesting point! So, in your opinion, what's the proper strategy? Should we just leave these obstacles unremoved and charge straight in?"

Seeing that Xue Xian, though displeased, did not lash out, Mao Gui felt somewhat relieved. He looked at Shi Shan and saw the Marshal nodding slightly at him, his eyes filled with encouragement, which immediately boosted his confidence. Then, he turned to Xue Xian and said, neither servile nor arrogant:

"In my humble opinion, the reason why the Yuan dogs set up such a strange first line of defense north of the Sui River is due to the timing. This line of defense should have been built in the first half of July, not now."

Upon hearing this, the generals in the tent reacted in various ways, and some quickly understood what Mao Gui meant.

At that time, although Suzhou had 20,000 troops, their morale was low, and the two commanders had no determination to rescue Xuzhou.

The Yuan army only needed to use a small number of troops to build a thin defensive line north of the Sui River, like scattering pepper, to frighten Peng and Zhao into retreating. There was no need to deploy elite troops here.

Many people's gazes drifted back to Peng Erlang and Zhao Junyong, who were sitting in the middle with uncertain expressions.

"hey-hey!"

Xue Xian turned to look at Peng Erlang and Zhao Junyong, sneered, and stopped bothering Mao Gui. He sat back down heavily, crossed his arms, and wanted to see what kind of nonsense this guy could come up with.

Shi Shan's eyes showed even greater admiration, and he said:

"Deputy Commander Mao's analysis of the enemy situation is incisive and to the point. Continue!"

With the marshal's approval, Mao Gui's spirits soared, and his thoughts became even clearer. He drew a line behind the Suishui defense line with his bamboo whip.

"If I were the Yuan army commander, knowing that the troops in Suzhou were insufficient in strength and had low morale, regardless of whether they had any intention to come to the rescue, I would only need to strictly order the camps of the first line of defense to build up their fortifications and defend them to the death."

His voice suddenly turned serious, and he continued:
"If the Suzhou troops dare not come to attack, it will be exactly what they want. Once the Suzhou troops cross the river to attack the camp, they only need to deploy several thousand, or at most ten thousand, elite troops in advance in the rear."

Once our army is locked in a stalemate with the defenders of the first line of defense, this elite force can swiftly break out and, together with the defenders in the stockade, launch a pincer attack, easily annihilating the invading Suzhou troops.

"well said!"

Shi Shan looked at Mao Gui with admiration and said:
"In your opinion, how should our army break through this arrangement by the Yuan army?"

"Do the opposite!"

Mao Gui gave his answer decisively, strode to the sand table, pointed to the blue sand representing the Sui River, and said in a faster voice:
"The Red Flag Battalion has been in Suzhou for several days. Scouts from both sides have been clashing for days, with casualties on both sides. Unless the Yuan commander is a fool, he must have already discovered that Suzhou has received reinforcements."

The bamboo whip he pointed to represented the movement of the Yuan army's first and second lines of defense on the sand table.

"But what about the scale and combat strength of the reinforcements? Their commanders must have doubts and find it difficult to make an accurate judgment in a hurry. Their defensive deployment will certainly be adjusted, but it is impossible for it to undergo a radical change in just a few days."

Their pre-set tactical thinking of "attacking from both inside and outside" is very likely still in use.

Mao Gui raised his head, his gaze fixed intently on Shi Shan and the other generals:

“Our army can first feign weakness,” he said, pointing to the position representing the Suzhou army on the sand table. “Our old Suzhou troops will lead the way, crossing the river first and making the appearance of a strong attack to eliminate the Yuan army’s strongholds.” “If the Yuan dogs dare not come to our aid, then our Suzhou army will truly fight. We will proceed step by step, eliminating camps one by one, clearing the road to Xuzhou City, restraining the Yuan dogs’ siege, and then choosing an opportunity to engage the Yuan dogs’ main force in a decisive battle.”

"If the enemy follows its original plan, it will send its pre-planned elite reinforcements to attack from both sides."

Mao Gui's voice suddenly rose, saying, "This is exactly what our army wants! This is a golden opportunity!"

He pointed the bamboo whip in his hand to the position of the main force of the Red Flag Battalion on the south bank of the Sui River on the sand table, and said:
"Marshal Shi, please send out your elite troops to strike their reinforcements head-on. The main force should cross the river and take advantage of the chaos and weakness of their second line of defense due to the defeat of the reinforcements to break through both lines of defense and open up the passage to the north."

clap clap clap!
A crisp, resounding clapping echoed through the tent. Shi Shan's face broke into a genuine smile, his gaze fixed intently on Mao Gui:

"Excellent! Deputy Commander Mao's insights are profound, and he understands both the enemy and ourselves. This strategy is feasible!"

Marshal Shi's affirmation was like stamping Mao Gui's abilities with the most authoritative seal. The generals in the tent, whether they were old subordinates from Suzhou or direct followers of the Red Flag Battalion, all looked at this unassuming deputy commander with a different gaze, showing more recognition and respect.

Shi Shan no longer hesitated, glanced at the generals from Suzhou in the tent, and said in a deep voice:
"The key to Deputy Commander Mao's strategy lies in luring the enemy. Crossing the river and seizing the camp is both a feint and a real attack, carrying immense risks. Only a brave and resolute general can shoulder this heavy responsibility!"

The generals knew that Marshal Shi was about to appoint his generals. Although they wanted to be the first to make a name for themselves, they did not dare to take on the task rashly because of the danger of the battle and the weakness of their own troops. Even Peng Erlang and Zhao Junyong had their eyes flickering and kept their heads down in silence.

Only a few, including Li Xixi and Xue Xian, stood tall and proud, clearly eager to get started. Shi Shan understood, and pointed to the remaining individuals:
"Xue Xian! Li Xixi!"

"Your subordinate is here!" Xue Xian and Li Xixi stood up abruptly, clasped their hands in response, and their voices resounded throughout the tent.

"I hereby order the two of you to each lead three thousand troops of your own troops, with the Lu River as the dividing line for the battle. Before 9:00 AM tomorrow, you shall cross the Sui River at the same time. Xue Xian's troops shall be responsible for the eastern section towards Zhuzhai. Mao Gui shall be your deputy general and assist in military affairs."

Li Xixi's troops are responsible for the western section of Jiagou, with Yin Congdao as your deputy, assisting in military affairs. The central junction will be protected by Xue Xian's troops.

After your two units successfully cross the river, then focus all your efforts on eliminating the Yuan army camp in front of you.

Shishan stared intently at the two of them and said seriously:
"Once you discover that the Yuan army has mobilized a large number of elite troops, intending to attack your forces from both sides, immediately take advantage of the terrain or seize the enemy's camp and switch to defense. At the same time, light the prepared wet firewood and straw to release thick smoke as a signal, hold your ground and await reinforcements. Do not fail to do so!"

"Your subordinates obey! We will certainly live up to the Marshal's trust!" Xue Xian and Li Xixi roared in unison, their eyes burning with fighting spirit.

Having deployed the "bait" and "snails," Shi Shan turned his gaze to his right front side, where the Red Flag Battalion's generals stood solemnly.

"Chang Yuchun! Li Wu!"

"Your subordinates are here!" Commander Chang Yuchun of the Qingri Guard and Commander Li Wu of the Xiaoji Guard stepped forward simultaneously, their armor clanging and their imposing presence awe-inspiring.

"The Qingri Guard and the Xiaoji Guard shall be on standby south of the Sui River early tomorrow morning to closely monitor the battle situation on the north bank. If they see the signal fires of Li and Xue's troops requesting reinforcements..."

Shi Shan's voice suddenly sharpened, and he said:
"Immediately lead the army across the river without the slightest delay. The entire army shall rush straight to where the signal was raised and do everything in its power to crush the reinforcements sent by the Yuan dogs. Then pursue the fleeing enemy closely, drive the defeated soldiers to attack their rear camps, and take advantage of the situation to break through their second line of defense and open a gap in the rear."

"Your subordinates obey!" Chang Yuchun and Li Wu responded with a resounding thud.

Shishan continued to refine the orders, saying:

"After the battle, the scouts of the elite cavalry must advance at least twenty miles to closely monitor the movements of the Yuan army in the rear. Once they discover that the main force of the Yuan army is showing signs of a large-scale southward advance, they will be alerted."

Shi Shan spoke solemnly, staring at Chang Yuchun and Li Wu:

"Immediately cease the pursuit, select advantageous terrain for defense, and await my personal reinforcements with a larger force."

"Understood!" Chang Yuchun and Li Wu clasped their fists together again, knowing that their unit needed to launch a swift attack while also assessing the situation carefully and avoiding reckless fighting.

The most difficult and crucial assault missions were entrusted to the most trusted and elite troops. As for those troops that were not trusted, Shi Shan would never let them sit idly by and reap the rewards.

His gaze fell on Peng Erlang and Zhao Junyong, who were sitting on pins and needles.

"Peng Erlang! Zhao Junyong!"

When his name was called, Peng Erlang's facial muscles twitched slightly. He was still somewhat embarrassed and hesitated whether to immediately get up and obey. Zhao Junyong, who was beside him, reacted very quickly. Knowing that any hesitation at this moment could lead to disaster, he immediately got up and clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"The general is here!"

Seeing this, Peng Erlang panicked and quickly stood up as well, his movements somewhat awkward.

"Your humble servant is here!"

Shi Shan remained expressionless, his voice as cold as ice.

"Your troops will cross the river closely following the Qingri Guard and the Xiaoqi Guard. Once Chang Yuchun and Li Wu defeat the reinforcements and pursue the enemy, the remaining camps along the Sui River will be eliminated by your two troops."

He paused, his gaze as cold as icy ice, piercing Peng and Zhao:

"Within one day, all twelve camps must be eliminated, leaving no hidden dangers. Afterward, you two will immediately lead your troops to join my main force."

Once the tens of thousands of Red Flag Battalion main force crosses the river, they will crush the Yuan army reinforcements with lightning speed and attack their second line of defense. The camps on the first line of defense of Suishui, which are mainly guarded by local militia, will witness the collapse of their rear and their morale will inevitably plummet, greatly weakening their will to resist.

Attacking at this point would be far less difficult and less likely to result in casualties than a direct assault.

Even so, to capture up to twelve camps in a single day, even if some surrendered without resistance, troops would still be needed to mop them up and take them over, inevitably incurring considerable casualties.

This was clearly a "dirty and tiring job," and it was also Shishan's punishment for Peng and Zhao's mentality of preserving their strength.

After Shi Shan finished speaking, he stared sharply at Peng and Zhao, each word striking their hearts like a heavy hammer.

“If you fail to do so on time,” his voice was not loud, but it carried a chilling murderous intent, “don’t blame me for strictly enforcing military law on both of you!”

The last four words were like ice picks piercing their bones. Peng Erlang and Zhao Jun felt a chill instantly rise from the soles of their feet to the tops of their heads. They had no doubt that Shi Shan would keep his word—the Red Flag Battalion still had several units of troops that had not yet moved, and they had no chance to disobey orders.

Zhao Junyong was the first to react and answered quickly:
"This humble general will do his utmost to complete the mission!"

Peng Erlang quickly echoed, his voice hoarse:
"This humble general will do his utmost!"

After the two finished expressing their views, Shishan looked at the other generals.

"Hu Dahai and Zuo Junbi."

"The general is here!"

"I command you, Second Division..."

(End of this chapter)