Late Ming Dynasty: Starting with the overthrow of the county magistrate, a rebellion was launched to

"Don't fucking look at me like that."

When Zhang Xianzhong announced his route, the people in the tent dared not utter a sound; they could only exchange bewildered glances to express their dissatisfaction.

That was too dangerous! That was just too dangerous!

Zhang Xianzhong heard neither dissenting voices nor the praises of his generals for his brilliance, so he looked at Li Dingguo and finally explained...

"Dingguo, you are highly skilled in martial arts and incredibly daring. Do you dare to take this path?"

Li Dingguo lowered his head and remained silent.

He is brave, not stupid.

Just as Li Dingguo was bracing himself for a severe scolding from Zhang Xianzhong for being cowardly and weak, Zhang Xianzhong burst into laughter.

"Look, the route I chose is one that even Dingguo wouldn't take, and I'm afraid the other generals in the tent wouldn't dare to go either. Since no one thought of taking this route, how could the government troops have expected it?"

You all keep bringing up the issue of government troops blocking our path, so I'd like to ask you all: is it more likely that we'll be discovered by the government troops if we take this route, or is it more likely that we'll be defeated and executed by a thousand cuts later?

Upon hearing this, all the generals lowered their heads and remained silent.

Yes, how could there be no risks in doing something so big? If you're really going to be so timid, why didn't you just stay in Gucheng and live a life of leisure and waiting to die?

Seeing that his generals in the tent were either ashamed, hesitant, or nodding in agreement, Zhang Xianzhong nodded in satisfaction.

That feeling of being in control is back.

Zhang Xianzhong then offered his own solutions to the problems of narrow and difficult mountain roads, difficulty in transporting grain, and the prevalence of miasma, epidemics, and pests. He claimed that all the difficulties were resolved one by one.

"Once we enter Sichuan, let alone the title of 'Premier of Six Provinces' or 'Supervisor General,' even if the imperial court mobilized the entire nation's army, it would be useless—they simply wouldn't be able to exert their influence. You are the backbone of our army, so at that time, you can choose to be enfeoffed as kings or marquises as you wish."

Zhang Xianzhong offered solutions to the difficulties, but the people were unsure of their feasibility. Their attention was entirely focused on the promise of "bestowing titles of kings and marquises"...

Upon hearing this, not only did the voices of dissuasion cease, but the furrowed brows and deathly pale expressions of protest vanished completely.

Sun Kewang opened his mouth, but ultimately swallowed the words that were about to come out and bowed.

"The commander-in-chief is wise!"

The other generals also bowed and responded in unison.

"We, your humble servants, will obey your orders, Commander-in-Chief! Your wisdom is boundless!"

Zhang Xianzhong straightened up with a smile, casually adjusted his armor, glanced at the generals under his command, and began to methodically assign specific military tasks.

"Sun Kewang!"

"Your subordinate is here!" Sun Kewang stepped forward and bowed to receive the order.

"You will lead five thousand elite cavalry as the vanguard of the entire army. Tomorrow morning, you will break camp and set off first. Clear all government troops' outposts, local militias, and militias along the way. Open roads through mountains and build bridges over rivers. Construct plank roads and ladders at dangerous passes such as Jiudaoliang and Baima Pass to ensure the smooth passage of the main army."

"Your subordinate obeys!" Sun Kewang replied loudly.

"Li Dingguo!"

"Your subordinate is here!" Li Dingguo, a young man, strode forward with a loud voice.

"You will lead eight thousand elite infantrymen as the main force of the central army, marching closely behind the vanguard. Protect the army's provisions, supplies, families, and civilians; maintain order during the march; and reassure the troops. If small groups of government troops harass you, annihilate them immediately. If the vanguard encounters obstacles, you must immediately lead your troops to provide support and clear the road!"

"Your subordinate obeys!" Li Dingguo bowed and accepted the order, his eyes gleaming with fighting spirit.

"Liu Wenxiu!"

"Your subordinate is here!" Liu Wenxiu, holding the account book, stepped forward quickly.

"You are responsible for the overall allocation and distribution of the army's food, weapons, and supplies. Burn all excess artillery, cumbersome equipment, and useless baggage..."

"Your subordinate obeys!" Liu Wenxiu bowed and accepted the order, then turned to make arrangements.

"Ainengqi!"

"Your subordinate is here!" Ai Nengqi's eyes widened as he strode forward.

"You will lead three thousand elite troops as the rearguard of the entire army. Gather straggling soldiers and the wounded, clear away marching tracks, and guard against pursuing government troops. If government troops approach, do not linger in battle; fight and retreat simultaneously to draw them away and ensure the main force's safe entry into Sichuan."

"Your subordinate obeys! I will protect the army's rear!" Ai Nengqi replied loudly.

"Liu Jinzhong, you are familiar with the terrain of eastern Sichuan and western Hubei. As a military advisor, you can point out routes in advance, mark terrain, and inform officers and soldiers of their deployment."

"Your subordinate obeys! I would never dare to make the slightest mistake!" Liu Jinzhong shuddered and quickly bowed.

"Luo Rucai and Ma Shouying! You two will lead your combined forces, running parallel to the central army, and are responsible for pacifying your respective soldiers. No mutiny, no desertion, and no excessive looting of the people are permitted, lest you incite a popular uprising. After entering Sichuan, your two units will be stationed between Daning and Wushan, coordinating defense, and are not allowed to act without authorization!"

"Your subordinates obey!" Although the two men were dissatisfied, they could only respond respectfully.

"Feng Shuangli, Ma Yuanli! You two will each lead two thousand men to guard the flanks of the main camp. Tomorrow morning, you will cover the vanguard's departure. After the entire army has broken camp, burn the main camp down, leaving no trace. Then follow the rearguard and do not fall behind!"

"Your humble servant obeys!"

……

……

Military orders fell like raindrops, and Zhang Xianzhong displayed his military talents to the fullest. Years of leading troops in battle had made his command and dispatch skills superb. In a short time, he had arranged the march, combat, logistics and defense of tens of thousands of troops with perfect clarity...

"Alright, military arrangements complete! Everyone, go and prepare immediately. Tomorrow morning, the vanguard will depart; three days later, the entire army will break camp and officially enter Sichuan to the west! Anyone who disobeys orders will be executed! Anyone who delays will be executed! Anyone who undermines morale will be executed!"

"Your subordinates obey!"

Everyone bowed in unison, responded loudly, then turned and quickly left the tent to prepare for military affairs.

In an instant, the tent became empty, leaving only Zhang Xianzhong and a few of his personal guards.

Zhang Xianzhong sat back down on the tiger-skin chair, picked up the now-cold tea, took a sip, closed his eyes to rest, and reviewed the route into Sichuan and military arrangements in his mind once again to confirm that there were no oversights.

Oh, right, there's one more thing!

A moment later, he opened his eyes, his gaze turning deep and unfathomable, and whispered a command towards the outside of the tent.

"Wang Er! Come in!"

A short, ugly-looking guard entered the tent in response to the call.

"Your subordinate greets the Commander-in-Chief! What are your orders, Commander-in-Chief?"

Zhang Xianzhong put down his teacup, seemingly lost in thought.

"I remember you said a while ago that there was also an uprising in Baoqing Prefecture, Huguang? Tell me more about it."

At the time, Zhang Xianzhong was busy dealing with the government troops, and Zhang Da was far away from him, so he had no intention of getting involved in this matter. However, upon closer examination, this was indeed a very good opportunity...

"Reporting to the Commander, a rebellion has been successfully launched in Shaoyang County, which is under the jurisdiction of Baoqing Prefecture. The leader, like the Commander, is surnamed Zhang. His name is Zhang Da. After the uprising, they captured Shaoyang County in one fell swoop and killed Tao Gong, the Prefect of Baoqing Prefecture, and Wu Yingshao, the Magistrate of Shaoyang County."

"Upon learning of this, Yang Sichang was furious and ordered Huang Chaoxuan, the military commander of Huguang, and Zhou Fengqi, the deputy commander of Yunxiang, to go and suppress them. However, Zhang Da, despite being outnumbered, defeated them and returned in disarray..."

"What a hero!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xianzhong smiled and praised him highly.

"If he can repel the government troops, then he is no ordinary person and can be recruited to expand our strength."

Now that I've decided to go to Sichuan, Yang Sichang will find out sooner or later. As for whether he'll lead a large army to pursue me, or decide to deal with that Zhang Da first...

Zhang Xianzhong was somewhat unsure.

It's okay, as long as we can bring Zhang Da over and they can work together as allies, it will always be a good thing.

If the government troops see him leading the main force into Sichuan and then abandon the pursuit, turning their attention to besieging Zhang Da, then he can easily establish himself in eastern Sichuan, conquer cities and territories, expand his power, do whatever he wants, and no one will stop him!

If the government troops continue to pursue him relentlessly and lead a large force into Sichuan, then Zhang Da can wreak havoc in the heart of Huguang, attacking cities and seizing territories, killing officials, and turning Huguang upside down.

From this point on, the government troops were caught between two fronts, and whether they were dealing with Zhang Xianzhong in Sichuan or staying in Huguang to quell Zhang Da, their forces would be scattered and exhausted.

All benefits and no harm!

Zhang Xianzhong immediately told Wang Er about his proposed strategy, but feeling it was somewhat unreliable, he wrote it down and handed it to Wang Er.

"When you go to Shaoyang, don't put on an arrogant attitude. You're just a rebel army, so you're all brothers. If the government troops come after you all the way to Sichuan, you must have a good talk with Zhang Da about the principle of 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold' (meaning that if one of your own is gone, the other will be vulnerable)."

If the government troops turn their attention to attacking Shaoyang, let Zhang Da defend it to the death…”

Zhang Xianzhong gave Wang Er a series of instructions, telling him to be careful on his journey before sending him out of the tent.

Because the army was about to mobilize, the clamor of the soldiers outside the tent grew louder and louder, but this clamor could not drown out Zhang Xianzhong's surging passion.

As long as I can get into Sichuan... just then, Zhang Da emerged from Huguang, heaven is on my side!

Wow, Zhang Da's appearance was so coincidental. Could it be that he really is from the same clan as me? Did he come to help me out of the shadows?