dognovel Chapter 1134: The Prelude to the Final Battle
Chapter 1134: The Prelude to the Final Battle
Lhasa, the Red Palace high above.
The great scholar Lu Dongzan stood on the terrace.
He was over fifty years old, with graying temples, but his eyes gleamed with a sharp, commanding presence, a testament to his long-held position of power.
His elaborate purple-blue brocade robe, adorned with gold thread, proclaimed his unparalleled and exalted status.
He caressed a warm, smooth jade pendant in his hand, but his gaze was fixed on the southeast, as if he could see through mountains and rivers to the young emperor of the neighboring country.
“Li Che… is even more troublesome than his father,” Lu Dongzan muttered to himself. “He even dares to provoke my Tubo. He really doesn’t know the immensity of heaven and earth.”
"If Daqing were stable, I would still be somewhat afraid of him. But now that Daqing has just been pacified, does he really think of Tibet as an easy target?"
Behind him, several noble generals dressed in magnificent furs stood bowing and daring not to utter a sound.
They were the backbone of Lu Dongzan's faction, and their family interests were deeply intertwined with the powerful minister's strategy for the Western Regions.
"Great Lord, Emperor Qing has gone too far! The humiliation of Chuma City must be avenged in blood!" A young nobleman with a full beard couldn't contain himself and spoke out angrily, "He actually dared to kill your envoy, he simply treats Tibet as nothing!"
Lu Dongzan slowly turned around, his face showing no anger: "Zan Nie, anger is the weapon of the wild bull, not the hunter."
"Li Che dares to do this simply because Daqing is at the height of its power and because he thinks that our Tubo is far away and difficult to conquer with all our strength."
"But he forgot that even the highest eagle has to land eventually."
"Pass on my orders." Lu Dongzan's voice suddenly turned stern, "In the name of the Zanpu, conscript private soldiers of various noble tribes, regular Gui soldiers, soldiers of various Ru tribes, and soldiers of affiliated tribes."
"In addition, serfs and slave households were conscripted to serve as laborers and auxiliary soldiers for the army."
He glanced at his generals and said, "I will gather 100,000 troops in the Yak River north of Lhasa within 30 days."
"Double the conscription of auxiliary soldiers and civilian laborers to ensure the army's departure. To the outside world, we will call it an army of 300,000!"
"Three hundred thousand?!"
Even though the generals had some idea of what was going on, they were still shocked by the enormous number.
This is the largest mobilization in Tibet in recent years, demonstrating the immense determination of the Tibetan leader.
However, some people had doubts. With so many troops mobilized, if they won, everything would be fine.
But if you lose...
"Target." Lu Dongzan's finger landed heavily on a point on the Western Regions map, "Chuima City!"
"This place is the gateway to Hexi and the gateway to the Western Regions. The Qing army has already stationed here. Let's fight them to the death, remove this thorn in our side, and cut off their westward advance!"
Zan Nie exclaimed excitedly, "Your theory is brilliant! By capturing Chuima City, we can overlook the Hexi Corridor. At that time, whether we advance eastward to plunder Longyou or westward to control the Western Regions, it will all be up to our Tubo to decide!"
Lu Dongzan nodded and said, "Raise the banner: 'Drive out the Qing army, restore the old territory, capture Emperor Qing alive, and avenge the national humiliation!'"
A cold glint flashed in his eyes: "Doesn't Li Che like to personally go to the front lines? Qingdi has beautiful mountains and rivers, and his previous achievements were nothing more than small skirmishes. I wonder if he can withstand the wind and snow of this plateau!"
"If we can use this battle to trap him beneath the plateau, or even capture the emperor of Daqing alive, then it will be a golden opportunity for our Tubo to take over the Central Plains!"
The crowd responded in unison: "We will obey the Great Treatise's instructions."
The orders flew like eagles to all parts of Tibet.
The plateau suddenly erupted in noise.
The nobles' private armies marched out from their manors and fortresses, with knights in armor and infantrymen carrying spears.
The standing armies of each Ru were assembled into formation, their banners distinguished by color.
On the vast pastures, herdsmen were conscripted as cavalrymen, each with their own bow and horse.
The sound of bugles echoed through monasteries and official residences, driving more serfs and subjects, carrying grain and leading yaks, into a massive, surging crowd.
. . . . . .
On the other hand, undercurrents were swirling within the city of Luoxie.
Deep within the Red Palace, the young king sat quietly in the Buddhist hall, listening to his confidant's low report on Gar Tongtsen's troop deployment.
"One hundred thousand soldiers...and even more auxiliary troops and laborers...this time, the Grand Commandant has truly gone all out in this attack."
The king's voice was very soft, as if he were afraid of disturbing the oil lamp in front of the Buddha.
"Your Majesty, Tashi has secretly reported that Emperor Qing is now aware of our internal situation and intends to take action in the Western Regions."
The confidant whispered, "Da Lun's actions have fallen right into his trap, but... the price will likely be the blood of my Tibetan soldiers and the years of effort I've put into the Western Regions."
The king remained silent for a long time, then slowly flicked his prayer beads with his fingertips: "The great master's power is already established. If we win this battle, his prestige will be at its zenith, and I will have no room for further comment."
“If I lose…” A complex light flashed in his eyes, “If I lose, I will remember my past merits and give him dignity.”
"As for my Tubo, rest assured, Tubo is protected by the Mother Mountain, so it cannot be harmed at its core."
He raised his eyes, his gaze piercing through the palace's heavy curtains: "Emperor Qing, Li Che... I hope you truly possess the skill that Zaxi described."
. . . . . .
Almost simultaneously, the temporary camp in Chuimacheng was established.
Urgent military reports were delivered to the tent one after another, along with intelligence summaries sent through special channels.
“Lu Dongzan is quick on his feet.” Li Che handed the intelligence to the people in the tent. “One hundred thousand men, claiming to be three hundred thousand, are heading straight for Chuima City.”
"Your Majesty, the Tubo have come with all their might, and their momentum is overwhelming." Luo Yueniang looked worried. "Although Chuima City is dangerous, it is still a small city and I'm afraid it will be difficult to hold out for long."
Yue Yun also said in a deep voice: "Lu Dongzan's slogans are loud and clear, intended to provoke His Majesty and lure our army into a decisive battle in the unfavorable highlands."
Li Che walked to the map, his gaze calm.
On the map, the red arrows representing the movements of the Tibetan army are thick and glaring, while Chuima City stands like an isolated child, perched on the edge of the plateau.
"Let him fight his battles, I'll fight mine." Li Che said calmly, "He wants to force me into a decisive battle under the walls of Chuima City, but I won't do as he wishes."
"Issue my decree." Li Che's voice was clear and powerful. "Order each vanguard army to follow the established strategy, hold key points, delay the advance of the Tibetan army, and make sure to defend all flanks of Chuima City. Order the Northwest Army to strengthen its defenses and guard against any Tibetan flanking attacks."
"At the same time," he emphasized, pointing to a location further west in the Western Regions, "order the newly reorganized Northwest Army to assemble and await orders, and order the garrison commanders of all passes to close the gates, prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving!"
This is a classic case of feigning one's intentions while secretly advancing another.
Lu Dongzan wanted to fight a decisive battle at the eastern gateway of the Western Regions, but Li Che turned his attention to the heart of the Western Regions.
You can fight your battles in Chuimacheng, I'll raid your backyard.
"As for reinforcements..." Li Che's gaze swept over the generals in the tent, "How is the reorganization of the new Shu army going?"
Yu Daliang stepped forward, clasped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, as Your Majesty requested, the selection and training have been carried out, and all departments are intensifying their training and are ready to provide reinforcements at any time."
“We will transfer another 30,000 troops from Sichuan, plus the 50,000 garrison troops in Chuima City, and the garrison troops that can be mobilized later…” Li Che calculated, “The first batch of troops that can be mobilized will be about 80,000.”
"One hundred thousand auxiliary soldiers and civilian laborers can be conscripted to ensure the safety of the grain supply lines and baggage trains."
With 80,000 troops against over 100,000, the enemy was slightly outnumbered and had unfavorable terrain on the road.
However, the Qing army possessed advantages in equipment, organization, and information that the Tibetans did not fully understand.
Military strength is not the only factor in determining victory; the Qing army has never lacked the courage to win with fewer troops.
Li Che looked at everyone and said, "Lu Dongzan's army has assembled and consumed a lot of food and provisions. His country is not a unified entity. His long-distance raid will not last long."
"Our army, on the other hand, holds key positions and waits for the enemy to tire themselves out, and also has the advantage of being inside the enemy lines."
He finally gave the order: "Wang Sanchun, you shall take command of the army of Chuimacheng, advance steadily and surely, and draw the attention of Lu Dongzan's main force."
"Remember, your mission is not to fight the final battle, but to hold him back and make him think that my main force is here with you!"
"This subordinate obeys!" Wang Sanchun solemnly replied.
"Yueyun."
Yue Yun bowed and stepped forward, saying, "Your subordinate is here."
Li Che said calmly, "I leave all the heavy cavalry to you. You are responsible for supporting Wang Sanchun. You are in charge of seizing all opportunities in the battle."
Yue Yun's eyes lit up.
Your Majesty wields such great power; how trustworthy you are!
For Yue Yun, this kind of combat is also what he excels at.
"This humble general will not fail in his mission!"
Li Che nodded and slowly looked at the others: "Luo Yueniang and Yu Daliang, you two will lead the remaining 30,000 soldiers to follow me."
A sharp glint flashed in his eyes: "Let's take another route!"
"Another way?" the crowd asked, puzzled.
Li Che's finger slid along a more concealed route on the map, directly flanking the Tibetan army and leading to the Western Regions.
This route is characterized by high mountains and deep valleys, with harsh weather conditions, making it extremely difficult for the army to proceed.
But precisely because of this, the Tibetans would never have expected that the main force of the Qing army would dare to take this route.
Luo Yueniang glanced at it and said urgently, "Your Majesty, this road is too dangerous! The army's supplies will have difficulty passing through, and it is also vulnerable to harassment by small Tibetan troops!"
“Only through risk can there be opportunity,” Li Che said calmly. “Lu Dongzan’s eyes are all on the road to Chuimacheng; he would never have imagined that I would dare to take such a risky move.”
"These 30,000 men are all light cavalry, with simplified baggage and plenty of packhorses. What I need is a surprise force."
He looked at the eager Luo Yueniang and Yu Daliang: "Do you dare to accompany me on this perilous journey of life and death?"
Yu Daliang puffed out his chest and roared, "If Your Majesty dares to go, this humble general and the men of Shu dare to follow, even if it means facing mountains of knives and seas of fire!"
"Alright!" Li Che clapped his hands. "Everyone prepare yourselves, and set off separately in ten days."
With the strategy set, the massive war machine was set in motion.
In various parts of the Northwest, beacon towers were lit one after another, and local soldiers and border troops were ordered to assemble. Food and supplies were continuously transported from the rear to the front lines.
Meanwhile, in the midst of the towering mountains, another, slightly smaller force, under Li Che's personal leadership, was quietly concealing its tracks and heading further west.
On the plateau, Lu Dongzan's army surged towards the front line like a black tide, the sound of hooves thundering and dust obscuring the sky.
Below the plateau, the Qing army split into two routes, one open and one covert, like open iron pincers, slowly reaching towards the seemingly invincible torrent of Tibetan forces.
The two commanders-in-chief were, on the one hand, the powerful and influential Prime Minister of Gaoyuan, and on the other, the ambitious and enterprising emperor of the new dynasty.
Their will, embodied in the march of hundreds of thousands of soldiers, is about to clash on the edge of this roof of the world.
The prelude to the decisive battle that will determine the fate of the Western Regions and even the future of both nations for decades to come has begun.