dognovel Chapter 2007 Caution and Persuasion
Chapter 2007 Caution and Persuasion
Gao Xianzhi walked to the map and pointed to the planned retreat route: "Our army is mostly infantry, carrying provisions and supplies, so our movement is slow."
"If the Chu army discovers our movements, they are very likely to send light cavalry to follow and pursue us. If we are entangled with them, the consequences will be unimaginable."
At this point, Gao Xianzhi looked at Hu Yanying with an air of absolute certainty:
"Chief Huyan, your Blood Eagle tribe is entirely composed of cavalry, swift as the wind, and fierce in battle."
"I dare to ask the leader and the warriors of the Blood Eagle Tribe to take on the important task of covering the rear during this retreat!"
He emphasized the words "covering the rear," and then quickly explained: "It is not about letting the leader fight to the death with the Chu army, but about using the mobility of the cavalry to set up defenses in strategic locations after our main force has withdrawn, and to monitor the movements of the Chu army."
"If the Chu army does indeed send troops to pursue, the leader can lead the iron cavalry, take advantage of the terrain, and give them a head-on blow to blunt their momentum. Then, he can use his speed advantage to quickly escape and catch up with the main force."
"In this way, we can preserve our strength and ensure that our main force arrives safely at Zhennanguan."
"This important task concerns the safety of tens of thousands of soldiers. Apart from the leader's Blood Eagle Iron Cavalry, I really can't think of any other army that can handle it!"
This compliment was bestowed upon him.
He cleverly changed the rearguard mission from a defensive stand to a mobile ambush and a chance to escape, greatly saving face for Huyan Ying and highlighting the characteristics of his tribal cavalry.
Upon hearing this, Hu Yanying narrowed his eagle eyes slightly, scrutinizing Gao Xianzhi.
He understood that this rearguard mission was indeed dangerous, but it was also the best opportunity to demonstrate the bravery and value of his Blood Eagle tribe.
If handled properly, it can not only cover the allies, but also seize the opportunity to take a big bite out of the pursuing Chu army, thus fulfilling the agreement and collecting some interest in advance.
He weighed the risks and opportunities involved, and also thought about the upcoming Tang reinforcements and the Khan's possible major actions.
Ultimately, that domineering spirit transformed into the decisiveness of a battlefield leader.
He slapped his thigh hard, making a loud, booming sound:
"Alright! Since General Gao values my Blood Eagle tribe so much, I'll take on the task of covering the rear!"
"Don't worry, lead the infantry ahead. If the Chu army dares to pursue us, we'll make them taste the power of the Blood Eagle Tribe's scimitars!"
Thus, a potential internal crisis was finally averted.
Under the command of Gao Xianzhi and with the promise of Hu Yanying, the Tang-Scorpion allied forces on the Canglang River began to make intensive preparations for this life-or-death retreat.
On the banks of the Canglang River in the twelfth lunar month, the cold wind swirls ice chips, sweeping across the withered yellow grass and bare branches.
The Tang army camp on the south bank, which had been relatively quiet in the past, suddenly became agitated, like an anthill that had been destroyed.
The shouts of people and the neighing of horses broke the silence of the winter wilderness.
Inside the camp, the soldiers hurried about, their faces showing tension and a hint of bewilderment before their withdrawal.
The officers' hoarse shouts rose and fell, urging each unit to quickly pack their belongings.
The tents were dismantled, tied up, and loaded onto mule carts one by one.
The mountains of grain sacks were carried by strong laborers, who trudged along to the convoy.
Heavy military equipment, such as parts of ballistae and catapults, was also painstakingly disassembled and prepared for loading onto vehicles.
The entire camp was filled with a hurried and oppressive atmosphere. The creaking of cart shafts, the clatter of horses' hooves, and the clanging of metal armor intertwined to form a chaotic symphony of retreat.
Such a large-scale and undisguised breakout operation could not escape the sharp eyes of the Chu army scouts on the north bank of the Yellow River.
Several agile Chu scouts, using the cover of withered grass and terrain, stealthily approached the Tang camp like ghosts.
They lay prone on the cold ground, holding their breath and carefully observing every move on the opposite bank.
What they saw was no longer the orderly fortifications and patrolling sentries, but a constant stream of teams carrying supplies, a gradually emptying camp, and the camp fences that symbolized the determination to hold out being dismantled piece by piece.
"It's true! The Tang army is really running away!"
An experienced scout lowered his voice, his tone filled with unbelievable excitement.
"Look, the supply wagons are all loaded, and they're even dismantling the camp walls! This isn't a feint; it's a real withdrawal!"
Having confirmed the reliability of the information, the scouts dared not delay and retreated to their base as swiftly as arrows released from a bow.
About half an hour later, on the north bank of the Yellow River, in the central command tent of Ma Chao, the commander-in-chief of the Chu army.
Ma Chao was discussing military affairs with his deputy Han Xing while looking at a map.
Ma Chao was burly and impatient, like a burning flame.
Han Xing, on the other hand, was slightly thin, with a calm and steady gaze, much like a deep pool of water.
The charcoal fire inside the tent was warm, but it couldn't mask the tension of the border standoff.
Suddenly, the tent flap was flung open, and a scout captain, exuding a chill and sweat beading on his forehead, rushed in, knelt on one knee, and spoke with a tremor of excitement:
"Report! Reporting to the two generals, the Tang army on the other side has made unusual movements!"
"Observations confirm that the Tang army is breaking up its camps on a large scale, dismantling its fortifications, and loading all its provisions and supplies. The movement is clear: it is a full-scale retreat!"
"what?"
Upon hearing this, Ma Chao abruptly stood up, his copper bell-like eyes instantly flashing with a terrifying light, his face filled with wild joy and murderous intent.
"That Gao Xianzhi, he's actually chickened out? Trying to run away?!"
He slammed his fist on the table, making the map jump, and roared in a booming voice:
"After beating him for so long, I'm seething with anger. Do you really think we'd let them get away unscathed? That's a pipe dream!"
"Pass down the order! The entire army must assemble immediately and prepare to attack! I will personally lead the troops to pursue and kill them, and make that coward Gao Xianzhi pay the price!"
He seemed to already see the Tang army routed and slaughtered at will, and his face flushed with excitement as he turned to rush out of the tent to issue orders.
General Ma! Wait a minute!
A deep, even somewhat stern, voice rang out, like cold water poured onto boiling oil.
Han Xing, who had been silently observing, suddenly stepped forward and firmly blocked Ma Chao's path.
His expression was unusually solemn, his brows were furrowed, and his eyes showed no trace of the fanaticism of Ma Chao, only deep doubt and caution.
"Han Xing! Why are you stopping me?"
Ma Chao was in the middle of his excitement when he was suddenly stopped. He immediately flew into a rage and glared at Han Xing.
"The Tang army's retreat is a godsend! If we don't pursue them now, when will we?"
"Are we just going to stand by and watch them slip back to Zhennanguan and come back to be our enemies again someday?"
Facing Ma Chao's rage, Han Xing stood firm. His voice was not loud, but every word was clear and carried an undeniable force:
"General Ma! Please calm down! How can we be so hasty in pursuing them?"
"Don't you think Gao Xianzhi's retreat this time is all too aboveboard?"
His gaze sharpened as he looked outside the tent, as if trying to pierce through space and discern the true intentions of the Tang camp on the opposite bank:
"Gao Xianzhi is no mediocre man. How could he not know that when an army retreats, the most dangerous thing is for the enemy to follow and pursue?"
"Yet he made such a grand display, without any attempt to conceal it, even slowing down the transport of supplies and provisions—this was clearly a deliberate act to show us!"
"There must be something fishy going on here! I suspect this is very likely a trap to lure the enemy in!"