novelAbuy Chapter 150 The Proposal for the Western Expedition
Chapter 150 The Proposal for the Western Expedition
As the smoke of war cleared from the grasslands, the subjugated tribes began to adapt to the new order under imperial decrees and tributary jurisdiction. The mountains of spoils at Moon Bay were inventoried and stored, with the two thousand captured fine horses bringing joy to the entire military command. In the camp of the "Hu Yi Cong," both new and veteran surrendered soldiers, under the reprimands of the instructors at Xinghuo Fort and the nagging of the "preachers," began clumsily learning Chinese, recognizing simple military commands and flags, and adapting to the disciplined drills so different from the relaxed style of the grasslands. Along the northern border, several newly established "trade markets" began to thrive. The Hu people traded furs and livestock for salt, iron, and cloth, while Han merchants cautiously explored the trade opportunities of the grasslands. A strange, fragile prosperity emerged on the border.
Inside Xinghuo Fortress, a vibrant energy and busy atmosphere followed a great victory. Soldiers received generous rewards, the wounded received proper medical care, and the families of the fallen received compensation and honors. Based on feedback from actual combat, the artisan battalion began to improve the winch structure and arrow weights of the crossbow; while the Civil Administration was busy settling the families of some meritorious soldiers, planning the limited reclamation of the newly acquired border pastures, and dealing with the sudden increase in commercial management and taxation issues due to the opening of the "border markets".
However, amidst the clamor of post-war reconstruction and development, the core decision-making body of Xinghuo Fortress had already turned its attention further west. The temporary relief from the northern threat did not mean they could rest easy. How could they allow others to sleep soundly beside their bed? The vast, chaotic region to the west, bordering Xinghuo Fortress's new territory—the sphere of influence of Han Sui, the King of Xiliang—had become the next target to be addressed.
The main council chamber of the fortress was tightly shut, with only a core group of people present. Chen Xing sat in the main seat, with Chen Wei and Jia Wen seated to his left and right respectively. Dian Xiong and Murong Mingyue were also seated. Zhao Tiezhu was handling daily administrative affairs in the outer room, ready to be summoned at any time.
The huge map hanging in the hall has shifted its focus from the northern grasslands to the northwest. It clearly marks the approximate area controlled by Han Sui, the King of Xiliang, including major cities, passes, and known factions within the region. A red line meanders from the northwestern border of Xinghuo Fortress, pointing towards the heart of Xiliang.
"The northern frontier has just been pacified, but the soldiers are exhausted, and supplies have been depleted. The newly annexed Hu tribes are still unsettled and need time to settle down." Chen Xing cut to the chase, tapping his finger on the map to indicate the location of Xiliang. "However, Han Sui of Xiliang has just quelled his internal strife, leaving him weakened and internal suspicions even stronger. This is precisely the opportune moment for our Xinghuo Fortress to seize the opportunity to advance westward, clear our flanks, and even expand our territory. Gentlemen, is a westward expedition feasible? How should it be carried out?"
Dian Xiong was the first to shout, "My lord! Fight! Of course we must fight! That old man Han Sui is no good. He can't even tolerate a capable man like Jia Junshi. He deserves to be beaten! I, Dian, and the brothers of the Trapped Camp have just finished killing the barbarians and are full of energy. It's a good time to go to the west to stretch our muscles!" He had just won a great victory and saw the Northern Barbarians submit. He was bursting with confidence.
Chen Wei, however, remained much calmer: "My lord, the western expedition is indeed necessary. Xiliang borders our new territory, and the border is long. Although Han Sui has recently suffered a defeat due to internal strife, his foundation remains, and he still has no fewer than 20,000 archers. Moreover, he controls the strategic passes of Liangzhou, with its fortified cities. If we wait for him to recover and reorganize his internal affairs, he will surely become a threat to our very being. However, our army has just fought a major battle, and although we have won, we are exhausted. Furthermore, we need to divide our forces to guard the northern frontier and monitor the newly annexed Hu tribes. If we devote all our strength to the western expedition, we fear that our rear will become unstable; if our forces are insufficient, we will find it difficult to conquer the fortified cities and passes. This is a dilemma."
Murong Mingyue frowned slightly: "Xiliang is mostly mountainous and Gobi desert. Although cavalry is still useful, it is not as convenient as the grasslands. Their infantry is also strong in defending cities. A direct assault would likely result in significant casualties. Moreover... the supply lines are long, so careful planning is needed." Although she was unable to lead the troops personally due to her pregnancy, her mind remained clear.
All eyes finally fell on Jia Wen, who had remained silent since entering the council hall. When it came to understanding Xiliang, no one present could rival him.
Feeling the gazes of the crowd, Jia Wen slowly raised his narrow eyes, his gaze sweeping across the key points of Xiliang on the map, like the most shrewd merchant assessing the value and flaws of goods. He didn't immediately answer whether a western expedition was possible, but instead asked a question: "My lord, generals, do you know what Han Sui's greatest weakness is?"
Dian Xiong blurted out: "Incompetent! Suspicious! Incapable of using people!"
Chen Wei added: "He was harsh and ungrateful to his subordinates, and his rewards and punishments were unclear, which led to the alienation of his followers."
Murong Mingyue said, "Ambitious but incompetent, eager for quick success and instant benefits."
Jia Wen nodded slightly, a cold smile curving his lips: "What you all say hits the nail on the head. However, its most fatal flaw lies in its deep-seated 'suspicion' and 'mismanagement,' which cannot be corrected in a single battle and will only be exacerbated by Ma Teng's betrayal. The Xiliang army still has strength, but its morale is low and its will has crumbled. This is precisely the best target for my strategy of 'winning hearts and minds and dividing and disintegrating,' far superior to the simple bravery of the Golden Horde."
He stood up, walked to the map, and traced his finger along the long border between Xinghuo Fortress and Xiliang: "A western expedition is feasible, but we cannot follow the example of the northern frontier war, seeking a decisive battle with a grand army and righteous banners. We should win by surprise, by strategy, at the lowest possible cost, to divide their territory, divide their people, weaken their strength, and even... subdue them without fighting."
A glint of light flashed in Chen Xing's eyes: "Wenhe already has a plan?"
"I dare not presume to make a definitive plan, but I have some humble opinions that may serve as a starting point for discussion." Jia Wen said modestly, but his tone quickly became clear and decisive. "The key to the western expedition is not to rush into conquering cities and territories, but to 'disrupt their internal forces, exhaust their external forces, and seize opportunities to gain advantage.' This can be divided into three stages, proceeding step by step."
He held up one finger: "The first stage is to sow discord within. This is the fundamental issue. After Ma Teng's rebellion, Han Sui is like a frightened bird, increasingly suspicious of his generals, especially those who are not his direct subordinates and lack ability. I can send spies with large sums of money to infiltrate Xiliang, focusing on contacting those generals and officials who have been suspected and suppressed by Han Sui, or who have old ties with Ma Teng's former subordinates. There's no need to rush into turning them against their cause; just convey one message: Xinghuo Fort is willing to work with 'wise men' within Xiliang to find a way out, and Han Sui is wicked and untrustworthy. At the same time, spread rumors that Han Sui, in order to consolidate his power, is fabricating charges to purge 'disloyal' generals again, and that the list has already been drawn up, making everyone feel insecure. These rumors need to be a mix of truth and falsehood, and ideally, some target individuals should 'accidentally' see or hear the 'evidence.' This will make them suspicious and distrustful of each other, making it difficult to communicate military orders and lowering morale."
"The second phase is to exhaust their external forces." Jia Wen pointed to several border passes. "Once their internal situation begins to deteriorate, we can create friction on the border, just like we did with Panshi Fortress. But this time, the scale will be smaller, the frequency higher, and the targets more dispersed. We will send small groups of elite troops, disguised as bandits or 'deserted border soldiers,' to harass their border outposts, supply convoys, and trade routes, and burn their border granaries and pastures. Each raid will be a quick strike and a retreat, without any lingering. At the same time, we will have our main army frequently mobilized on the border, making it appear as if we are about to launch a major offensive, but without actually doing so. This will prevent Han Sui from accurately judging our true intentions and main attack direction, forcing him to set up defenses everywhere, exhausting himself, and wasting money, food, and manpower."
"The third stage is to seize the opportunity to profit." A sharp glint flashed in Jia Wen's eyes. "When the current two strategies have taken effect, internal conflicts in Xiliang have intensified, and border defenses are exhausted, that will be the time to truly make a move. In this stage, there are three strategies to choose from: superior, middle, and inferior."
"The worst option is to launch a direct assault. Select one or two key passes or cities where internal turmoil is most severe and defenses are weakest, concentrate elite troops, launch a sudden attack, and capture them in one fell swoop. Although we can gain real benefits, the casualties will be heavy, and it may also force Xiliang to temporarily unite against external forces."
"The middle strategy is to win over an inside agent. From the 'enlightened individuals' we contacted in the previous stage, we will select the most resolute, the most crucial, and those whose pledges of allegiance have been secured. They will then work together from within and without to help us seize a strategic location. This approach will be less costly and will greatly shock the entire Western Liang region, accelerating its collapse. However, the risk lies in the reliability of the inside agent, as unforeseen circumstances can easily arise."
Jia Wen paused, looked at Chen Xing, and slowly stated the last point: "The best strategy is to subdue the enemy without fighting, or as the saying goes, 'drive a tiger to devour a wolf and reap the benefits.' Xiliang is not just Han Sui's territory; to the south are Qiang tribes, to the west are Western Region trade routes, and to the north are remnants of small tribes. I can secretly support and incite these forces to become enemies of Han Sui, either by plundering his borders or seizing his trade profits, leaving him besieged on all sides and overwhelmed. At the same time, we can further deepen internal divisions until a major general or faction within his ranks, unable to endure Han Sui's suspicion and the internal and external difficulties, leads their troops to surrender or establishes their own independent territory, engaging in a civil war with Han Sui. At that time, I may be able to take over part of his territory and troops without bloodshed; or, while his civil war is raging, I may intervene in Xiliang under the guise of mediation or support for one side, gradually gaining control of the situation. This strategy takes the longest and has the most variables, but if successful, the benefits will be the greatest and the foundation the most stable."
The analysis thoroughly elucidates the possible routes, advantages, disadvantages, and even specific operational methods of the westward expedition. It demonstrates both strategic foresight and tactical ruthlessness, perfectly aligning with Jia Wen's identity as a "poisonous strategist" and Starfire Fortress's current need to "obtain the greatest benefit at the lowest cost."
The hall fell silent for a moment. Dian Xiong was somewhat confused, but he felt that "coordinating from within and without" and "directly engaging in battle" were more to his liking. Chen Wei, on the other hand, fell into deep thought, weighing the risks and feasibility of each strategy. Murong Mingyue nodded slightly, clearly agreeing with Jia Wen's analysis.
Chen Xing stared intently at the map, at the Western Liang territory that Jia Wen had described as already fragmented. After a long while, he slowly exhaled.
"Wenhe's plan aligns perfectly with my thoughts. The matter of Xiliang should indeed be approached primarily through strategy, with forceful attack as a secondary measure. I will proceed with your three-stage strategy!" Chen Xing declared decisively. "The first stage, 'individual chaos,' will be entirely overseen by your Supervisory Office and Li Shu. The necessary gold, silver, and supplies will be allocated from the Imperial Treasury with priority. Be sure to select the right targets and proceed with caution."
"The second phase, 'exhausting their exterior,' will be overseen by Chen Wei. Select small units familiar with mountainous terrain and mobile warfare, and formulate detailed harassment plans, aiming for precision and ruthlessness to keep Han Sui from having any peace. The main force will feign a movement, which you and Dian Xiong will be responsible for, ensuring a show of force to confuse the enemy."
"As for the third phase..." A sharp glint flashed in Chen Xing's eyes, "Three strategies should be implemented simultaneously! The primary immediate objective should be the 'middle strategy' of winning over internal agents, actively seeking out and contacting reliable candidates. The 'best strategy' of using one enemy to defeat another can be undertaken concurrently, attempting to contact the Qiang tribes and forces in the Western Regions. This matter... might be possible through newly annexed Hu tribes or trade caravans. The 'worst strategy' of preparing for a strong attack should not be neglected either; several potential target passes should be selected, and targeted reconnaissance and contingency plans should be developed. The final choice will depend on the effectiveness of the first two phases and the internal changes within Xiliang!"
"My lord is wise!" Jia Wen bowed. "With such a well-connected and multi-pronged approach, even with its formidable passes and strong cities, Xiliang will not escape its inevitable collapse."
The plan for the western expedition was thus set in stone. A new strategy, primarily based on strategy and secondarily on force, aimed at disintegrating Xiliang from within and annexing it at minimal cost, had already quietly begun even before the smoke of battle had completely cleared from Moon Bay. Xinghuo Fortress's expansion was about to shift from the "hard" approach of direct confrontation to the "soft" approach of strategic infiltration, and this newly forged "soft knife" might be more deadly than any previous head-on battle.