Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 184 Water Attack Strategy

News of infighting and logistical malfunctions within the allied forces drifted through the central command tent of the Star Army camp in Wancheng like a warm, humid breeze from the south. Chen Xing's desk was piled high with intelligence; the "eyes" and "ears" of the Censorate, planted throughout the south, were relaying every detail of the disputes in Xiangyang, the schemes in Jiangdong, the wavering in Jiankang, and even the retreat of Yizhou and Lingnan. The crackling of the charcoal fire in the tent occasionally illuminated Chen Xing's thoughtful face.

He did not show any joy at the enemy's internal strife; instead, he became even more composed. Jia Wen's divisive tactics had been remarkably effective, disrupting the allied forces' offensive rhythm and buying them valuable time. However, Chen Xing knew that temporary chaos did not equate to collapse. Liu Kun, Gu Yong, Zhu Huan, and even the Jiankang court were not easy opponents. Once they realized the danger, or were forced to compromise again under external pressure, this loose alliance could still potentially regroup and regain considerable strength. More importantly, Chen Xing's army was on a long and arduous campaign, with its supply lines stretched thin. The longer the campaign dragged on, the more disadvantageous it would be for his side.

We must break the deadlock as soon as possible and completely destroy the Allied forces' will to resist with a decisive victory, or at least severely damage their main force, forcing them to be unable to launch another northward offensive in the short term. The enemy force currently stranded north of the river due to internal strife, with inconsistent command and low morale, is the perfect target.

"We can't wait any longer." Chen Xing put down a piece of intelligence on the latest garrison positions of the allied forces and looked at Chen Wei, Dian Xiong, and Jia Wen, who had just arrived from the rear. "Although the enemy is in disarray, their main force is still intact, and they are holding key land and water routes, relying on fortified cities and the natural defenses of the river. Even if we win by force, the casualties will be huge, which is not the best strategy."

Jia Wen stroked his beard, his narrow eyes reflecting the flickering light of the charcoal fire: "Your Majesty is absolutely right. The allied forces are stationed north of the Yangtze River, and their provisions rely heavily on the waterways of Jingzhou and Jiangdong, which are stockpiled in several large camps in Xiakou and Jingling. If we can cut off their supply lines or burn their stockpiles, the enemy will collapse on their own. However, their navy still has considerable strength, protecting the waterways, making a strong attack difficult."

Chen Wei pointed to an area on the map where the main force of the allied forces was concentrated, northeast of the "Yunmengze" and where the Han River and the Yangtze River converged: "Your Majesty, Lord Jia, according to the scouts' investigations over the past few days and the confessions of surrendered soldiers, Liu Kun's main force of about 50,000 men, along with some Jingzhou and Jiankang troops under his command, are mainly stationed in the Jingling and Lankou area, backed by the Han River and facing the network of tributaries of the Yunmengze. Their camps are continuous and mutually supportive. Zhu Huan's force of more than 20,000 men is stuck in the "Wulin" area, 30 li east of Heishitan, a low-lying area near the Xia River. Gu Yong and his Jiangdong army of about 30,000 men are mainly stationed near Xiakou, controlling the Yangtze River waterway. Due to the growing animosity among the three forces, communication is poor, especially with Zhu Huan's force, which is isolated."

"Wulin..." Chen Xing's gaze fell on the mark on the map, his finger slowly tracing the surrounding waterways. Yunmeng Marsh, an ancient great marsh, was crisscrossed by a dense network of waterways and canals. It was late winter, early spring, a time when river levels were beginning to rise and rainfall was increasing. His modern geographical and hydrological knowledge gradually overlapped with the topographical map of this world.

"With the continuous rain and snow melting upstream, how much have the water levels of the Han River and Xia River risen?" Chen Xing suddenly asked.

A military officer in charge of hydrological records immediately replied: "Your Majesty, compared to half a month ago, the water level of the Jingling section of the Han River has risen by more than three feet, and the water level of the Wulin section of the Xia River has also risen by nearly two feet. Moreover, according to farmers and fishermen, in previous years, if there were continuous spring rains at this time, the water level would rise even more rapidly, and there would often be overflows."

A glint flashed in Chen Xing's eyes. His finger slammed down on the low-lying area between Wulin and Jingling, then traced the course of the Xia and Han rivers. "Wenhe, you just said that the allied forces' provisions are mostly stored in Xiakou and Jingling?"

"Exactly. Xiakou was the Jiangdong Army's water transport hub, while Jingling was Liu Kun's land transport center," Jia Wen replied, seemingly having vaguely grasped Chen Xing's train of thought.

"If the rain continues, the water level upstream will rise even higher," Chen Xing's voice was deep and clear, carrying a sense of profound insight. "At this crucial juncture," he pointed to a bend in the Han River on the map, "we can breach the dikes, or guide the surging river water, so that it no longer flows into the Yangtze River along its old course, but instead turns southeast, pouring into this low-lying area, and then rushing towards the outskirts of Wulin and Jingling..."

The tent fell silent instantly, save for the crackling of the charcoal fire. Everyone understood Chen Xing's meaning.

Water attack!

"Your Majesty!" Chen Wei took a deep breath. "If this plan succeeds, it will be a truly astounding feat! It would be enough to turn Zhu Huan's Wulin tribe, and even some of Liu Kun's military camps on the outskirts of Jingling, into a vast swamp! Their morale will surely collapse, and their supplies will be completely destroyed! However..." He frowned slightly, "Breaching the dikes and diverting the water is a massive undertaking, and it must be extremely secretive so that the enemy cannot detect it. Once discovered, all our previous efforts will be in vain. Moreover, the water flow is difficult to control, and if it spreads too widely, it may harm innocent civilians."

Jia Wen's eyes gleamed with a mixture of excitement and ruthlessness: "Your Majesty's plan is truly unpredictable! It's perfectly timed! The allied forces are embroiled in internal strife, so their defenses must be weak, especially with Zhu Huan's troops filled with resentment; their patrols are likely not thorough. Wulin's low-lying terrain is ideal! As for the project..." He paused, "There's no need for a large-scale breaching of the dikes. We can select experts in water conservancy to survey the terrain, find existing tributary channels or flood diversion remnants, dredge and widen them, and then use gunpowder to blast a breach at a key point in the main channel to redirect the water flow. This way, the disturbance will be smaller, and the water flow can be controlled. Choosing to act at night or when the rain is heaviest will further enhance the secrecy."

He continued, "As for the civilians... we can have our spies spread rumors in the potentially affected villages a day or two before the operation, saying that 'there is heavy rain upstream and there may be flooding,' prompting the people to voluntarily seek higher ground. Although we cannot achieve complete success, we can reduce casualties. This battle concerns the fate of the nation, and some losses may be unavoidable."

Chen Xing remained silent for a moment. He was not a soft-hearted man; in the chaos of war, a woman's mercy was a path to death. But minimizing civilian casualties was also a responsibility befitting a ruler. "Then we will proceed according to Wenhe's supplementary plan. You will be fully in charge of the project. Select the most reliable and skilled water conservancy and demolition experts to carry it out, ensuring secrecy and precision! Chen Wei, you will allocate a battalion of elite troops to disguise themselves and lie in ambush in the mountains near the project site, responsible for vigilance and cover. If they encounter enemy patrols, eliminate them silently, leaving no survivors! Dian Xiong, your elite battalion and all units should be ready to attack at any time. Once the water attack is effective and the enemy is thrown into chaos, immediately proceed with the pre-arranged plan to divide and annihilate the fleeing troops!"

He stood up, walked to the tent flap, lifted a corner of the curtain, and looked out at the gloomy, drizzling sky. "Timing, terrain, and popular support," Chen Xing murmured to himself. "The continuous rain is the right time; the network of waterways in Yunmeng is our terrain advantage; the internal strife and discord within the allied forces is our popular support. If this battle succeeds, no one in the south will dare look north for the next ten years!"

He turned, his gaze piercing: "Pass down the order, all units prepare according to plan! Operation codename—'Overturning the Boat'!"