Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 209 Pre-Battle Deployment

Chang'an City, Wude Hall.

Located on the west side of the palace, this hall, though not as grand as the Xuanzheng Hall where grand court ceremonies were held, was far more profound and solemn. The interior was sparsely decorated, with huge maps of the entire country, detailed maps of the northern frontier, and the latest drawn map of the defenses along the Yangtze River hanging on the four walls. Several large ebony tables were joined together to form a council table, upon which lay various military reports, topographical maps, naval ship models, and mountains of official documents.

This is the core of the empire's highest military decision-making—the important place where the Grand Council holds its daily meetings. At this moment, the palace doors are tightly closed, and the most elite imperial guards stand guard outside, forbidding any unauthorized personnel from approaching within ten feet. Inside, charcoal fires burn silently, and light streams in through the high windows, illuminating faces that are either calm, sharp, or contemplative.

Chen Xing sat in the main seat, having changed into a set of simple black casual clothes for easy movement. He wore no crown, only a black jade hairpin to tie his hair up. In front of him were secret reports from the Censorate regarding the latest developments of the "Anti-Star Alliance," as well as a report from Shen Qing on the progress of the new-style warships sent from Jiaozhou Bay.

Those who participated in this meeting were all pillars of the empire's military and state: Grand Secretary Jia Wen, Duke of Zhenguo and General of the Military Council Chen Wei, Marquis of Jinghai Shen Qing, Minister of War and Minister of Revenue Su Xiaoxiao, and several core military advisors of the Military Council.

The atmosphere was heavy and focused, filled with the scent of leather, ink, and a faint smell of saltpeter.

"Gentlemen," Chen Xing put down the documents in his hand, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, "the Jiangnan 'Anti-Star Alliance' has been formed, boasting an army of 150,000, defending the river. Its leader, Prince Xiao Jingyan of Chu, is no ordinary man. The first battle of the southern expedition is to defeat this alliance and cross this formidable barrier. Today's meeting will determine the specific strategy for defeating the enemy. Minister Shen, you first tell us, how are the naval preparations? What are your thoughts on the river defense?"

Shen Qing rose and walked to the huge map of the river defenses. He took the thin stick handed to him by a servant and pointed to the map: "Your Majesty, esteemed officials. The allied forces' defenses are focused on several traditional ferry crossings. The most crucial ones are: to the west, Xiakou, controlling the throat of Jingzhou and Xiangyang; in the middle, Caishiji, historically a key crossing point for the northern army's southward crossing, where the river is relatively narrow and the terrain on the opposite bank is advantageous for landing; and to the east, Guazhou Ferry, adjacent to Jinling, serving as its gateway. Currently, it is known that Xiao Jingyan has deployed approximately 80,000 of the allied forces' main force along the section from Caishiji to Guazhou. Among them, about 30,000 troops are stationed at Caishiji, commanded by his trusted generals, with strong fortifications and interconnected naval camps. His main naval force is also patrolling this section of the river, with over a thousand warships of various sizes. Although they lack our new-style warships, their numbers are numerous, and they are well-versed in the river's currents and hidden reefs."

He paused, then continued, "Our Jinghai Navy has ten new-style warships, all of which will be fully operational within a month. The remaining two hundred-plus warships of various types, along with thirty-five thousand sailors, have all completed their training and are in high spirits. However, if we launch a direct attack on their heavily fortified Caishiji front, even with our new ships and advanced weaponry, we will inevitably suffer heavy casualties. Moreover, the river currents are complex, and large ships are not as agile as smaller ships, making them vulnerable to fire attacks and encirclement by smaller vessels."

"What is General Shen's intention?" Chen Wei asked in a deep voice.

"In my humble opinion," Shen Qing said, his eyes gleaming, "we should not launch a direct attack on a single point. We should emulate His Majesty's strategy in pacifying Xiliang, advancing by both land and sea, striking from multiple points to overwhelm him! Our navy is vast; we can send a detachment westward up the Yangtze River, threatening Xiakou, or even bypassing Xiakou to enter Dongting Lake, cutting off Jingzhou and Xiangyang's connection with the lower reaches, forcing Xiao Jingyan to divide his forces to the west. At the same time, the main fleet should remain hidden and await orders. Once his defenses falter or his forces disperse, we will concentrate our strength and strike his weakest point with lightning speed!"

"Multiple attacks, feints to the east while striking in the west." Jia Wen stroked his beard and slowly replied, "This strategy is excellent. However, how will the land forces coordinate? After crossing the river, how will they deploy? The allied forces number 150,000, distributed along the river. Our first wave of troops crossing the river will inevitably be fighting a desperate battle. If we cannot quickly establish a solid bridgehead and receive continuous support, we may be in danger of being overthrown."

Chen Wei walked to the map and pointed to several locations: "On the land front, we have already deployed 80,000 of the most elite Imperial Guards, divided into three routes. The western detachment, numbering 20,000, is led by a prudent general and will coordinate with the naval detachment to feign an attack west of Xiakou, thus containing the enemy in Jingzhou and Xiangyang. The eastern route is the real breakthrough point. Your Majesty, General Shen, several military advisors, and I have repeatedly analyzed the situation and believe that although Caishiji is dangerous, there is a section of the river called 'Wulin Ferry' thirty miles upstream. The river is slightly wider there, and although the terrain on the opposite bank is not entirely flat, there are several hills that can be used as cover. Moreover, according to a secret report from the Censorate, the allied forces' defenses here are relatively weak, and the defending general is mediocre. If we can launch a surprise attack here, force a landing, and establish a foothold, we can threaten the flanks and rear of Caishiji, and even directly penetrate towards Jinling!"

"Wulin Ferry..." Chen Xing stared at the mark on the map, "After landing, how do we ensure the supply of follow-up troops and provisions?"

"We need the navy to have absolute control over this section of the river and establish a stable pontoon bridge or ferry crossing," Chen Wei said, looking at Shen Qing. "This is crucial. The first landing force must carry enough food, supplies, and weapons to hold out for three to five days and withstand the enemy's counterattack. At the same time, the navy needs to form an escort fleet with some warships and fighting vessels to protect the transport fleet and continuously send the second and third batches of troops and heavy equipment across the river. As long as we can form a large force of more than 50,000 on the south bank and establish a stable landing zone and supply depot, our army will have a 70% chance of winning this battle!"

Su Xiaoxiao spoke up, her voice clear and calm: "Your Majesty, based on the plans of Marquis Shen and Duke Chen, a preliminary budget has been estimated. The initial crossing of the river and the establishment of a stable supply line will require approximately 500,000 shi of grain, 3 million guan of copper coins, and replenishment of various types of military equipment... Detailed items are here." She pushed a thick budget summary in front of Chen Xing. "With the current national treasury and reserves in various regions, supporting this war for six months should not be a problem. However, if the war is prolonged or there are major unexpected losses, it will be necessary to activate the special wartime tax or use Your Majesty's private treasury reserves."

Chen Xing quickly glanced at the budget and nodded. Su Xiaoxiao was always so thorough in her work. "You are in full charge of managing the finances and supplies, ensuring the front lines are secure. The imperial treasury may also be used."

He turned his gaze back to the map, his finger unconsciously moving between the points of Wulindu, Caishiji, and Xiakou. The hall fell silent, broken only by the occasional crackling of the charcoal fire. Everyone awaited the emperor's final decision.

After a long while, Chen Xing raised his head, his eyes now clear and resolute.

"Your suggestions are very much to my liking," he said slowly, his voice steady and powerful. "The first battle of the southern expedition shall follow this strategy: advance by land and water, launch attacks from multiple points, use feints to the east and strike from the west, and combine orthodox and unorthodox tactics."

He stood up, walked to the map, picked up a vermilion brush, and drew a heavy circle around the location of Wulindu.

The specific deployment is as follows:

First, Shen Qing was appointed as the Grand Admiral of the Southern Expeditionary Navy, with full command of all naval vessels. The main fleet was secretly assembled at a predetermined position north of the Yangtze River, preparing for a forced crossing of Wulin Ferry. A separate detachment was dispatched to advance westward up the Yangtze River, making a show of force to attack Xiakou, in order to draw the allied forces westward.

Second, appoint Chen Wei as the Grand Commander of the Southern Expeditionary Army, in command of all land forces crossing the river. The first wave of 20,000 elite troops will be led by Dian Xiong! The Vanguard Camp will serve as the vanguard, and must break through Wulin Ferry in one fell swoop, seize the beachhead, and hold it until reinforcements arrive.

Third, Jia Wen was in charge of intelligence gathering, strategy, and pacification efforts for the southern expedition. The various stations of the Surveillance Bureau in Jiangnan were to operate at full capacity, coordinating with military operations, sowing discord among the enemy, gathering intelligence, and, if necessary, instigating internal collaborators.

Fourth, Su Xiaoxiao coordinated the transfer of all funds, food, and supplies in the rear to ensure the army's crossing of the river and subsequent combat needs.

Fifth, "I," Chen Xing paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, "will personally go to the front lines, establish a headquarters in Jiangbei, and oversee the overall situation!"

"Your Majesty!" Chen Wei and Jia Wen exclaimed almost simultaneously, their faces filled with worry. While the emperor's personal command of the campaign would greatly boost morale, the risks were also considerable.

Chen Xing waved his hand, his tone leaving no room for argument: "My mind is made up. This battle concerns the unification of the world; how can I sit idly in Chang'an? There is no need for further discussion."

His gaze was intense as he looked at each of his key ministers: "In this battle, victory is imperative, defeat is not an option! Each of you must fulfill your duties and cooperate wholeheartedly. What I desire is not merely a victory in crossing the river, but a decisive defeat of the allied forces' main force, to break the last backbone of the Southern Dynasty, paving the way for the subsequent pacification of Jiangnan!"

"Your Majesty, we obey! We will not fail in your trust!" Everyone rose from their seats, bowed solemnly, and answered in unison. Their voices echoed in the Hall of Martial Virtue, carrying a resounding clang like the clash of metal.