Chapter 1312 - 321: The Generals Set the Stage, the Earl Rides Forth_5

Chapter 1312: Chapter 321: The Generals Set the Stage, the Earl Rides Forth_5

The rest of the fortresses and villages are primarily garrisoned by the private soldiers of various noble families, led by their own clan generals.

This is not intentionally draining the strength of the nobles, as the nobles of Chu, faced with the aggressive advance of the Yan people, have been urged by the Prince Regent to be wise.

After all, the Xiong royal family might only want to trim their wings, whereas the Yan people want to annihilate their entire families.

Furthermore, with the military fortresses and military villages outside, none dare to defect to the enemy. After all, once a family defects and fights poorly, they are immediately dealt with—making them resolutely determined to fight to the death against the Yan people.

Despite Nian Yao previously claiming to be of servant origin, no one in the army dared to underestimate or disrespect him.

Firstly, because he has distinguished military achievements, and in the military, those with abilities are the most respected;

Secondly, because he is the Prince Regent’s servant, the emperor’s hostage. This kind of servant is different from other servants.

Most importantly, the Prince Regent, while stabilizing the situation from the rear, places near-limitless trust in him.

Although only a hundred thousand imperial guards seem active this time, Nian Yao personally oversees the central army in Town South Pass. Meanwhile, these hundred thousand royal guards add vitality to the densely packed river paths, rallying all the Chu army forward from every fortress and village in Town South Pass, the scale is extremely vast.

"General, from my observation, Yan people have been extensively building military villages and camps lately, seemingly unlikely to use such risky tactics."

A general named Zheng Chi spoke.

He was Nian Yao’s trusted favored general, personally promoted by him, which gave him the courage to express his guess after Nian Yao issued his command.

At the same time, with the rise of Lord Pingye from Yan State, Zheng Chi was often teased, with many asking if he was some relative of that Lord Pingye from Yan State.

In Chu State, where noble families abound, surnames and heritage are valued. With Zheng Chi and Lord Pingye both surnamed Zheng, might they not be related?

In the face of such questions, Zheng Chi always felt helpless, thinking Lord Pingye hailed from Beifeng Prefecture in Yan State, while he was from Chu State, separated by the whole Jin State and Yan State. How could there be any connection?

Responding to Zheng Chi’s inquiry,

General Nian Yao just smiled,

and said:

"Do you understand Tian Wujing, or does the General understand Tian Wujing better?"

"......" Zheng Chi.

"......" A group of Chu generals.

He’s coming, he’s coming,

The General has arrived again.

General Nian Yao sat back down on the doorstep,

pressed down with both hands,

and the generals immediately sat cross-legged.

General Nian Yao again picked up the half-eaten watermelon, and the generals immediately picked up the melons they had set aside earlier.

One can discern Nian Yao’s strict military discipline.

He appears casual and unconstrained but beneath the surface hides a cunning mind.

Back on the flower boat, upon learning that the opponent was Nian Yao, Jing Renli, a descendant of the Jing Family, immediately fell silent.

Because many of the nobles leading the army genuinely admire Nian Yao and have been won over by him thoroughly.

How could a servant rise to power without talent?

In short,

what Qian lacks the most now are military leaders like Nian Yao, with achievements and tactics, in their prime. Qian can only rely on old generals and commanders to maintain appearances; if the Qian official had a Nian Yao, he’d perhaps dream of waking up with laughter, blowing a snot bubble.

"Tian Wujing employs tactics mainly to deceive;

Three years ago, Yan people borrowed a path from Qian to invade Jin, that was one example.

When confronting the wild people, he switched the armor of the Town North Army and the Jingnan Army with local military force Jin’s armor, luring the wild people’s main force into battle, that was another.

Yes,

that’s right,

The Yan people now are extensively building military villages outside, posing as if they intend to steadily advance, but Tian Wujing is still Tian Wujing; he won’t be satisfied fighting senselessly and stupidly, he must consider the pressure from behind Yan State.

This move with Yangshan Village, the General has placed the piece right here.

If the Yan people don’t come, let the lads take this opportunity to move around, lest they stagnate inside the fortress and stifle themselves.

But the General still thinks,

Tian Wujing,

will still come.

The General is right here,

waiting for him!"

......

"I believe the Chu army’s main general on the opposite side is probably waiting at Yangshan Village for me."

Tian Wujing stood with both hands behind his back, before the sand table, looking calm.

At this time, Luo Ling said, "Does the Prince think Yangshan Village is a trap set by the Chu people for us?"

Tian Wujing shook his head and said:

"This is a necessary move, this location, situated at the center of the Chu people’s various military villages and fortresses, serving to communicate in all directions, is inherently a place to place a piece.

It’s not about being a trap."

This is indeed a crucial battleground.

Li Fusheng then said, "Prince, seizing Yangshan Village first has many benefits, akin to smashing through the Sea of Qi of the Chu people, preventing their flow of energy to the limbs and extremities.

But I believe the Chu people will not overlook this point.

Moreover, logically, East Mountain Fort and West Mountain Fort have fortified with castles, why is this crucial Yangshan Village still just a military village?"

From a defensive standpoint, the difference between a military village and a fortress is substantial.

Of course, building a fortress isn’t something that happens overnight, its cost is also different.

Even in a state as imposing in wealth and manpower as Qian State, apart from the three borders and certain key cities within, many ordinary counties and small cities actually lack much military defensive capacity, having only a framework for show that serves little practical use.