Chapter 1588: Chapter 1588: Shutting the Gates, Refusing to Fight
"Hear my order. Tomorrow at noon, all soldiers will line up in front of the city gate, fully equipped and ready to set out, carrying enough provisions for seven days to march to Deng County." Ye Shikai took out a dagger and plunged it directly into Deng County on the map, shouting loudly. All the generals present were invigorated; as the battle approached, unity was paramount, and they faced the enemy together.
Two hours later, the generals dispersed and returned to their camps to prepare for the departure the next day.
"Old Ye, this route for advancing the troops is exactly the route we took south back then." Shangguan Jian murmured, pointing to the depicted path on the map.
"You’re right. Back then, we brothers were chased by the Qin Army in a sorry state, with constant reductions along the way. We finally escaped and went south along this route, entering Southern County, barely saving our lives." Ye Shikai nodded. Speaking of it, one wonders if it was fate; the current route for the army’s advance is remarkably similar to his past escape route. Hopefully, the outcome will be different...
"You previously analyzed that if the battle could be concluded within a month, our odds of victory would be seventy percent. Now the ruler intends to fight quickly, isn’t this the best arrangement?"
"Indeed, you’re right. Xue San brought intelligence, saying the various counties in the Central Plains have yet to send troops. I think it’s because the war hasn’t erupted, so we must make good use of this time."
"No wonder you don’t approve of the siege-rescue strategy. I was curious why you’re so urgent this time, insisting on swiftly attacking Deng County."
"In short, it’s all due to circumstances. If we had ample time, how could I be foolish enough to rush the attack? Though we might capture the city, the losses would be significant. If we laid siege for three months, even without attacking, they would have to surrender due to lack of water and food." Ye Shikai changed his tone, sighing heavily, "Unfortunately, time isn’t on our side."
"Old Ye, you need not worry. I see the ruler seems to heed your advice. If you suggest something, she will likely listen."
"Let’s hope so." Ye Shikai suddenly turned to Shangguan Jian, curiously asking, "Shangguan, what is your evaluation of the ruler?"
"Well... although the ruler is a woman, she is from the Chu State royal family, proficient in all the arts, and understands the political tactics of men. She has considerable strategy in her heart, supported by a group of excellent civic and military ministers. Describing her as a hero wouldn’t be inappropriate." Shangguan Jian said calmly. He’s not one for joking; these are his sincere thoughts, indicating his high regard for Mi Wen, even using the term "hero."
"You’re right; the ruler developing her power to this extent is indeed a great hero of the world. As for strategy, she lacks nothing, but..."
"Old Ye, do you have something to say?"
"Forget it, nothing." Ye Shikai waved his hand, "Shangguan, we’re departing tomorrow. There’ll be many matters to handle, with night approaching. You should return to rest."
"Very well, I’ll take my leave then."
..............................
The following day.
"Old Ye, although Deng County’s city is small and its walls are low, capturing it won’t be possible with just warhorses and armored soldiers. We need to wait for the siege equipment to arrive at the city. Yet, with our rapid march leading such a large force, the rear troops are lagging behind." Shangguan Jian advised as the army just set off, with Ye Shikai ordering a rapid advance, which Shangguan Jian deemed somewhat risky.
"Shangguan, do you know the best strategy in warfare?" Ye Shikai asked in return.
"What is it?"
"To win without a fight. With our army arriving at Deng County in an instant, how could its defenders know we haven’t brought siege equipment? They are all incompetent; with our swift arrival, they’ll surely believe we’re destined to succeed. With so few troops, they may not dare to fight us. If they surrender willingly, we’ll capture the city without losing a single soldier, benefiting us, them, and the city’s residents." Ye Shikai explained.
"Old Ye, I understand your intention now."
Deng County is a hundred and twenty li from Wu County. Normally requiring over a day’s journey, the twenty thousand strong army arrived under Deng County’s walls in half a day, full of energy and vigor.
"Set up camp outside the city, surround all four gates. The war drums must beat without interruption; never let the sound cease. The soldiers should also create an imposing scene, appearing ready to besiege." Ye Shikai commanded.
"Understood, I understand."
Ye Shikai sat in the camp, issuing orders to his subordinates at all levels. Though the army "hurriedly" arrived, everything proceeded orderly.
"Man Cang, go to the city and call for battle. Remember, don’t use provocations but threaten them instead. These generals are cowardly; using provocation is useless. Conversely, applying both hard and soft tactics might cause them to open the gates and surrender." Ye Shikai advised.
"Understood, I understand."
Two hours later.
"Shangguan, what reaction have they shown?" Ye Shikai inquired.
"What reaction? They’ve closed their gates tightly, mounted strong bows and crossbows on the walls, and have yet to see their commander—nothing but a bunch of cowards." Shangguan Jian shook his head.
"No need to rush; if I were them, I’d shut the gates too. Their goal is to delay, but I won’t let them succeed." Ye Shikai said coldly.
"How is Man Cang doing?"
"Don’t ask, his throat is nearly hoarse. I’ve sent a chiliarch to continue calling for battle." Shangguan Jian paced in anxiety, "Old Ye, what should we do next?"
"Clearly, mere words cannot scare them; we must take action."
"Waiting for those words from the General." At this time, Xue San suddenly entered the camp, arriving in haste. He had been sent by Ye Shikai to Wan City to gather intelligence on the Qin Army, and upon hearing of Ye Shikai’s arrival at Deng County, he immediately returned.
"Xue San, how did you know I’d use you?" Ye Shikai slightly smiled, patting his shoulder and motioning for him to sit down.
"I received the military order sent by the General a day earlier, so the General must want me to help in capturing Deng County." Xue San bowed.
"You’re right. I originally hoped the Deng County commander would know better, yet his refusal to fight was anticipated. So I sent orders a day in advance for Xue San and brothers to come to Deng County; now, the timing is just right." Ye Shikai said calmly.
"General, please give your orders. I, Xue San, still maintain the sentiment: through fire and water, I’ll face death without remorse."
