Chapter -38 Strategic Planning
Lin, Jun, Zhi, Zhang, Karna, the Gao brothers, Rou brothers, Flower Empress Liu Feng, and other unit commanders gathered around a large map, deep in discussion.
Zhang glanced at Lin, recounting their conversation with Ri Boku. "From our conversation with Ri Boku, his mention of 'additional effort' suggests there's more to Qin's war with Wei," Zhang explained.
Jun nodded in agreement. "It's reminiscent of the tactics used in the Battle of Bayou. There's likely a hidden army waiting to join the battle," Jun added.
Zhang, with his characteristic bluntness, chimed in. "Yeah! Moron We know that much, but we need details. Which army? Where are they located? How are they planning to strike?" he demanded.
Karna playfully squeezed Zhang's head, prompting a protest. "Oi, what are you doing, Karna?" Zhang exclaimed.
"I'm trying to stimulate your sleepy head to get some answers," Karna replied mischievously.
Zhang chuckled. "That's not how you'll get answers, Karna," he retorted.
As they bantered, a messenger eagle suddenly arrived at the camp with a message for Lin, interrupting their playful exchange.
Lin read the message and then addressed the group gathered around the map.
"It's the Chu army," Lin began, his expression serious. "A contingent of approximately 40,000 troops has entered the capital under the orders of their commander."
Jun studied the map intently. "So that's how it is. Ri Boku managed to make contact with Chu and convinced them to send their hidden army," Jun remarked, connecting the pieces of the puzzle.
Feng directed her attention to Jun. "But how will they make it to the battlefield?" she inquired.
"The Han should have established a route for the Chu forces to travel through their state discreetly. They likely disguised themselves in Han soldier armor to pass through undetected," Jun explained. "It's as if all the states are converging to unite against Qin."
"They probably divided the army into several units within the Chu capital. Each unit followed different routes and then regrouped at the Han border.
By wearing Han armor, they crossed the Han state similarly to how they did in Chu.
The main army units were divided and traveled discreetly along random paths to avoid drawing attention until they reached a specific location near the Wei border and regrouped," Karna elaborated.
Zhang was visibly shocked by Karna's detailed explanation of the enemy's tactics.
Jun, after careful consideration, pointed to a specific area on the map. "This will likely be the place where they regroup. It's close to the battlefield and offers good concealment, with paths that can keep their movements hidden," Jun deduced, marking the strategic location.
Lin examined the chosen area. "Then we'll need to strategize with the rest of our army. This will be our entry point into the Battle of Wei," Lin concluded.
Suddenly, Zhi pointed at the map, his expression filled with concern. "I have an uneasy feeling about this battle, Lin," he exclaimed, catching the group off guard.
Lin and the others looked at Zhi, surprised by his statement. Zhang, in particular, focused intently on Zhi.
"Lin, I also believe that Ri Boku is not an ordinary strategist. He tends to incorporate multiple layers into his plans. We must overestimate him and prepare for unexpected complexities," Zhang added, closing his eyes briefly to emphasize the gravity of the situation.
Lin focused intently on Zhi, seeking to understand his concerns and insights.
"What are you feeling, Zhi?" Lin asked earnestly.
Zhi continued, outlining a strategic analysis of the potential scenarios involving the Chu army's movements.
Zhi contemplated for a moment before responding. "Lin, let's consider this. If the Chu army moves on the Qin army after winning the battle and securing the castles, they'll likely adopt a defensive stance. This would render the hidden army less effective," Zhi explained, analyzing the potential scenarios.
Zhi continued, "On the other hand, if they attack the Qin army before securing the castles, the Qin army could respond aggressively with superior numbers, potentially suppressing the Chu forces. This would leave the hidden army with no viable options except they have to face Qin army which lost the battle."
Zhi referenced Ri Boku's assertion that Qin would definitely win, indicating that Qin's victory was assured. "So, if Qin is expected to win, the purpose of the hidden army must be something else," Zhi concluded.
The group pondered the implications of the unfolding events, each member deep in thought. Zhang, scrutinizing the map, began to piece together a potential motive behind Ri Boku's strategy.
"It's chaos he seeks," Zhang remarked, his eyes closed in concentration. "Ri Boku aims to create chaos from the clash between the Qin army and the hidden army, diverting attention for a secretive purpose. He wants to exploit this chaos."
Jun suddenly interjected, drawing everyone's attention back to the map with a single word: "Supplies."
"Supplies," Jun repeated, his expression grave. "Ri Boku likely intends to poison them. While stealing supplies might not be effective given Qin's resupply capabilities, poisoning them could inflict devastating casualties."
Zhang's expression then shifted to one of amusement as he began to chuckle. "Lin, did you know? The military heads, their special forces, and lieutenant armies each consume one type of supplies, while foot soldiers and frontline units consume another type. If we account for the foot soldiers and ragtag groups, they total around 50,000."
Lin's laughter rang out loudly, reflecting a mix of amusement and resolve. He slammed his fist on the table, his expression turning serious.
"He wants revenge," Lin declared, a steely determination in his eyes. "He aims to make me bear the burden of fifty thousand Qin lives on my shoulders."
Turning to his trusted comrades, Lin issued orders with a sense of urgency.
"Jun, Zhi, Zhang—examine Ri Boku's plan thoroughly. We cannot afford to overlook anything," Lin commanded. "I will send a message to Hui to track every movement across every state. We must anticipate and counter every move they make. We will give them double of what they throw at us."