Chapter 814 - 244 The Final Battle Begins

In the 78th year of the former Longqing calendar, on February 16th, the previous dynasty mobilized a million soldiers to assemble at the Fei River in Yu State to attack Kunyang Prefecture City. The Grand Ancestor, along with the Twenty-Eight Generals of Yuntai and Sheng Xianzong, jointly defended it, historically known as the Battle of Fei River.

...

Kunyang City.

The rightful Emperor Cao Huan, along with the civil and military officials, stood on the city tower, gazing into the distance. Even from dozens of miles away, they could see the formations and camps of the Imperial Army, overwhelming and seemingly infinite.

Indeed, it’s like throwing a whip to break the river’s flow!

Faced with such a scene.

Compelled by the persistence of the Beiliang King, Cao Huan and the officials agreed to come for the decisive battle, but now they are filled with apprehension, feeling no necessity for a hard fight.

"How can we fight this?"

Officials from noble families began to mutter among themselves.

"So many people."

"Even if their bodies piled up, stepping over them would reach the city walls."

"..."

"Your Majesty!"

The Minister of Revenue, Shangguan Haichang, approached the Emperor, bowing and saying, "I’ve been observing the war situation recently and feel there’s something amiss."

"Oh?"

Cao Huan gestured for him to continue, "Let’s hear it, Shangguan Aiqing."

"Doesn’t Your Majesty feel that this battle has been eerily calm?"

Shangguan Haichang spoke solemnly: "During the movements of both armies, Chang’an had several opportunities to send troops to attack us, especially since the Beiliang King was absent for some time. They had every chance to disrupt our forces and hinder the transport of provisions into the city.

"If they had, it would have greatly benefited Chang’an in the future.

"Yet they did nothing, simply watching as we moved our troops.

"It’s almost like returning to the Spring and Autumn period."

Thousands of years ago, the Spring and Autumn period saw countless feudal states.

Back then, there were no various military strategies.

Wars between states were straightforward without schemes, often using a "dueling" method. Simply put, it involved both countries issuing challenges, agreeing on a battlefield location, and after the set date, both sides would array themselves for battle.

This critical decisive battle surprisingly gives such an impression.

"It really does!"

Everyone pondered thoughtfully.

"Is the Enemy Army deliberately waiting for us to gather? What do they intend to do?"

"..."

After a brief contemplation.

They suddenly realized and arrived at a chilling common consensus.

"Chang’an wants to annihilate us in one fell swoop!"

"Are they so confident that the entire Kunyang City is a big trap, waiting for us to fall in?"

"..."

"Otherwise..."

Someone suggested, "Let’s withdraw?"

"Not saying to withdraw completely, but at least pull back a portion."

The Minister of War, Ming Qingfeng, advised: "Kunyang City, though sturdy, is ultimately small. There’s no need for an entire force of 200,000 to be stationed here. I propose that leaving 100,000 troops to defend is sufficient, and the remaining 100,000 should withdraw to Songzhou, thus preparing for any eventuality.

"If the frontal battle goes well, they can immediately cross the river to support.

"If things look unfavorable on the front, they can aid in retreating the forces within the city."

A million!

Whoever beholds such a grand scene cannot help but feel startled.

"Hmm..."

Emperor Cao Huan pondered deeply.

"Lord Ming!"

A loud and authoritative voice interjected: "During a decisive battle, when the opponent shows a flaw, it’s in a moment. How can we delay by transferring troops back and forth, thus missing the opportunity?"

Everyone turned back.

White Robe had somehow reached the city walls.

"Mr. Chen comes at the right time!"

Shangguan Haichang reiterated his earlier concerns, emphasizing: "This battle is very likely a trap by Chang’an to capture us within Kunyang City and annihilate us entirely! Mr. Chen, we must not fall for it. It’s not too late to regret. Let’s withdraw a portion as Lord Ming suggests?"

"Lord Shangguan’s analysis is correct; it’s indeed a dragon-trapping tactic."

Chen Sansi paused, articulating each word clearly: "But it’s the Chang’an army that’s the one being trapped. In this Fei River campaign, it’s not them who will annihilate us, but I, Chen Sansi, who will obliterate them!"

Two hundred thousand, to annihilate a million!

A million!

To their ears, this sounded rather outrageous.

Moreover, the whole Kunyang City appeared increasingly like a "trap." Naturally, who the real target was, became self-evident.

"Mr. Chen."

Shangguan Haichang earnestly advised, "Inside Kunyang City lies the entire elite of the court. One mishap, and it’s a collapse of the entire administration. We absolutely must not gamble,"

His words were nonchalant.

Yet most of the resources within the city were their family treasures!

Grain, supplies, even military officers, all accumulated over hundreds of years by their noble families or sects.

Taking others’ family treasures to gamble, he’s speaking comfortably while standing, indifferent as a child selling family land!

This grand decisive battle.

Was never agreed upon collectively; it was entirely White Robe’s unilateral decision. The Emperor, moreover, brought them to defend the city. One defeat, and it’s a total loss.

"Mr. Chen."

Shangguan Haichang persisted, "Why not follow Lord Ming’s strategy? Defending the city doesn’t require so many people. Why not withdraw half and leave a way out for ourselves?"

"Indeed, Prince."

"In military affairs, prudence should prevail."

"Withdraw."

"It’s still not too late."

"..."

The calls for retreat were incessant.

Chen Sansi understood their concerns, simply unwilling to let their family or sect’s long-accumulated treasures suffer losses. This revealed the issue with disparate forces, as the subordinates easily harbored personal agendas, failing to unite against a common enemy.

He chose not to argue further, his calm gaze sweeping over the officials, offering no further explanation, but issuing a last ultimatum with a visage like a serene lake, saying: "Among the civil and military of the court, regardless of rank, any more talk of retreat will face execution without mercy!"