Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Chapter 872 A Clever Scheme to Slay the Prodigy

The main force of the remnant Mongol army was in its central formation, with a yurt and golden-topped tent.

Altan and the general who requested the troops were both puzzled by Anda Khan's words.

However, they knew that Khan Anda was a hero of the grasslands. Although he was not literate like the Han people, he was exceptionally intelligent and skilled in military strategy. Few of the three Mongol tribes could defeat him.

His analysis and judgment of the war situation often involved planning ahead, and it was common for people like Altan to not understand his intentions at the time.

He asked, "What the Great Khan said about taking the distant states directly is premature, but the Great Zhou is being cautious in its response to this battle, and now the garrisons from all over the country are gathering."

The capital city faces three passes to the north, where a force of 60,000 has been assembled. As the war continues, troops will inevitably be redeployed.

"If our forces are strengthened by then, wouldn't it be even more difficult to attack Yuanzhou again?"

Anda Khan said, "This southern expedition has been planned for many years, and I have a clear understanding of the troops in various parts of the Great Zhou."

Jiangnan is a wealthy region of the Great Zhou Dynasty, a place where money and taxes are heavily stored. It appears peaceful and serene, but in reality, it is only superficially calm while undercurrents have been brewing for a long time.

When the Great Zhou Dynasty was established in Jiangnan, it left behind too many hidden influences there, which have become too powerful to be controlled. However, the seeds of disaster are deeply buried and cannot be unleashed for the time being.

At the beginning of Emperor Jiazhao's reign, a rebellion broke out in Jiangnan by the Hidden Sect. Although it was suppressed by the Great Zhou royal family, the people of Jiangnan remained restless.

The royal family has always been wary and rarely mobilizes its heavy troops in the various prefectures of Jiangnan, lest others take advantage of the situation and cause trouble in their own backyard.

The Great Zhou could only mobilize troops from the states north of the Yangtze River, but each state still needed to retain troops to garrison it, so the number of troops that could be mobilized was limited.

In addition, we launched a surprise attack on the military depot in Donggang Town and seized 600,000 dan of grain from the Zhou people.

With such a huge hole, the Great Zhou Dynasty simply cannot fill the deficit in less than six months.

The eight towns in the north needed supplies of grain, and the three passes to the north needed even more grain to gather troops. Even though the Great Zhou had a vast territory, it was in dire need of supplies for the time being.

Because of the temporary shortage of provisions, the number of troops that can be mobilized from various prefectures north of the Yangtze River will be reduced by 30%, otherwise, with too many troops gathered at the three passes, how can they be fed?

The capital city of Shenjing is a vital strategic location in the Great Zhou Dynasty, requiring heavy garrisoning. Furthermore, the number of troops that can be transferred north will be further reduced.

I had made many plans beforehand, and by the end of spring this year, the Great Zhou would have mobilized a maximum of 100,000 troops in the three northern passes.

My Mongol army of 150,000 men, even if not all of them can march south, is still evenly matched with the enemy forces, so there is no need to panic.

Moreover, victory in battle has never depended on the size of the army, but on the skill and strategy of the generals.

……

Although Jirang Khan and Anda Khan had a deep-seated grudge, he couldn't help but admire him inwardly after hearing his words.

Fang Anda Khan had planned to seize Donggang Town and plunder hundreds of thousands of grain supplies, and he had already calculated that he would strike at the heart of the enemy and eliminate the troops of the Great Zhou.

The phrase "strategizing and planning with mastery, capable of winning a decisive victory from afar" is not an exaggeration at all...

Anda Khan continued, “Although there are many generals in the various states of the Great Zhou, how many are truly outstanding?”

Only Liang Chengzong is my formidable rival; the others are not worth worrying about.

Emperor Jiazhao's decision to appoint Liang Chengzong as commander-in-chief was a smart move; however, this appointment required careful consideration.

"Liang Chengzong has fought me many times, and we are familiar with each other's tactics and strategies. To win this time, we must use a surprise attack to cut off his ability to anticipate our moves."

……

Anda Khan looked at Altan and said, "Altan, you have always been quick-witted and shrewd."

According to the messages sent by the spies in Shenjing, they should know that Liaodong Town is far away, and they should know when he will be able to reach the main army at the three passes.

After hearing Anda Khan's words, Altan seemed to understand something and said, "The Emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty issued an edict to appoint a commander a few days ago."

Even if the emperor issued an edict in advance, and the imperial decree from the capital reached Liaodong Town, Emperor Liang Chengzong would immediately set off, traveling day and night, and it would still take ten days for the round trip.

Moreover, the nine border troops of the Great Zhou are elite troops on regular campaigns and will definitely be drawn upon. Even if it is to ensure the safety of the northern border, not too many elite troops will be drawn.

However, Emperor Liang Chengzong could not go south alone. Mobilizing troops, marching, and gathering supplies would all take time.

It will probably take more than ten days for Liang Chengzong to arrive at the Northern Three Passes…

……

Anda Khan smiled, but there was no warmth in his smile; instead, it was filled with gloom and cruelty.

He said, "These ten days or so are a golden opportunity for us to take control of the battle and be certain of victory."

The commander of the Northern Three Passes is Chen Yi, the Duke of Qi of the Great Zhou Dynasty. He is an old man, and although he is an old general, he does not have outstanding command skills and is not worth worrying about.

According to reports from his undercover agents in Shenjing, his grandson was implicated in a leak of military secrets. Disabling him would be incredibly easy, but the time wasn't right yet…”

Upon hearing Anda Khan's words, Altan felt a chill run down his spine. The Great Khan, the supreme commander of the army, was strategizing the advance and retreat of his troops.

However, in the smallest details, there were still no omissions or oversights. The Khan had long anticipated and planned for Chen Ruichang's leak of secrets, and his strategy was flawless.

If the timing is right, the deputy commander will fall into a trap before the commander-in-chief of the Great Zhou arrives at the three passes. Wouldn't the Great Zhou army at the three passes be leaderless in an instant?
……

Anda Khan continued, "We must take advantage of the fact that Liang Chengzong has not yet taken office to disrupt the Zhou army's formation, causing their troops to circulate and fall into chaos and turmoil."

Even if Liang Chengzong reaches the three passes, he will be exhausted from dealing with them. If he loses 30% of his military strategy first, defeating him will be much easier!

He looked at the general who had just requested troops to fight and said, "Manhai, among my sons, you are the bravest and most skilled in battle, and you have never been defeated."

"You are the eagle of the grasslands, the sharp blade in Father Khan's hand. To send you to conquer a small, remote mountain post station would be like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. I have other important tasks for you."

Man Hai was the youngest of the generals present. He was clad in armor, had a burly build, a face full of fierce features, and an air of bravery and strength.

Because they were father and son, and his eyebrows and eyes bore some resemblance to Anda Khan, he was an important general under Anda Khan.

However, Altan and others knew that although Manhai appeared rough and brave, he was by no means reckless. He was cautious and astute in military operations and was highly valued by Anda Khan.

Anda Khan walked up to the map and said, "I will select 20,000 elite cavalry, and you will be in full command of them. We will bypass Yaoshan Post Station overnight."

Heading east along the western foothills of Yunzhi Mountain, using the dense forest paths to conceal your movements, you can travel quickly for three days and reach a village called Wawu Town.

This place is only twenty li from the outskirts of Shenjing City; a swift horse can reach the city walls in three quarters of an hour!

……

Everyone present was shocked by Anda Khan's words. It was too hasty to attack the capital without the two armies having engaged in a major battle.

Jirang Khan frowned slightly but remained silent. Such a surprise attack must have been orchestrated by Man Hai, whose 20,000 elite troops were undoubtedly the best of the Tu Man tribe.

He would not use the troops from the other two tribes. Although the three Mongol tribes were allied, Anda Khan was meticulous and trusted the other two tribes, but he always maintained a limited degree of trust in them.

Without deploying troops from the Ordos tribe, Jirang Khan would not speak rashly, but would simply observe the situation...

Man Hai's eyes burned with fervor as he said, "Father Khan wants me to take the capital directly, but I'm afraid 20,000 elite cavalry won't be enough."

Anda Khan laughed and said, "Shenjing is the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty. It has high walls and deep defenses, and is heavily guarded."

To capture Shenjing, let alone 20,000 elite cavalry, even an army of 100,000 would probably not be able to take it easily.

I sent you to lead another army to approach the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty. I have other intentions, and I have already written down how to coordinate the operation in the secret plan.

"Only after leading the troops out of camp tonight can you open the sealed pouch and act according to the plan."

……

Anda Khan took out a dark gray brocade pouch, sealed at both ends with thread. To access the secrets inside, one would have to break it open by force; this was a method used in the army to prevent leaks.

Both Jirang Khan and Altan were well aware that Anda Khan had extremely high expectations for the strategy of launching a surprise attack on the barbarian sea, which is why he acted cautiously and kept it a secret.

Each of them had their own guesses about how Man Hai would operate once he arrived near the capital with the elite troops of the two kings, but none of them could guess what would happen...

Anda Khan said, "After the Manhai expedition tonight, the army will immediately lock down its camp and attack Yaoshanyi at dawn tomorrow."

However, we must attack without capturing, creating a stalemate with Zhou's army, and hold out for more than two days. Then, reinforcements will surely be sent from the three northern passes.

The tens of thousands of troops of the Great Zhou advancing north will be tied down at Yaoshan Post Station, and their forces will inevitably continue to be redeployed northward. That will be our opportunity to seize the opportunity!

Those present pondered Anda Khan's words, some vaguely guessing his intentions, while others remained completely bewildered.

……

Anda Khan suddenly said, "I heard that the Great Zhou has built a firearms workshop in the eastern suburbs to manufacture various firearms, and the person in charge is Earl Weiyuan, Jia Cong."

"Aletang, you stayed in Shenjing for several months. Did you investigate the firearms workshops of the Great Zhou?" Aletang replied, "Reporting to the Great Khan, after the delegation entered the capital, I dispatched people to investigate the firearms workshops."

However, the workshop was heavily guarded, surrounded by thousands of Great Zhou Imperial Guards, with densely packed tents that blocked out the wind and rain, making it impossible to get close.

I had people collect rumors circulating in the city. It is said that the various artisans in the workshop are forbidden from leaving the workshop on a daily basis, and the defenses are very tight, making it impossible to explore the secrets.

Within the capital city, the five city garrisons, the five military commands, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the nine gate guards rarely saw any firearms soldiers.

It is said that within the Zhou army camp of the Great Zhou Dynasty, there is a special firearms battalion, but this is kept secret and unknown to outsiders.

Ever since Marquis Jia Cong of Weiyuan pacified the three Jurchen guards, the power of firearms has been rumored to be bizarre and fantastical, touted as a divine punishment, but very few people have actually seen it.

If firearms are truly so formidable, the Great Zhou should flaunt its military might to intimidate the surrounding states and enhance its national prestige; this is the only logical course of action.

The current low-key approach suggests that the rumors are exaggerated. Even if firearms are indeed powerful, with fireballs propelling them more than crossbows, their effectiveness is ultimately limited.

As long as the enemy extends beyond firing range and defends with strong shields and armor, the power of firearms will inevitably be reduced, and they will not be able to influence the overall situation of the battle.

……

Anda Khan nodded and said, "Altan is right. Throughout history, the outcome of battles has depended on the number of soldiers, the quality of weapons, and even more so on the strategies of the generals."

Although the Jurchen Three Guards were highly skilled in combat, their combined forces numbered only six or seven thousand. They could have been easily wiped out even without firearms.

In my opinion, the reason why the Great Zhou was able to pacify the Jurchens was not because of its superior firearms, but because the Earl of Weiyuan, Jia Cong, was a natural-born military genius, which enabled him to achieve a surprising victory.

Moreover, how could the Jurchen Three Guards, numbering only a few thousand, be compared to the Mongol army of one hundred thousand?

However, since the rumors about firearms are strange, we can't be careless. If we can occupy the military camp in Donggang Town, can't we raze the firearms workshop to the ground?
According to a secret report from the spies in the capital, Jia Cong was also among the generals going on the expedition, and he was probably not in the workshop, which was a bit of a pity.

After arriving at Wawu Town, Man Hai should seize the opportunity to destroy the workshop, or follow the strategy of Donggang Town and launch a surprise attack.

If the firearms craftsmen can be captured, troops should be sent to escort them; if they cannot be captured, they should be executed on the spot to prevent future trouble!

"Manhai, if you achieve merit this time, your father, the Khan, will grant you an additional five thousand households as a reward for your military achievements. Do not disappoint your father."

……

Upon hearing this, Aletang felt a chill in his heart and secretly felt that this was no small matter, but he dared not speak it out directly to his face.

Of the three major Mongol tribes with 10,000 households each, the Tuman tribe was the strongest, commanding 60,000 households and capable of gathering 100,000 elite soldiers.

According to the custom of the Mongol tribes, adult princes under the Anda Khan were granted a fiefdom of over a thousand households, based on their military achievements.

Although the eldest prince, Badu, was not as brave and skilled in battle as Manhai, he was calm, resourceful, and had the demeanor of Anda Khan, and enjoyed considerable prestige among the tribe.

He was always considered the successor to Anda Khan, and because of his repeated military achievements, he was granted a fief of eight thousand households.

Badu's capture of Xuanfu Town greatly increased his prestige among the three Mongol tribes, and Anda Khan bestowed upon him an additional 4,000 households as a reward for his military achievements.

Manhai, as the second prince of Anda Khan, originally had a fief of 5,000 households. If he made meritorious contributions in this battle, Anda Khan promised to grant him an additional 5,000 households.

At that time, Man Hai will have the second largest number of households with fiefs, second only to the eldest prince Ba Du, which will affect the morale of the tribes.

Moreover, Aletang and Badu had always been on good terms, and his son Mandujiang was Badu's trusted general.

Therefore, Anda Khan's move was not good news for Altan and his son...

……

What Altan could think of, Jirang Khan, as the tribal lord, would naturally think of as well, and couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

However, he did not want to meddle in the affairs of the Tuman tribe, and since the matters of the battle had been discussed, he got up to bid farewell to Anda Khan, and the other generals also left the tent.

Man Hai did not leave. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Father Khan, if your son can achieve meritorious service this time..."

The son did not want the five thousand households his father Khan would bestow upon him; instead, he wished to request that his father Khan grant him the golden lotus of the grasslands.

Upon hearing this, Anda Khan's expression darkened slightly. He scrutinized Man Hai for a moment, and an inexplicable aura of power permeated the tent.

He said in a deep voice, "Now that we are on a campaign abroad, we are not only father and son, but also ruler and subject. Can we bargain over the rewards from our father, the Khan?"

Although Man Hai was a burly and valiant warrior, his fierce aura vanished instantly when faced with his father's slightly displeased questioning.

He immediately knelt on one knee, looking disappointed, and said with his head bowed, "Your son was reckless, please forgive me, Father Khan."

Anda Khan's expression softened slightly. He reached out and helped Man Hai up, saying, "Your most important task right now is to concentrate fully on leading the army to victory and achieving military merit."

"Your father will certainly not mistreat you. You are the son of Anda Khan, the eagle of the grasslands. Do not think of such trivial matters..."

……

The encampment of the Mongol army marching south, the Ordos tribe's camp.

Anda Khan discussed the war plan and decided to launch an attack on Yaoshanyi at dawn the next day.

After the military order was issued, the Mongol army advanced more than ten miles and set up camp forty miles from Yaoshan Post Station.

When Jirang Khan returned to the tribe's encampment, he saw that a campfire had been lit in front of the royal tent, and Noyan Taiji was roasting food over the fire.

Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, his upright posture and heroic bearing made him stand out from the crowd.

Seeing Jirang Khan approach, he asked, "Father Khan, the camp has just issued a military order to launch an attack on Yaoshan Post Station at dawn tomorrow."

However, it's a good thing that the cavalry and infantry fighting tomorrow come from the Tuman and Yongxielun tribes, and the Ordos tribe hasn't assigned any troops to them.

Jirang Khan said, "Anda Khan is not treating the Ordos tribe well; he is just wary of me and worried that we will ruin his plans."

Noyan Taiji looked puzzled and asked, "Father Khan, Yaoshan Post Station only has four thousand guards. Even if the Ordos tribe is lax in battle..."

The elite troops of the Tuman tribe could easily break through; Anda Khan's decision to exclude us is unnecessary.

Jirang Khan sneered, "He's not worried about us being lax in battle, but rather about us being difficult to control."

"If, during the attack, we fail to maintain proper control and accidentally breach Yaoshan Post Station, it will ruin his grand plan."

Noyan Taiji was even more puzzled and asked, "Why does Father Khan say this? I'm completely confused."

After Jirang Khan recounted the events at the golden-topped tent to Noyan Taiji in detail, he finally understood the whole story.

……

Noyan Taiji pondered for a moment and said, "Father Khan, Anda's feigned attack on Yaoshanyi while sending Manhai to lead troops to approach the capital is truly a brilliant tactic!"

Jirang Khan's eyes lit up, and he asked with anticipation, "What makes it so brilliant?"

Noyan Taiji said, "Anda Khan's army is feigning an attack on Yaoshan Post Station, deliberately creating a stalemate. Zhou's army at the three northern passes will definitely send reinforcements."

The intention was to block the Mongol army at Yaoshanyi, and then launch a counterattack after Emperor Liang Chengzong took office.

By then, Yaoshan Post Station will tie down a large number of Zhou troops, leaving the rear of the three northern passes vulnerable, which will facilitate Manhai's rapid approach to Shenjing.

Anda Khan gave Man Hai a secret order, and no one else knew his intentions in leading the army.

But once Man Hai leads his army close to the capital, there are many things he can do.

Whether it's cutting off the grain supply routes inside and outside the capital, or massacring the towns and cities surrounding the capital, it will throw the heartland of the Great Zhou into chaos.

The Great Zhou Dynasty was shaken, and the people in the capital were filled with panic. Emperor Jiazhao would surely issue an edict to mobilize troops from nearby prefectures and counties to rush back and reinforce the capital.

If Zhou Jun of Beisanguan wants to redeploy his troops, and there is even the slightest sign of trouble, Anda Khan will surely seize Yaoshanyi in one fell swoop and lead his troops straight to Yuanzhou and Tongzhou!
The Great Zhou's northern expeditionary army would be caught off guard, finding itself in a predicament, and chaos would inevitably ensue within the army.

The military granary in Donggang Town lost 600,000 dan of military rations. The Great Zhou was already short of supplies, so it would be even more difficult to mobilize troops from nearby prefectures and counties in a second round.

The 20,000 elite cavalrymen of the Barbarian Sea are as swift as the wind, roaming and harassing the area around the capital. They will surely become a deep-seated problem for the Great Zhou, and the morale of the army and the people will be thrown into chaos.

Even if Liang Chengzong were to arrive at the Northern Three Passes to take command of the army, he would be overwhelmed by the dire situation and unable to leverage his leadership advantages.

Anda Khan's plan was brilliant and ruthless. The two sides did not reach a final victory, but the Mongols gained the upper hand in every matter and took the initiative in everything.

Given this situation, the Mongols have a very high chance of winning. Perhaps this southward invasion will truly lead to their victory; it's not impossible..."

After saying these words, Noyan Taiji's expression became somewhat solemn, his face turned slightly pale, and his eyes flickered, as if he were thinking about something.

Jirang Khan, however, looked pleased and said, "You are more outstanding than your two elder brothers. When you succeed me as Khan, you will surely be able to ensure the safety and stability of the Ordos tribe..."

(End of this chapter)