Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 261 Deploying Troops (Part 1)

How many troops should be deployed?

It's impossible for the Pei family army to send out their entire force like they did in Guangning County; at least half of them would have to stay behind. To put it bluntly, even if all the soldiers who went out were killed or fled in Liaoxi County, the main base of the Fanyang army wouldn't fall.

After discussing the matter for half a day, General Lü and his generals finally decided to send out three thousand elite troops, led by General Lü's eldest son, Lü Feng.

"Remember, if we suffer a crushing defeat, you must save your own life," General Lü instructed his son. "As long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood. If you're gone, you've lost everything. The empty title of a hero is utterly useless!"

This last sentence reveals a deep sense of resentment.

It was all Pei Qinghe's fault; he insisted on playing the hero and mobilized everyone to fight the Xiongnu barbarians in Liaoxi. Forced into a corner, he had no choice but to join the expedition.

As a military general, is it easy to accumulate some wealth? He might lose half of it this time.

Lu Fengsheng was tall, strong, and imposing, with a short beard. Although he was not old, he had the air of a fierce general. His temperament was also quite different from his own father's. He said as soon as he opened his mouth, "What you need to lead troops into battle is the courage to fight to the death. If you are timid and hesitant, how can you fight a battle?"

General Lü was speechless, staring blankly: "Who are you calling a coward?"

Ignoring his father's ugly expression, Lü Feng said, "Father, you've been timid for many years, but this time you've finally stood up straight and done what a real man should do. Don't worry, Father, I, Lü Feng, am no coward. I will let everyone see that our Fanyang army also has guts and is truly admirable."

Seeing Lü Feng's recklessness, General Lü suddenly regretted it: "You'd better not go. Find someone else to lead the troops..."

"Besides me, who else is qualified to lead the troops?" Lu Feng's words silenced General Lu.

General Lü had three sons. His second son died in battle, and his youngest son was still young. The only one truly capable of fighting on the battlefield was his eldest son. If three thousand elite soldiers were given to his generals, they might desert halfway and start their own faction.

Lu Feng, in the prime of his life, said with a bold tone, "Father, don't worry. I will come back after winning the battle."

General Lü twitched his lips and whispered, "First catch up with the Pei family army and rendezvous with General Pei. Obey General Pei's orders in everything."

Lu Feng bluntly exposed his father's past: "You used to be resentful of Pei Qinghe. Why are you calling him General Pei all the time now?"

General Lü, enraged and humiliated, kicked Lü Feng, yelling, "Get out! Get out!"

Lu Feng grimaced but didn't dodge, taking the kick head-on.

General Lü was indeed soft-hearted and didn't have the heart to kick him a second time. He instructed again, "Don't act on your own and fight recklessly. Listen to General Pei's orders."

Though he outwardly expressed his dissatisfaction with Pei Qinghe, he had long since submitted in his heart. When news arrived last year that Pei Qinghe had led his troops to a great victory against the Xiongnu barbarians, he was filled with remorse. He wished he could turn back time three years and kick back the arrogant, reckless version of himself who had led the army to fight the Pei family.

Given the prestige and strength of the Pei family army, they will eventually occupy Youzhou and establish their own kingdom. The Fanyang army, hoping to survive, will inevitably have to defer to Pei Qinghe.

Now is the best opportunity to fight the enemy together, make some contributions, and have the foundation to establish ourselves in the future.

If he hadn't had these plans, how could he have sent troops, and even let his eldest son lead the troops?
Before the army moves, supplies must be prepared. General Lü confidently ordered all counties to prepare military provisions. The Fanyang army's forced requisition of provisions was commonplace; this was the first time it hadn't provoked widespread public resentment.

Fighting the Xiongnu barbarians was not only the obsession of all the armies in the north, but also the most important matter in the hearts of the people. They tightened their belts, saving every penny of their rations, so that their soldiers could fight bravely only when they were well-fed.

The Pei family army marched at a relatively slow pace, covering about fifty li per day. As usual, the cavalry led the way, followed by the infantry. The convoys carrying provisions and supplies moved even slower, winding for several li like a long, moving dragon with no end in sight.

This time, the Pei family army has almost emptied its coffers for the expedition.

The elite troops trained for several years were all mobilized, serving as logistics personnel specializing in transporting provisions and supplies, and also ready to go into battle at any time. Warhorses, weapons, and armor—everything they could carry—were brought along, as well as a group of craftsmen who could build large-scale implements such as catapults and cloud chariots on-site.

Several large grain warehouses that had been stockpiled for several years were almost emptied.

At this critical moment, there's no time to worry about future food shortages. The Pei family army has mobilized over 10,000 men, the Guangning army has 7,000, and with the Pingyang army's 1,000 cavalry, the total exceeds 20,000. With so many mouths to feed, the daily rations consumption is a terrifying figure. Sufficient rations must be brought.

This time, Shi Yan also accompanied the army. He was in charge of managing and preparing the daily provisions. Each army had its own ledger for daily food and supplies. Those who came to collect their rations watched as the small, gold-plated abacus in Steward Shi's hand flew about, and they couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.

No wonder he was able to become the Grand Steward of the Pei Family Army! His ability and skill are truly unique.

As the commander-in-chief, Pei Qinghe had to oversee the entire operation, deciding everything from the daily march distance and rest stops to the campsites. On the fifth day of the march, the several armies converged. With more people came more trouble.

Not to mention the rivalry between the Guangning Army and the Pingyang Army, even the soldiers led by Pei Yun were determined to compete with the elite troops trained by Pei Family Village.

Not to mention the verbal arguments, they even fought over the location of their tents when they were settling in to rest.

Pei Qinghe never hesitated to handle such matters, giving both sides a beating with military rods. There was no point in arguing about who provoked first; the Pei family army had strict rules against private fights. Everything had to be reported, and anyone who resorted to violence would be punished.

Righteousness cannot govern finances, nor can compassion govern an army. As the commander-in-chief, one must possess absolute prestige and authority within the army. Otherwise, even without the enemy's intervention, the army will be a disorganized mess.

Only Pei Qinghe could make all those arrogant military generals bow down and submit.

"At this pace, it will take another six or seven days to reach the territory of Liaoxi Commandery."

There were only a dozen or so people qualified to enter Pei Qinghe's military tent for discussions. Pei Yun spoke first: "Liaoxi Commandery suffered a major defeat and is being chased by the Xiongnu barbarians. We don't even know the current situation of the battle. I think we should send an advance team to find out."

Pei Qinghe nodded: "I have the same idea."

Yang Hu, Song Dalang, and others volunteered to go.

Pei Qinghe glanced around and said, "The Pingyang Army has come from afar and is unfamiliar with the terrain of Liaoxi County. The Guangning Army suffered heavy losses last year, which has greatly affected its strength. It is better for the Pei family army to send the vanguard battalion."

Song Dalang and Yang Hu had no objections. This trip to western Liaoning was originally led by the Pei family army.

The leaders of Pei's army immediately became eager, with Gu Lian, Feng Chang, and others vying to lead the vanguard. Pei Qinghe pondered for a moment and then selected Sun Cheng and Tao Feng: "You two will lead the troops as the vanguard."

(End of this chapter)