Chapter 531: The Light Boat Has Not Yet Crossed Ten Thousand Mountains

The next day, Gele Khan, beaten black and blue, rode away from Baiqiao Town on horseback.

Not only was he released, but he was also given plenty of dry rations for the road.

Without a doubt, the "duel" between Gele Khan and Fang Chongyong ended in a crushing defeat.

Having eaten too much, combined with being soaked in river water for a whole day, in such a wretched state, even if Xiang Yu were reborn, Gele Khan probably still could not have beaten Fang Chongyong.

Of course, Gele Khan's goal had been to lose all along; he had never intended to win.

If a man won a bare-handed one-on-one brawl against the enemy commander, could he still expect to walk away unscathed?

That kind of behavior—winning the match but losing your life—was really no different from courting death.

Gele Khan was not that naive. The sole purpose of going through all this trouble was simply to find a way to back down gracefully.

Because at this point in the fighting, the grudge between him and Fang Chongyong and the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army had become entirely meaningless.

Even whether he could still command the troops under him upon returning to Ye City this time was an open question.

So at this juncture, if he still insisted on some petty contest of pride, there would be no difference between him and a fool.

Taking the offered way out, gathering his remaining forces, and returning to the grasslands to rest and recover was the optimal solution.

Of course, the Uighurs were a tribal alliance. Gele Khan's core forces had suffered heavy casualties, so it was no surprise that he wanted to go back and lick his wounds, but other Uighur tribes might not be so willing to give up their right to plunder.

Moreover, internal division within the Uighurs was now inevitable. A series of chain reactions, the horizontal and vertical maneuvering within the tribal alliance, were probably already brewing.

The earlier the preparations, the greater the advantage over one's opponent.

Whether Gele Khan and Fang Chongyong would even remain enemies in the future was hard to say.

He also knew that the troops who had died from being ambushed because this sneak attack failed were very likely dead for nothing.

This was perhaps the fate of the grasslands people.

With Gele Khan's departure, the problems Fang Chongyong and the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army would face next were laid out on the table.

He and all the officers and men of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army under his command, like students taking an important exam, had no choice but to face their fate head-on.

Late at night, an oil lamp was lit in the cabin of a transport boat on the Yongji Canal, and the cabin was packed with people.

Fang Chongyong and his key generals gathered around a table on which lay a crude map.

They were discussing important military affairs.

This was a deployment map of the enemy drawn by the army's scouts based on their reconnaissance.

Although the map was sketched roughly and the drafting skill was quite ordinary, from the contents of the map, everyone present could see that the situation they faced was not optimistic.

"Jiedushi, for now, Gao Miao has split his forces between two cities, forming a mutually supporting angle.

One is Changlu County, right by the canal. This is the city that administers the Changlu Saltworks, and it was built for the saltworks.

Southeast of Changlu County is Cangzhou City, the seat of Cangzhou Prefecture.

That city borders the Fu River, and the Fu River is a tributary of the Yongji Canal. Because the water is not deep enough, transport boats cannot travel on it.

The diversion of water from the canal is purely for irrigating farmland.

Gao Miao's forces are evenly distributed between the two cities of Changlu and Cangzhou, and they can reinforce each other if anything happens.

Between the two cities, there are numerous sentry posts, camps, and trenches, allowing mutual support.

This man's skill in positioning his forces is formidable; he must not be underestimated."

Che Guangqian explained to everyone. This was the basic situation regarding their current opponent and the distribution of troops.

"Gao Miao's forces are not particularly strong, but the fear is that they will pin us down and make it hard to strike.

This defensive line is set up like a hedgehog. Difficult, very difficult."

Wang Nande pondered for a moment and said.

"General Wang is right. Moreover, Gao Miao has set up many flying cables and weapon rafts along the Changlu section of the canal to obstruct our fleet's advance.

If we force our way through with transport boats, I'm afraid... that would also be very difficult."

Che Guangqian said with a frown.

Flying cables were thick ropes fixed to both banks of the waterway to block boats from crossing. They could also serve as cables for a pontoon bridge.

Weapon rafts were rafts made by lashing bundles of spears and staves together horizontally and vertically, generally used in conjunction with flying cables.

Simply put, Gao Miao had sent men to build a easily dismantlable river-blocking dam, but without completely blocking the river, nor affecting the water level.

Who knew whether there were ambush troops lying in wait here?

"No wonder no boats from the Youzhou side have been coming through. So it's this scoundrel Gao Miao causing trouble."

Duan Xiushi nodded slightly, finally understanding the whole chain of cause and effect.

Gao Miao had properly established a defensive line covering both water and land routes.

Using two cities and one 'river-blocking dam' as core nodes, he had built a defensive line that would force the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army to abandon their baggage train and detour around them to continue north.

The reason the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army could run rampant across Hebei, attacking whoever they pleased, was largely because they relied on the canal and transport boats for supplies, which allowed them to push deep into enemy territory as a lone force.

Gao Miao's 'turtle' strategy was absolutely nauseating!

"Gentlemen, do any of you have a brilliant plan?"

Fang Chongyong looked around at everyone and asked in a low voice. This time he too was at a loss; he had not expected Gao Miao to be this devious.

No one answered. The generals around him all fell into deep thought.

Gao Miao's move was akin to a 'choice with no choice.' Whether attacking either city or dismantling the obstacles on the canal, both carried great risk.

But from a military perspective, the difficulty of each option was roughly the same, each with its own disadvantages, and each option also had its own opportunities—there was no so-called 'absolute dead end.'

This instead left people at a loss for what to do.

"Jiedushi, are the generals under Huangfu Weiming truly so dedicated to hunting us down right now?"

Che Guangqian suddenly asked a very strange question.

"What do you mean by that?"

Fang Chongyong frowned slightly, having already thought of something.

"Jiedushi, Huangfu Weiming, has already taken Luoyang."

"Now all his thoughts should be on how to advance into Guanzhong; we are no longer a serious threat."

"The generals under Huangfu Weiming naturally know this as well. Having taken Luoyang, who wouldn't want to make a profit in Guanzhong!"

"We are a tough nut to crack, having successively defeated Wu Lingxun, Yin Ziqi, An Shouchong, and the Uighur cavalry. Clearly we are hard to deal with."

"What real benefit is there for those Hebei rebel troops to fight us to the death?"

"Che Guangqian continued to explain."

"I have to say, that makes a lot of sense."

"Having taken Luoyang versus not having taken it shifts the strategic focus of the Hebei rebels."

"Now that Huangfu Weiming has taken Luoyang, Li Baochen and Gao Miao have been marginalized. Even if Huangfu succeeds in a regime change, they may not be able to reap many benefits."

"Therefore it is very possible that the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army wants to return to Bianzhou, and Gao Miao also hopes this fierce enemy force leaves Cangzhou quickly, so they won't continue to cause trouble in Hebei."

"There is a possibility of reconciliation between the two sides."

"Of course, this is just speculation. Perhaps Gao Miao is just Er Lengzi, wanting to shed the last drop of blood for Grand Jiedushi Huangfu."

"Who can say for sure!"

"Shall we place a bet?"

"Fang Chongyong fell into contemplation."

"He feels it's like a bamboo pole striking a wolf—both ends are uneasy; the opponent doesn't know his true strength or weakness and will be wary. If we lose this advantage, the opponent may become unrestrained."

"'Jiedushi, should we send a messenger to Cangzhou City to gauge the situation?'"

"He Changqi asked uncertainly."

"Seeing him speak up rarely in such a setting, Fang Chongyong didn't want to curb his enthusiasm, and simply waved his hand lightly: 'Sending a messenger would be a sign of weakness, inevitably allowing them to manipulate us; the risk is too great, not suitable.'"

"He Changqi fell silent in frustration, realizing he had indeed thought too simply."

"Psychological warfare in war is extremely subtle and complex; a single small move can expose one's own strengths and weaknesses."

"He Laohu still cannot adapt to this scheming mindset."

"'All of you go back and think it over; tomorrow morning we will set the plan.'"

"Fang Chongyong waved his hand broadly, ordering his subordinate generals to rest first."

"In truth, he could find no solution from the group discussion and simply wanted to decide on his own."

"After everyone left, Fang Chongyong crossed his legs and stared at the enemy disposition map on the table."

"If He Changqi's bad idea is counted, there are currently four options to choose from."

"The first is to attack Changlu County City."

"The second is to attack Cangzhou City."

"The third is to burn the temporary dam on the canal."

"The fourth is to conduct a py trade with Gao Miao, with both sides staging a performance to pass the checkpoint."

"Each has its own advantages and disadvantages."

"If the first or second is chosen, it amounts to indirectly lifting the siege. Whether we burn the dam or do the py trade, as long as we cripple one of Gao Miao's legs, it can be accomplished."

"Directly choosing the third or fourth, however, carries the risk of a disastrous defeat."

"And this risk is not small."

"After much thought, Fang Chongyong still feels the third is the most straightforward, with the highest success rate."

"Their isolated force can only rely on a time differential."

"Having just brutally beaten the Uighur men, the Hebei rebels pursuing and blocking them will be nervous and unwilling to engage rashly."

"If we attack a city, no matter which, it is hard to capture quickly; even assuming a smooth siege, it would cause massive casualties on our side."

"The loss outweighs the gain."

"Only the third can use fire attack to destroy the wooden dam, then simply let the fleet pass through the canal."

"The crossbows on the ships can also cover the fleet's movement. Once past this checkpoint, there is no need to worry about Gao Miao's pursuit."

"The Yinqiang Xiaojie Army is still very experienced in dealing with pursuit."

"In terms of time, this plan is the fastest. If successful, we head straight toward Youzhou."

"Shall we go all out this time?"

"Fang Chongyong truly has no certainty in his heart, unable to decide for a moment."

"He suddenly began to understand why, throughout history and across the world, many commanders before major decisions like to consult divination, cast dice, or place a bet."

"The psychological pressure is simply too great to bear."

"Fang Chongyong thus racked his brain all night without closing his eyes."

"When he stepped out of the cabin for air, he saw the sunrise already hanging on the horizon, the entire Yongji Canal dyed red as if covered with blood."

"Fang Chongyong gathered the generals at the bow for a meeting, then noticed each of them sporting dark circles, looking almost like pandas. With a great enemy before them and the situation grim, those who could still sleep were truly ironclad fools."

"Even He Changqi dared not speak nonsense, fearing a word might become a self‑fulfilling prophecy."

"'How have you all considered it?'"

"Fang Chongyong inhaled deeply and asked."

"The river wind blowing against him cleared his mind a little."

"'We all obey the Jiedushi's command!'"

"The generals knelt together and begged for battle."

"If you can't think of it, then don't think; whatever Fang Chongyong says, this group of Qiu Ba handles matters cleanly and efficiently."

"'Since everyone has made up their minds, this Jiedushi will not be vague either.'"

"Fang Chongyong drew his Swift Wind Illusion Blade, pointed at the sunrise on the horizon and said, 'Then there is only advance, no retreat; those who block me die! We will steer the ship straight forward and burn that damned dam!'"

Huh?

The generals kneeling on the ground, begging for battle, were all dumbfounded.

They never imagined that Fang Chongyong was truly a tiger!

In their eyes, this move carried the greatest risk—there was no equal.

Since Gao Nuo had set up a defense line, how could he not know that the canal was the weakest spot?

If he knew, he would certainly have focused his defenses!

Besides, that wooden levee isn't something you can just rush through at will.

There may be defending troops here, and the garrison of Changlu County could reinforce quickly.

But the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, if they are to fight a land battle, need preparation time. Disembarking personnel and horses, boarding, then assembling the whole unit all take time.

Before, everyone had already prepared on land in advance, so they didn't mind this. The situation is different now.

"Jiedushi, isn't this risk a bit too great?"

Che Guangqian asked in confusion.

Since everyone is on the ship and can't assemble on land, even the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, no matter how skilled, can't pull this off!

"Yes, Jiedushi, I think we must first cut off one of Gao Nuo's legs before we can charge across."

Wang Nande also held a differing opinion.

"This won't work, that won't work; what exactly are you trying to do?"

Fang Chongyong erupted in anger! He looked around, and the generals glared at him!

After a night of weighing pros and cons, he finally resolved to make a bold move, only to find his subordinates—these hangmen—complaining at the crucial moment.

Where is there no risk in war? Is attacking Changlu or Cangzhou City risk‑free? Do they really think the pursuer Li Baochen behind them will hold back?

Fang Chongyong dared not gamble on that "fool."

Just as the tension stalled, a personal guard hurried over and whispered a few words into Fang Chongyong's ear.

"Hmm?"

Fang Chongyong raised an eyebrow, finding it hard to believe what he heard was true.

Gao Nuo actually sent someone to negotiate—how unexpected!

"Bring the person up."

Fang Chongyong instructed the guard.

In a short while, the person was brought up.

The person glanced left and right, hesitated, apparently finding the crowd too many to speak comfortably.

"Jiedushi, he has no weapons on him."

The guard whispered a reminder.

But Fang Chongyong waved his hand and said, "These are all my close confidants; nothing is unspeakable here."

He turned to the newcomer and asked, "Each serves his own lord; what does Gao Nuo wish to teach me?"

The man had a slender face and a slight build, looking as weak as a chicken‑bound hand; his Tang army uniform made him look hardly a soldier, but he exuded a strong literary aura.

He looked in his fifties, yet gave no family name.

"Fang Jiedushi, disaster looms, yet you remain calm; I, Li Mou, am quite impressed," the man said blandly, seeming not to take Fang Chongyong seriously, his words tinged with flippancy.

"What gives you the nerve to be so brazen?"

The generals around Fang Chongyong were all enraged! They gripped their sword handles, ready to draw and strike!

"Mr. Li, please come into the cabin for a word."

Fang Chongyong made a beckoning gesture.

Che Guangqian and the others exchanged puzzled looks, not understanding what was happening. Clearly they could not follow Fang Chongyong, so they waited outside the cabin.

Inside the cabin, after Fang Chongyong and the Li‑surname messenger sat down, the messenger stroked his beard and laughed, "Gao Nuo's move must be uncomfortable for Fang Jiedushi, right?"

He seemed confident, hitting the point with a single sentence.

Fang Chongyong, unfazed, laughed, "Mr. Li, you guessed wrong. This is a trivial matter; I, the Jiedushi, can defeat Gao Nuo within three days."

Hearing Fang Chongyong's boastful words, the messenger sent by Gao Nuo chuckled, seemingly unsurprised by his reaction.

"Fang Jiedushi truly is like that Cao Mengde—cunning and adept at deception.

Li Mou has already instructed Gao Nuo to station heavy troops at the levee, supplemented with oil‑soaked straw and other incendiaries, ensuring that any of your fleet that arrives will have no return.

Li has already coordinated with Gao Miao; it is essential to ambush heavy troops at the dam, assisted with flammable materials such as fire oil and straw—surely your fleet will come and never return.

"Fang Jiedushi, has Li guessed wrong?"

Fang Chongyong startled, sprang up, then quickly regained composure and sat back down.

"Please, sir, teach me."

Fang Chongyong crossed his arms in a salute and gave the messenger a deep bow!

A killer wouldn't waste words with you. Conversely, someone who talks this much surely has no ill intent.

"Actually, although I, Li Mou, am Gao Nuo's messenger, I am also a close confidant of Lord Pei.

I have come here to lend Fang Jiedushi a helping hand."

The man smiled and handed his waist badge to Fang Chongyong.

On the back of the wooden plaque were the characters "Jingse Army" and "Li Quan."

Only on the back of the wooden plaque were the five characters "Jingse Army" "Li Quan" written.