Chapter 800: Report of Victory

Because the campaign against Shu had been delayed, leaving a full extra year of breathing room, the Great Han's war preparations had ample buffer. From the ninth year of Qianyou to the tenth, the Great Han passed through without disaster or calamity, smoothly and peacefully. Thus, when the Emperor once again issued the edict to attack Shu, no one in the Eastern Capital felt any surprise—it seemed only natural.

The tide of history surges forward, vast and unstoppable. The great trends of the realm had by now developed to a point where everything was perfectly clear. The Great Han's strategy no longer concealed or obscured itself. Emperor Liu Chengyou openly expressed his ambition to swallow the realm, and in daily conversations with his ministers, whenever the topic came up, he spoke boldly and encouraged them to share his resolve.

By now, even the common folk of the Eastern Capital could offer their opinions on the Great Han's unification of the realm and the restoration of peace. After the edict to attack Shu was issued, the markets carried on as usual, the court and the countryside remained unchanged—no one raised any objection. The various ministries operated steadily, though the relevant offices and officials grew somewhat tense, actively serving the army marching on Shu.

Hanzhong was far from Kaifeng—over mountains and rivers, a distance of two thousand li. To keep abreast of military intelligence at the front, on top of the existing post roads, the court specially added a military express relay, staffed with fine horses and sturdy couriers. Yet even with the so-called six-hundred-li urgent dispatch, the first reports from the front still took some ten days to reach Kaifeng.

The courier rode in from the east, a small flag on his back, allowed straight into the city, galloping through the avenues toward the palace, shouting along the way: "Great victory at Sanquan!" For many people, they had no idea where Sanquan was or how far it lay from Kaifeng, but the scholars and commoners who saw and heard the courier pass knew—the army attacking Shu had won a battle.

The scholars and commoners of the Eastern Capital would never normally profess great loyalty to the Great Han court or deep devotion to the Son of Heaven of the Liu family, yet when they heard that the soldiers at the front had won a victory, they could not help but feel a swell of pride. Through years of propaganda and indoctrination, the people's recognition of the court and of the Great Han had reached a considerable level.

While the people of Kaifeng were stirred by the victory report from the east, within the Han palace, Emperor Liu Chengyou was in the Spring Orchid Hall, visiting his young imperial son. In the winter of last year, the younger Lady Fu, now a Pure Consort, had successfully given birth to a fine son, named Liu Yan.

"This child is very clever—when he's thirsty, hungry, or uncomfortable, he tosses and turns and cries out to remind us!" Watching the palace women change the young prince's swaddling cloth, the younger Lady Fu's rosy face broke into a warm smile, giving Liu Chengyou the feeling she was praising her own wares.

The younger Lady Fu's womanly charm grew ever more pronounced. After giving birth to the prince, it was as if a weight had been lifted from her chest—her whole being relaxed, radiant and graceful, most alluring.

Since there were servants to attend to everything, Liu Chengyou never suffered the troubles of child-rearing; he always came with a light and joyful heart to visit and play with the child. His gaze lingered for a moment on the younger Lady Fu's enticing figure, then he chuckled lightly: "Which of my sons could be anything but clever?"

"Of course—His Majesty is gifted with extraordinary talent; if the children can inherit even a fraction of it, they'll be blessed for life!" the younger Lady Fu said with a sweet smile, flattering him gently.

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou reached out and lightly tapped her vermilion lips, saying: "With that little mouth of yours, are you trying to sweet-talk me to death?"

The slightly teasing gesture and words made the young matron blush to her jade cheeks. Her beautiful eyes rippled with autumn waves, yet carried spring warmth—bright and captivating.

His heart warming, he drew the beauty into his embrace, just about to comfort her properly, when he was interrupted.

"Reporting to His Majesty—a message from Chongzheng Hall: Commissioner of Military Affairs Guo Rong requests an audience!"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou reluctantly released the younger Lady Fu. Though somewhat disappointed, he still knew what mattered most. Seeing her displeased expression, he patted her firm, rounded rear and said: "Guo Rong's coming here can only mean something has changed with the military situation at the front."

"I'll return to the hall now. I'll come see you and the child another time. It's getting cold—mind you keep warm, don't catch a chill!"

The younger Lady Fu was still immersed in the lingering echo of that "smack," her face growing even more flushed. Hearing his words, she softly replied: "Farewell, Your Majesty!"

In Chongzheng Hall, an enlarged map of Chuanshu hung beside the Great Han's general atlas, somewhat yellowed and worn. This map had been pored over by Liu Chengyou and his ministers countless times—the yellowing was from the smoke of candles and lamps.

It was a military map, with the routes into Shu, plank roads, rivers, ferries, and information on the Shu army's various city passes and mountain stockades—their defending generals, troop deployments, and so on—all marked upon it.

It had been secretly compiled over many years, building on the foundation of Zhao Pu's diplomatic mission to Shu back then, with the hidden agents in Shu spending enormous manpower and wealth. One copy hung in Chongzheng Hall, another with Xiang Xun, and of course there were numerous auxiliary and detailed maps—this was the most important preparation the Great Han had made for the great plan to conquer Shu.

In the hall, several senior ministers stood with Liu Chengyou beneath the map, jointly discussing the military situation. When Guo Rong came for audience, Liu Chengyou summoned the two chancellors Wei Renpu and Li Gu. Among the several chancellors of the Hall of State Affairs, Wei and Li were the ones versed in military matters—especially Li Gu, who could actually lead troops.

Then, thinking it over, he felt it inappropriate that Fan Zhi, the chief chancellor, was absent, so he simply summoned State Finance Commissioner Xue Juzheng as well. From the Bureau of Military Affairs he called Deputy Commissioner Murong Yanzhao and Secretary Li Chuyun, and added Zhao Pu—thus forming a high-level imperial council.

The first victory at Sanquan was certainly gratifying, but for the Emperor and the assembled ministers, it was hardly cause for excessive excitement. What Liu Chengyou needed was a decisive victory and the result of annexing both Chuan regions.

Under the gaze of the Son of Heaven and the senior officials of the court, Li Chuyun crisply reported on the military situation on the northern route: "Our army captured Sanquan on the fifteenth of this month, essentially wiping out the defending garrison. After taking the city, we immediately dispatched one division to advance south in pursuit of the enemy, seizing plank roads and routes. We encountered Shu troops coming north to reinforce, defeated one portion of them, but they still managed to destroy part of the plank road, somewhat cutting off our direct path forward.

The Shu army's defensive strength along the Lizhou and Jianzhou line is approximately fifty thousand men, with Mian'gu, Jiange, and Jiameng as their bases, forming a defensive line. The Mian'gu defense is anchored on the Mantian Ridge to its north, where the Great and Small Mantian Stockades are established. The Mantian Ridge lives up to its name—the terrain winds far and wide, connecting north and south, controlling the key passes. It lies across our army's path of advance. The Small Mantian Stockade is narrow and formidable; the Great Mantian Stockade is perilous and steep. To take Lizhou, we must attack south of this ridge.

There is also the Jinshan Stockade advanced to the north, at the exit of the plank road. After the Battle of Sanquan, the Shu army will certainly reinforce the garrisons at the various stockades, relying on the natural defenses of Mantian to block our army north of Lizhou."

Though he had never seen the terrain of Lizhou with his own eyes, Liu Chengyou at least had it memorized thoroughly from the maps. Thus, as Li Chuyun spoke, images automatically surfaced in his mind. He also approved of the analysis—if he were defending, he would basically make the same arrangements: hold the strategic passes, establish strong stockades, with sufficient troops, food, and equipment. That was the orthodox strategy.

The chancellors had some understanding of the situation. Fan Zhi asked doubtfully: "Since the Shu army holds the natural defenses and has destroyed the plank roads, how does Commander-in-Chief Xiang plan to respond?"

Li Chuyun said: "Commander-in-Chief Xiang is temporarily resting and reorganizing at Sanquan, stockpiling grain and equipment, and has the Huaide Army repairing the plank road southward, reinforcing and widening it, to open the path for advancing south!"

"Even so, how will we break through the Mantian Ridge?" Fan Zhi was still full of questions.

Beside him, the gaunt-faced Li Gu pondered for a moment, stroking his long beard, and said: "Commander-in-Chief Xiang must have other considerations, I suspect!"

"Chancellor Li truly has exceptional strategic insight—you've hit the mark." Guo Rong spoke up. He had dealings with Li Gu before and had always admired his wisdom and foresight. He took the initiative to explain: "The routes into Shu are perilous and obstructed. The Shu army holds the natural defenses. A frontal assault—with our army's strength, we could still win—but casualties would be heavy, and that's not worth it. Though the Shu army holds the main road at Lizhou, the surrounding mountain paths and narrow trails are equally numerous. Over the years, the military intelligence bureau has scouted out several small trails around the area, to be used for flanking attacks—striking where the enemy is weak, avoiding where they are strong, catching them off guard!

Commander-in-Chief Xiang will hold the main force at Sanquan, repairing the plank road and opening the route, drawing the Shu army's attention. Meanwhile, Army Supervisor Gao will be dispatched with a detached force, starting from Jiachuan County southeast of Mian'gu, taking the narrow Luochuan trail, looping south, and going around the northern Mantian Ridge from the flank and rear, to strike the enemy's defensive line from both sides!"

"Repairing the plank road openly, while secretly crossing at Chencang!" Wei Renpu nodded and remarked.

Liu Chengyou also said: "This is a two-pronged approach, combining orthodox and unorthodox, attacking from front and rear! How to break the Shu defenses and take Lizhou—I, Guo Rong, and Xiang Xun have pondered for years. The roads of Chuanshu are rugged and perilous, but they are ultimately not impassable or dead ends. As long as there is a road to walk, our army will cross mountains and ridges to conquer it!"

"I wonder how far the detour is—and if the Shu army detects it and sets up ambushes, what then?" Xue Juzheng spoke up, seeming somewhat concerned.

"Taking the Luochuan narrow trail, the detour is about three hundred li. During this time, the opening of the northern road can proceed in tandem! There are many small trails in Shu, and the Luochuan trail is not conspicuous. The route has long been scouted, guides are plentiful, and the soldiers of the detached force are all elites trained in mountain marching and combat. The Shu army's attention is all on the north, so the initial chance of detection is small. And by the time they react—once we've passed Jiachuan—we can turn the feint into reality and strike from both sides at leisure!" Guo Rong explained.

"Your Majesty and the generals have anticipated the enemy's moves and planned so thoroughly—how could the Shu army withstand the imperial army? This campaign against Shu is certain to succeed!" Xue Juzheng revealed a smile and praised.

Liu Chengyou was in a good mood. He looked at the assembled ministers and said: "The soldiers fighting at the front still need the support of all of you!"

"This is our bounden duty!"

Guo Rong continued, his tone confident: "Based on the timing, the flanking detour should have already succeeded. Barring unexpected developments, the battle for the Mantian Ridge stockades should have already begun. Before the end of this month, our army can take full control of Lizhou!"