Chapter 45: Splitting Paths for the Assault

Wei Zidan glanced this way, surprised that he would say the same words as me, gave a faint smile, made a beckoning gesture, and wanted to see what insight he had.

Zou Ying said: "Lord Li, what insight do you have?"

As a newcomer, one should not show all one's edge; just now was already too flamboyant. Since Wei Zidan could say the same words as me, I think the two of us are on the same page, so it's better to let him speak.

"Li Bucai, a crude man, has no lofty arguments; General Zou said the rebels number over 200, and Li Bucai only asked how many we should dispatch—whether to send exactly 200 or to commit all forces."

Zou Ying's mission this time is to protect the Young Marshal, not to annihilate the enemy. The decision to station troops at Sand Spring was because allied forces on the left and right were ahead, forming an inverted 'pin' formation that protected him. Unexpectedly, the rebels appeared suddenly in the gap between the two armies, only twenty li away, as if a knife were held before his eyes; trying to retreat now would be like turning his back and being slaughtered. Moreover, the left and right armies were held in check by a stronger enemy force and could not come to aid.

What Zou Ying feared was that this time the rebels were not gathering at a distance before advancing, but were assembling bit by bit within twenty li, which is illogical; it could be a bait to lure troops, and if we fall into their trap and injure the Young Marshal, we would be unable to report to the Emperor. He wanted to weigh the pros and cons of sending troops versus holding back, but everyone only advocated sending troops, without mentioning the trade‑offs of various methods.

He said with some disappointment: "If we send only 200, what if they appear to have 200 on the surface but actually conceal a massive force—wouldn't that be a trap like casting a net for a mouse? If we commit everyone, what if it's their strategy of luring the tiger from the mountain, seizing Sand Spring while we are on the offensive, cutting off our water supply; even if we win this battle, we would have no way forward or back and would be easily encircled from both sides, leading to total annihilation. Yet if we hold back and defend Sand Spring, letting them amass forces several times ours to form a complete encirclement, we would likewise face certain destruction. Esteemed gentlemen, do you say we should attack or defend? If we attack, how can we achieve a decisive victory?"

The others immediately began a flurry of discussion.

Whose plan is adopted, the victor will receive a golden leaf; the reward isn't lavish, but it is a good opportunity to expand one's strength.

Tan Ping spoke first: "We still don't know exactly how many troops the rebels have; if we charge out rashly, we will surely fall into their trap. Therefore, I think we should leave a contingent to guard Sand Spring to secure our water source, and dispatch part of the forces to set up a camp at the Ant Mountain pass twenty li away, holding the pass to form a corner formation. In this way, whichever part the rebels attack, we can reinforce each other."

Wei Zidan said: "Lord Tan also knows we haven't figured out how many troops the rebels have. We only have a little over 400, and you want to split this small force in half—aren't you afraid the rebels will defeat us by attacking on separate routes?"

Tan Ping snorted: "Then according to you, Lord Wei, how should we deploy troops?"

"Rather than splitting forces, we should launch a full‑scale attack."

"Do you intend to hand our water source over to the rebels, letting our entire army be wiped out?"

Wei Zidan smiled faintly and said: "Of course it's not a reckless charge. We can use the daytime to reinforce the Sand Spring camp, while sending out some shrewd and capable men to carefully scout the enemy's strength and weakness. When night falls, we only need to leave two lords here to guard Sand Spring, concentrate all forces for a surprise attack on the enemy camp, striking them unprepared, which will surely bring a decisive victory."

Tan Ping said: "Leave two people to guard Sand Spring? I think Lord Wei has forgotten what happened last night—does he intend to hand Sand Spring over? Moreover, the rebels are adept at raiding camps; how can we not bolster defenses?"

Wei Zidan said: "If Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms had taken General Wei Yan's Ziwu Valley stratagem and launched a surprise attack on Chang'an, how could he have suffered defeat after countless campaigns across the Central Plains? Lord Tan must know we are here to rescue the Thirteen King, not to die defending Sand Spring; eventually we must advance into the rebel heartland. Does Lord Tan only think of staying in a safe corner? If so, the rebels will eventually drive us out of Luo Ping Hai."

Tan Ping said: "We have just arrived in Luo Ping Hai and have not yet established a foothold; we haven't even figured out the terrain around Ant Mountain. Lord Wei wants to rashly advance into the interior? Do you intend to have us all perish here?"

"Alright, alright…" Both sides held their own arguments, quarrelling noisily, when Zou Ying interrupted: "Both of you make valid points, each with its own pros and cons. Is there no other method? Does any gentleman have further insight?"

No one else offered further comments. After a long silence, Li Bucai said: "Dividing forces makes us easy to be defeated piece by piece; not dividing makes us risk total annihilation. Since both have drawbacks, it's better to hold Sand Spring completely and decide after we have discerned the enemy's movements." It turned out his thoughts differed from mine.

"Who wants to be a turtle hiding its head?" a voice called out. The Young Marshal, surrounded by blue‑clad guards, walked back to the command platform, glanced at Li Bucai, and snorted: "I knew it was you."

She arrived, and even if she spoke it would be meaningless; Li Bucai swallowed his words. Let her say whatever she wants.

The Young Marshal said to Zou Ying: "There's no need to keep asking about this; why do we need a commander like you? I have already decided: General Zou, take a portion of the troops to guard Sand Spring; the rest follow me to eliminate that rebel force."

She said that if she orders an attack, it will happen, and no one can stop it. Zou Ying could only say: "Since an attack is ordered, let the junior officer go."

The Young Marshal said: "Are you afraid I cannot win?"

"This… Sand Spring is our lifeline; if we lose it, without water the troops' morale will waver, making it even more crucial. The junior officer fears he cannot fulfill the duty, or perhaps it is better for the Young Marshal himself to guard it personally."

"Fine, then I'll allocate more men to you." The Young Marshal said without hesitation: "General Zou, obey my command!"

The order seal had already been taken out before the three armies, and Zou Ying could only issue the command.

"Sand Spring is our lifeline; I command you to take men and guard Sand Spring. The order assigns General Xu to you. Without my command, even if we fight to the last soldier, we must not abandon Sand Spring."

"Junior officer, obey." Zou Ying trembled slightly as he took the order seal, mentally weighing how to protect the Young Marshal's safety.

The Young Marshal then assigned all the troops on the north bank of Shalanjiang on the left to his command, and turned to Tan Ping, who had suggested dividing forces: "Lord Tan, you will temporarily serve as my deputy, mobilize the troops at once, and follow me to advance on the Ant Mountain pass."

Tan Ping, pleased, smiled at Wei Zidan, bowed and said: "Junior officer, obey." After taking the order seal, he began moving the troops.

The South Bank had about 150 men, including Li Bucai's troops, positioned at the very end of the formation.

"Hold on." The Young Marshal stopped Li Bucai and said: "Aren't you the one who likes to be a turtle hiding its head? Sending troops is too dangerous for you; stay behind so General Zou and his men can protect you, preventing you from causing trouble with me."

Li Bucai shrugged, deliberately keeping his subordinates where they were.

Blue‑clad guards fetched warhorses; Jing Yi and Jian Yu helped the Young Marshal mount, and immediately led everyone toward the Ant Mountain pass.