Chapter 778

Zhongyuan Dynasty having studied these neighbors for over a thousand years, the writings and evaluations left behind would not necessarily fit in one of Chen Wuji's studies.

But in the evaluations of successive dynasties, a few phrases have basically continued.

For example, in the evaluations of the various Qiang by dynasties, there has always been: revering the sun, esteeming white, mythic shamanistic practices rampant, disloyal hearts stirring, cruel and fond of killing, etc.

And regarding Shendu this small southern state, the evaluations of all dynasties have: when the king ascends the throne, he must consult the court, taking the court's investiture as honor, yet his fickleness truly makes it a petty state.

In summary, just two words: petty person.

On the surface they are very admiring of the Zhongyuan court and quite obedient vassals, but in substance they have constantly made small moves. They love to stir up discord, secretly grabbing a village today, a town tomorrow; after being beaten, they turn around and cry about their hardships.

Year after year they offer tribute, speaking extravagantly, but what they bring is just a pile of junk; then they turn and complain of their hardships, asking the court for more rewards.

The Zhongyuan Dynasty actually long ago saw through their true colors, but for various reasons successive dynasties rarely really attacked them; the harshest campaign only took half of Shendu's land, never fully occupying it.

"Two thieves have joined forces, this battle is damn hard again." Chen Wuji muttered a curse.

Huo Sanniang slowly rose, "Husband, you discuss official matters, I'll go first."

"Sitting is fine, just chatting a bit." Chen Wuji waved his hand.

San Niang's sense of propriety is a bit too strong.

Chen Li warmly gave a light laugh, then asked: "Family Head, since the Shiva people have sent troops, have Xie Fengxian and Chen Baojia encountered any difficulties?"

"Not yet, those two have run onto the plains, more Qiang than the Qiang." Chen Wuji said with a light smile, "In the short term the Qiang and Shiva peoples can't do anything to them, but we must also prepare early."

Xie Fengxian and Chen Baojia's two forces advanced into Qiang territory, with the troops basically having no luggage and supplies at all.

The soldiers carried only a few days' dry rations on their persons; the rest they foraged from the land.

They ate whatever the Qiang had.

Not considering sieges or territorial conquest, focusing on annihilating enemy manpower makes the fighting relatively much easier.

This tactic is equivalent to the Qiang's dozens of annual grass-valley raids.

The Qiang have raided Da Yu's grass valleys for who knows how many years; being hit with a reverse grass-valley raid is probably the first time, not counting Hu Bu Gui's very small-scale ones.

Firing a shot and moving, the Qiang wanting to precisely ascertain their position is not easy.

But, the precondition for all this is that the rearguard of this lone army must be solid enough.

Otherwise, they would truly become a lone army.

So deep into Qiang territory, if there are no reinforcements, if communications are cut off, and provisions exhausted, then there is a danger of annihilation.

"Has Lu Ping'an set out yet?" Chen Wuji asked.

"Compared to our army breaking camp and returning, it's only a day later; calculating the time, they should be arriving soon at Jie Jia Zui."

Chen Wuji after a moment's thought said: "Urge him, let him quickly prepare the camp, first build the grain storage site. Additionally, order Dingzhou, Guangtongzhou, and Yaozhou three prefectures to prepare grain and grass for transport to Jiazi Ling."

"Yes!"

"Order Chen Wu Yin's cavalry to muster, give them five days to gather the rested soldiers, then five days later dispatch troops to Jie Jia Zui."

Chen Li reminded: "Family Head, you seem to have promised General Yang that for this expedition into Qiang territory he would be the main commander."

"This I haven't forgotten, but Chen Wu Yin's forces are all cavalry, this battle suits them better; Old Yang can step back a bit, departing with the central army." Chen Wuji said.

Yang Tiejiang has guarded his home for over half a year; lately he's also been lonely.

At yesterday's welcoming banquet, he repeatedly requested to lead troops to attack the Qiang lands.

Chen Wuji also agreed to this.

But on that plain where felt tents are scattered like stars, cavalry is the best troop for conquest; infantry is not suitable for opening up territory, suitable for later advances.

"Let the central army's troops rest quickly; we don't have much time left." Chen Wuji sighed lightly, having returned to Hezhou less than a day ago, his seat still warm, he immediately began preparing for the next step of the campaign.

Saying one is tired is certainly true.

But he also has no other choice.

"Does the Family Head wish to personally campaign again?" Chen Li asked.

Chen Wuji nodded, gave a light laugh, "I haven't yet reached the point of sitting comfortably at the fishing terrace."

"Family Head, if we don't take General Yang as commander, joining Xie Fengxian and the two Chen generals' three forces should be sufficient." Chen Li advised, "My lord, holding Hezhou also warrants a brief rest."

"Hezhou now has nothing much to defend; whether I'm here or not makes little difference, but on the Qiang battlefield my presence or absence matters greatly." Chen Wuji took a light sip of tea, shook his head, "It's not yet time for me to rest; a bit of fatigue doesn't matter."

As the two were speaking, Xu Zengyi came carrying a bag of river crabs together with Yang Tiejiang.

"My lord, we walked along the river and got some good things." Yang Tiejiang said loudly.

His hearty voice carries penetration, clear as if echoing right by the ear.

Although Old Yang is already an old middle-aged person, he still has abundant vigor; his speaking strength is not lacking compared to an eighteen- or nineteen-year-old youth.

"This season, you can still get these things, that's rare." Chen Wuji said with a smile.

Huo Sanniang seeing this rose, smiling lightly, "Mr. Xu, give me these river crabs; I'll have someone prepare them, make some side dishes for everyone."

"We dare not trouble the lady; we'll handle them ourselves." Xu Zengyi said, clasping his hands.

Huo Sanniang extended her hand, "Give them to me, you chat."

Xu Zengyi made no further objection, handing over the caught river crabs.

Chen Wushuang stepped forward to refill hot tea for several people.

Today he again played the role of tea-boiling boy.

Originally upon arriving at Hezhou, these tasks had dedicated people, no need for him to continue as a stand-in. But quite unluckily, the Yuan Family presented scholar and talented youth have just reached Qingzhou, and are now on the return road; coming back will likely take another two or three days.

"You two's arrival is timely; Xie Fengxian just sent intelligence from Qiang territory."

Chen Wuji briefly explained the Shiva people's troop deployment; hearing it, Yang Tiejiang instantly became excited, stood up at once, "My lord, this battle must have me, it's my turn!"

"Letting me stay in Hezhou longer would not only drive me mad, those kids in the New Soldier Camp would probably go mad too; let me lead the troops upward."

Chen Wuji nodded with a smile, "Not forgotten, you will definitely be the main commander in this battle. Chen Wu Yin will go ahead first to meet Xie Fengxian and Chen Baojia; you and I will set out after a while."

"Here!"

Yang Tiejiang's heart finally settled back into his stomach; he sat down and took a hearty swig of clear tea.

He slurped loudly, making his tea-drinking have the mighty gulping manner of a whale drinking alcohol.