Chapter 129: Chai Rong's Decision

The Jing'an Army roamed the outskirts for several days.

They also successfully intercepted and killed two smaller Khitan scouting teams, suffering hardly any casualties.

Chen Wen employed troops cautiously, his tactics were crafty, and he liked to pick on the weak.

The notion of never confronting the Khitan main force head-on had already taken root in the army.

However, these piecemeal gains.

This did not make Chen Wen feel the slightest ease; the pressure at the front loomed like dark clouds, constantly weighing on his mind.

That evening.

A swift horseman carrying Chai Rong's command arrow directly located the Jing'an Army's temporary encampment.

"Commander Chen, the Military Commissioner's order summons you to the Central Command Tent at once for a meeting!"

Chen Wen's heart stirred.

At the brink of the great battle, Chai Rong personally summoned him; there must be an important matter.

He dared not delay, ordering Zhang Cheng, Shi Dun and the others to stay vigilant and continue according to the established plan.

He himself brought only a few personal guards, mounted his horse.

With the messenger, he galloped swiftly toward where the Zhou Army's main force was stationed.

The Central Command Tent stood on a slightly elevated plain.

Around it, the fortifications were strict, and banners fluttered.

It exuded a solemn atmosphere of an impending great battle.

After Chen Wen announced himself, the guards led him into the tent.

Inside the tent, lights blazed; Chai Rong sat upright in the chief seat. Though a hint of fatigue showed in his brow, his eyes remained sharp as an eagle's.

Below, Zhang Yongde, Han Tong, Zhao Kuangyin and other core commanders were present.

Moreover, there were several commanders Chen Wen was not well acquainted with, but of extraordinary bearing—likely the chiefs of the various armies.

Everyone's gaze instantly focused on this young commander who had recently risen to fame.

"This humble officer, Chen Wen, pays respects to the Military Commissioner!"

Chen Wen clasped his fists in salute.

"Wen Zhong has arrived; no need for excessive courtesy."

Chai Rong raised his hand in a gesture of support, his tone carrying a subtle gentleness.

"You've come at just the right time. In recent days, you and the Jing'an Army have repeatedly won victories on the outskirts, blunted the enemy's edge, boosted morale—you've done well!"

"Sir, your praise is undeserved; this is merely my duty."

Chen Wen replied in a deep voice.

Han Tong laughed loudly beside him and then said:

"Commander Chen, don't be modest."

"You have slain dozens of Khitan cavalry in battle, with minimal losses—who in the camp doesn't know of this achievement?"

"I once doubted you, but now I'm convinced!"

He is straightforward, and in front of everyone he openly shows his change of attitude.

Zhang Yongde also smiled and nodded in agreement:

"Wen Zhong's training and employment of troops indeed show extraordinary ability."

"To defeat cavalry with infantry requires both valor and strategy."

Zhao Kuangyin did not speak, but his gaze toward Chen Wen also carried approval.

This public affirmation undoubtedly raised Chen Wen's status once again.

They truly regarded him as one of the core commanders fit to stand on equal footing with them.

Chai Rong waited until the voices subsided, then his expression turned serious.

Getting to the point:

"Today I have summoned you all to discuss strategies against the Khitan cavalry."

"These past days, our infantry formations have been steady, yet the Khitan wolf cavalry rely on their speed to harass us from all sides."

"They cut our supply lines, exhaust our soldiers, leaving our army stuck in a mire, unable to advance or retreat."

"If this continues, morale will surely fall. Do you have any good plans?"

The tent fell silent at once.

The commanders furrowed their brows; this was indeed a thorny problem.

In open battle against the Khitan, the Zhou Army's infantry is inherently at a disadvantage;

if we hold the fortifications, we lose the initiative.

Zhang Yongde pondered and said:

"All we can do is order each unit to hold the fortifications tightly, strengthen patrols, and when the enemy attacks, repel them with bows and crossbows—never to sally forth lightly."

Han Tong, however, was somewhat unwilling:

"Always shrinking and taking blows is so stifling! If we could find an opportunity to set an ambush and wipe out a few of their units…"

Zhao Kuangyin spoke up:

"Setting an ambush is certainly good, but the Khitan scouts are also very cunning, and the terrain is open, making it hard to conceal a large force. A small ambush would likely be turned against us."

The discussion reached an impasse; the Khitan cavalry's mobility was like an invisible rope binding the Zhou Army's hands and feet.

At that moment, Chai Rong's gaze fell upon Chen Wen, who had been listening silently.

"Wen Zhong, you have frequently clashed with Khitan cavalry outside lately; do you have any insights?"

In an instant, all eyes once again focused on Chen Wen.

He took a deep breath, knowing this was the crucial moment to demonstrate his worth and take part in core decision‑making.

He stepped forward and came before the rough map hanging on the wall.

"My lord, generals."

Chen Wen's voice was clear and steady.

"Khitan cavalry comes and goes like the wind; they excel in maneuver, their strength lies in horse archery, their weakness in close combat and siege warfare."

"For our army to disrupt them, merely holding fast or setting a large ambush is not the best plan."

He pointed his finger at several key spots on the map:

"Your humble subordinate believes we should 'control the whole by points, overcome the large with the small.'"

"Oh? Please elaborate."

Chai Rong leaned forward slightly, showing an interested expression.

"First, at each grain route hub and water source, we should not only strengthen defenses but also pre‑establish battlefields."

"Dig more horse‑tripping pits, set more horse‑tripping ropes, and secretly place improved anti‑cavalry obstacles and iron caltrops at crucial points."

"These works need no large army; auxiliary troops and conscripted laborers, under the cover of elite squads, can finish them in a few days by using the terrain."

Chen Wen spoke at length.

"If Khitan cavalry comes, they will first be checked here, their speed greatly reduced, and the advantage of their horse archery will be halved."

"Second, we should create more elite squads like the Jing'an Army, skilled at fighting in mountains, forests, and rugged terrain."

"We do not seek large formations; we want excellent equipment, quick reaction, and seamless coordination."

"Issue strong bows and sturdy crossbows; assign them to patrol, counter‑raids, harassment, and hunting down enemy scouts and small cavalry units."

"When they attack, we will rely on the prepared works and favorable terrain to block them;"

"when they retreat, we will pursue close behind or set ambushes on their return route."

"We need not annihilate them entirely, but constantly inflict casualties, turning small victories into a great one, so they dare not act recklessly again!"

He paused, looked at Chai Rong, and said firmly:

"Thus our main force can face the Northern Han infantry with ease, without excessive worry about flanks and supply lines."

"The Khitan cavalry will become entangled in our countless outer 'hedgehogs' and 'poisonous snakes,' turning their mobility into a burden!"

The tent fell silent; everyone digested Chen Wen's proposal.

This is utterly different from the traditional grand‑army decisive‑battle mindset!

It is more like a brand‑new, targeted "public security" and "counter‑guerrilla" approach.

Zhang Yongde's eyes flashed with insight as he slowly said:

"Wenzhong's plan… is quite perceptive."

"Using small works to restrict enemy cavalry, and elite squads to counter enemy scouts, is indeed a way to play to our strengths and avoid our weaknesses."

Han Tong slapped his thigh hard:

"Excellent! Damn it, we always thought about swallowing their large forces in one gulp."

"We forgot we could also split ourselves and play dirty with them!"

"Commander Chen, how did you grow such a brain?"

Zhao Kuangyin also gave Chen Wen a deep look and said:

"Commander Chen's words hit the nail on the head; your humble subordinate believes it is feasible."

After hearing everyone's discussion, Chai Rong finally showed a hint of relieved smile.

He rose, walked up to Chen Wen, and patted his shoulder firmly:

"Good! Good idea of 'controlling the whole by points, overcoming the large with the small'!"

"Wenzhong, you are not only brave but also possess great strategic talent!"

"This plan exactly resolves the doubt in my heart!"

He immediately issued the order:

"Pass the order! Starting today, each army shall pick elite troops, model after the Jing'an Army, and form rapid response units."

"Chen Wenzhong shall oversee and transmit the relevant combat experience!"

"All units' auxiliary troops and laborers shall immediately, as Wenzhong said,"

"strengthen defensive works at every vital point!"

"This matter shall be supervised by Wenzhong together with Commander Zhang Yongde and Commander Han Tong!"

"Your humble subordinate obeys!"

Chen Wen, Zhang Yongde, and Han Tong replied in unison.

This order.

Equivalent to handing over part of the leadership in constructing the outer defense system and innovating anti‑cavalry tactics to Chen Wen!

This is immense trust and heavy reliance!

When he walked out of the central command tent, the night was already deep.

Cold moonlight fell upon the ground.

Chen Wen could feel the complex meaning in the gazes of the generals behind him

— admiration, recognition, or perhaps a hint of not easily detectable apprehension.

He knew his words today

had already drawn him deeper into the vortex of the world's struggle.

He lifted his head to gaze at the pitch‑black northern night sky,

which was the direction of the Khitan's main camp, and also a place where the Iron Crow Army might lurk in shadow.

The old wound on the shoulder seemed to ache faintly again.