Chapter 373: A Quick Battle and a Quick Decision is the Best Strategy

On the second day at noon, Tu Tu Kesiluo strode into the main hall, looking relaxed, his eyes shining, his corners of the mouth unable to stop turning upward; the whole person appeared jubilant. He loudly announced, "Big Brother, the troops have been organized; adding the more than 30,000 just brought by Che Gang, our total number of troops has reached 135,000!" His tone revealed excitement and confidence that could not be concealed, and his hands could not help but clench into fists and strike the air vigorously to show his joy.

Hearing these words, Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded slightly, silent as usual, but a few traces of joy also showed between his eyebrows, and a shallow arc opened at the corners of his mouth. He cleared his throat and said with deep feeling, "Good, someone, immediately summon the commanders such as Gou Dan." Having spoken, he leaned forward slightly, staring fixedly at the door, waiting for the generals to enter.

Before long, the various generals arrived one after another at the main hall, and after paying their respects one by one, they stood in place on both sides. Among them, Gou Dan was burly, his eyes bright and shining, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, vigorous and powerful; Shi Zhuo wore chainmail, his expression calm, holding a halberd with both hands while standing, composed and calm, his attitude respectful; Che Gang wore a silver helmet and silver armor, standing at the very front with a respectful expression, his hands loosely clasped, his gaze never straying... each had their own characteristics, yet they all stood properly before Jiang Jiang Mingyu, waiting for orders.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu slowly paced to the center of the hall, sat on the high-backed chair, habitually stroked the armrest of the chair, and looked over the crowd leisurely. His gaze slowly moved over the face of every single person, as if to confirm their loyalty. After confirming there were no errors, he spoke in a deep voice, "Everyone, Xiongzhou has already fallen under the ownership of One Da Jiang. The next step, my strategy is to move south to conquer the entire Qusheng region. There is no time to lose; we must immediately organize the army and raise troops." Speaking to this point, he could not help but clench his fist and strike his palm, his tone becoming loud and powerful.

Hearing these words, all the generals nodded deeply, indicating approval and support. Jiang Jiang Mingyu then shifted his gaze to Che Gang and smiled, "Commandant Che, yesterday I promised you that I would give you another chance to command troops. Now that the troops have been reorganized, I have decided to temporarily hand over 30,000 troops to your command; are you satisfied?" Che Gang hurriedly stepped forward one big step, bowed deeply to pay his respects, his excitement overflowing; he clasped his hands and said excitedly, "Thank Your Majesty for your trust; this subordinate is overwhelmed with gratitude! This is a great favor!" Having finished speaking, he bowed deeply again, prostrating himself completely.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction, his expression kind, accepting his thanks. Che Gang was overjoyed, feeling deeply admiring of Jiang Jiang Mingyu's broad-mindedness and magnanimity in his heart. At this time, Tu Tu Kesiluo observed coldly from the side, secretly mocking in his heart: This Che Gang, if he knew we had wiped out his entire family, I wonder how long he could maintain this flattering appearance! Thinking of this, Tu Tu Kesiluo shook his head, slightly furrowed his brows, and muttered softly to himself, "It is better to keep such things rotting in the belly, otherwise the consequences would be unimaginable."

At this moment, Che Gang spoke up to request, "Relying on Your Majesty's trust, to attack the entire Qusheng region, this subordinate is willing to serve as the vanguard and establish outstanding military achievements to repay Your Majesty's deep kindness!" His tone was eager, his expression firm, and a firm belief shone in his eyes, obviously eager to establish merit to atone for his sins and contribute to Jiang Jiang Mingyu. Jiang Jiang Mingyu pondered for a moment, lightly tapped the armrest, and quickly nodded, saying, "Very well. You have been an official in the southern frontier for many years; we are not very familiar with the situation in the entire Qusheng region. The position of vanguard is given to you; you must establish a great achievement!" Che Gang nodded repeatedly, secretly happy in his heart, finally having a chance to wipe out his previous shame.

Looking at the dimming sky outside the window, Jiang Jiang Mingyu waved his hand and ordered, "Time waits for no one; immediately return to camp to organize the army. One hour later, the great army will depart immediately!" All the generals answered in unison, then withdrew to prepare. Before leaving, Jiang Jiang Mingyu instructed Shi Zhuo to defend Xiongzhou strictly and absolutely not to be careless. Shi Zhuo nodded in agreement, his gaze firm, obviously full of confidence in guarding the important place of Xiongzhou.

One hour later, the 100,000-strong army was already fully equipped and ready to depart. Jiang Jiang Mingyu flipped onto his horse, his expression grave, his eyebrows deeply furrowed, his eyes sharp as lightning, scanning the iron-armored army formation before him which stood dense as a forest. He saw thousands of soldiers and horses with a murderous aura, weapons gleaming ominously, the ranks arranged in straight lines, the war cries like an angry tide, one wave higher than the next.

A slight smile appeared at the corners of Jiang Jiang Mingyu's mouth, and excitement showed between his eyebrows. Light rose in his eyes, his eyebrows danced with joy; he then shook his magical robe, waved his arm, and shouted loudly, "Depart!" His voice was loud and powerful, echoing over the grassland. The majesty and firmness in the voice instantly ignited the morale of the army.

Only the clanging, clanging sound was heard, and ten thousand horses neighed. The great army moved slowly forward, winding like a long dragon. After traveling a section of the road out of the city, Jiang Jiang Mingyu suddenly pulled the reins, and the horse's hooves paused slightly. He tightly furrowed his double eyebrows, a trace of anxiety showing in his eyes, and turned slightly toward Che Gang to ask, "Commandant Che, roughly how far is Xiongzhou from the entire Qusheng region? At this speed, when can we arrive?" His tone was steady and calm, but a hidden anxiety and unease showed in his double eyes, as if calculating how much time the journey would require.

Che Gang immediately raised his head to look at the brilliant sun in the sky, scanned the surrounding rolling grassland scenery, and quickly judged the direction and distance. He answered with decisive certainty, his expression calm, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the entire Qusheng region is about 300-plus li from here; if the whole army marches urgently, three days will be sufficient."

After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded slightly, squinted his eyes to look west, and saw only sand filling the sky; on the vast and boundless grassland, his great army was advancing rapidly like a black snake, dust flying. His expression was grave; after pondering for a moment, he said, "In that case, it is already past noon today. We should not delay any longer; let us advance quickly directly."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu waved his hand to signal, and the soldiers wearing silver armor immediately quickened their pace. Only the rumbling, rumbling sound of horse hooves roared loudly, dust flying upward, forming a yellow vortex in the half-air. The sound of horse hooves was incessant like a flash flood bursting forth; the 100,000-strong army advanced at high speed on the vast grassland as if entering a deserted wilderness.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood tall and jade-like, straight and upright, his black hair flying and dancing with the wind. His posture was like flowing clouds and water, with the momentum of a dragon hiding and a tiger crouching, clearing the way at the very front of the army. Those eyes sharp as lightning, fierce yet revealing firmness, never straying, his expression solemn and awe-inspiring. Behind him was a column of steel torrents coiling and stirring, trampling dust and flying, stretching endlessly to the horizon as if having no end.

"Faster!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes were bright; he waved his arm and shouted once, and the heavy-armored great army behind him charged forward even faster. Only the neighing sounds roared loudly, ten thousand horses galloping, iron hooves like thunder; the mighty great army, under his leadership, rushed westward like an arrow leaving the string.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu tightly furrowed his double eyebrows, his anxiety overflowing. He knew this battle was of great importance and he must strive for a time advantage. Once the entire Qusheng region was conquered, they could quickly push south to stabilize the territory. In this way, the Jiangshan of One Da Jiang that was established could gradually become consolidated. Thinking of this, he looked out; sand filled the sky, dust and smoke rolled, and his iron cavalry was rushing forward without stopping with the momentum of Lei Ting.

At this moment, Tu Tu Kesiluo, who had been silently following at the side, suddenly spoke, "Big Brother, our speed is too fast; the soldiers cannot keep up!" He was panting, his face slightly red, and his tone revealed exhaustion. Jiang Jiang Mingyu turned slightly, looking at Tu Tu Kesiluo's sturdy legs and strong horse, and said in a deep voice, "You and I ride elite troops; it would be strange if you couldn't keep up... can you not endure this little hardship?"

Having spoken, Jiang Jiang Mingyu patted Tu Tu Kesiluo's shoulder, his eyes firm yet carrying encouragement, "After the entire Qusheng region is conquered, I will allow you to do whatever you want! The great opportunity to establish merit and achieve success is right before our eyes; as long as you follow me closely, there is no city that cannot be conquered!" After hearing this, Tu Tu Kesiluo's spirit soared, he shook his spirit, and once again struggled forward with renewed effort.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's expression was severe; he knew victory was right ahead. The 100,000-strong army, under his leadership, rushed westward like an arrow leaving the string amidst sand filling the sky. Their momentum was like a rainbow, unbreakable, pointing directly to the distant city that would surely be conquered!

After traveling a large section, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyebrows suddenly furrowed again; he remembered an important matter, so he turned his head slightly to ask Che Gang, "Commandant Che, you previously took 60,000 elite soldiers away from the lower city; so how many reinforcements remain in the city that can be dispatched?" His tone was serious and earnest, his slender double eyebrows tightly knitted together.

Hearing these words, anxiety also seemed to appear on Che Gang's face. He pondered for a moment, his double eyebrows deeply furrowed, and answered, "Reporting to Your Majesty, Ge Bao City originally had 200,000 imperial guards; after this subordinate took them away, 140,000 remained. But those eunuchs are weak and cowardly, mostly living in ease and comfort, with absolutely no combat experience; they are simply incapable of withstanding a single blow; their combat power is far too poor!" Speaking to this point, he disdainfully spat a mouthful of saliva, his face revealing deep contempt.

"In comparison, the army under Du Du Jianmu's command is the true elite force of the entire southern frontier." Che Gang, speaking to this point, changed his tone, and a trace of sinister gaze flashed in his double eyes; he clenched his fist, and a murderous aura suddenly flashed in his pupils stained with blood; he said disdainfully, "A low-born dog, merely accumulating military merit through slaughtering common people; why could he receive so much favor and trust?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu sensed the hatred in his tone, so he curiously asked further, "What do you mean? How did this Du Du Jianmu cultivate such an elite force?" His tone was calm, his eyes still severe, implicitly encouraging Che Gang to say a few more words.

Che Gang took a deep breath, adjusted his emotions, and then slowly opened his mouth, "Reporting to Your Majesty, before Du Du Jianmu took over, bandits ran rampant in the entire Qusheng region, and public security was in chaotic disorder. After this beast commander took office, he immediately recruited and organized an elite force; in less than one year, he basically eliminated the bandit problem in the entire Qusheng region, gaining the support and backing of the masses in the southern frontier." Speaking to this point, a trace of jealousy actually appeared on Che Gang's face.

"Just because of this matter, he received high praise from the Emperor of the southern frontier, Wei Wei Yangyao, and was taken as a right-hand man and used heavily." Thinking of Du Du Jianmu's favored appearance, Che Gang could not help but grind his teeth, his fist clenched even tighter, his knuckles turning white. "This beast of low birth actually managed to rise among the nobles; it is truly a great shame!"

"After this, Du Du Jianmu even campaigned against bandits in all directions, traveling day and night with his elite soldiers, repeatedly establishing extraordinary achievements. Those low-born sons gradually grew into the most combat-effective steel army in the southern frontier! Now officially appointed as a third-rank official, holding power over one region; if he is not eliminated, he will be a great trouble!" Che Gang, speaking to the end, once again flashed a trace of hatred in his eyes; he looked deeply at Jiang Jiang Mingyu and pleaded, "Your Majesty, if this time we can completely annihilate Du Du Jianmu's elite, it will surely be a heavy blow to the entire southern frontier and even Wei Wei Yangyao! Do you not agree?" His tone revealed a trace of evil charm; he showed an expectant expression, waiting for Jiang Jiang Mingyu's consent.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu pondered for a long time before slowly nodding. Then, as if thinking of something, he asked further, "According to your judgment, will Du Du Jianmu immediately request aid from Wei Wei Yangyao? If the reinforcements arrive in time, can our great cause still succeed?" A trace of anxiety seemed to show between his tightly furrowed double eyebrows, and a glint of cold light flashed in his eyes.

Che Gong pondered for a while, thinking strategically and tactically with great intensity. Finally, he raised his head, a trace of shrewdness flashing in his eyes, and nodded, saying, "According to this subordinate's judgment, Du Du Jianmu is a scheming and calculating person; he will surely request aid from Wei Wei Yangyao. After all, our army has won victory after victory, killing hundreds of thousands of southern frontier troops; our combat power is far beyond the mountain bandits Du Du Jianmu has encountered before. Facing our wolf-like and tiger-like steel great army, he only has a chance to survive by requesting aid."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded slightly, furrowing his handsome sword eyebrows and saying, "These words make a lot of sense. Since you, Commander, are striving for the position of vanguard, you must surely have a strategy to break the enemy and achieve victory. You come and detail your suggested strategy."

Che Gang tightly furrowed his double eyebrows, the veins on his forehead protruding; he pondered for a while, as if thinking of a countermeasure in his mind. Then he raised his head, and a shrewd light showed in his double eyes.

He suddenly slapped his thigh, stood up, and paced back and forth in the tent. Jiang Jiang Mingyu watched him silently, as if waiting for him to speak. After a long time, Che Gang finally opened his mouth, and his tone became impassioned:

"Great King, if we all speed south, traveling day and night to strike suddenly, we will surely catch Du Du Jianmu off guard! Our army is a tiger and wolf force, its sharp edge fully exposed; he will surely be terrified and collapse without fighting!" Speaking to this point, Che Gang's eyes opened wide, and he suddenly made a chopping motion, as if to chop down an imagined enemy.

"By then, our army will have occupied strategic key points, choking Du Du Jianmu's throat. He can only panic and request aid from Wei Wei Yangyao. And our great army is already fully prepared; in a situation of being surrounded on all sides, we will directly take Du Du Jianmu's head!" Che Gang waved his fists, the muscles on his upper arms bulging; his movements were so large as if he were truly fighting an enemy.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded silently, listening with a face without expression. Che Gang then stopped, panted a few heavy breaths, and continued speaking:

"At that time, the reinforcements sent by Wei Wei Yangyao will take at least seven or eight days to arrive. Our army's siege equipment is already ready; we can surely conquer the main city of the entire Qusheng region within seven days!" Speaking to this point, he waved his double fists again, a fierce light showing in his eyes, as if to level the city to the ground.

"By then, when the city falls and people die, Du Du Jianmu will surely be captured alive by me! And Wei Wei Yangyao's reinforcements will be powerless to turn the tide, only able to watch the dust and be left behind!" Che Gang spread his hands, nodded in satisfaction. He raised his head to look at Jiang Jiang Mingyu, waiting for his reaction.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu raised an eyebrow and asked in a deep voice, "Commander, this plan of yours is very good, but time is tight and the road is far. Do you have a more detailed deployment and follow-up plan?" His tone was calm, yet implicitly revealing encouragement, as if urging him to continue explaining in detail.

Che Gang hurriedly bowed to pay his respects and respectfully said, "Your Majesty is wise; this subordinate will now report the detailed plan!" Having spoken, he cleared his throat, stroked his beard, and organized his thoughts. After a moment, he raised his head to look at Jiang Jiang Mingyu, his expression solemn, and his tone became low and slow.

"Great King, in this subordinate's opinion, our army moving south must travel in three divisions at high speed. Among them, I, the Marshal, will personally lead 50,000 troops as the vanguard, traveling day and night to directly take Du Du Jianmu's main camp. The left and right divisions will each send more than 20,000 people, led by the two deputy generals Xiao Du and Shen Gong respectively, choosing small roads to travel quickly and encircle Du Du Jianmu from the rear and sides."

Speaking to this point, Che Gang picked up a map and pointed a few times before Jiang Jiang Mingyu, as if explaining the specific marching routes. Jiang Jiang Mingyu listened intently, nodding from time to time to indicate understanding.

Che Gang then raised his head, smiling, and continued speaking, "In this way, with a three-sided pincer attack, our army can absolutely conquer the entire Qusheng region within five days, with the speed of thunder before one can cover one's ears! By then, Du Du Jianmu will surely have no help; I will personally chop off his head to thank the Great King for his deep kindness!" His eyes shone, revealing a cruel expression.

After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded with a serious expression, saying, "What the Commander says is correct. You three divisions will launch simultaneously, coordinating to travel quickly; a quick battle and a quick decision is the best strategy. I will immediately issue the battle order; the whole army will move south, directly striking Du Du Jianmu's nest! We swear to take his head and offer it at the ancestral temple to wipe out the national prestige of One Da Jiang!"

Che Gang prostrated himself again in worship, his smile becoming even brighter. He respectfully answered, "We strictly obey Your Majesty's imperial decree! We will surely exert all our strength and serve to the death!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu did not directly express his stance; just as Che Gang was about to speak, suddenly dust flew in the distance, a fast horse rushed over at high speed, heading straight for the main camp.

Only Tu Tu Kesiluo was seen rushing over quickly, then leaping off the horse and leading a young man with a head full of sweat and ragged clothes into the tent. "My Lord, reporting to Big Brother, the person sent by Big Sister has arrived! He has urgent military news to report!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu flipped off the horse, rushed to the person in three or four steps, clasped his shoulders, and asked anxiously, "What did Liu Liu Yifei say? Report to me quickly!" The young man swallowed, his expression somewhat panicked and uneasy, and stammered a reply, "My Lord, Big Sister said that Du Du Jianmu sent someone by water route south two days ago; nine times out of ten, he went to Ge Bao City to request aid! As for the specific purpose, it is still unknown; he asked me to rush over specifically to report and remind you and My Lord to be careful in your actions."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was slightly stunned, then a sharp light flashed in his eyes; he raised an eyebrow at Che Gang and smiled wickedly, "As you predicted, this Du Du Jianmu is already panicked! He actually traveled a thousand li to request aid; he must have been scared out of his wits by our army's consecutive victories. Haha, let him go to Ge Bao City to beg! The offices there are piled up like mountains, bureaucratic style prevails, and they will not pay attention to the war at all. In the end, he can only sigh and return empty-handed!"

Che Gang also let out a cold snort upon hearing this, and the fire of hatred in his eyes burned again. He clenched his double fists, and his voice was low and sinister as he said, "Your Majesty, as the saying goes, there is no time to lose! We must rush to the entire Qusheng region at full speed and annihilate Du Du Jianmu before the reinforcements dispatched by Wei Wei Yangyao arrive. Once we occupy a favorable position, we can then deal with the subsequent enemy reinforcements; at that time, everything will be as easy as picking something from a bag, proceeding naturally!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded slightly in satisfaction, yet a trace of worry still showed implicitly between his eyebrows. "Hmm, what you say is not without reason... we must seize the initiative; a quick battle and a quick decision! In that case, immediately organize the army and depart; let us march urgently on the road!" He waved his arm and let out a long roar, his voice like a great bell; the 100,000 heavy-armored great army immediately equipped themselves and prepared to depart, stepping forward to advance rapidly westward. The group quickly disappeared at the end of the grassland, leaving only an empty wilderness and sand filling the sky...