Chapter 155

Simply reclaim Jing Province! The first target is Hegu, followed by Wuchang, with the ultimate goal set as Jichun, making the purpose clear.

The war’s objective, which had been merely conceptual, became more systematic, and the gathered forces’ momentum grew even more intense.

“Ban Jing Province, inform us about Sun Quan’s army’s deployment and movements.”

Zhuge Jin returned after hearing the declaration of war, causing changes in Sun Quan’s army. Ban Jun closely monitored these movements and gathered information.

“I will report.”

Ban Jun placed pieces symbolizing Wu’s army on the map, explaining the troops stationed in each region and their commanders.

“First, the nearest enemy force is stationed at Gong’an City.”

Gong’an City, located south of Gangnyeong, was once Liu Bei’s administrative center in Jing Province and is now used by Wu as their administrative center.

“The number of troops is not large, only about 5,000.”

“But isn’t Zhuge Jin at Gong’an?”

Gong’an City is on the Han-Wu border, the front line. Using Gong’an as an administrative center is largely for show.

Wu, having recently occupied Jing Province, had not yet stabilized the region before centralization. The importance of Jing Province’s administrative center was surprisingly low.

“And we have no naval forces. Gong’an City’s military value isn’t that significant.”

During the Jing Province siege, Lü Meng used naval forces to quickly reach Gong’an from Lukou, but we cannot use that strategy.

“Sun Quan’s army is concentrated here, at Jingling County.”

Jingling County, located by the Han River, also had the nickname Hegu. It was once stationed by You Qi and was more precisely called Zhongxiagu.

Jingling County, where Jiangxia Commandery’s administrative center is located, blocks the land route from Gangnyeong Castle to Hegu.

“They also know that if we attack, we must use the land route, so they made Jingling County their key stronghold instead of Gong’an.”

Yi Yan muttered, and Wei Yan responded.

“Moreover, the enemy general guarding Jingling County is Zhu Yan.”

No matter how much Sun Quan trusts Zhuge Jin, that trust is between humans, not towards military equipment.

Zhuge Jin is not entirely incompetent militarily. He fulfills his duties faithfully and has above-average military talent, able to regroup soldiers even after defeat.

But what Wu needs now is not such an average general but a renowned general who can overcome adverse conditions with exceptional skill.

Sun Quan’s choice of Zhu Yan for defense was perfect.

In history, he repelled tens of thousands of Wei troops with just 5,000 soldiers and even counterattacked, defeating two Wei camps. Zhu Yan’s defensive skills are admirable.

“Sun Quan is indeed formidable. If only he would lose his mind soon.”

From my perspective, I wish he would lose his mind quickly, but considering his age, he is still in his prime.

“The troops number 10,000, the largest force.”

Ban Jun added.

It’s not just 10,000; Zhu Yan’s 10,000 are not to be underestimated. His skills, now past his prime, are likely at their peak.

But Zhu Yan and Zhuge Jin are not the only ones to watch.

“There is another to be cautious of: Bozul. He is stationed at Yiyang, where the Supreme General once confronted Lu Su, and can support either side. If our forces are blocked on one side, we must be wary of Bozul’s attack.”

Unlike Zhu Yan, who showed his strength during the Jing Province siege and the Wei-Wu allied forces, Bozul is a relatively unfamiliar name.

Unlike when Zhu Yan’s name was mentioned, Yi Yan expressed doubt.

“Bozul… I heard he attacked Wuling Bay with Quan Zong.”

“Bozul’s contribution to the destruction of Wuling Bay is undeniable. He is not to be underestimated.”

As Ban Jun said.

Bozul is a talented individual, both in civil and military affairs, classified as top-tier in Wu.

During the Yi Palace Incident, despite outstanding figures like Lu Xun, Zhuge Ke, and Zhu Ju siding with the Crown Prince faction, Sun Ba’s faction held out due to Sun Quan’s support and Bozul’s pivotal role.

When Sun Quan was swayed by the treacherous Yu Yi, it was Bozul, not Lu Xun or Gao Yong, who awakened him. In some aspects, Bozul even surpasses Lu Xun.

“Fortunately, his numbers are not large, about 5,000. Except for Jingling, most forces do not exceed 5,000. Quan Zong of Wuling Commandery and Xu Sheng of Lingling Commandery are also around that number.”

“While concentrating forces at Jingling to contain us, they deploy about 5,000 to each commandery, with Bozul ready to support and suppress any chaotic forces.”

Jiang Yu, unfamiliar with Jing Province, immediately offered his opinion.

Feeling the competitive spirit, Ma Su also spoke up.

“Sun Shao at Lukou is the same. Considering Wu’s naval forces, Sun Shao’s numbers are small but noteworthy.”

“As the Deputy General said, naval forces with the wind are unimaginably fast. Troops from Lukou could appear at Gong’an or Hegu at any time.”

Zhuge Jin, Bozul, Zhu Huan, Xu Sheng, Quan Zong, Sun Shao.

These are Wu’s core generals stationed in Jing Province. Including Luo Tong, who complements Zhuge Jin’s somewhat lacking military talent, Sun Quan’s defense of Jing Province is formidable.

“Even while fighting in Huainan, 40,000 troops. Sun Quan has scraped the bottom for troops.”

Despite the fierce battle in Huainan, where Sun Quan personally led the campaign, deploying 40,000 troops means Sun Quan has mobilized all possible means.

With the authority restored by the victory during the Wei-Wu allied forces, Sun Quan coaxed the aristocrats, squeezing out all of Wu’s strength. It was a display of Sun Quan’s charisma and political prowess.

“In Huainan, Lu Xun, Han Dang, Lü Fan, Song Jian, Haje, and Sun Huan were mobilized. Wu has staked everything this time.”

It was an all-out war with all of Wu’s stars and capable individuals mobilized, reminiscent of Han’s situation facing Wei and Wu.

“I wish the Shanyue would cause some trouble, but it might be difficult.”

Having failed to occupy Jing Province, Sun Quan vented his frustrations on the Shanyue, both to restore his authority as a ruler and to seize their land and enslave them.

Feeling too inferior compared to Han and Wei, he must have thought.

The Shanyue are tenacious, and while their roots were not completely eradicated, they likely lack the strength to shake Wu’s interior.

“But our forces are at least half more than Wu’s.”

Arriving at Gangnyeong Castle, our forces number 60,000.

Moreover, while their 40,000 troops are scattered across Jing Province, ours are not.

When I suggested mobilizing all forces, Yin Guan, the Chief Clerk, expressed concern.

“Commander Wei, mobilizing all 10,000 Jing Province troops would make it difficult to defend Gangnyeong and support Yangfan in case of emergency.”

Fang Lin, the Logistics Officer, also agreed, but there was a contingency plan.

“The follow-up force, General Wu Ban, will arrive. They will handle Yangfan’s support and Nan Commandery’s defense, so there’s no need to worry.”

“Ah, understood.”

Seeing the situation, Yin Guan and Fang Lin also spoke up, heating up the military discussion.

Listening to the generals’ voices, I compared both armies and summarized the battle situation.

And consolidating everyone’s opinions with my thoughts, I reached a conclusion.

“I will divide the army into three units.”

As I spoke, the surroundings instantly quieted.

“Since we have raised the banner of Wuling Bay, attacking Wuling Commandery is inevitable. Therefore, I will form a unit to confront Quan Zong stationed at Gong’an City and Wuling Commandery.”

Looking around, they subtly avoided my gaze. The Wuling front, likely a side task in this war, is something they want to avoid.

But I had already decided on the personnel.

“I will entrust Wuling Commandery to General You.”

“Hmm! If Commander Wei commands, I will follow.”

Yi Yan showed slight disappointment but accepted the task without complaint.

Feeling sorry for Yi Yan, who dreams of a major debut against Wei and Wu, I explained the reason for the selection.

“Since it’s the core of our justification, a high-ranking officer should take it. The next highest after me are General You and Rear General. Rear General is from Jing Province and has long stayed in Gangnyeong, familiar with the local geography. Covering a wider area is more efficient than attacking nearby Gong’an. Hence, I chose General You.”

“Hmm, I am also from Nanyang Commandery in Jing Province. I fully understand Commander Wei’s intention. Do not worry.”

Having entrusted a unit to Yi Yan, the next general to lead a unit was naturally Wei Yan.

“Rear General, I will assign you the role of blocking Jingling County.”

“Blocking, you say…”

“We will not confront Jingling County.”

As I’ve said many times, speed is crucial in this war.

Blitzkrieg.

Blocking part of the enemy’s defense line with some troops, the vanguard will advance to the enemy’s rear.

Securing Hegu in advance to isolate the enemy, then defeating them individually to reclaim Jing Province.

And the army advancing towards Hegu will naturally be Lanling Army’s responsibility.

Lanling Army is currently one of the elite forces among the Three Kingdoms, traversing the Jin Ling Mountain Range, galloping across the Guanzhong Plain, and leaving footprints on the Ordos Plateau.

Having experienced all kinds of natural environments, Lanling Army is now seasoned in marching.

“The next day, we will set out immediately.”

As Sun Tzu said, move the army like thunder and lightning.

Now, it’s full speed ahead.