Chapter 917: Chapter 534: Capital Lockdown
As these words were spoken, dozens of commanders in the hall cast grateful, admiring, and respectful glances at Zhao Douan.
Everyone understood that without Zhao Douan’s orchestration, the outcome would have been reversed.
"No wonder you ordered the collection of so many strange objects at the Lu Mansion. Was it for today’s event? You feared the worst might happen, so you made preparations?" Mo Chou was not foolish. Upon recalling Zhao Douan’s actions in supervising the grain for the past two days, she realized the truth.
However, Zhao Douan did not claim credit, smiling lightly: "It was merely a precautionary measure. Even I was not sure if it would succeed, but fortunately, the worst did not occur. The victory of this campaign should first be attributed to Your Majesty, a master among kings; next to everyone’s concerted efforts; and then to the unity of the Capital Camp’s officers and soldiers..."
Halfway through speaking, realizing that the speech was becoming too formal, Zhao Douan cleared his throat and continued: "In short, the great victory should be celebrated, but everyone must not relax. Remember, we only recaptured a small portion of the territory on the Western Line of Linfeng, and pacifying the rebels is still a long way off. Next, we must also be wary of the Vassal King’s counterattack."
Xue Shence nodded, restraining his joy, and said seriously: "Recapturing Linfeng was within our expectations. As news spreads from here, I am certain that Prince Jing, Xu Wen on the Eastern Front, will strike, attacking the Eastern Front, allying with Mu Prince Xu Jingtang to confront us."
Mo Chou looked at him: "Are you returning to the Eastern Front?"
Xue Shence nodded: "Once Prince Jing acts, there must be someone stationed at the Eastern Front. I don’t have much time. I plan to rest briefly, then take part of the troops back to the Eastern Front to resist Prince Jing. As for this side..."
Commander of Divine Machine Camp Shi Meng said: "Prince Jing stole the firearm blueprints. It is said there are firearms in the army. You will be too passive in battle. Why not let Chen Gui bring new firearms with the Secretariat Envoy, which will also restrain Jiancheng’s Prince Jing."
Five Army Camp Commander Yuan Feng said: "Why not have the entire Divine Machine Camp go to the East Line, while the Five Army Camp guards the Western Line? I also would like to have a match with Zhao Shixiong!"
Su Dan’s "bridgehead" was abolished, and if the Western Line continues southward into the Huai River, it will face Zhao Shixiong, the Southwest Border Army Commander.
He is a far tougher nut to crack than Su Dan.
At the end of last year, Duke Tang and others returned to the Capital to report on duties, but Zhao Shixiong refused to enter the Capital alone.
Zhao Shixiong holds a very high status in the border army and is regarded by many as equal to the "Military God" Xue Shence.
The group began discussing how to divide the troops and who should remain on the Western Line and who should go to the Eastern Line.
Zhao Douan did not guide experts with his layman opinion, granting full respect to these commanders’ decisions.
Finally, after discussion, a consensus was reached:
Xue Shence would lead the Divine Machine Camp to the Eastern Front, acting as the main attacking force of the court against the Jiancheng Road rebel army in the upcoming period.
The Five Army Camp would stay on the Western Line, cooperating with Magistrate Sun Xiaozhun, advancing slowly, and focusing on a stable approach.
As much as possible, avoid direct confrontation with Zhao Shixiong, stabilize the Western Line without losing it, and strategically assist Xue Shence.
In other words, fighting on both the East-West Front simultaneously was unrealistic; it was better to select one and focus the attack.
"If so, let’s do it." As the supervisor, Zhao Douan nodded and decided, saying: "As the supervisor, I will personally write a memorial to Your Majesty to report the situation here."
Well... in fact, the memorial was already submitted, but a formality still needs to be completed...
Xue Shence suddenly looked at him, speaking earnestly: "When the governor submits the memorial, please also report to Your Majesty about the matters related to grain and other supplies. I am very worried that Prince Jing and Mu Prince, these rebels, will not engage us directly, but will adopt a defensive strategic retreat, dragging out the time."
Zhao Douan’s heart stirred: "You mean..."
Xue Shence sighed: "Autumn is fast approaching. Currently, in the Nine Roads and Eighteen Prefectures of the dynasty, many areas have fallen into the hands of rebel kings. Relying solely on the court’s controllable territories, soon grain and other supplies might become scarce."
What is war about? It’s about logistics.
The Capital does not produce grain. Linfeng and Qingzhou are likewise not major producing areas of Yu Country.
This means that if the war drags on without resolution this year, once winter sets in, it will be even harder to quell the rebellion.
And when spring comes next year, it will be planting season again... If the Vassal Kings unite to blockade supplies, the court will immediately face a "material shortage."
By then, it may lead to self-collapse without fighting...
"Three months." Xue Shence solemnly set a time limit: "In three months, the weather will enter Long Dong. By then, it will be even harder to fight, so if we can’t take Huai River within three months and secure sufficient material supply from the exceedingly wealthy Huai River, the court will find itself in grave peril!"
Capture Huai River in three months? Or at least half of Huai River?
Hearing this objective, the joy of the group’s great victory dissipated considerably, yet they had to admit that Xue Shence’s assessment was correct.
"A joint blockade, cutting off supplies... this is indeed a likely strategy the rebel kings might choose," Zhao Douan also grew serious.
He recalled the day he first arrived in Taicang; the rebels burned the fields around Song Family Manor, attempting to destroy the Taicang Silver Mine - clearly, the purpose was the same.
Since attacking the Capital was no longer feasible, turning to a collective defense strategy, dragging down the court, seemed the most rational, wisest choice.
"Everyone, don’t worry too much. If Duke Tang defeats Prince Hejian on Xiping Road, relying on Xiping Road’s supplies, the days won’t be too hard," Mo Chou said to ease the somber atmosphere, worrying it might affect morale.
As for the more northern Iron Pass Road... she did not mention it, as supplies were already scarce there.
Xiping Road... Zhao Douan’s heart moved. In the information, Prince Hejian’s forces over there are not strong, and Duke Tang clearly supported the Empress last year...