Troop movements and supply concentrations all required a process.
The two sides had confronted each other along the Chu River and Fucha Mountain for years. Not to mention the infiltrated spies and secret agents, the scouts and reconnaissance riders from both sides watched each other at their closest from distances of just three to five hundred paces.
It was extremely difficult to conceal troop movements of even a thousand in scale, let alone larger-scale troop deployments and combat supply concentrations.
Using the escort along the welcoming route and the need to display military might to extract the most elite combat forces from Tangyi, Puyang, Tingshan, and Wushou cities and concentrate them near Liyang City might very likely lull the northern enemy forces into complacency and careless responses. But the most critical question was: what was the target of launching a surprise attack with this concentration of elite troops, or rather, what was Han Qian’s intention in launching this surprise attack?
This was also Feng Liao, Han Daoming, and Han Daochang’s first reaction upon crossing the river and hearing that Han Qian had a new battle plan. However, the old master Han Wenhuan remained steady as a mountain, sitting in the hall, examining the hall’s arrangements by the faintly flickering lamplight.
Lian Garden had only been formally put into use after Zhao Ting’er brought her son over, but Han Qian normally still handled official business at East Lake Camp. Apart from the rear residential study, the main hall and other buildings were all furnished quite simply.
This time, because the grand ceremony was to be held at Lian Garden, they had acquired some decorative items, but it was still far from opulent grandeur.
Han Daoming, Han Daochang, and Feng Liao were far from as leisurely composed as the old master.
Over the past year, the Shouzhou army had reduced its active forces to eighty thousand troops to economize military resources and expand military farming. This time, with the Left Militant Guard Army relocating to Yingshan and Lishan counties in northeastern Suizhou, they would also transfer a portion of troops to Guangzhou and Huozhou to strengthen the blockade and alert on the eastern foothill corridor of Tongbai Mountain west of Huaiyang Mountain. However, the Shouzhou army still had nearly fifty thousand elite troops on the southern front, with forces superior to both Tangyi’s troops and the Left Vermillion Bird Army guarding the Lujiang defense line.
Moreover, at this time in Zhongli and northern Shiliang County, there were still twenty thousand elite Liang army troops led by Liang general Chen Kun.
Tangyi had a total of only twenty thousand battle-ready soldiers deployed along the Chu River and Fucha Mountain line. Even if they could imperceptibly concentrate four to five thousand elite troops at Liyang or East Lake County and penetrate deep into enemy territory while the enemy was unprepared, what exactly could they accomplish?
Feng Liao had spent these past ten-plus days in Jinling. While the Right Dragon Militant Army expanded defenses along the river and coast east of Runzhou, he was coordinating with Han Daoming and Han Daochang to arrange for Chishan Association merchant vessels to proceed eastward. He knew nothing about the new battle plan here.
However, Han Qian had not mentioned this matter in previous correspondence mainly due to secrecy requirements. Now that Feng Liao, Han Daoming, and Han Daochang had all arrived in Liyang, Han Qian directly produced the operational plan the Military Intelligence Staff Office had drafted these past days for everyone to examine, checking for any omissions or areas requiring additions, reductions, or adjustments.
Currently, Tangyi’s forces comprised one naval division, one cavalry division, four infantry divisions, plus the independent Tianping Infantry Division led by Tan Xiuqun and the Wujian Mountain guerrilla infantry led by Kong Xirong.
Apart from the guerrilla infantry consistently operating based from Wujian Mountain, Tangyi’s forces had focused their defensive efforts over the past half-year on the eastern front, which lacked terrain obstacles.
Currently, the main naval forces were stationed at East Lake and Dongguan Town outside Rusu Mouth, requiring no additional concentration.
Other commanders and troops planned to concentrate under the pretense of welcoming the bride and attending the wedding banquet included: Zhao Wuji and Han Donghu commanding the cavalry and guard cavalry; Tian Cheng and Su Lie leading two elite battalions extracted from Tangyi City, leaving Feng Zhang in Tangyi City; Feng Xuan leading two elite battalions extracted from Puyang, leaving Xiao Dahu centered on Puyang City responsible for defending along the middle and lower Chu River, with Dou Rong leading two elite battalions extracted from Tingshan, leaving Zhou Chu centered on Tingshan responsible for defending along the upper Chu River. Lin Haizheng and Tan Xiuqun’s forces were currently mainly stationed near Fucha Mountain and would not be moved for now, but three elite battalions under the leadership of He Liufeng, Lin Jiang, Dong Tai and others would prepare to deploy directly from Fucha Mountain.
Apart from the main naval force led by Yang Qin, the troops planned for this surprise attack, led by Han Qian and including commanders such as Tian Cheng, Zhao Wuji, Feng Xuan, Tan Xiuqun, Han Donghu, Su Lie, Dou Rong, and He Liufeng, would mobilize a total of nine battalions of cavalry and infantry, comprising five thousand elite combat forces.
Seven infantry battalions would also be provided horses to replace foot travel under the pretext of escort duty and displaying military might.
Although over the past year the cavalry and guard cavalry had only mustered fifteen hundred troops (including auxiliary soldiers caring for horses, with only twelve hundred battle-ready soldiers), Han Qian had spared no effort in purchasing large quantities of cattle, horses, donkeys, and mules from Qianzhong and other regions to supplement Tangyi’s insufficient animal power for cultivation, overland transport, and workshops. At this time, deploying an additional three to four thousand military horses as mounts to upgrade this portion of infantry to mounted infantry posed no problem whatsoever.
For the elite battle-ready soldiers of various divisions, they also received riding training in ordinary times, so mounted marching presented no difficulty. It was just that their usual training and armor configuration meant that when encountering enemies, they would still dismount to form battle arrays.
After reviewing the operational plan, Feng Liao and Han Daoming learned that Han Qian had suddenly conceived this surprise attack idea after seeing the copy of the Shuzhou memorial. It was essentially a spur-of-the-moment decision, which was why he wrote them to persuade Prince Shou Yang Zhitang to facilitate the Left Militant Guard Army’s relocation to Suizhou as quickly as possible.
As the Left Militant Guard Army relocated to Suizhou in batches, the Shouzhou army would be forced to passively adjust its force deployments between Chaozhou and Huozhou. This process would inevitably produce some confusion in defense coordination, thus creating exploitable opportunities for them.
The Military Intelligence Staff Office’s scouts and reconnaissance riders had deployed in the first batch several days ago, infiltrating into the heartland behind Chaozhou City to monitor enemy movements and the Shouzhou army’s defense adjustments, preparing for the subsequent surprise attack.
Even if the enemy forces detected such frequent military reconnaissance, it would not alert them prematurely.
All the preparations here looked more like Han Qian guarding against the enemy forces launching a surprise attack on his wedding day.
Very obviously, enemy commanders such as Wen Bo and Zhao Mingting defending Chaozhou and Chuzhou would absolutely not refrain from action out of concern for spoiling Han Qian’s mood.
Of course, no matter what, this operational plan could be called extremely bold.
After all, the Shouzhou army’s forces along the Chaozhou-Chuzhou front would not weaken too much, and in total troop strength relative to Tangyi’s forces, they still held an absolute advantage.
If five thousand elite troops concentrated here to launch a surprise attack on Chaozhou’s heartland, how much could they achieve before the various Shouzhou army divisions reacted?
Han Daochang had managed clan affairs and operations in his early years, only assuming duties at the Finance Bureau in recent years, and knew very little about commanding troops in battle. However, Han Daoming had long presided over local military and political affairs. Even without establishing many brilliant and dazzling achievements, he was one of the rare pragmatic ministers in court. He pondered for a long while, still feeling that implementing such a surprise attack faced too many difficulties that were hard to overcome, and was deeply aware of the excessive risks involved. He asked:
“If we fight like this, with Tangyi having less than two thousand warhorses, how can we guarantee the rapid mobility required for the surprise attack forces? And even if the Shouzhou army doesn’t immediately become alert, they can concentrate over ten thousand cavalry from various places within two days. How will the surprise attack forces withdraw calmly at maximum speed…”
“I have no intention of withdrawing calmly. If Tangyi’s most elite troops conducting a surprise attack on enemy territory lack the courage and combat strength to face ten thousand enemy cavalry, then the past year’s training and war preparations cannot be considered effective.” Han Qian smiled with considerable confidence.
“Not withdraw promptly after raiding one or two targets?” Han Daoming was slightly stunned, asking hesitantly.
The operational plan drafted by the Military Intelligence Staff Office, besides determining the initial advance direction, objectives, and viable march routes, logistical supply along the way, and several viable withdrawal plans in case of setbacks with corresponding preliminary preparations, focused more on collecting various military intelligence about enemy fortifications, transportation routes, grain storage, and force deployments.
However, once combat forces entered enemy territory and truly encountered the enemy’s main forces, how to fight this battle and how the situation would evolve mainly depended on decisions made at the time. It was difficult to say everything had been thoroughly considered now.
“Merely raiding one or two enemy garrison villages or destroying one or two facilities—Tangyi expending such great effort on a surprise attack would be getting less than we put in. Now what gives me the biggest headache is still worrying that once the enemy forces recover their senses, they might launch a counterattack on our Fucha Mountain and Chu River defense lines—we don’t even need to wait for them to recover; perhaps right now they’re secretly planning to launch a large-scale offensive to spoil my wedding night mood.” Han Qian said with a slight frown.
Han Daoming nodded. This was also what concerned him.
According to common reasoning, at this time Han Qian should be doing everything possible to strengthen defenses along the Chu River and Fucha Mountain line, guarding against the enemy possibly launching an offensive on his wedding day, rather than leaving his bridal chamber unentered while leading forces to attack enemy territory.
Of course, perhaps if everyone in the world thought this way, then Han Qian leading troops to strike into enemy territory would have even greater suddenness, making the surprise attack more effective.
“Even after the surprise attack forces deploy, I will sign military orders to conduct a broader military mobilization to supplement the combat strength deficiencies of various camp positions. But the pressure borne along Fucha Mountain and the Chu River line will still be considerable,” Han Qian continued. “Of course, the old master and so many Han family relatives and friends braving the severe cold to cross the river to attend the wedding banquet, yet I cannot remain in Liyang City to accompany them—this is truly remiss of me.”
“Tangyi achieving such a situation has been extremely difficult, but as long as you feel confident, you need not consider us,” Han Daoming said. “Moreover, we came here to help you arrange the wedding matters, so you need not be distracted by these trivial affairs…”
…
…
Liyang City remained immersed in the atmosphere of welcoming the approaching wedding. Han Qian’s residence in Liyang City, Lian Garden, had long been decorated with lanterns and colored silk both inside and outside, with many places adorned with red silk. The doors and windows had all been painted with tung oil. Twenty to thirty additional servants had been added to attend and manage affairs.
“They say a person worth a thousand gold should not sit beneath a tottering hall. As Tangyi’s commander, this military operation could be led by Tian Cheng or Gao Shao. Why must you personally lead troops to campaign? Moreover, Wang Jun is coming to Liyang City to marry you, yet you won’t even be in Liyang at that time. Could it be you expect me to perform the wedding ceremony with her in your place?” Zhao Ting’er cradled her slightly protruding small belly, looking at Han Qian sitting under the lamplight reviewing documents, gently persuading him.
Han Qian set down the ink-stained brush in his hand, looking at Zhao Ting’er’s exquisitely beautiful face under the lamplight, as tender and white as a freshly peeled egg. He grasped her somewhat cold small hand and tucked it inside his garment to warm it for her, smiling as he said:
“This military operation, truthfully speaking, carries considerable risk, but troop morale is key to whether we can achieve the expected results—tell me, what kind of reasoning is it for the commander to enjoy his wedding night leisurely in the rear while demanding soldiers to fight bloody battles deep in enemy territory? Merely facing off against the Shouzhou army, Tangyi’s forces don’t have superior numbers. This rare opportunity only exists because the Liang army’s main forces are concentrating at the Liang-Jin border, leaving Huaibei prefectures like Song, Ying, Ru, and Cai with few Liang army defenders. Wang Jun can understand that such opportunities are rare!”
The reason they had this opportunity to launch a surprise attack, besides the Left Militant Guard Army’s movement forcing the Shouzhou army to make adjustments between Chao, Huo and other prefectures that would create some confusion, was mainly because the turbulent situation in Jin to the north had attracted Emperor Liang Zhu Yu to concentrate large armies at the Liang-Jin border north of the Yellow River, waiting for opportunities to act.
Otherwise, with Tangyi’s twenty thousand troops, defending the Chu River and Fucha Mountain line in winter would face multiplied pressure. How would he dare risk extracting elite forces to raid enemy territory?
This time the opportunity was truly rare, making him unwilling to easily miss the timing.
“Words may say so, but as a woman, who would want to spend her wedding night alone in an empty chamber?” Zhao Ting’er frowned delicately, sighing softly.
“As long as you and Xi Ren don’t bully her, that’s enough.” Han Qian said with a smile.
“Cough! How does this get dragged onto me?” Xi Ren, who had been standing to the side using scissors to trim candle wicks, heard Han Qian pull the topic toward her. She glanced over sideways with feigned annoyance, saying this.
Xi Ren turned and walked out, returning after a moment carrying a bright red wedding robe, saying: “I specifically stayed up these past nights to alter this wedding robe larger for you, so you can wear armor underneath. Had I known earlier you would implicate me like this, I wouldn’t have done this thankless task.”
“Let me fetch the armor for you. First try this wedding robe to see if it fits. If it doesn’t fit, we’ll alter it overnight rather than frantically altering the robe when you depart tomorrow morning.” Zhao Ting’er supported herself on the desk to stand up.
“Don’t move about. Be careful not to fall. Just have Qing Yun fetch the armor to try.” Han Qian grasped Zhao Ting’er’s hand and instructed Qing Yun, who was serving in the outer chamber, to bring his scale armor.
After the wedding procession crossed Wanshou River, they would enter Liyang County territory.
According to the plan, he would rush to the Wanshou River bank early tomorrow morning to personally receive the bride-sending procession, then remain there for one day, officially proceeding into Liyang City on the wedding day.
He would also use this one day at the Wanshou River bank to organize and motivate the first batch of troops concentrating there to undertake the surprise attack mission.
…
…
Wushou River was a tributary of the Chu River that angled southward on the western side of Tingzi Mountain, flowing into the Yangtze River thirty li southwest of Daci Mountain.
The Wushou River channel was silted and shallow. Affected by river beach terrain, it had constantly changed course over hundreds of years and had never been a major waterway connecting the Chu River to the Yangtze.
However, over the past half-year, Wushou River, along with Yuxi River and the estuary waterways of the lower Chu River, had been top priorities for Tangyi’s dredging and silt removal work. Now entering the depths of winter, Wushou River could also accommodate large-winged vessels, red-horse boats, and other warships.
For this bride-welcoming, over twenty vessels were connected above Wushou River northwest of Daci Mountain, secured with iron chains to construct a floating bridge nearly one hundred paces long.
A garrison village of over one hundred households on the western bank of the floating bridge had also been temporarily cleared to serve as temporary encampment for the bride-welcoming and bride-sending processions before entering Liyang City.
The garrison village gates were decorated with colored silk.
Outside the garrison village, an additional large camp had been built with two to three hundred tents erected, appearing to stretch endlessly.
Even at this moment when Han Qian rushed to the Wanshou River bank to receive the bride, there were still several thousand able-bodied laborers hired to brave the bitter cold wind, repairing the post roads along the way.
Potholes were all covered with a layer of fine sand.
All this was done to demonstrate Tangyi’s emphasis on the wedding matters, as if to ensure the bride’s entire journey into Liyang City would not feel the slightest bump along the way.
At this time, not only on both banks of Wushou River but all along the southern bank of Chu River, there were ranks of soldiers in bright armor carrying great banners that snapped and crackled in the north wind.
Cavalry constantly galloped back and forth, loudly proclaiming the position and distance of the wedding procession.
“The Marquis of Qianyang truly has magnificent airs!”
Yin Peng had resigned from the position of Yangzhou Deputy Administrator simultaneously with Wang Wenqian this time, but he did not wish to follow Wang Wenqian to Chuzhou. Instead, he insisted on acting as an elder, accompanying two Wang clan elders to escort Wang Jun as she married into Tangyi.
Han Donghu received Wang Jun and the bride-sending party into Tangyi City, first resting there overnight.
This morning, Tian Cheng personally led elite troops to escort Wang Jun’s carriage, while he also took the opportunity to rush to Liyang for the ceremony and wedding feast.
With so many people and horses, speed slowed down. Hearing that Han Qian would receive them at Wanshou River bank, Yin Peng, along with Wang Tang, Huo Xiao and other Wang family disciples, rushed ahead to meet with Han Qian, also taking the opportunity to discuss some matters of etiquette that might require special attention during the bride-welcoming and wedding ceremony.
As they traveled from Tangyi City, seeing the deployment of troops along the southern bank of Chu River, they were sincerely impressed.
However, Yin Peng did not think much of it. He assumed that besides displaying military might, Han Qian’s main purpose was guarding against northern enemy forces causing trouble on his wedding day. He led Wang Tang, Huo Xiao, Huo Li and other Wang family nephews to first cross Wushou River to see Han Qian.
Besides Zhao Wuji, Gao Shao and others, Han Daochang also accompanied Han Qian.
Han Daochang very seriously engaged Yin Peng and the two Wang clan elders in discussing numerous matters of wedding etiquette.
By dusk, Wang Jun finally crossed Wushou River under the escort of Tian Cheng, Feng Xuan and others leading many troops, meeting with Han Qian.
According to custom, before the ceremonial bowing, Han Qian could not see Wang Jun again.
Therefore, Han Qian temporarily resided inside the garrison village, while Wang Jun and the bride-sending party stayed in the temporary large camp on the village’s eastern side.
That night, Han Qian hosted a banquet inside the garrison village, first entertaining Tian Cheng, Feng Xuan, bride-sender Yin Peng, Wang clan elders, and disciples such as Wang Tang, Wang Yan, Wang Zhe, Huo Li, and Huo Xiao.
When they had drunk and eaten their fill, just as Han Qian was about to arrange for Yin Peng and others to retire to temporary quarters to rest, Wang Jun, wearing a bright red wedding dress, directly pushed the door open and walked in.
A gust of cold wind swept in, causing the lamplight in the great hall to flicker.
“Why do you barge in like this? Even if you’re pressed for time, one more day makes no difference!” A Wang clan elder said with a smile.
He would not blame Wang Jun for lacking propriety. At this moment, he teased her with laughter about being too eager—where was there a bride who impatiently met her husband the night before the wedding?
“Are you planning to skip the wedding ceremony to lead troops in a surprise attack on Chaozhou?” Wang Jun lifted the wide skirt of her wedding dress, carefully avoiding mud, looking at Han Qian as she asked.
Hearing Wang Jun ask this, Yin Peng, who had also been about to tease her with a few words, suddenly sobered from his wine-induced haze and stared at Han Qian in astonishment.
“How did you guess?” Han Qian ignored the surprise of Yin Peng and others, asking with a smile.
“Take me with you.” Wang Jun said.