Volume One: The Southern River Command Chapter 22: Selecting the General

Wei Fufeng’s three thousand central troops did not have a Marshal of Horse; the highest position was that of the Tooth General commanding the army.

The two hundred Tiger Guard were under the command of four Tooth Generals (captains).

The Flying Feather Battalion, a thousand archers, was commanded by five Tooth Generals.

The Crossbowmen of the Phoenix Departure Battalion were also under four Tooth Generals, while other forces consisted of two hundred soldiers (squad leaders) to a single Tooth General.

Ordinarily, Wei Fufeng should have appointed a Central Army Inspector or Marshals for each battalion to assist him.

However, Wei Fufeng trusted no one enough to grant them significant authority, so he took on the duties of the Central Army Inspector himself and issued commands directly to the Tooth Generals and guards.

For example, during this inspection tour of the troops, he ordered a Tooth General from the Flying Feather Battalion to serve as the temporary Central Army Inspector to handle any emergencies in his stead.

Wei Fufeng’s inspection was low-key, accompanied only by five Tiger Guards to appear approachable. If he had brought dozens of armored guards in a grand display, he would have only inspired awe and distance among the unfamiliar soldiers.

His inspection was simple: he visited each camp in turn.

Within each camp, he was accompanied by the Marshal of Horse and the Tooth General. Wei Fufeng inquired about routine matters, mainly seeking to establish familiarity with the troops.

By noon, Wei Fufeng had returned to the central camp. Upon reaching his command tent, he turned and smiled, saying, “You may go and rest.”

The five Tiger Guards saluted by crossing their arms. Suddenly, Zhao Yidou spoke up, “Sir, your subordinate has a suggestion.”

Wei Fufeng was taken aback, but nodded, “Very well. You and Lu Qing stay. I was just about to ask you both about Zizhou.”

The other three Tiger Guards withdrew, leaving Lu Qing and Zhao Yidou to follow Wei Fufeng into the command tent.

Xiaoxue was standing inside the entrance. Seeing guards follow in, she silently stepped aside.

“Come, sit,” Wei Fufeng said kindly, sitting casually with the two Tiger Guards.

Looking at Zhao Yidou, Wei Fufeng asked, “Yidou, speak your mind.”

Zhao Yidou glanced at Lu Qing, who sat with lowered eyes.

Wei Fufeng said gently, “Since we are all here, I don’t mind sharing secrets. Speak.”

“Yes, sir!” Zhao Yidou replied, then said, “Sir, I am unaware of your detailed deployments, but as your subordinate, I wish to offer my thoughts.”

Wei Fufeng smiled and nodded, “Go on.”

Zhao Yidou said, “Sir, when I was in Fushun County, I heard that the Dongchuan Army was sending twenty thousand troops to attack. You are stationed in Zizhou, intending to ambush the Dongchuan Army from behind.”

Wei Fufeng nodded, “That’s correct.”

Zhao Yidou continued, “I believe that an ambush on the Dongchuan Army’s rear is unlikely to succeed. The Luzhou forces are little more than a ragtag bunch, poorly equipped, and prone to collapse in a major battle.”

Wei Fufeng nodded, “Your point is valid. Do you have a remedy?”

Zhao Yidou replied, “I believe your surprise troops should use deception. Divide them: one part overtly attacks the Dongchuan Army’s rear, while the other lies in ambush at a strategic location to strike when the enemy retreats, luring them into pursuit and into the trap.”

Wei Fufeng pondered this.

Zhao Yidou added, “Sir, a frontal and rear assault is a sound tactic, but the well-trained Dongchuan Army can orderly divide their forces to resist. Surrounded on both sides, they may even be driven to a desperate, bloody fight.”

Wei Fufeng nodded. Zhao Yidou went on, “If your surprise troops can lure part of the Dongchuan forces into pursuit, our own troops in Changzhou will have a numerical advantage. Otherwise, even if Luzhou’s forty thousand best the Dongchuan’s twenty thousand, it will come at a heavy cost, weakening us and sowing resentment and external threats.”

Wei Fufeng nodded, “Well said. Your advice is excellent; I will adopt it.”

Zhao Yidou stood and saluted, “I am at your service.”

Wei Fufeng nodded, motioned for him to sit, then turned to Lu Qing, “Lu Qing, are you familiar with the terrain of Changzhou? Where would be suitable for an ambush?”

Lu Qing looked up, thought for a moment, and replied, “Changzhou is mostly hills and mountains, with many suitable places for ambushes. If you wish to set one, it must be arranged according to the circumstances.”

Wei Fufeng nodded, “And how should the