Volume Two: The Ancestral Marquis and Grandson Chapter 93: Wang Jian's Strategy

Wang Jian placed his hand on the dragon-shaped desk, tapped his fingers once, and looked toward the strategists. “The Southern Sichuan army is stationed on the northern bank of the Dadu River; it seems they have no intention to advance into Western Sichuan. The young Wei is difficult to contend with.”

“Since the Southern Sichuan army is conservative, shouldn’t our strategy shift toward recuperation and preservation of strength?” Zhang Qianyu responded.

Wang Jian shook his head. “Our army also wishes to recuperate, but the current situation does not allow for it. We must not let our troops lose heart or fighting spirit.”

Zhou Yang nodded. “The commander is right. If we take time to recuperate, many soldiers will disperse to farming across the regions, making it difficult to regroup. Moreover, Pengzhou remains unconquered.”

The hall fell silent for a moment before Wang Jian spoke again. “Judge Zhang, send word to the local aristocrats and wealthy families. Make them understand this: If the Southern Sichuan army seizes Western Sichuan, their lands and influence will be uprooted.”

“My men are already on it, my lord. You need not worry,” Zhang Qianyu replied.

Wang Jian glanced around and continued, “Our current strategy must be to advance into Eastern Sichuan or strike at Changzhou and Luzhou to seize supplies.”

“My lord, the Eastern Sichuan forces are elite and numerous. The Southern Sichuan army employs fortified military defenses, making advances difficult,” Zhang Qianyu said.

A cold smile tugged at Wang Jian’s lips. “My plan to move into Eastern Sichuan is based on Yang Shouliang’s promise to aid us. It’s possible that Gu Yanhui has already invited us in.”

“It is said that Yang Shouliang suffered a defeat at Jinzhou. With Jinzhou threatening his rear, would he dare lead a major assault into Eastern Sichuan?” Zhou Yang asked.

“Jinzhou and Southern Sichuan are one family. Observing the young Wei’s conservative tactics, it’s likely he has made peace with Yang Shouliang. If we seize Chengdu, Yang Shouliang will be desperate to move into Eastern Sichuan,” Wang Jian explained.

“My lord, if Southern Sichuan has made peace with Yang Shouliang, might they already have joined forces to invade Eastern Sichuan?” Zhou Yang inquired.

“Certainly. Li Jian commands only ten thousand troops. The young Wei has dispatched forty thousand soldiers—ostensibly to crush our forces decisively—but in reality, they aim for Rongzhou. Once Yang Shouliang attacks Eastern Sichuan, the young Wei’s forces will move from Rongzhou to strike Rongzhou itself, while the troops stationed in Dazuxian will block Eastern Sichuan from reinforcing Rongzhou,” Wang Jian said.

“If your lordship’s speculation is correct, what countermeasures should we take?” Zhang Qianyu asked.

“Simple. We compete with Yang Shouliang for Eastern Sichuan, and concede Rongzhou to Southern Sichuan,” Wang Jian replied.

“If Southern Sichuan seizes Rongzhou, will they continue northward to claim more territory? Or unite with Yang Shouliang against us?” Zhang Qianyu questioned.

“I have said before, the young Wei’s tactics are conservative. He prefers steady, incremental advances, likely due to a lack of confidence in his internal control, and thus hesitates to launch large-scale campaigns,” Wang Jian answered.

Zhou Yang nodded. “The Southern Sichuan army has only recently established itself. Though seemingly stable, its rule is fragile, relying heavily on a decentralized military governance system. While this enables unity in defense, committing fully to an expedition would disrupt this balance.”

Wang Jian agreed. “Our troop base rests on aristocrats and officials, while Southern Sichuan depends on displaced peasants who are easily content and prefer peaceful living. Hence, the young Wei’s conservative approach.”

After a pause, Wang Jian looked at Zhang Qianyu. “Judge Zhang, advocating for recuperation is a long-term plan, but we have already fallen a step behind Southern Sichuan. Falling behind means being on the defensive at every turn. We must sustain ourselves through war—plundering to seize Eastern Sichuan, raiding Southern Sichuan, and undermining their efforts to rebuild.”

Zhang Qianyu nodded, and Wang Jian added, “Neglecting the rise of Southern Sichuan was our mistake. When Yang Shouliang attacked Fuzhou, we should have split forces to seize Luzhou.”

“That was not your lordship’s fault. The intelligence arrived too late. Even if we had dispatched troops to Luzhou, by the time they arrived, the battle was over. It was Yang Shouliang’s subordinate’s folly to divide forces in the midst of battle, leading to a swift conclusion,” Zhou Yang said.

Wang Jian shook his head. “Timing can turn the tide. Missing the moment brings endless trouble. We focused too much on Chengdu and made a shortsighted error.”

The hall fell silent. Then Wang Jian smiled. “Do not worry. Southern Sichuan’s strategy is like a turtle shell. Once we seize Eastern Sichuan, we will shatter the young Wei’s shell.”

...

In Bacheng, Wei Fufeng stood with Lin Qingsnow and Xiaoxue atop the new city gate, enjoying the view when he suddenly sneezed.

Lin Qingsnow asked with concern, “My lord, are you unwell?”

“No, it is much warmer here than in Jinzhou,” Wei Fufeng replied warmly.

Lin Qingsnow reached out her delicate hand to touch his forehead. Wei Fufeng’s heart fluttered as he whispered, “Sister, perhaps it’s just from last night’s excitement. Nothing serious.”

A blush rose on Lin Qingsnow’s cheeks as her hand lightly pressed his forehead before she withdrew it, her voice soft but firm. “You should go to Fuzhou.”

Wei Fufeng responded gently, “I will go tomorrow, with you.”

“I prefer not to go and invite suspicion,” Lin Qingsnow said calmly.

“You are the lady of the house and ought to visit the younger sisters,” Wei Fufeng said tenderly.

“I like peace and quiet and do not wish to pretend otherwise,” Lin Qingsnow spoke frankly.

“I understand your preference, but the family must meet,” Wei Fufeng pleaded earnestly. Lin Qingsnow nodded silently.

...

In early November, Yang Shouliang conscripted nearly all the able-bodied men from Hanzhong, raising an army of eighty thousand, entering Jianzhou under the Longjian military governor’s jurisdiction. Together, they assembled a force of 110,000 to launch an assault on Zizhou.

Zizhou’s Santai County, the seat of the Eastern Sichuan governor Gu Yanhui, was defended by sixty thousand soldiers. Gu Yanhui sent a messenger to Western Sichuan’s Wang Jian requesting aid.

Wang Jian replied that since the rebel forces in Pengzhou remained, he could only spare twenty thousand troops.

Hua Hong, commander of the Western Sichuan camp, led twenty thousand Western Sichuan soldiers to reinforce Eastern Sichuan, and a fierce battle erupted in Zizhou.

Wei Fufeng in Yuzhou, upon receiving intelligence, ordered Lu Qing to advance and seize Rongzhou and Lingzhou.

Simultaneously, he commanded the military office to conscript thirty thousand troops: ten thousand under commander Gan Fengchi stationed in Nanxi County, and twenty thousand under commander Zhang Tianyu to relieve Lu Qing’s forces and continue guarding the northern bank of the Dadu River.

Wang Ze, commander of the Dazuo military office, was tasked with repelling thirty thousand Eastern Sichuan troops stationed in Suizhou.

Lu Qing led his forces from the southwest into Rongzhou, swiftly capturing its seat, Xuchuan County, within three days.

The Suizhou commander, upon hearing of the Southern Sichuan army’s incursion into Rongzhou, did not send reinforcements but sent messengers to inquire.

The Southern Sichuan army replied, “The Eastern Sichuan army has never clearly allied with the Southern Sichuan army—friend or foe—they cannot wait for an alliance between Eastern and Western Sichuan armies.”

The Suizhou commander relayed this to Gu Yanhui, who erupted in anger. In truth, Eastern Sichuan’s refusal to ally was motivated by their desire to reclaim Luzhou.

The so-called alliance was more of a facade, lacking binding force. Alliances shift with interests; Gu Yanhui’s inability even to maintain appearances revealed his lack of strategy.

Facing Yang Shouliang’s massive assault, Gu Yanhui ordered the Suizhou army to hold the city at all costs, temporarily abandoning Rongzhou and Lingzhou.

Rongzhou’s proximity to Changzhou meant relief forces would have to pass through Dazuxian or Zizhou—the latter under Western Sichuan control.

With Yang Shouliang’s advance threatening from the south, Gu Yanhui’s only option was to keep Suizhou heavily defended; abandoning it would allow the Southern Sichuan forces to sweep north into Zizhou, placing him in a pincer.

Without reinforcements, Rongzhou fell after Xuchuan County’s loss. Lu Qing’s forces then seized Dalao County, followed by Weiyuan and Ziguan counties, and finally moved southeast to capture Gongjing and Fushun counties.

The three thousand troops stationed in Gongjing County, upon receiving orders from the governor, willingly abandoned their posts, allowing Lu Qing to capture the region with ease—the most formidable fortress was taken without a fight.

Fushun County had previously been occupied peacefully by Wei Fufeng.

Lu Qing admired the governor’s strategic foresight. He had suggested first capturing Gongjing County, reasoning that once Gongjing’s three thousand troops were defeated, the other counties would fall.

Wei Fufeng’s strategy was to secure the other counties first, saving Gongjing for last to avoid unnecessary casualties.

Even with twenty thousand troops attacking Gongjing, it would cost at least ten thousand men to take the fortified city, as Gongjing was strong and its three thousand defending troops well-equipped.

After securing all of Rongzhou, Lu Qing advanced northwest to Lingzhou, whose governor fled upon hearing the news.

Lu Qing occupied Lingzhou’s seat, Renshou County. Two days later, Li Jian of Western Sichuan led twenty thousand troops to counterattack.

Lu Qing immediately retreated to Rongzhou, resulting in a tacit agreement for each side to hold one state.

Though Lingzhou belonged to Eastern Sichuan, its geography penetrated Western Sichuan territory.

Lingzhou’s west bordered Meizhou and Jiazhou, east touched Zizhou, northeast met Jianzhou, and its northern edge briefly bordered Chengdu prefecture.

Thus, Lingzhou was difficult to defend unless Southern Sichuan pushed further into Zizhou, Jiazhou, and Meizhou, which would amount to a full-scale invasion of Western Sichuan.

Wei Fufeng’s plan was gradual, aiming to form a favorable defensive posture.

Seizing Rongzhou established a defensive line connecting southern Jiazhou, Rongzhou, and Dazuxian.

He stationed heavy troops at these three points, mutually supporting each other, securing the salt wells, and adding strategic depth to the northern defenses of Luzhou and Yuzhou.

...

At the Daming Palace, inside the Yan Ying Hall, the emperor convened with his four chancellors to discuss state affairs.

Chancellor Du Rangneng advised dispatching troops to Xingyuan Prefecture and removing Yang Shouliang from office, recommending Wei Zhaodu as a replacement.

Emperor Zhaozong hesitated, and Du Rangneng explained that Wei Zhaodu’s appointment to Xingyuan would compel the Wei family in Jinzhou to support the campaign, or at least remain on the sidelines. Once Xingyuan was secured, Wei Zhaodu could return to the capital to serve as chancellor.

Chancellor Cui Shaowei did not directly oppose this and suggested that Sun Kui, the prefect of Jingzhao, lead the expedition, to which Zhaozong consented.

After the chancellors departed, Zhaozong summoned Li Shunjie, military commander of Tianwei and governor of Zhenjiang.

Li Shunjie was originally Yang Fuligong’s adopted son, Yang Shouli’s brother, but was turned by Emperor Zhaozong and given the new name Li Shunjie.

Standing tall and imposing in bright armor, Li Shunjie entered the hall, bowed respectfully, and declared, “I, Li Shunjie, have come on imperial orders.”

Zhaozong nodded slightly and said, “I have summoned you for a grave task. Yang Shouliang of Xingyuan Prefecture has recklessly attacked Eastern Sichuan. I know this is under Yang Fuligong’s direction. Out of gratitude, I have repeatedly tolerated him, unwilling to act harshly against Yang Fuligong.”

Li Shunjie spoke bluntly, ignoring the emperor’s lofty words. “I am willing to serve Your Majesty. Please command me.”