novelhk Chapter 902: Without me as bait, how could the Chu army be fooled!
Chapter 902: Without me as bait, how could the Chu army be fooled!
This was Gao Yao's overall plan: use himself as bait to divert the movement of the Chu army; take advantage of the special terrain to defeat cavalry with infantry and seek victory in the field battle; at the same time activate the Xianyang defenders to form a pincer attack from the front and back, and seek the greatest strategic victory.
The risk is huge. One wrong step can lead to a complete loss. But Gaoyao has never had a completely smooth journey. If we only worry about the current problems and stagnate, then we are not Gaoyao.
After Gaoyao began its advance, Yi Xiaochuan's scouts quickly received the news and relayed it to him. As the scouts galloped into the Chu camp, Yi Xiaochuan stood before a sand table, his brow furrowed. On the sand table, a model of Xianyang's defenses was clearly visible. Small flags representing the Chu army were planted on the eastern side of the city walls, while the black flags representing the Southern Frontier Army remained firmly within. Upon hearing the scout's urgent report, Yi Xiaochuan's eyes flashed. He immediately dismissed his attendants, personally wrote a secret letter, and had a trusted confidant deliver it 800 miles to the front lines in Xianyang.
After Xiang Yu's initial excitement, he was actually bleeding every day. The Chu army had been at the gates of Xianyang for over half a month. Initially, thanks to Yi Xiaochuan's ingenious plan, which successfully destroyed the black powder laid by the Qin army outside the city, the Chu cavalry advanced rapidly, reaching the eastern gate of Xianyang. However, the cavalry's advantage was completely eroded during the siege. Facing the towering walls and tight defenses, the Chu army paid a heavy price every day.
Xiang Yu stood on a makeshift command platform, watching yet another wave of casualties being carried off the front lines. His fists clenched unconsciously. He clad himself in black armor, his scarlet cape rustling in the wind, but his former majesty was now replaced by a deep sense of anxiety. For the first time in his life, the mighty King of Western Chu felt powerless. The strength of Xianyang's walls and the tenacity of its defenders far exceeded his expectations. Although the Chu army, following Yi Xiaochuan's strategy, employed a series of feints, successfully drawing in and depleting the defenders' strength, their own losses were mounting.
"Report - the East Gate City Wall has been occupied by our army, but the defenders are holding on to the second line of defense!" The messenger knelt down and reported, his body covered in blood.
Xiang Yu frowned and asked, "How many casualties were there today?"
"More than 300 people were killed and more than 200 were wounded."
Such figures made Xiang Yu's heart sink. Attacks and defenses inherently differ in their losses. Defenders, relying on fortifications, can often inflict heavy casualties on the attackers at relatively low cost. Although the Chu army had recently captured the Wengcheng (a city wall) outside Xianyang's east gate, this was only the first step in the siege. The Wengcheng was intended to cushion the attack; the real challenge lay ahead: Xianyang's main gate and the more robust defenses behind it.
As night fell, Xiang Yu inspected the camp, only to find exhausted soldiers and a multitude of wounded. Surgeons busily tended to the wounds, their cries echoing in the background. These elite cavalrymen, who had followed him across thousands of miles, were now forced to dismount and fight on foot, assaulting the fortified city walls with their own flesh and blood. Xiang Yu passed by a young soldier, only sixteen years old, and saw his arm, pierced by an arrow, with a wrenching pain in his heart.
"Your Majesty, such a strong attack is not a long-term solution." Veteran General Huan Chu said worriedly, "Our army has lost over 5,000 men. If this continues, I'm afraid..."
Xiang Yu knew this. These 30,000 elite troops were his capital for conquering the world. If they were all annihilated at the gates of Xianyang, even if the city was eventually captured, he would have no strength left to deal with the other princes. But the strategy was set, and only by persisting could he create opportunities for Yi Xiaochuan.
Fortunately, at the crucial moment, Yi Xiaochuan's secret letter finally arrived. Xiang Yu unfolded the letter and read it, a smile finally breaking through his resolute face. The letter not only informed him that Gao Yao had led his troops out of Yangping Pass, but also detailed the enemy's troop composition and marching route.
"Good! Good! Good!" Xiang Yu uttered three "good"s in quick succession, the gloom that had been lingering for days vanishing. "Send orders to all camps: intensify the offensive today. Make sure the defenders think we're ready for a final battle. After nightfall, withdraw quietly in batches. No mistakes!"
That night, the Chu army camp remained brightly lit, drums roaring, creating the illusion of an all-out assault. However, under the cover of darkness, the various Chu troops began an orderly retreat. To confuse the enemy, Xiang Yu deliberately left a small number of troops behind to create further disturbances and deployed a large number of straw men to fill the tents.
Meanwhile, Gao Yao led a 30,000-man southern border army on a rapid march toward Xianyang. This army, primarily infantry, supplemented by a small number of cavalry, was well-organized, its banners fluttering. Gao Yao sat in his chariot, his face composed, but the glint that occasionally flickered in his eyes suggested he was deep in thought.
After two days of marching, they unexpectedly encountered no resistance from the Chu army. Gao Yao frequently summoned scouts to inquire about the situation, but they were told that there was no sign of the enemy ahead.
"Your Majesty, the Chu army is avoiding fighting, which may be suspicious." The military commander reminded.
Gao Yao nodded slightly: "Xiang Yu is not a coward. If he avoids like this, he must have some purpose." He ordered the entire army to strengthen vigilance and send more scouts to expand the scope of reconnaissance.
At nightfall, the army set up camp. Inside the central army tent, Gao Yao and Ying Bu sat facing each other, drinking. Outside, the guards were tight, while inside, candlelight shone brightly, illuminating the solemn expressions of both men.
"Your Majesty, to be honest, just leave this matter to me. You don't have to do this." Ying Bu raised his glass and wanted to drink but stopped, and finally couldn't help but said.
Before the expedition, Prime Minister Xiao He privately met with Ying Bu and detailed the risks involved. The Chu army was primarily cavalry, highly mobile, and if they set an ambush, the Southern Border Army would have a difficult time escaping unscathed. Xiao He repeatedly urged Ying Bu to ensure Gao Yao's safety.
Ying Bu was puzzled. As the ruler of a nation, Gao Yao had no need to risk his own life. Most other princes, after growing their power, settled in their capitals and controlled their wars remotely. After all, starting a new business was difficult; if the leader failed, the entire power could crumble. And who wouldn't want to enjoy a comfortable life in high office? Going out on a personal expedition and taking risks was unwise.
Gao Yao chuckled and put down his wine glass. "If I don't come, and you come alone, do you believe it? The Chu army might give up at any time."
"Give up just like that? How is that possible?" Ying Bu was stunned.
"What do you think is the purpose of the Chu army attacking our army at this time?" Gao Yao asked back.
"Of course, it's to defeat our army and win the war!"
Gao Yao shook his head. "If I weren't here, the Chu army's offensive goal would simply be to deplete our manpower. They only need to achieve one victory, annihilating most of our forces. That way, the Chu army's losses in this battle can be minimized. But think about it, since the start of the war, the Chu army has suffered the greatest losses."
Gao Yao stood up and walked over to the map hanging in the tent. "That's why I have to act as bait myself. As soon as Xiang Yu learns I'm in the army, the Chu army's strategic goal will change—from defeating us to annihilating us completely, or even killing me!"