novelhk Chapter 828: Rushing to Yangping Pass to settle the follow-up!
Chapter 828: Rushing to Yangping Pass to settle the follow-up!
"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you can fight a hundred battles without danger." Gao Yao silently recited the ancient proverb. Strategically, he could despise any enemy; but in the real tactical level, facing Xiang Yu, he had to be extremely alert and abandon all luck and carelessness. The journey to Yangping Pass was no joke, and there were certainly dangers, but Gao Yao was not afraid.
Although the personal guard battalion was ready to go, Gao Yao knew that the journey to Yangping Pass was no joke. The stability of the rear camp and the overall coordination were of paramount importance. He suppressed his anxiety and used the precious time before departure to make final arrangements.
On the one hand, he repeatedly dispatched express messengers with top-secret documents to urge the various armies to advance according to the predetermined plan, especially Han Xin's troops, who were responsible for the main attack on the core area of Nanjun. He was determined to ensure that their offensive was as powerful as thunder and would not give the Chu army any breathing space. On the other hand, he had to find a reliable helmsman for the rear center who could stabilize the situation and coordinate all parties in the absence of himself and Xiao He.
Originally, Xiao He was the obvious choice for the "helmsman." His prestige, ability, and overall command of the situation were enough for Gao Yao to trust with the rear. But now, this "ideal choice" was determined to follow him to the front lines and risk his life! This sudden change disrupted Gao Yao's plans.
Gao Yao frowned, pacing back and forth in front of the map, his mind rapidly weighing the names of the officials in the court. This matter must be kept absolutely secret; the fewer people who knew he was personally heading to the front lines, the better. After much deliberation, his eyes finally settled on the names of Zhang Liang and Cao Shen.
"It can only be handed over to Zifang and Cao Shen," Gao Yao muttered to himself, making his decision. Only these two were worthy of knowing this top secret and shouldering this heavy responsibility.
Gao Yao directly used the method of carrier pigeons to tell them his plan to go to Yangping Pass in person, and formally appointed the two to be fully responsible for the overall situation of the Southern Border Army's rear and subsequent tactical command.
Cao Shen, this veteran general, holds a deep military pedigree and holds immense prestige. From the veterans of the Peixian uprising to Han Xin's many rising generals, all have served under Cao Shen and hold him in high esteem. He is a calm and steady figure, adhering to the principles of "following the rules of Xiao and Cao," and excels at steady and flawless execution of established strategies. His presence stabilizes the army's morale, ensuring the stability of the rear camp and the various armies, preventing major errors. His very presence is a powerful stabilizer.
Zhang Liang, the wisdom of Zhang Zifang, was unfathomable. Gao Yao knew that even if he didn't reveal it, Zhang Liang's perceptive observation and keen sense of the situation would eventually reveal the truth behind the commander's departure from the various clues. Rather than burden him with speculation, it would be better to speak frankly and put his wisdom on the right track. Zhang Liang was the perfect person to oversee subsequent tactical planning and fine-tuning, as well as providing strategic support to Han Xin and other frontline generals. His ingenious strategies would fill the void left at the highest strategic decision-making level by Gao Yao's departure.
Gao Yao strictly prohibited all information except for Zhang Liang and Cao Shen. Internally and externally, he continued to claim that he was in charge of the rear and overseeing the overall situation. This was a must!
The morale of the soldiers, officers of all ranks, and indeed the entire Southern Border Army, rests on the belief that "the King is at the helm, directing the entire military." If word were to leak that the commander-in-chief had left the camp to personally head for the most dangerous frontier, it would inevitably unsettle the troops, sparking speculation and potentially even being exploited by Chu spies to sow panic. This is a cardinal sin in military strategy!
Also crucially important was the intelligence regarding a potential Chu attack on Yangping Pass. Publicizing it would not only alert the enemy and cause them to change their strategy, but would also likely shake the confidence of our own troops in the Yangping Pass defenders, impacting the morale of our main offensive against Nanjun. This was a crucial juncture in the conquest of Nanjun, and any unnecessary disruption could lead to unpredictable chain reactions. Stability was paramount.
Everything was arranged, and Gao Yao had no more worries. He shed the ornate attire that symbolized his royal authority and donned a light yet sturdy suit of black armor. With a sword slung from his waist, he exuded a heroic presence. With a single command, the three thousand elite soldiers of the personal guards marched like a silent torrent of steel. Amidst the rumbling of horns and the thunder of hooves hitting the earth, they thundered out, galloping northwest towards Yangping Pass! Banners fluttered, armor shivered, and a chilling murderous aura swept across the plains, fully demonstrating the might of the king's personal army!
Xiao He, the civil official who insisted on following Gao Yao, finally showed Gao Yao his "method"—he had prepared several excellent horses with excellent endurance! During the march, if one horse tired, he would immediately switch to another, and the horses would not rest even if the men rested! Xiao He practically gritted his teeth, "tying" himself to the horse's back in a self-torturing manner, and followed the main force of the personal guards. He was determined not to rest for a moment, and he would fight to keep up!
This high-intensity, forced march, which would have put even the most well-trained elite cavalry under pressure, was tantamount to torture for a scholar with a frail constitution, who had spent years at his desk handling government affairs. At the end of the day, when the team finally set up camp in a secluded valley for a short rest, Xiao He was practically helped off his horse.
As soon as his feet touched the ground, his legs completely lost their support like boiled noodles, and he collapsed to the ground with a "thump". His face was pale, his body was soaked with sweat, he was gasping for breath, and he didn't even have the strength to lift a finger.
Gao Yao walked over and looked at the Prime Minister, who was in such a state of disgrace and paralyzed on the ground, feeling both angry and amused. He couldn't help but teasing, "Prime Minister Xiao, how does it feel? If you had known this would happen, why did you do it in the first place? I didn't force you to suffer this!"
Xiao He didn't even have the strength to refute. He could only wave his hands weakly and force a bitter smile on his face that was uglier than crying.
Although he mocked, Gao Yao couldn't bear it in his heart. After all, he was his right-hand man. This sincerity of "I will follow you even if I die" would warm even the hardest heart. When he set out again, Gao Yao seemed to give an order casually, increasing the number of short rest periods. More importantly, he directly ordered Xiao to be transferred to the back of the team. At the same time, he sent more than a dozen personal soldiers to guard Xiao He.
"Prime Minister Xiao, there's no need to force yourself to keep up with me," Gao Yao said calmly, yet with an undeniable command. "You all should slow down and ensure safety, and then we'll catch up." This seemed like disdain for Xiao He being a drag, but in reality it was Gao Yao's silent care and protection. He wanted Xiao He to move at a pace he could handle, without having to desperately chase the main force.
Of course, the overall marching speed must not be significantly slowed down by Xiao He alone. Gaoyao can wait, but Yangping Pass cannot! Scouts report that the Chu army's vanguard is approaching the pass, and the clouds of war may break out at any time! The main force must march day and night, racing against time!