hotmtlnovel Chapter 1061 The Qiang tribe was completely defeated!
Chapter 1061 The Qiang tribe was completely defeated!
At that moment, Gao Zhe understood his father's words. If the Qiang tribe could not be completely pacified in this battle, they would surely return in a few years, reigniting the war and causing even greater casualties. It was better to end the suffering quickly than to prolong it; even if it meant taking risks, they had to eliminate the threat forever.
The following day, the Southern Army set off and penetrated deep into the Qiang territory.
The Qiang territory was vast, with numerous mountains and rivers. Although the Han army was well-equipped, marching through unfamiliar terrain still presented numerous difficulties.
Gao Lin adopted Xu Shu's suggestion, using the surrendered Qiang soldiers as guides, and advancing steadily and cautiously. At the same time, he strictly ordered all units not to harass the Qiang civilians, under penalty of military law.
"Our army's campaign is to quell the rebellion, not to massacre the people," Gao Lin said to his generals. "The Qiang people are also subjects of the Han emperor, and should be treated with benevolence."
Upon hearing this order, many Qiang tribes surrendered. They were already dissatisfied with Wumuhan's aggressive military campaigns, and now that they saw the Han army was disciplined and did not disturb the people, they decided to submit.
Seven days later, the Southern Army arrived at the location of the Qiang royal court—the Chishui River Valley.
Umuhan rallied his remaining troops here, amassing over ten thousand men, and defended the strategic location. The mountains on both sides of the valley were steep and easy to defend, making them difficult to attack.
After observing the terrain, Gao Lin said to his generals, "A direct assault will result in heavy casualties; we should take it by strategy."
Zhang Liang offered a plan: "We can divide our forces into three routes. One route will launch a feigned attack from the front to attract the enemy's attention; the other two routes will flank and cut off their retreat, attacking from both sides."
Zhao Ming added, "The Qiang army is short of food and their morale is low. We can surround them without attacking, and wait for them to run out of food, at which point they will collapse without a fight."
After a moment's thought, Gao Zhe said, "We will use both strategies. General Zhao will lead 10,000 troops to bypass the mountain pass on the north side, and General Gao Niu will lead 10,000 troops to bypass the river valley on the south side. I will lead the central army to launch a feigned attack from the front. Five days later, we will launch a general offensive simultaneously."
The plan has been finalized, and all departments are acting accordingly.
Wu Mu was relieved to find the Han army's frontal assault ineffective, assuming the Southern Border Army dared not launch a full-scale attack. However, he was unaware that the Southern Border Army, advancing from both the north and south, had quietly circled around to his rear.
On the fifth day, at dawn, the three armies of the southern border launched an attack simultaneously.
Umuhan was greatly alarmed and hastily ordered his troops to divide and resist. However, the Qiang army was already short-handed, and the division of troops made them even weaker.
Gao Zhe personally led three thousand iron cavalry in a fierce frontal attack. The heavily armored cavalry moved through the valley as if it were empty, and the Qiang army's lines collapsed instantly.
The Han armies from the north and south attacked simultaneously, catching the Qiang army off guard and causing them to collapse. Seeing that all was lost, Wumu drew his sword and committed suicide. The remaining troops either died or surrendered, and the Qiang royal court fell.
In this battle, the Han army completely quelled the Qiang rebellion. Gao Zhe ordered the confiscation of Qiang weapons, but preserved their tribal organization, appointed the surrendered Qiang leaders as local officials, and implemented self-governance.
"Using the Qiang to control the Qiang is the best long-term solution," Gao Zhe said to Zhang Liang.
Zhang Liang praised, "The Second Prince is not only skilled in battle, but also understands the way of governing a country. He is truly a blessing to the Han Dynasty."
After pacifying the Qiang people, Gao Zhe left Zhao Ming with 10,000 troops to guard the Qiang territory, while he led the remaining troops back in triumph.
On the return journey, Gao Zhe ordered a reward ceremony for the army, bestowing generous rewards upon the meritorious officers and soldiers. The army erupted in cheers, and morale soared.
However, just as the southern army was returning in triumph, King Xiang Yu of Chu and his strategist Yi Xiaochuan learned of the situation in Longxi.
In the northern lands, at the Chu army's main camp.
Xiang Yu stood before the sand table, his face grave. Beside him, his strategist Yi Xiaochuan held a battle report, his brow furrowed.
“Gao Yao’s second son, Gao Zhe, led 70,000 troops from the southern border, defended the city for three days, launched a counterattack in five days, and quelled the 50,000-strong Qiang army in fifteen days…” Xiang Yu said in a deep voice, “This boy is only a little over ten years old, yet he has such abilities?”
Yi Xiaochuan sighed, "It's not just Gao Lin's ability, but also Zhang Liang's strategy. Looking at the battle plan, the ten strategies for defending the city and the three counterattack plans are all deeply in line with military tactics. The Southern Border Army is well-equipped and well-trained, and is no longer comparable to what it used to be."
Xiang Yu slammed his fist on the table: "Gao Yao, with the assistance of Zhang Liang, Xiao He, Han Xin, and others, has grown stronger day by day. Now, to have such a child as his successor is a real threat to me!"
Yi Xiaochuan said, “Brother Yu, there is no need to worry too much. Although the Southern Border Army is strong, it also has weaknesses. First, Gao Yao is suspicious, but now that Gao Yao is not here, there may not be anyone who is wary of our Chu Army; second, the Southern Border Army has been fighting for years and the national treasury is empty; third, Guanzhong has just been pacified and the people’s hearts have not yet been won over.”
Xiang Yu's expression softened slightly: "What countermeasures does Xiao Chuan have?"
Yi Xiaochuan walked to the map and tapped it lightly: "The Southern Border Army has just pacified the Qiang tribes, and its main force is far away in Longxi, leaving Guanzhong vulnerable. I can take this opportunity to send troops straight to Xianyang and seize the capital."
A glint flashed in Xiang Yu's eyes: "A good plan! But we need to act quickly. If we wait for the main force of the southern army to return to reinforce, we will lose the initiative."
“Exactly,” Yi Xiaochuan said. “I can personally lead three thousand elite troops, lightly armed and swiftly advancing, to reach Yitan within five days. Brother Yu will lead the main force behind, attacking from both sides, and we will surely break through Xianyang.”
Xiang Yu laughed loudly: "Order the three armies to march out tomorrow!"
Just as Xiang Yu was redeploying his troops, Gao Lin had already led his army back to Didao City.
At the victory banquet, the generals drank merrily. Gao Zhe, however, sat alone to one side, lost in thought.
Zhang Liang approached and whispered, "Is the Second Young Master worried about the movements of the Chu army?"
Gao Lin nodded: "Our army has pacified the Qiang people and its prestige has shaken the world. Xiang Yu will certainly not be satisfied and may take the opportunity to attack."
"Young master, there is no need to worry. The reason we asked you to come out was actually for this reason. All of this is within the Grand Secretary's plan, so you can rest assured!"
Zhang Liang knew that at this point it was pointless to hide it from Gao Zhe, so he simply told him the truth.
"Lord Xiao He's predictions are truly prophetic! The Chu army will surely attack Xianyang!"
He immediately stood up and said to his generals, "The victory celebration is over. Order the army to prepare overnight and set off at dawn tomorrow to return to Guanzhong!"
Zhao Ming asked in bewilderment, "Second Young Master, our army has just fought a great battle, and both men and horses are exhausted. Why not rest for a few more days?"
Gao Zhe shook his head: "Speed is of the essence in war. Even though Lord Xiao He had made preparations long ago, there is indeed a shortage of troops near Xianyang, and the main army has already been transferred to Longxi."
Seeing that Gao Zhe was determined, the generals made their own preparations.
At dawn the following day, the Southern Army set off. Gao Zhe ordered them to travel light, discarding unnecessary baggage, and return at full speed.
Meanwhile, Yi Xiaochuan led three thousand elite Chu soldiers out of Jiangdong and rushed to Xianyang day and night.
A race to determine the fate of the world has quietly begun.
The Southern Army set out from Didao City and marched eastward day and night. Although the soldiers were exhausted, they knew the situation was urgent and no one complained.
Gao Zhe shared weal and woe with his soldiers, eating in the same kitchen and sleeping in the same camp. During the march, he saw a young soldier walking unsteadily, so he dismounted and gave his horse to the soldier.
"Second Young Master, you mustn't!" the soldier cried out in alarm.
Gao Zhe laughed and said, "I'm young and strong, I can walk. You have an injury on your foot, so ride a horse."
The soldiers were deeply moved by this sight, and their morale soared even higher.
Zhang Liang caught up with Gao Lin on horseback and whispered, "Second Young Master is considerate of his soldiers, and the morale of the army is high. But a general must also take care of himself."
Gao Zhe shook his head: "My father often said that the way of a general is to win the hearts of the soldiers. When the soldiers are united, they will be invincible."
Three days later, the Southern Army arrived at Longshan. Crossing this mountain would take them directly to Xianyang. But at this moment, scouts reported that the vanguard of the Chu army had already passed Wuguan Pass and was only two days' journey from Xianyang.