Chapter 1347 - 330: Bloody Battle (Part 1)

Chapter 1347: Chapter 330: Bloody Battle (Part 1)

Not everyone can be on the front lines, and not everyone can see the situation clearly. Some people, even if they see it clearly, will pretend not to see it.

The noble families of Chu have been beneficiaries of the state for generations. Now, when the country is in trouble, you contribute soldiers, laborers, and grain as needed. Yet, are the royal family and the court using this as a ploy for treacherous schemes?

In fact, on this point, the blind man had once privately analyzed with Lord Zheng the domestic political impact that this war could have on Chu State. Clearly, Nian Yao was surrounded by Prince Jingnan’s various forces, unable to aid, but the domestic nobles of Chu would not think this way. It should be noted that even Jiang Jieshi in that era of the same space-time enjoyed playing such a trick.

At the time, Lord Zheng was curious to hear the blind man’s speculation, curious whether Prince Jingnan himself realized his counter-strategies could be seen so profoundly, almost like answering reading comprehension questions.

The blind man merely smiled faintly and said he didn’t believe Tian Wujing didn’t understand politics.

If managed well, this maneuver would indeed have a significant effect in reducing Chu State’s resistance forces. As the saying goes, the best military strategy is to outwit the opponent.

Thus,

General Nian is very hurt;

because he believes that in terms of military strategy, he is not as good as Tian Wujing, which he doesn’t hide, as he holds Tian Wujing in high esteem;

yet, even in facing pressures from the court, the situation he faces is much worse than Tian Wujing’s!

Not only is his skill inferior,

but his treatment is not as good,

General Nian is quite frustrated!

Upon receiving the news of his impeachment from Ing Capital City,

he was so upset he sat on the threshold of his residence,

and ate three chilled watermelons in a row!

......

"This watermelon is sweet."

Lord Zheng was also eating watermelon.

To his left sat Gong Wang, to his right, Gongsun Zhi.

Two days had passed since their last meeting, today was the third day.

And today, the Eastern Army was preparing to attack East Mountain Fortress.

To be honest,

the battles Lord Zheng fought in the past were truly like "a bowstring shocking with thunder";

marching south to attack Qian, it felt like a race, seizing every opportunity to reach the imperial capital first;

in the capital city of Jin State, it was a relentless march, directly assaulting the palace gates at night;

when following Tian Wujing on an expedition to the snowy plains, it was a relentless campaign, almost with no pause;

and the thousand-mile raid on Snow Sea Pass is even less worth mentioning, where the cavalry’s mobility was pushed to the limit, and after taking the pass, they immediately faced an assault in a wild state by the besieged.

But this battle, even if you omit the previous few days’ surprise attack on Yangshan Village... well, even with Yangshan Village included, this campaign is by far the slowest-paced of all those I have fought.

The slow pace is due to the large number of forces and fort siege strategy, which necessarily can’t be rushed.

But it’s important to know that with the large army encamped here, it consumes a huge amount of provisions daily, putting immense pressure on logistics. Fortunately, this is a national war, supported by laborers and production from Yan and Jin, allowing the battle to proceed "slowly and methodically".

The flanks of Gong Wang’s and Gongsun Zhi’s forces have opened, concealing the east and west flanks of East Mountain Fortress, while the two generals themselves have come to Lord Zheng’s command tent, intending to personally observe Lord Zheng’s army in action.

Who would have thought, with the siege on the horizon, Lord Zheng would be sitting openly on his commander sedan, happily eating watermelon, and when he saw them, invited them to join as well.

"Does Lord Zheng also have an ice cellar?" Gong Wang asked with great surprise.

"Not quite, we are not that extravagant yet. But I do have a secret method for making ice, difficult to mass produce, but sufficient for personal use. This hot weather makes it unbearable otherwise.

Soon, each of you can take a cartload back. Any more, and we will run out here."

Gongsun Zhi laughed at this, "Then we’ll accept without reservation, haha, Direct Thief, this face of mine, just like my father-in-law’s, thought it was already water and fire-resistant. Who knew every time I come to Lord Zheng’s, I end up taking more than I give, and now I’m a bit embarrassed."

Gong Wang also chuckled at these words.

The commander sedan started moving, led by a carriage in front, flanked by shield-bearing guards.

Ahead, the siege formation was already laid out.

The catapults were neatly lined up, presenting a strong visual impact, not to mention the seemingly robust towers, which fascinated Gong Wang and Gongsun Zhi, so they couldn’t spare a thought for eating watermelon.

Although the Yan Army isn’t skilled in sieging, these two veteran generals, having led troops, naturally understood the quality of the equipment was far from makeshift, randomly hewn wooden structures.

"There’s something we must clarify beforehand," Lord Zheng began.

Gong Wang and Gongsun Zhi hurriedly replied, "Please, go ahead, Lord Zheng."

"Historically, sieges rarely result in no casualties, especially on the attacking side, where losses are inevitably greater than the defenders. Since both generals are now with me, we must face this East Mountain Fortress together.

This method of siege, you both are welcome to observe and learn. Behind this military camp, there are two more camps. One holds the wild people slave soldiers, the other focuses on building and maintaining these machines.

Although during the siege, I will first use the wild people slave soldiers to exhaust the Chu people’s defense equipment and morale on that East Mountain Fortress,