Moma Liangshan

Chapter 350 Feint Attack, New Combat Experience

Wanyan Zonghan laughed and said, "Was Lord Xieye's proposal the result of discussions with Lord Wuqimai?" Wanyan Gao shook his head and said, "Our cooperation does not require Wuqimai's approval!" Wanyan Zonghan nodded slightly and said, "This is quite unexpected!" Wanyan Gao gave a bitter laugh and said, "Although I hold the highest rank in Haobojilie, I have no generals loyal to me. You should be very clear about my actual situation!" As one of the main generals of the Wanyan tribe, Wanyan Zonghan was well aware of Wanyan Gao's predicament and said, "I have remembered Lord Xieye's promise. From today onwards, the Lai Liu Army will be at your command at any time!"

Wanyan Gao finally felt relieved. Reaching an agreement with Wanyan Zonghan would mean gaining the full support of Chancellor Wanyan Sagai. He said, "A few days ago, scouts reported that enemy troops appeared behind our lines, and several supply convoys have been intercepted!" Wanyan Zonghan frowned and asked, "Do you know how many enemy troops there are?" Wanyan Gao shook his head and said, "This enemy force is swift and ruthless. Every time they go into battle, they leave no survivors, so their exact strength is still unclear!" Wanyan Zonghan asked in confusion, "Since the enemy never leaves survivors, how did the scouts know this?" Wanyan Gao explained, "A supply officer named Wanyan Gunuo fell into the river when his supply convoy was attacked. He was lucky enough to survive, but was later rescued by another supply officer named Yehenara Pingji, which led to what happened next!"

Upon hearing this, Wanyan Zonghan's face hardened, and he said, "Rather than saying they're elusive, it's more accurate to say they're hiding their true intentions. Moreover, with Shangjing besieged and the Liao army's forces insufficient, even if they launch a surprise attack, it can only be a small force!" Wanyan Gao nodded in agreement, saying, "An army cannot move without supplies. With over a thousand troops, the daily cost of feeding the men and horses is enormous. This force is deep in enemy territory, completely cut off from rear supplies and troop support, and can only rely on fighting to sustain itself. Based on the supplies lost in recent days, the enemy's numbers should be less than a thousand!" Wanyan Zonghan was now even more puzzled, saying, "Why would Lord Xieye be so concerned about the movement of a mere few hundred troops in a battle involving a million-strong army?" Wanyan Gao said, "Wu Qimai was the first to learn of this news. He wanted me to propose a temporary halt, citing the blockade of the supply lines and the difficulty of capturing Shangjing in the short term!"

Although Wanyan Zonghan was somewhat prepared, he still couldn't hide his anger, saying, "Two hundred thousand troops went on an expedition, and returned empty-handed. How can we explain this to the tribal leaders? And who can guarantee that things won't change if we fight again next year?" Wanyan Gao replied, "Even without conquering Shangjing, two hundred thousand troops can still return laden with spoils!" Wanyan Zonghan frowned, saying, "On this vast grassland, besides Shangjing, what else is worth mobilizing two hundred thousand troops for?" Wanyan Gao answered precisely, saying, "There are two hundred thousand Khitan tribal troops!" Wanyan Zonghan suddenly understood, and couldn't help but exclaim, "That's brilliant!"

The following day, at the Jin court assembly, Wanyan Loushi stepped forward to report, "Scouts report that our supply route has been robbed, and all the guards escorting the grain carts have perished!" The Jurchens, accustomed to their victories and having advanced triumphantly since their uprising, were understandably scrambling to discuss the news of the supply route's breach. Wanyan Aguda's violent cough silenced the whispers. Seeing this, Wanyan Zongfu quickly offered him a cup of medicinal wine infused with licorice root, ginseng, and deer antler. Licorice root relieves coughs, ginseng replenishes qi, and deer antler nourishes blood—perfect for Wanyan Aguda's current ailment. After Wanyan Aguda caught his breath, he slowly asked, "How many enemy troops are there?" Wanyan Loushi replied, "The enemy is ruthless; they never leave any survivors in their battles!" Wanyan Aguda, exasperated, said, "Since they never leave any survivors, how can you be so sure that the interception of our supplies was the work of the Liao army?" In his haste, Wanyan Loushi said, "The Great Jin Dynasty is at its zenith. On the vast grasslands, besides the remnants of the Liao army, who would dare to plunder our supply convoy?" From the very beginning of the court assembly, Wanyan Aguda sensed an unpleasant atmosphere within the tent. It seemed that the ministers had reached some kind of tacit understanding beforehand. Helpless, he looked at Wanyan Wuqimai and said, "Fourth brother, what do you think should be done about this?" Wanyan Wuqimai said, "The army's grain reserves are still sufficient." "After a month of feeding, fifteen supply convoys have fallen short, amounting to approximately five days' worth of rations for the army." Seeing Wanyan Wuqimai abruptly stop, Wanyan Aguda urged, "Continue!" Wanyan Wuqimai glanced discreetly at Wanyan Gao and continued, "Inside Shangjing, Emperor Tianzuo is struggling in his death throes. Outside Shangjing, tens of thousands of enemy troops are holding their ground with disciplined attack and defense. Zonggan Zongwang's 60,000-strong army has been unable to breach the city, even suffering thousands of casualties. Not to mention the 200,000 Khitan tribesmen lurking a hundred miles away." Wanyan Aguda frowned and said, "According to Fourth Brother's opinion, we cannot win this battle?" The Jurchens, naturally warlike, were indignant upon hearing Wanyan Aguda's words, eager to challenge him to a duel. Wanyan Wuqimai, however, remained calm and said, "The Great Jin Dynasty has conquered the world; how could it not win a fierce battle? However, although our army is strong, if we rely solely on brute force to forcibly attack the city, heavy casualties are inevitable, and countless orphans and widows will be left behind." Wanyan Gao seized the opportunity and chimed in, "Since Fourth Brother believes that a direct assault on Shangjing is unwise, do you have any insightful suggestions?" Wanyan Wuqimai looked at the map, paused briefly, and then suddenly spoke, saying, "Although the Khitan tribal army numbers two hundred thousand, each tribal leader harbors their own ambitions. Your Majesty only needs to mobilize one hundred thousand troops for a swift and decisive attack, and we will surely achieve a great victory. At that time, Shangjing will have no reinforcements, and the overall situation will be settled!"

It is human nature to seek advantage and avoid harm. Wanyan Wuqimai's words quickly gained everyone's approval. Wanyan Aguda first looked at Wanyan Gao, then, recalling their earlier cooperation, he couldn't help but sigh slightly. He then looked at Wanyan Sagai and said, "Prime Minister, do you think it's better to attack Shangjing first, or to break through the 200,000-strong Khitan tribal army first?" Wanyan Sagai pondered for a moment and said, "This old minister believes that if Shangjing cannot be captured for a long time, the Khitan tribal army may not continue to stand by and watch!" Wanyan Sagai's answer surprised Wanyan Aguda. After a long while, he said, "Since everyone believes that Shangjing is difficult to capture in the short term, then let's follow Anbanbo Jilie's advice and feign an attack on Shangjing while actually attacking the tribal army!" With the main attack direction changed, the entire military deployment would inevitably have to be greatly adjusted. Wanyan Gao, who was in charge of military and political affairs, asked, "Which troops should be deployed to attack the tribal army?"