Just as Yang Yan was making sweeping reforms to the defenses in Xiangzhou, and Zhao Muyun was strategizing and maneuvering in Daizhou.
Far from the main battlefield, in Jiannan Road, a secret and intensive war preparation was also unfolding in full swing amidst the towering mountains.
The residence of the Jiedushi of Jiannan Circuit, Chengdu.
After receiving a secret letter from his uncle Yang Yan and a large quantity of military equipment delivered by the imperial court through clandestine channels, Yang Chao was so excited that he couldn't sleep all night.
In his brightly lit study, he repeatedly read the concise yet profound secret letter, his fingers trembling slightly with excitement.
He knew that this was not only a golden opportunity for his Yang family to rise again and regain power, but also a golden opportunity for Yang Chao to get rid of the reputation of "relying on his uncle's protection" and truly make achievements and be ennobled!
He immediately summoned all his trusted generals and staff to a secret meeting in a private room in the governor's mansion.
"Gentlemen!" Yang Chao's voice boomed, unable to conceal his excitement and ambition. He passed on Yang Yan's secret letter, "My uncle has regained military power, received the Emperor's sword, and is in charge of all military affairs in Hebei!"
"We will soon march north to strike the Tartars and wipe away the shame of Hejian Prefecture!"
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, his tone becoming even more somber, "However, my uncle instructed that the most pressing threat to the court is not only the northern barbarians, but also the remnants of the Great Yin in the Western Capital, who have usurped the title and coveted the imperial artifacts. This is a threat to the very foundation of the nation!"
"My uncle has ordered that Jiannan Circuit prepare for any eventuality, strengthen its military, stockpile provisions and weapons, and once the northern front is stabilized, launch a northward offensive to recapture Xijing, eliminate the traitors, and prevent future troubles!"
He quickly unfolded a meticulously drawn detailed map of the mountains and rivers surrounding Xijing, emphasizing the location of Xijing with his finger:
"Xijing City is well-fortified and deeply fortified. Although Yinji is young, he has capable ministers and fierce generals under his command, such as Fan Nan, the former Vice Minister of War, and Lin Feng of Huazhou. They are good at defense and fighting, and should not be underestimated."
"Furthermore, Xijing was once the capital of a previous dynasty, and its relationships are complex and intertwined. If our army wants to defeat the enemy, we must make thorough preparations, launch a surprise attack, and catch them off guard!"
An older aide stroked his beard and analyzed, “General, Jiannan intends to attack Xijing, and there are two main routes.”
"The first option is to go out of Qishan, take the Xiegu Road, and head straight for Xijing City. This has been the main route north to Guanzhong since ancient times. The terrain is relatively flat, which is conducive to the movement of the army's supplies."
"However, the enemy must have heavily guarded strategic passes such as Dasanguan, making it difficult to take by force and taking a long time."
"Secondly, we will exit the Ziwu Valley, cross the Qinling Mountains, launch a surprise attack on Lantian, and threaten the south side of Xijing."
"This road is extremely treacherous, making it difficult for the army to advance and even more difficult to provide logistical support. However, if we succeed, it will be like divine intervention, which will surely have a miraculous effect and disrupt the enemy's entire deployment."
Yang Chao's eyes burned with intensity. He slammed his hand on the map: "We must prepare for both the righteous path and the perilous road! How can we gamble everything? Pass on my orders!"
"First, increase recruitment efforts! Double the pay, and recruit anyone who is willing to serve, whether they are local soldiers, refugees, or mountain bandits!"
"We must train them rigorously, especially in mountain marches, climbing, jungle warfare, and siege drills! What I need is a strong army that can fight tough battles and endure hardship."
"Secondly, all the well-equipped weapons and armor that have been transported, especially the ballistae and crossbows with longer ranges, the large ladders, siege towers, battering rams needed for sieges, as well as ample gunpowder and arrows, should be secretly stockpiled in hidden locations near the southern entrance of the Ziwu Valley and along the Han River, such as Jinzhou and Yangzhou!"
"Set up numerous secret warehouses along the route and deploy heavy troops to guard them to ensure absolute safety!"
"Thirdly, we will send out our most capable scouts and spies, disguised as merchants, herbalists, and refugees, to infiltrate the area around Xijing and even Huazhou and Shangzhou in multiple batches and along multiple routes!"
"I need to know the specific troop deployment of the Xijing garrison, the temperament and ability of the generals, the grain and fodder storage points, the weak points of the city defenses, and the water sources."
“In particular, the road conditions, existing plank roads, garrison troops at passes, and places where troops can be stationed within the Ziwu Valley must be thoroughly investigated and detailed maps drawn up for reporting.”
"Fourth, at the junction of Jiannan Road and Shannan West Road, many supply stations were set up in the prefectures and counties."
"Under the guise of stabilizing grain prices and stockpiling grain for famine relief, they secretly hoarded large quantities of grain and military supplies, and conscripted laborers to repair official roads and bridges leading to the north in preparation for the army's long expedition."
Orders were issued one after another, detailed and specific, with clear responsibilities.
Under Yang Chao's strong impetus, the entire Jiannan Circuit began to operate covertly.
The sounds of drills echoed through the military camp, as new recruits crawled and rolled under the reprimands of veteran soldiers.
In the workshops of artisans across the land, the furnaces burned day and night, and the clanging and hammering sounds were incessant as they worked tirelessly to forge all kinds of military equipment.
On the various land and water routes leading to the north, convoys and fleets transporting supplies came and went in an endless stream.
Yang Chao personally took charge, frequently inspecting major military camps and supply depots.
Dressed in military uniform and mounted on his warhorse, he roared at the sweating soldiers on the drill ground:
"My lads! Open your eyes wide and grip your weapons tightly! The day is now to achieve great deeds, be ennobled and appointed prime minister! Follow me, and we will take Xijing. Wealth and women will be our just rewards!"
A restless, fanatical, and ambitious atmosphere permeated the military camps and officialdom of Jiannan Road, like magma surging underground, searching for an outlet to erupt.
Its sharp edge points directly at Xijing.
......
Hebei, Xiangzhou front line.
The winter sun seemed to have lost all its sharpness, hanging palely in the gray sky, weakly casting its cold light.
The wind howled across the wilderness without any obstruction, whipping up frozen clods of earth and withered grass, lashing everything that moved, making a crackling sound.
On this vast and desolate plain, a huge artificial scar is rapidly spreading and deepening.
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