In the afternoon, Zhao Muyun summoned the generals to discuss military matters.
The generals of various military branches in Xijing, including Tang Yanhai, Liu Yi, Guo Luo, Wu Shangzhi, Lin Yuan, Xi Sheng, and Murong Chunhua, were all present.
Minister of War Pei Lun, General of the Right Guard Xiao Cheyun, Prince Jin Yinji, Councilor Yang Chao, Commander of the Night Watch Wang Tiezhu, and Shen Qianjun were present.
In the main hall of the Grand General's Mansion, the sand table has been updated to reflect the terrain of Guannei, Zhongyuan, Jiannan, Hedong, and Longyou, with clear distinctions between the passes and the surrounding landscape.
"After the autumn harvest, we will take Jiannan as our first target," Zhao Muyun said bluntly.
Everyone tensed; war was imminent!
Pei Lun pointed to the sand table: "Commander Lin's army will make a feigned move out of Longmen Pass to contain Ma Zongliang's garrison in Shanzhou. The main force will march south from Xiegu Road to take Lizhou and provide reinforcements from both the north and south of Duanjian."
“Not enough.” Zhao Muyun shook his head. “Ma Zongliang is an old friend of ours whom we know very well. A feigned move might not fool him. What I need is to make him afraid to make a move.”
He picked up the small red flag representing the Xijing Army and planted it along the Longmen Pass line:
"The Divine Machine Battalion, the Crossbow Battalion, and the Heavy Cavalry Battalion will take turns guarding Longmen Pass starting next month, conducting large-scale drills. We must let Li Jingang's scouts see that our army's new weapons are ready and we can march east and knock on the pass at any time."
"A bluff?" Yin Ji asked.
"It's also a show of force," Zhao Muyun said. "Li Jingang is suspicious. Seeing that I am well-prepared, he will not dare to make any rash moves. In this way, I can concentrate on the Southern Campaign."
The generals were awed.
"In addition, regarding the Northern Di..." Zhao Muyun looked at Shen Qian.
"The Northern Di Chanyu Wutugu has stripped Wuzhu of the territories of his three tribes and transferred them to Wuhan. The Right Wise King is gradually gaining power and may move south in the autumn to covet Hexi," Shen Qian reported.
"Perfect timing." A cold glint flashed in Zhao Muyun's eyes. "Zhang Zan, Shi Yong, Guo Xiaoti, and their Longyou army have been training for the past six months. It's time for a real battle!"
After discussing it for a while, the generals dispersed.
Only Zhao Muyun and Yin Ji remained in the hall.
"Master," Yinji hesitated, "is fighting on three fronts too risky?"
"Striving for supremacy in chaotic times is like rowing against the current."
Zhao Muyun walked to the window and looked out at the city walls of Xijing. "Without danger, how can anything be accomplished? But..."
He turned and gazed at his increasingly composed disciple:
"A general should have strategic plans. My current strategy appears to be a three-pronged approach, but in reality, it is a clear distinction between primary and secondary objectives: against the Northern Barbarians, it is a defensive counterattack; against Li Jingang, it is a strategic deterrence; and my true strength lies only in Jiannan."
"As long as Jiannan is captured, the granary will be in hand, and the area within and outside the pass will be connected. The Jingxiang-Jiangnan line and even Lingnan can be taken as a rear base at any time."
"When we have the chance to win the final battle against Li Jingang in the Central Plains, we will have a better chance of winning."
Yinji bowed deeply: "This disciple has learned much."
As night fell, Zhao Muyun went to the Military Equipment Bureau again.
The huge workshop was brightly lit, and the craftsmen were still busy at work.
Lu Da was arguing with several old craftsmen about a cannon model when he saw Zhao Muyun arrive and hurriedly went to greet him.
"Grand Commander, there is something I need to discuss..."
Lu Da pointed to the cannon mold, "If it is forged in layers, there will inevitably be gaps between the inner bore and the outer ring, which may crack under high heat."
"I discussed with several experienced craftsmen and we think that we could pour a lead-tin alloy into the gaps. When heated, it will melt and fill the gaps, while also conducting heat..."
Zhao Muyun listened carefully, her eyes gradually brightening.
This is the original "self-tightening" technology—lead and tin have low melting points, so when the barrel heats up, they melt and flow, evenly transferring heat and reducing local overheating.
“We can try it.” He made the decision. “First, cast three test gates and record the changes in the gap after each shot.”
"yes!"
It was late at night when I left the Ordnance Bureau.
Zhao Muyun did not ride a horse, but walked on foot through the quiet streets and alleys under the protection of Li Si and others.
The sound of the night watchman's clapper could be heard in the distance; it was the third watch of the night.
He suddenly remembered what he had said to Bai Ruolan a few months ago—"When the world is at peace, let's find a place and cultivate a few acres of land."
Peace...
Zhao Muyun looked up; the night sky was ablaze with stars.
In this chaotic world, someone has to come to an end.
The sword in his hand had become sharper with each sharpening.
......
Chengdu, the Jiannan Military Governor's Residence.
The summer rain fell continuously, pattering against the eaves and forming a curtain of water that cascaded down.
The candlelight in the main hall was dim, casting an unpredictable shadow on Yang Yan's face.
The secret letter in his hand was crumpled and soft, the ink smudged with sweat, but the four characters "Yang Chao surrenders to Zhao" were still as glaring as needles.
"My lord!" the strategist Pang Qing advised softly, "It's late, you should rest."
Pang Qing was a talent discovered by Yang Yan in Jiannan.
Although Yang Yan himself was both intelligent and brave, he was exhausted after experiencing the loss of Xijing, the deaths of several nephews in battle, the stripping of his military power in Youzhou, and the tragic deaths of his wife and children.
He also needs someone to help him think things through.
"Rest?" Yang Yan laughed bitterly. "How can I rest? Chao'er... he actually surrendered."
The letter arrived three days ago.
The scout risked his life to bring back from Xijing, and said with certainty that Yang Chao not only received courteous treatment from Zhao Muyun, but also participated in military affairs and offered strategies to take Jiannan.
“Mr. Pang,” Yang Yan’s voice was hoarse, “you say this is a scheme to sow discord… but if it really is, why would Zhao Muyun involve Chao’er in secret matters?”
"Why send a spy back with this letter? He could have simply imprisoned Chao'er and announced that he was dead. Wouldn't that have made me even more suspicious?"
Pang Qing pondered: "Perhaps... what Zhao Muyun wants is precisely the lord's 'no doubt'. He is certain that the lord will doubt the authenticity of this letter, and instead believe that Young Master Chao is dead or trapped, thus lowering his guard."
Yang Yan was stunned.
This speculation goes deeper, but it is also more reasonable.
Zhao Muyun's military tactics have always been cunning and deceitful.
The Battle of Xijing, in which he defeated Yang Chao's 10,000 elite troops with firearms despite being outnumbered, is clear evidence of this.
"But Yang Qi, the messenger..."
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