"Old Han, what's wrong?" Zhao Muyun asked calmly.
Han Zhong stepped forward and pointed to the undulating area marked "Daqingshan" north of Yunzhou on the map:
"Although Yunzhou is dangerous, it faces the border directly. Governor Tian has only been in office for a year. Although he is determined to make reforms, his foundation is not yet solid."
"If we take the initiative to go beyond the Great Wall now, we will be fine if we win, but if we lose, we may get entangled in a protracted conflict. Yunzhou will be vulnerable and could be taken advantage of by the enemy!"
"The Right Wise King of the Tartars attacked our Longyou, but don't forget, there's also the Left Wise King, Wuzhu."
"Although his power was weakened after his defeat in Youzhou and his return to Mobei, it does not mean that he wants to get involved."
"We are fighting on multiple fronts—west of the river, east of the river, Longmen Pass, and Lantian Pass. If we were to attack Yunzhou as well, it would be... "
His words were urgent and forceful, echoing in the quiet hall.
Han Zhong's meaning was clear: although the Yin Army had undergone half a year of rest and development and its troops had been replenished, it was now engaged in multi-front warfare.
Now they're going to have to fight in Yunzhou as well. I wonder if the Great Yin Dynasty can withstand the pressure built up over the past six months.
Zhao Muyun listened quietly, and only spoke slowly after Han Zhong finished:
"Waiting for the enemy to tire themselves out is certainly the safest option. But Lao Han, we've been dealing with the Tartars for so long, how could we not know their nature?"
"Given the current situation, even if we don't defend, Wuzhu will take the initiative to attack. Although Daqingshan is dangerous, it stretches for thousands of miles. How can we possibly defend it!"
"Tian Qingjun's report also said that the snow in the border region this winter is particularly heavy, much heavier than in previous years, which is extraordinary!"
"Precisely because it is extraordinary, we should be even more cautious!" Han Zhong insisted. "Tian Qing's newly trained army has only been established for a year. How can their horsemanship, tactics, and endurance of the cold compare to the Tatar cavalry who have been making a living on horseback all year round?"
"Going beyond the Great Wall to fight in the open field is to use a short force to attack a long one! Moreover, an isolated army is far away, and the terrain, enemy situation, and weather are all unfavorable. What if we suffer a defeat..."
"After a thousand days of training, the battle is inevitable. Only by taking the initiative can we seize the upper hand!"
Zhao Muyun interrupted him, her voice not loud, but with a resolute tone, "During Tian Qing's year in Yunzhou, the money, grain, horses, and weapons we allocated to him were 30% more than elsewhere."
“He wanted to train cavalry, so I allowed him to. But if he trains but doesn’t see blood on the battlefield, it’s all just for show.”
He stood up, walked to the map, and stared at the vast, sparsely marked area north of Yunzhou.
"You've seen the military report from Black Wind Valley. Wu Shangzhi dared to lead a lone army through this desolate region to fight a powerful enemy. Why?"
"Because he led our battle-hardened elite troops, and because he dared to take risky moves, he was able to achieve unexpected victories."
“The newly trained cavalry in Yunzhou may not be as fierce as our veteran soldiers from Hedong, but if they are not sent out to be tested and seen in battle, they will never become true elites.”
Han Zhong's face flushed red as he urgently said, "Grand Commander! Yunzhou is not Black Wind Valley, and Tian Qing is not Wu Shangzhi! This is not just taking a risk, this is reckless advance! What if..."
“There’s no such thing as ‘what if’.” Zhao Muyun turned around, his gaze sharp as lightning, and looked directly at Han Zhong. “Old Han, I know you are steady and reliable. Your concern for Hedong is commendable.”
"But extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. With the capital unstable, Longmen and Lantian are facing formidable enemies, and war has broken out again in the Western Regions. We need to deploy troops on all sides and are stretched thin in every way."
He walked back to his desk and pressed his finger heavily on Tian Qing's military report: "We can't just hold Yunzhou. We have to take the initiative and defend it with great force!"
"We must let the Tartars beyond the Great Wall know that even if our main force is tied down elsewhere, our Yunzhou border troops still dare to venture beyond the Great Wall to seek battle!"
"This battle is not about how many enemies we kill, but about establishing our authority, training our troops, and scouting the enemy! Since Tian Qing has the courage to request to fight, I should grant his request!"
"Grand Commander!" Han Zhong wanted to argue again.
No need for further explanation.
Zhao Muyun raised his hand to stop him, his tone leaving no room for doubt, "My mind is made up. You shall immediately issue a document to Yunzhou in the name of the Hedong Military Governor's Office: grant Tian Qing's request, and at your discretion, send elite cavalry to patrol beyond the border and strike the enemy when the opportunity arises."
"Strictly order them to be cautious, prioritize ascertaining the enemy's situation, and not to be greedy for merit or make rash advances, and even more so to ensure that the defenses of Yunzhou are not breached. The necessary grain, fodder, and arrows shall be allocated by your Hedong Prefecture Treasury with priority."
The hall was completely silent.
A corner of the bright red charcoal in the brazier collapsed, making a soft crackling sound.
Han Zhong's chest heaved as he looked at Zhao Muyun's unwavering expression. In the end, all his disapproval and worry turned into a heavy sigh.
He slowly clasped his hands in a fist salute and bowed:
"This humble general... obeys."
Zhao Muyun's expression softened slightly. He stepped forward and patted Han Zhong's strong arm: "Old Han, I know you're worried. Don't worry, Tian Qing isn't a reckless man. Yunzhou won't be lost."
He sat back down behind his desk, his gaze sweeping over the several military reports on the table, each from a different direction and carrying different weights, and said in a deep voice:
"Draft the decree. The matter of Yunzhou is settled here. As for the matters of Xijing, Longmen, and the Western Regions, I have my own plans."
Han Zhong said no more, summoned the scribe, and by the light of candlelight, began to draft the military order to be issued to Yunzhou.
Zhao Muyun picked up the military report from Black Wind Valley again and looked out the window.
The night was deep, and the snow reflected in the courtyard, making it appear as if it were a pale white.
The snowy night in Hedong was very cold.
On a snowy night, military orders were issued.
The cavalry of Yunzhou are about to set foot on the snowy plains beyond the Great Wall.
Five days later, the snow in Jinyang stopped, but the sky remained gloomy, with leaden-gray clouds pressing low over the city walls.
Zhao Muyun did not linger at the Marshal's Mansion.
The next morning, he led more than a hundred personal guards and iron cavalrymen under the command of Li Si out of the north gate of Jinyang, and headed north along the Fen River Valley to inspect the border defenses east of the river.
Horse hooves shattered the thin ice, splashing up muddy snowmelt.
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