Meanwhile, outside Lantian Pass, in the central command tent of the Fengtian Army camp.
The atmosphere was not relaxed; in fact, it was somewhat oppressive.
The charcoal brazier crackled and popped, but it couldn't dispel the oppressive restlessness inside the tent.
Seated in the main seat was a burly general with a full beard and a towering physique. He was none other than Niu Dejin, the Right General of the Great Feng Army, the sworn brother of Emperor Li Jingang of the Great Feng Army, and the leader of the Four Heavenly Kings.
His face was dark and sullen, his bull-like eyes staring at the map in front of him, his thick fingers tapping impatiently on the table, making a dull thud.
"Damn it! This is so frustrating! It's so damn frustrating!"
Niu Dejin finally couldn't hold back any longer and slammed his hand on the table, making the cups and saucers jump. "I've followed the Emperor through thick and thin, when have I ever been so pathetic? Forty thousand troops! Forty thousand! And they're just sitting here in this ravine every day, watching that coward Xiao Cheyun wander around on the city walls?"
His voice was loud and clear, carrying the irritability and unquestionable air of someone who had long held a high position.
To the left of the lower seat sat Zhang Tao, the military governor of Henan.
He was originally a general of the Yin Dynasty, but later surrendered to the Fengtian government. At this moment, his face was calm, but between his brows was the caution unique to surrendered generals and a trace of worry that was not easily detected.
Seeing Niu Dejin's anger, he bowed slightly and said in a respectful and tactful tone, "General, please calm down. Xiao Cheyun is cautious in his military tactics, and Lantian Pass is a strategically important location, so a direct assault would indeed be difficult."
"His Majesty ordered us to be here primarily to contain the troops in Guanzhong, preventing them from looking east or coming to their aid in the north. As long as Xiao Cheyun dares not make a move, it will be a great achievement."
"Great achievement? What great achievement!" Niu Dejin glared at Zhang Tao, showing no politeness. "What I want are real heads chopped off and cities captured, not to starve here!"
"Zhang Tao, you used to be a general, what, now you want to save your old employer some effort?"
These words were spoken very harshly, carrying a clear sense of warning and doubt.
Zhang Tao's face paled slightly, and he quickly stood up and cupped his hands in greeting: "General, you are wise! Now that I have submitted to the Great Feng, I will do my utmost to serve His Majesty and the General! I have no disloyal intentions!"
"However... but considering the lives of our soldiers, a direct assault on this formidable pass would likely result in heavy casualties. If we fail to capture it after a prolonged siege, it would dampen our morale and betray the Emperor's grace and the General's trust."
"Hmph!" Niu Dejin snorted coldly, clearly unimpressed by Zhang Tao's "safe" explanation, but he didn't press the matter further.
Zhang Tao is a local strongman, familiar with the situation in Henan, and has some troops under his command, so he can still be of use for the time being.
At this moment, a young general sitting on the right spoke up with a smile. He was Gao Min. Although his official rank was only general, he had a fair complexion, lively eyes, and a slick temperament that was different from that of ordinary military officers.
He was the brother-in-law of the current prime minister, Feng Liang, a relationship that gave him a certain special confidence in the Dafeng army.
"General, please calm down. What Governor Zhang said is a wise and prudent opinion."
Gao Min first flattered Zhang Tao, then changed the subject, "However, I can also deeply understand the General's frustrations."
"If we station our troops here and achieve nothing, it will be difficult to explain to His Majesty. A direct assault is not advisable, but... perhaps we can outsmart him?"
"Outsmart? How do you mean outsmart?" Niu Dejin glanced at Gao Min.
He didn't think much of this young man who had risen to his position through his brother-in-law's connections, but he was feeling down at the moment, so listening to him wouldn't hurt.
A hint of smugness flashed in Gao Min's eyes as he lowered his voice and said, "These past few days, I have carefully surveyed the terrain and discovered that about thirty miles south of Lantian Pass, there is a steep mountain range called 'Eagle's Sorrow Gorge'."
"It is said that there are narrow paths trodden out by herb gatherers and hunters, which are barely passable and lead directly to the back of the pass."
"However, the road is extremely treacherous, making it difficult for a large army to traverse. But if we select several hundred brave and courageous men, lightly armed and with minimal supplies, to climb over under cover of night and infiltrate behind the pass..."
He paused, observing Niu Dejin's expression, and seeing that he showed interest, he continued:
"...either they burned down their grain and fodder storage sites, or they raided their rear villages and towns, creating chaos."
"If Xiao Cheyun's rear is on fire, he will inevitably panic and divide his troops. At that time, if the general makes a big show of force in front of the pass and sets up a full-scale attack, Xiao Cheyun will be unable to attend to both ends, and Lantian Pass will surely reveal its weakness!"
"Even if we can't break through the pass in one fell swoop, we can greatly shake their morale and perhaps force them to come out of the pass for open battle! At that time, with the general's bravery, defeating them will be as easy as turning one's hand!"
As Niu Dejin listened, his eyes gradually brightened.
He has always favored offense and disliked passive confrontation, so Gao Min's idea of "using surprise tactics and cutting off the enemy's retreat" was very much to his liking.
As for risks... what war doesn't involve risks?
“Eagle Sorrow Gorge…is there really a path leading there?” Niu Dejin stroked the stiff beard on his chin.
“Absolutely true! I have already secretly consulted with local elders who are familiar with the mountain conditions.”
Gao Min patted his chest and assured him that he had only heard his subordinates mention it briefly and had not conducted a detailed on-site investigation. However, in order to facilitate the matter, he naturally spoke with certainty.
Zhang Tao frowned deeply upon hearing this and couldn't help but speak again: "General, this plan is far too risky!"
"The treacherous terrain of Eagle's Sorrow Gorge lives up to its reputation. Even if there is a path, it must be rugged and difficult to traverse. A group of hundreds of people would be a large and easily detected."
"Xiao Cheyun's military tactics are meticulous; how could the mountains behind the pass be completely unprepared? If they fall into an ambush, these hundreds of elite troops could be..."
“Governor Zhang!” Niu Dejin interrupted him impatiently, his tone forceful. “In the art of war, how can one only seek stability? Back then, when the Emperor led us brothers, which battle wasn’t won by risking everything?”
"Without courage, how could we have the Great Feng Empire we have today? General Gao's plan, though risky, is the key to breaking the deadlock! I think it's feasible!"
He set the tone directly, giving Zhang Tao no chance to object, and looked at Gao Min: "Gao Min, since you've come up with this idea, are you willing to lead the team yourself?"
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