GBP Chapter 94 A Grand Strategy
Chapter 94 A Grand Strategy
Inside the military camp, soldiers moved about in an orderly fashion.
Not far away, several soldiers gripped their spears tightly in the frost, and the entire camp was solemn.
Li Jingqing leaped off his warhorse and strode towards Li Mao. "Your Highness, the scout team has just returned, bringing detailed intelligence on the enemy's movements."
"What did they say?" Li Mao turned around and stared sharply at Li Jingqing.
"The suspicious trail ahead consists of several enemy squads; they seem to be scouting our position." Li Jingqing unfolded the intelligence report and handed it to Li Mao.
Li Mao took the intelligence and said softly, "It seems the enemy is not entirely unprepared. Jing Qing, we must try our best to maintain control of this operation."
"I suggest that we deploy the garrison as originally planned, and at the same time set up an ambush to wait for the enemy to approach," Li Jingqing analyzed.
Li Mao pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement, "Have elite soldiers concealed and deployed on the high ground, making sure the enemy doesn't detect any of our movements."
Just then, Li Mao noticed a commotion coming from the camp in the distance. A sentry was running over in a hurry, looking somewhat anxious.
"Your Highness, there is another problem in the camp."
"What's the problem?" Li Mao asked calmly.
“Last night, soldiers spotted someone approaching and left some strange markings,” the sentry replied somewhat uneasily.
Li Mao frowned slightly: "Where is the mark?"
The sentry pointed to the path they had just come from. "It's in the southeast corner. Those markings look a bit like coded messages; perhaps it's some kind of intelligence transmission method."
Li Mao and Li Jingqing exchanged a glance, both feeling somewhat wary.
The fact that the enemy can act so boldly at such a time clearly indicates that they have a deeper purpose behind it.
"Jing Qing, immediately send people to investigate those markings and make sure they are understood. For now, do not publicize this matter to avoid causing unnecessary panic," Li Mao ordered.
"Yes, Your Highness. I'll make the arrangements right away." Li Jingqing immediately turned around to give instructions.
As time went on, the atmosphere in the camp became increasingly tense.
To prevent leaks, Li Mao and Li Jingqing decided to investigate the markings themselves.
As night fell, Li Mao and Li Jingqing walked together to the place where the marks were found, and, illuminated by torches, carefully examined the symbols carved on the rocks and tree trunks.
“These symbols seem to be trying to convey some kind of information, but they are arranged in a chaotic manner, and there is no useful information at all.” Li Jingqing stroked the symbols, his brows furrowed.
“I’ve seen similar markings before,” Li Mao pondered. “These were secret markers used by tribes outside the Great Wall to communicate using lines and nodes. We must first figure out their patterns to decipher their intentions.”
Two days later, with everyone's concerted efforts, the meaning of the symbol was finally deciphered.
It revealed a path leading to the enemy's main camp, a crucial passage for a surprise attack.
Inside the camp tent, Li Mao summoned several trusted generals to share this astonishing discovery.
“No wonder they keep probing our movements. This path leads directly to the enemy's position. If handled properly, it can turn defense into offense.” Li Mao spread the map on the table and pointed to the starting point of the path.
"Your Highness, we can use this discovery to flank the enemy and catch them off guard," Li Jingqing immediately suggested.
Inside the meeting room, all the generals carefully studied the roadmap and offered their suggestions.
Ultimately, they decided to split into two groups: one to lure the enemy into the open, while the other would launch a surprise attack through a newly discovered passage.
After several adjustments, the plan was finally finalized, and Li Mao gave a final pep talk to his troops. "Everyone, proceed according to the plan. Remember, never act rashly; strive for victory through stability."
"Please rest assured, Your Highness!" everyone replied in unison.
That night, they began their operation in earnest.
Under a sky full of stars, Li Mao stood on high ground, commanding the entire operation.
Li Jingqing and two other generals set off at night to reach the enemy's hidden entrance.
As time went by, the two sides finally clashed in close combat.
During the fierce battle, Li Jingqing's raiding force suddenly attacked from the rear of the enemy lines, successfully disrupting the enemy's formation.
The main battlefield was able to launch an attack, and the entire situation was quickly reversed.
"There are those in the enemy formation who have fallen into the trap; there are weaknesses in their formation! Charge forward with the entire army and strive to win this decisive battle!" Li Mao swiftly gave the order.
After receiving the order, the army advanced in one fell swoop.
As news of victory reached the camp, the soldiers' morale soared.
Even though he won the first battle, Li Mao did not let his guard down. Instead, he quickly issued a guard order to the army.
He knew that the battle was far from over, and the enemy was likely to leave behind a backup plan or hide an ambush when they retreated.
Li Jingqing entered the tent and met Li Mao, passing on the news he had brought back from the battlefield to Li Mao.
"Your Highness, the scouts have just sent word that the remnants of the enemy have not fled far. They have regrouped on the other side of the canyon and seem to be planning something more."
Upon hearing this, Li Mao's brows furrowed slightly.
He turned to Li Jingqing and said, "It seems the enemy still has a backup plan; we must be on guard."
Li Jingqing nodded. "Should we send another small team to find out what new moves the enemy has made?"
After deep thought, Li Mao said, "It would be better to hold back for now, find out the enemy's hostility, and then act accordingly."
Seeing Li Mao's solemn expression, Li Jingqing also realized the seriousness of the situation.
After pondering for a while, Li Jingqing asked hesitantly, "Your Highness, should we now seek more reinforcements from Chang'an?"
After a moment's thought, Li Mao said firmly, "Let's hold back for now and wait for the scouts to bring back more intelligence before making a decision. We must not act rashly."
Inside the tent, Li Mao gazed at the map, his finger lightly tapping on suspicious spots in the enemy formation.
He knew that the enemy's regrouping on the other side of the canyon was not a casual matter, and he had to deal with it very carefully.
His mind raced through various possibilities, and unease gradually settled in his heart.
“Jingqing, we already know that the enemy is still active over there, so we must not launch a hasty attack.” Li Mao said firmly, “If we act rashly, we may fall into a new trap they have set.”
Li Jingqing nodded slowly after listening, agreeing with Li Mao's analysis. "What Your Highness says makes perfect sense. The enemy's actions here are clearly intentional, and those markings may just be a cover for their true purpose."
“Yes, so we must continue to observe until we are fully aware of the enemy’s next move,” Li Mao said confidently. “But at the same time, we must also be prepared to guard against a surprise attack in case of any unforeseen circumstances.”
As dusk fell, Li Mao entrusted Li Jingqing with the specific locations for reinforcing the defensive line, ensuring that no matter how the enemy moved, they would remain steadfast in their defense.
"All guards must be on high alert and report any unusual activity immediately," Li Mao concluded.
As night deepened, Li Mao returned to his tent. Feeling slightly tired, he leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes to rest.