At night, Su Li studied a marching map independently inside the military camp. For this expedition, Li Er granted Su Li, the commander-in-chief, complete autonomy. Even the march route could be decided by him. This surprised Li Daozong and Su Dingfang, considering that in the past, generals had no authority to choose their march route within the Tang Dynasty. The emperor aid to control the army tightly. The designated route was usually the most cost-effective and ensured prepared supplies.
Additionally, concerns about rebellion were also a factor. However, Li Ers trust in Su Li was unprecedented, evident from his order to do it cheaply. Li Daozong and Su Dingfang couldnt believe this level of trust, as even favored sons-in-law wouldnt receive such treatnt. This directive, while an honor, was seen as impractical. If followed, it would take Su Lis troops far and wide, causing Li Er to be furious.
Despite assumptions, Su Li wasnt planning to stick to the original March plan. After five days of marching, their army had reached Niushu Mountain at the Hezhou-Linyao border. The next plan was to head west to Song Zhou, then south into the Shu region for a smoother journey. However, Su Li had other ideas and didnt intend to adhere to the route prescribed by Li Er.
Li Ers so-called friendly suggestion for the march was simplistic. The route, timing, and supply arrangents were all laid out straightforwardly. Even the timing for arriving on the battlefield was specified. It was almost as if they had planned everything for us. Then what was the purpose of him, the commander-in-chief? While it was true that generals in the Tang Dynasty typically followed a similar approach when leading their troops, Su Li was still annoyed. Therefore, when Li Er told him to do things cheaply, Su Li certainly wouldnt let that authority go to waste.
Su Lis plan was straightforward. He intended to swiftly march to the battlefield, then directly into the plateau after overcoming altitude sickness, which most people could adapt to over ti. Once altitude sickness was managed, he planned to initiate a full-scale offensive. The best plan, he believed, was no plan at all. With his combat prowess, he could manage a reckless approach.
After examining the map, Su Li sent for Li Daozong to discuss potential changes to the marching plan. Su Li could disregard Li Ers superficial advice since Li Er couldnt do much for him. However, he needed to discuss it with Li Daozong, his deputy commander, and soone deeply resentful of the Tubo people. Su Li didnt want to appear stubborn and arbitrary but to consult and gain approval from Li Daozong, who was also Li Xueyans father.
To Su Lis surprise, Li Daozong didnt object. He kindly reminded Su Li that although their 50,000 elite soldiers were strong, a hasty march would exhaust them, and the Tubo outnumbered them, waiting for an opportunity. Su Li was undeterred, believing that even with 200,000 soldiers, treating work with ease was aningless.
The main reason for the hasty march with 50,000 soldiers was to clear the battlefield after a battle. Tang Dynastys military system required soldiers to pay for their equipnt, aside from so standardized items. It would be unacceptable if they didnt even have the energy to clean the battlefield. While governnt soldiers had less restraint when going to war, they still had to pay for their horses and weapons. In this context, Su Li believed the constraints on governnt soldiers werent high when going on an expedition.
Especially in battles against foreign tribes, engaging in acts like burning, killing, and looting was quite common. Cleaning the battlefield was a survival skill that every governnt soldier must learn before mastering the art of combat. After all, when going out to fight, you might not recover the money you had invested if you lacked this basic skill. If fighting beca a losing venture, who would engage in it? Su Lis standards for his subordinates were quite low due to these reasons.
The only issue was that he was a one-man army, and only he knew it. Even Li Daozong, who knew of Su Lis extraordinary strength, would find it hard to believe that one person alone could break enemy lines. Despite Li Daozongs close relationship with Su Li, he still advised him cautiously. Deputy Commanders concerns are understandable. Dont worry. Ill consider notifying the entire army through my military orders.
Li Daozong was a bit bewildered. After marching for so long, this was the first ti Su Li had co to him to discuss sothing. But as soon as he entered the room, Su Li inford him that they needed to march urgently and engage directly with Tubos main force. Then, Su Li wanted to communicate this strategic decision to the entire army.
Li Daozong was perplexed. He felt like he had been deceived. Who told him that Su Lis military strategy was not inferior to Li Jings? How could he believe sothing thats unreliable? Or, what was Su Lis source of confidence?
After hesitating montarily, Li Daozong again attempted to persuade Su Li, Commander, please reconsider
Su Li chuckled lightly and said, My lord, Im well aware. I know what youre worried about. Rest assured, I will prove it to you!
In the eyes of others, Su Li may appear overconfident, but he intended to show them that with a certain level of strength, complex problems could be simplified.
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