In the barracks, Su Li was revered by the people. It wasnt just the officers who witnessed this scene. During breakfast preparation, they were in the military camp, and countless individuals saw what happened.
Soon, news of Su Lis unparalleled bravery, surpassing even Xiang Yu, spread throughout the camp. Yesterday, they had been concerned about Su Lis military order, fearing for their lives under such a commander.
Now, they were energized like never before. The officers, in particular, were overjoyed. In warfare, these middle-ranking officers, often at the forefront, were most likely to gain recognition. However, their achievents had always been earned through genuine effort and danger.
Now, following Su Li, their role in charging into the fray seed unnecessary. With Su Li taking the lead, the pressure on them instantly lightened. More importantly, Su Li clarified that their main task was battlefield cleanup.
Suddenly, they transford from front-line officers into logistics supportgaining recognition and making money at the sa ti. What could be better?
People opposed to swift marching were now eager to try it out. Everyone was eager to move forward at the fastest pace.
The Tubo military camp is in a valley not far from Song Zhou City.
Songtsan Gampo paced back and forth in his tent. As ti passed, more and more information arrived from Changan. He keenly sensed that the Tang Dynastys response this ti was off.
While Songtsan Gampo was young and reckless, he wasnt foolish. Becoming a Zanpu of Tubo at the age of twelve and personally handling matters, he might lack stability in character, but as a king, he possessed other solid qualities.
Especially during these past dozen years, he had been at war. Songtsan Gampo had an inexplicable intuition about his opponents on the battlefield. For instance, he found the Tang Dynastys actions quite perplexing this ti.
Li Er also beca emperor imdiately and fought in nurous battles. Even if he hadnt realized Tubos strength, their consistent victories now spoke for itself.
With an army of 200,000 troops stationed under Song Zhou City for months, the truth could not be concealed.
What did Li Er do?
He sent a re 50,000 elite soldiers, and an unknown marquis led them. At least in the military realm, Songtsan Gampo had never heard of any significant achievents from the opposing side.
Both Songtsan Gampo and Lu Dongzan were initially concerned about whether Su Li had any noteworthy talents. Otherwise, with so many famous generals in Changan City, why would they choose him to lead the expedition, and why did Li Daozong only assign him as a subordinate?
At first, they suspected Li Daozong was the true commander-in-chief of the army. However, the events that followed left them puzzled.
According to Tubos envoys, initially, Li Er invited Su Li to a banquet and imdiately appointed him as the commander-in-chief for the expedition. However, choosing his deputy general proved challenging for Li Er.
Because those old generals werent interested, later, Li Daozong volunteered, and Li Er reluctantly agreed.
Su Lis other deputy general was his elder brother, Su Dingfang. So, Li Daozongs role as vice general seed reluctantly accepted. Subsequent developnts proved their suspicions correct.
Songtsan Gampo looked at a note in his hand, his brow slightly furrowed.
Go, summon Father Xiang!
Not long after, Lu Dongzan entered.
Songtsan Gampo handed him the note.
Swift marching? Even the usually composed Lu Dongzan couldnt help but smile upon seeing the note.
Songtsan Gampo pinched his forehead and said, It seems that Su Li is indeed, as we initially suspected, utterly clueless about military matters.
Lu Dongzan nodded slowly.
He had considered the best and worst scenarios. But even in the best scenario, Lu Dongzan couldnt understand that Li Er had entrusted such a crucial task to Su Li.
During this ti, he contemplated why Li Er sent Su Li over. Could it be as simple as letting him earn so military achievents? Lu Dongzan found it hard to believe. However, this situation had unfolded so tangibly.
At this point, the plan to annex the Chuan Shu region couldnt help but resurface in Lu Dongzans mind.
Were the Tang people so conceited that they sent soone who knew nothing about warfare to lead their troops?
Did they think the Tubo held the Tang Dynasty in high regard?
As the so-called barbarians in their eyes, did the Tubo people do anything besides raid, burn, and pillage?
It was only because of Songtsan Gampo and his restraint that they were showing patience.
As long as we leave all fifty thousand troops in Song Zhou capturing Su Li as a prisoner might yield so unexpected benefits in exchange with the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty
Lu Dongzans mind was spinning rapidly. He calculated for a while and suddenly said, Undoubtedly, Zanpu, this wave of advantage is mine!
Lu Dongzan believed that even though the battle hadnt started yet, Tubo was already guaranteed to win. The Tang army lacked strength, with a re 50,000 troops, and they were already having difficulties due to Su Lis interference.
Given this contrast, what combat capability could the Tang forces even possess? However, Songtsan Gampo was acting contrary to his character.
Since his last lengthy conversation with Lu Dongzan, Songtsan Gampo had truly gained a sense of enlightennt. At this mont, he realized the differences between himself and Li Er.
He mobilized 200,000 soldiers for this campaign, nearly all of Tubos military strength. If he were to lose, it would likely result in Tubos downfall, and even the newly established dynasty might collapse entirely, which was quite plausible.
But if Li Er were to lose, it would at most an losing a city and the 50,000 Tang soldiers who survived.
Songtsan Gampo wasnt foolish. How could he not understand this?
Ludongzan looked at Songtsan Gampo and sighed, Its a once-in-a-millennium opportunity Believe , Your Majesty, you wont encounter another chance in your lifeti to deal such a heavy blow to the Tang Dynasty.
After contemplating for a while, Songtsan Gampo finally made up his mind.
Father Xiang, I have already ford good relationships with the Tiele tribes and other clans. We must watch out for each other. This ti, I will lead 50,000 troops back to the plateau first to see if we can contact the rest of the tribes.
When Ludongzan heard this, his eyes lit up.
Because what Songtsen Gampo ant was that he would be the commander of this battle. With 150,000 troops at his disposal, defeating a Tang army led by a commander-in-chief who knew nothing about tactics would be a piece of cake.
Ludongzan was already envisioning the future, boasting of his accomplishnts and adding another entry to his list of achievents.
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