Chapter 4 Pre-War Preparations

  After the meeting in the palace, Prince Ran called on Chancellor Zhang Ping and General Pu Ying to meet King Han together. In fact, even if Prince Ran did not go to see King Han, King Han would have declared that Prince Ran had come to pay his respects. After all, King Han was already advanced in years and was very concerned about his only successor.

  Just now in the great hall, Prince Ye's words have moved King Hán of Korea, making him look at him with new eyes. But military affairs are a nation's most important matter, a place of life and death, a path of survival or destruction, and cannot be taken lightly. As Prince Ye has never been involved in military matters before, this time he is taking a great risk by involving himself personally, which is not wise.

  King Han had just agreed to the Crown Prince, but it was also a helpless move. Fortunately, the Crown Prince had made a brilliant performance, and he must support him to establish his prestige. However, King Han did not think that the mere 40,000-strong army could defeat the 150,000-strong joint forces of Zhao and Wei.

  Seeking help from the Qin State is what needs to be done at present, and it's not possible to just rely on the Crown Prince's boastful words and put all bets on him. The King of Han thought to himself, "At worst, let Pao Chuan be cautious in everything, as long as he can harass the enemy army and hold out until the Qin army arrives, that will be a great achievement."

  "Your Majesty, there were some things that weren't convenient to say earlier in the imperial court. Now that the Prime Minister and General are here, I'll outline a general plan. I hope Your Majesty, the Prime Minister, and General will cooperate fully." The Crown Prince said with a serious expression.

  "This time to save Huayang from danger, the key is to catch them off guard. To paralyze Zhao and Wei, I have an unreasonable request, Your Majesty can send someone to spread the news in the city that you heard that the great army of Zhao and Wei invaded the border, and were so shocked that they fainted in the palace, and the ministers quarreled endlessly. In this way, Zhao and Wei will surely think that Your Majesty is timid, and the monarch and ministers are frightened to death." After finishing speaking, the crown prince knelt down.

  Upon hearing this, Zhang Ping and Bao Yan's faces changed. Such a suggestion that would damage the king's reputation was actually spoken so lightly by Prince Ran. The two thought to themselves that if King Han were to get angry later, they would definitely go all out to make excuses for Prince Ran, while observing King Han's expression.

  Who would have thought that King Han had no intention of blaming him, saying "I agree, Crown Prince, get up quickly."

  The king of Korea did not blame himself, and the crown prince stood up excitedly to continue explaining his plan.

  "At the same time, several messengers were sent to Qin State for help, and letters were sent to the surrounding counties to gather soldiers and prepare for the king's rescue. From tonight, a curfew will be implemented in the capital city, and from tomorrow, all city gates will be closed except for the north gate which is reserved for military communication and the entry and exit of firewood and water. In this way, the spies from Zhao and Wei will report back to the allied army, who will think that our Han State is timid and take it lightly."

  Prime Minister Zhang Ping repeatedly called out the wonderful strategy. Even if it were the first person in the Korean military, Bao Zong, he would have to admit that if he were the commander-in-chief of the allied forces, he would also be confused by a series of moves made by Korea. After all, Korea is weak and small, with few soldiers and generals, and other countries will not expect Korea to dare to attack the strong military of a country four times its own size with only a few tens of thousands of weak troops.

  Since all three of them agreed with their own views, the crown prince continued: "Of course, if our army wants to leave the city, it will definitely be known by the allied forces. It's better to leave the city openly and honestly. Therefore, my suggestion is that tomorrow we gather 40,000 troops and march out of the north gate with flags and drums, making a long queue, marching slowly, covering only twenty miles a day, pretending to be afraid to meet the enemy, confusing the Zhao and Wei allied forces. At the same time, as soon as the army leaves the city, immediately close the city gate and gather the militia to defend the city."

  "When the sun sets and we set up camp, we will conduct a thorough inspection and send out scouts to deceive the enemy into thinking that our army is weak. Our army is being so cautious that Zhao and Wei will surely think that our rescue of Huayang was an unavoidable matter. The next day, we can march for only fifteen miles before setting up camp again. Zhao and Wei will not take our army seriously, and if we launch a surprise attack at midnight, we will certainly achieve a great victory."

  Moreover, Zhao and Wei have long been afraid of Qin. If we attack at midnight, our army can wear black clothes and armor to blend in with the Qin army. Zhao and Wei will definitely be greatly shocked, and great things can be accomplished. The crisis of Huayang will surely be resolved." The crown prince nodded confidently and clenched his fist.

  After listening to Taizi Ran's speech, King Han and Zhang Ping, Bao Yan's faces were excited. This plan is wonderful! The entire plan has grasped the human heart to the extreme, all factors have been taken into consideration, even if I am the commander-in-chief of Zhao and Wei coalition forces, I will also fall for it! If this plan succeeds, defeating the enemy is secondary, the key is that it will greatly boost Korea's prestige and dispel many countries' covetousness. The only shortcoming is that the number of reinforcements is too small, and there is no contact with the Huayang garrison, otherwise it would be a complete victory.

  Even if there are some risks, this risk is also worth taking. Winning a war and gaining several years of peace is a bargain no matter how you calculate it. However, King Hwan's heart still had some misgivings, and he said hesitantly, "Crown Prince, war is cruel and dangerous. Since the plan has been so detailed, I think you don't need to personally lead the army into battle. Can't this task be entrusted to General Baou instead?"

  "Yes! Your Highness's status is noble, and if there's any mistake, Korea can't afford it." Chancellor Zhang Ping also spoke out to advise. Without a doubt, the previous conversation made Zhang Ping see the wise and intelligent side of Crown Prince Yan. One day, Crown Prince Yan will definitely be a wise ruler. The monarch and his ministers will work together to establish a foundation for generations to come, even if they can't surpass the achievements of Zhou Wen Wang and Jiang Ziya, they must exceed those of Qi Huan Gong and Guan Zhong.

  "The king and the prime minister," Crown Prince Yan looked at them with a concerned gaze, saying: "This war will determine the survival environment of our country for the next few years to some extent. Now, wolves are circling around us, everyone regards our country as a piece of fat meat. I just want to let them know that Korea is not that piece of fat meat. We are hard bones, if they want to eat us, they have to see if their teeth are hard enough!" Crown Prince Yan's words were sonorous and stirring.

  "The plan was what I came up with, but plans can't keep up with changes. As a military man, I'm used to adapting to changing circumstances. Please forgive me, Your Majesty and Prime Minister."

  "I, General, will protect the young master with my life. Please rest assured, Your Majesty, as long as I still have a breath left in me, no one will be allowed to harm a single hair on the young master's head. Even if I were to die, I would ensure that someone would escort the young master back safely." Baoluo suddenly knelt down and said solemnly.

  "General Bu, quickly get up", Crown Prince Yan reluctantly pulled up Bu Ying under the hint of King Han.

  "This battle is a must-win for Korea, General Baek does not need to say die. I followed the army out of the expedition, no more than to boost morale and prevent trouble. After all, our military strength is less than half that of Wei's, and increasing one's chances of winning is also a good thing."

  "The Crown Prince, General Bao," said the King of Han with a serious face, "regardless of whether we win or lose this battle, you two must return safely. As long as you are here, we will have the opportunity to rise again and turn defeat into victory!"

  "Yes, Your Majesty." Crown Prince Yeon and Bul Gae also felt a surge of emotion upon hearing this. If they could always be of one mind as ruler and subject, then even if Korea was currently suffering defeat after defeat, there would surely come a time when it would rise up and dominate the central plains!

  However, for the sake of secrecy, tomorrow when you set out on your expedition, I, the widowed king, will not be able to see you off. However, I will definitely pray for blessings in the ancestral temple, and when you return victorious, I will lead all the officials to welcome you outside the city! King Han guaranteed with utmost sincerity.

  Xinzheng, West City.

  Since the swift horse rushed into the palace, the bell of the palace rang urgently, and the whole Xinzheng City fell into an unprecedented panic.

  According to Korean law, in non-emergency situations, messengers conveying military information are not allowed to gallop on horseback on the main streets, otherwise they will be flogged 50 times and become slaves. The palace bell also does not ring unless there is a national crisis. These two points undoubtedly reveal to the people that the country is facing great trouble. And what the people see next is countless high-ranking officials rushing to the palace in horse-drawn carriages, looking flustered.

  At noon, the news finally came out. Zhao and Wei's 150,000-strong army besieged Huayang! The King of Han was furious and vomited blood, fainting! Batch after batch of envoys rushed to Qin to ask for help! Xinye was put on high alert, and the city gate would be closed tomorrow! A curfew would start tonight, and 40,000 troops would set out tomorrow to rescue Huayang!

  In the Western City Garrison, Taizi Ran Zheng and Bao Yuan stood on the high platform, looking at the assembled soldiers below. The thousand-man commanders were shouting orders to the hundred-man officers, who in turn shouted orders to the fifty-man officers and ten-man officers, directing their subordinates to form up in ranks. The shouts of command, the curses, and the voices rose and fell without cease, punctuated by the occasional questioning voice from among the soldiers, creating a cacophony that was like a marketplace.

  "The quality of the soldiers is like this, this battle is worrying!" The prince sighed and heard the sigh, Bao Ying's face also turned red. After all, it was his own soldiers who were not doing well, and if he said so, it would be himself who was remiss in training them. When they returned from the great war, he would definitely train these soldiers well, Bao Ying secretly planned in his heart.

  "General, where is that soldier from?"

  The Crown Prince's words interrupted the violent thoughts of the hawk. Following the direction of the Crown Prince's pointing hand, there was a square array standing in an orderly manner, each person with their head held high and chest out, silent and motionless. Compared to the surrounding messy and disorganized arrays that had not yet assembled, they were like cranes standing among chickens, extremely eye-catching.

  "Report back to the young master, that is our Korea's elite - a martial artist!" Bao Yan replied with a proud face.

  "Is this the Cheonsa?! The former crown prince, who didn't care much about military affairs, also knew that the Cheonsa was Korea's most elite unit. During the Warring States period, each country had its own elite unit, selected from among the soldiers through layers of selection, with preferential treatment. Such as Qin's sharp soldiers, Zhao's Hu knife, Qi's technical strike, Wei's Wu soldier, and Chu's select training."

  "General, how many more armies like this do we have?" The crown prince asked with a look of excitement. If there were enough such armies throughout the country, not only would the rescue of Huayang be more assured, but also his own military reforms would progress faster.

  "But just a mere ten thousand." Baoyan's face showed a hint of embarrassment.

  Seeing the prince's puzzled face, he explained: "Sir, since Shang Yang's reform, there were originally 100,000 talented scholars. Why did we lose almost all of them in just half a year when Wei State attacked our country in the 28th year of King Xiang? If we hadn't consumed Wei State's military strength, how could Qi State have defeated Wei State so easily in the Battle of Maling?"

  As for the Wei state, Bao Yi was also furious. In those years when the Wu general was rampant in the world, only the Qin state's elite soldiers could fight with him. The Qi state simply sat on the mountain and watched the tiger fight, waiting until Han and Wei were almost exhausted before lending a hand, and destroying the Wu general in one battle.

  Pitifully, after 15 years of reform, the 100,000 elite soldiers trained with great difficulty were no match for the Wei Wu troops and were defeated in half a year. This also led to the subsequent Korean monarchs underestimating the elite soldiers and not paying much attention to their development, maintaining a number of around 20,000, neither increasing nor decreasing, with half of the elite soldiers being assigned to the nearly isolated Shangdang County.

  "General, do not worry. The wheel of fortune turns, believe me, in this battle, our brave soldiers will surely make a name for themselves that will shake the heavens." Even if Korea's elite troops are not as good as their reputation suggests, after this one battle, they will be renowned throughout the land.

  As the formation on the platform was completed, there was no more noise. The prince stood at the front of the platform with a sense of dignity and looked out at the dense soldiers below, feeling a surge of excitement that people who had never experienced going to war could hardly understand.

  Underneath, are my soldiers, the soldiers of Great Korea. No matter if they are poor or rough, when the country is in danger, only they will stand up and fight for their loved ones and homes behind them!

  "Soldiers, I am Han Ran." The sentence caused a stir in the audience. What? He is Han Ran? The Crown Prince? The future ruler?

  Due to the large number of people, Crown Prince Yeong made a simple loudspeaker and had someone relay his voice every hundred steps. After everyone digested this fact, Crown Prince Yeong continued: "Yes, you don't have to be surprised. I am Yeong. However, today, I'm not standing here as the crown prince, but as a Korean national, as your fellow citizen."

  "I suppose you've all heard the news that Zhao and Wei's 150,000-strong army has surrounded Huayang. Now I can tell you, this news is true! And I have to tell you, we will send troops to rescue Huayang. General Bao and I are your commanders!"

  It was another stone that stirred up a thousand waves. First, the crown prince suddenly appeared on the reviewing platform, followed by 1.5 million troops breaking through Huayang. The crown prince led the army to conquer. Each piece of news shocked the soldiers extremely, so all the soldiers under the platform were whispering and discussing. Fortunately, the Bochang and Zhongchang still knew military discipline and maintained order.

  Looking at the soldiers below, a sense of helplessness surged up in Bao Ying's heart. According to Bao Ying's intention, it was already unlikely that an army of 40,000 could defeat an enemy of 150,000, so before the battle, it was not advisable to let the soldiers know about the situation between the two sides. Otherwise, they would be intimidated before the war and even have a mutiny. Alas, the crown prince insisted on his own way, and Bao Ying had no choice but to follow.

  "The enemy is approaching with great momentum and has already surrounded Huaiyang City. What does this mean? I'll tell you, it means the enemy will arrive at dawn or dusk!"

  Looking at the soldiers discussing below the stage, the young master was still not satisfied with the chaos and added more fuel to the fire.

  Under the gaze of Bo You's sharp eyes, like a knife and sword, the soldiers below finally calmed down. The prince was able to continue his "pre-war speech".

  "What are they here for? They're not here to sightsee, but to invade us! What is invasion? It's killing our families and humiliating our wives. Tell me, soldiers of Korea, as a Korean, can you retreat? Can you sit back and watch your home be destroyed, your people be annihilated?"

  "No!" was the unanimous response from below the stage.

  "Alright! I won't either. So we can't retreat, we can only fight!"

  "Fight! Fight! Fight!" The audience erupted into a frenzy of cheers.

  "Well said! But I must tell everyone, we are facing an extremely severe test, even a prolonged struggle and hardship. As the crown prince, all I can contribute is my blood, toil, tears, and sweat. All I can guarantee is that no matter how great the difficulties ahead, I will face them together with everyone! If we fight until the last man, if the last man is me, then I will fall on the road of charge, never surrender!"

  The soldiers under him were stunned. In this era of strict social hierarchy, the prince actually said he would live and die with these muddy-legged commoners!

  "Let me tell everyone what our goal is. I can answer with one word: victory! Take the victory at all costs! No matter how difficult, no matter how great the sacrifice, we must take the victory! Because without victory, there can be no survival!"

  "Let me tell everyone, what our method is. That is to fight on the ground, in chariots, on horseback. With all our might, with all the strength given by heaven, we will fight against the cruel and evil enemy until death. This is our method!"

  "Soldiers, though Korea is vast, we have no route for retreat! Behind us are our families and homes! Tell me, soldiers, will you fight with me to drive out the curs of Zhao and Wei from our Korea?"

  "Agreed! Agreed! Agreed!" The soldiers below were thoroughly stirred up, it turned out that the prince could also speak foul language. Although the sentence "son of a bitch" was not very elegant and even made the ministers around the prince blush for a moment, but it instantly narrowed the distance between the prince and the soldiers.

  "Tell me, will you choose to yield weakly under the enemy's sword, or fall on the road of charging forward? For survival, for your family, for the fields behind you, do you dare to fight?"

  "War! War! War!" The response to the Crown Prince was a resounding declaration of war that shook the heavens!

  "Alright! Soldiers, follow me, let's drive out those scoundrels Zhao and Wei from our land! Korea, we must win!"

  "We must win! We must win!"