Chapter 9 Military Aides-de-camp

  In the 19th year of Xian De, August, Nan Chu and Da Yong formed an alliance. The King of Qi replaced Emperor Yong with the national master, making a blood oath to form an alliance. De Qin Wang Zhao Ke was appointed as the Grand Commander-in-Chief, leading the expedition. Before departing, Zhao Ke ordered Jiang Zhe to serve as the military staff officer, participating in military strategy discussions. At that time, the national master was worried about De Qin Wang's power being too great and ordered eunuch Wang Hai to supervise the army.

  The Book of Southern Chu · Biography of Jiang Suiyun

  Damn Zhao Jue, really made me join the army. I originally wanted to ask for help, but now Zhao Jue is a great commander-in-chief, so I had no choice but to hand over my work at the Hanlin Academy with tears in my eyes and go to war in Shu. However, what comforts me is that Xiao Shunzi also set out with the army. Before departure, the emperor appointed Wang Hai, the manager of the Imperial Guard, as a supervisor. Although using eunuchs as supervisors is an internal problem that leads to defeat, thinking that Xiao Shunzi came with Wang Hai makes me thank heaven for its protection. With Xiao Shunzi's protection, I shouldn't encounter too much danger. Still, it's best to find a few more bodyguards. I plan to talk to Xiao Shunzi and when I choose some candidates, have him identify their martial arts skills, so I won't end up with a group of useless people.

  This time, the expedition to Shu Kingdom was divided into two routes. One route took the waterway, led by Marquis Zhenyuan Lu Xin with 10,000 naval soldiers, departing from Baidi and sailing upstream. The other route was led by Grand Marshal Deqin Wang Zhao with 50,000 troops, marching towards Bazhou by land. They agreed to meet at Luocheng. As a staff member under the command of Grand Marshal Deqin, I naturally had to follow the army's movements. However, I still harbored resentment and hid in the carriage of Supervisor Wang Hai during the march. Wang Hai was related to Wang Guanshi from the Imperial Library, so he treated me relatively well. Along the way, he occasionally mentioned that since Wang Guanshi took the medicine I gave him, his body had greatly improved. I naturally agreed to help him prepare a few more medicines of the same kind. Xiao Shunzi was attentively serving us two, and Wang Hai looked at Xiao Shunzi with satisfaction, saying: "This little guy is the slave that the former Prime Minister rescued, right? Xiao Shunzi has many good qualities - he's diligent, eloquent, and can read and write. However, there's one thing not so good about him - he's not ambitious at all. Other slaves would fight tooth and nail for a good position and try to get close to the ruler, but this little guy is willing to give up that good position and follow us to suffer in the army."

  I couldn't help but glance at Xiao Shunzi, feeling a bit guilty. This kid was thinking of me all along. Xiao Shunzi cleverly said: "Master, what are you talking about? Master and Wang Laogong are relatives, and every time we meet, they always reward us with gifts. This time, Master has been recognized by the emperor and appointed as a supervisor, once we win and return to the capital, it will be a great achievement. I'll also benefit from following Master, otherwise, how can people say that wealth and honor are sought in danger?" Wang Hai laughed so hard his eyes were almost closed. The three of us were chatting happily when a messenger suddenly ran up to our carriage and shouted: "Lord Jiang, the king has summoned you for a meeting." I had no choice but to get off the carriage and take the reins from one of Wang Hai's imperial guards. With a clatter, I rode forward, my horse riding skills not being too great, still rough from the few days of hasty practice. Finally arriving at Zhao Jue's side where he was waiting for me on horseback, I bowed and greeted: "Your Majesty, your subordinate has arrived as ordered."

  Zhao Ke looked at my disheveled appearance and laughed: "General Jiang, you'd better learn to ride a horse properly, otherwise it'll be hard for you to follow the army."

  I was about to grit my teeth, but I had no choice. As the saying goes, "when under another's roof, one must bow one's head." So I could only respectfully say: "Your subordinate obeys your orders. If there is anything you want me to do, please instruct me, Your Highness."

  Zhao Jue urged his horse to move forward slowly, indicating for me to follow him. I busied myself in urging my own mount on. The two of us rode side by side for a moment before Zhao Jue spoke up: "Is Lord Jiang still resentful towards me?" I forced a smile and replied: "Your subordinate dare not, your subordinate eats the salary of Southern Chu, how could he possibly decline the imperial appointment?" Zhao Jue sighed and said: "It's not that I'm making things difficult for you, Lord Jiang. This time when we attack Shu, we must obtain the greatest benefits while preserving our own strength. Marching and fighting are my responsibilities, I won't and dare not trouble you with them. However, after pacifying Shu, we will inevitably have to negotiate with Great Yong on how to divide the spoils of war. At that time, if there isn't someone like Lord Jiang who understands the strengths and weaknesses of our two nations and is wise and decisive, I fear we will suffer greatly. Therefore, I had no choice but to trouble you, Lord Jiang."

  I thought to myself, "But isn't this just a division of spoils after the robbers have succeeded? Won't they wait until they've won before letting me go?" As if seeing through my thoughts, Zhao Jue said, "Moreover, I think you're so talented, I'd like to hear your teachings every day. Now that the country is in danger, I hope General Jiang will put more thought into military affairs and make a contribution to the country." After hearing Zhao Jue's words, I carefully considered them and realized they made sense. Since I was already in the army, why not take this opportunity to learn more about military affairs? Thinking this, I bowed my head slightly, indicating that I accepted his opinion. Zhao Jue smiled faintly and urged his horse on with a whip. My mount seemed eager to gallop too, restlessly twisting its body, scaring me into swaying back and forth. Luckily, one of Zhao Jue's personal guards supported me from the side, and I thanked him with a red face, vowing to learn how to ride a horse properly.

  I put down the pen in my hand, rubbed my shoulders, and after settling in, I started dealing with these military affairs. Since talking to Zhao Jie, I began participating in handling military affairs, from stumbling at first to now being able to handle them with ease, it didn't take me too long. From how to set up camp, how to organize the troops, how to reward and punish, of course, the most important thing is document processing and intelligence gathering. These military affairs are not easier than my work in the Hanlin Academy.

  Among Zhao Jie's staff, Hei Shan Ru Shi Rong Yuan was the most trusted, often following Zhao Jie to participate in decision-making. As for these trivial military affairs, they were handled by other staff members. My joining reduced their workload, especially since I quickly became familiar with most of the document processing methods, relying on my strong memory and sharp judgment, I soon became one of the best, especially in intelligence analysis work.

  Originally, they just let me try, but it turned out that inferring and verifying from a few words was my strong point. I didn't need to take notes, no matter how trivial the intelligence was, as long as I read it once, I could understand the underlying logic. So later on, those staff members simply handed over the intelligence analysis work to me, and I would organize the documents for Zhao Jie to review.

  It wasn't until then that I truly became one of Zhao Jie's most trusted advisors, aside from Rong Yuan, I was already in a position of prominence.

  Look at the sky, it's already deep in the night, and I still have to rush tomorrow. I'll gather up the intelligence I've organized and prepare to send it to Mr. Rong. Feeling a bit thirsty, I casually pick up the teapot on the small table, but it's empty. I smile wryly and shake my head. At this moment, a faint cough comes from outside the tent, and then Xiao Shunzi walks in with a food box, saying lightly: "General Jiang, Wang Jianjun knows you're busy with military affairs, so he asked me to bring you a midnight snack, and also wants me to thank you for the medicine you gave him yesterday."

  As soon as I heard Xiao Shunzi's tone, I knew there was someone outside, so I smiled and said: "Please thank General Wang for me. In fact, the general is just used to being pampered and has been too tired lately, so he hasn't been resting well, which is why he doesn't feel well. My medicine is just to help the general rest a bit better and recover his energy." Xiao Shunzi put the things on the table and said: "Please, sir, eat while it's hot." I shook my head and said: "I'll send the documents over first, you go back and rest, we still have to march tomorrow." Xiao Shunzi handed me a small note and then bowed and withdrew.

  I opened the note, on which was written a line of elegant small characters: "It's inconvenient to come and go in the army, there are many powerful people around Zhao Ke, Rong Yuan seems to be jealous of the adults, today he spoke ill of Zhao Ke, saying that the adults have close ties with King Qi, fearing that they may collude, for safety reasons, try not to let the adults approach important military affairs, Zhao Ke is half-believing and half-doubting."

  I smiled faintly, such things are inevitable. I rose to prominence so suddenly, it's no wonder that Rong Yuan is wary of me. However, if he succeeds in slandering me, it doesn't matter, after all, I don't have any reason to be reused by the Duke of De. I walked out of the tent and had the soldiers who were waiting outside accompany me to Rong Yuan's tent where he was handling military affairs. I handed him the documents, and he accepted them, encouraging me with a few words, looking like he trusted and appreciated me. People can't be judged by appearances, indeed. - I thought to myself as I left the tent. Outside, the moonlight was like frost.

  After more than half a month of marching, we arrived at the border of Shu State. The subsequent siege warfare was quite smooth, and it only took ten days to reach Ba County. At first, I was puzzled why Shu State's resistance was so weak. Later, after asking around, I found out that Shu State had insufficient troops, so apart from the crucial passes, other areas were not heavily guarded. Ba County was the first pass we faced, and beyond it lay a series of treacherous paths with over twenty strategic strongholds, all of which were easy to defend but hard to attack. The great battle was about to begin.

  On August 23rd, the Southern Chu army arrived at the foot of Bazhou City. I rode a gentle horse specially chosen for me by King Deqin, looking at the high and deep walls of Bazhou City. The city wall was dense with swords and spears, countless Shu soldiers stood on the city wall with solemn expressions, it was clear that this was an elite army. King Deqin slightly reined in his horse and stood before the great army, coldly gazing at the city wall. Among the many soldiers standing on the city wall, there was a general wearing red iron armor, from my observation, he appeared to be over 50 years old, with a majestic appearance, short stature, and a full beard. He shouted loudly: "Southern Chu and our Shu country are allies, why did you break the alliance without reason and come to launch a surprise attack?"

  The King of Shu smiled faintly and said in a loud voice, "Shu Guo is located in a remote corner, occupying the world, today Da Yong Long Xing Zhongyuan, Shu Guo has not been willing to surrender, what kind of heart is this? I am Nan Chu's vassal, following orders to attack. Firstly, to respect the emperor's order, secondly, to wash away the hatred of being oppressed by Shu Guo for many years. My brothers in Nan Chu have heard that Shu Guo relies on its geographical location and often bullies our border people. They also take advantage of trade opportunities to raise prices arbitrarily and extort gold and silver from our people. Today, I, Nan Chu, will rise up and necessarily win a battle to avenge our grievances." After finishing speaking, he pointed forward with his long whip, the Nan Chu army shouted in unison, the war drums thundered, and a thousand-man team began to advance while shouting, each person holding a shield and a ring-headed knife, protecting multiple cloud ladders as they charged towards the city wall. Taking advantage of the fact that the archers on the city wall could not stick their heads out to shoot arrows downwards, the Nan Chu army leaned those cloud ladders against the city wall and began to climb up. Another twenty or thirty people pushed a battering ram to the bottom of the city gate, the huge impact sound overwhelmed the war drums and bugle sounds. Before they even crashed into it several times, the war drums on the city wall sounded, rolling logs and falling rocks rained down, those cloud ladders were also pushed back by the long poles, the bodies of Nan Chu soldiers fell from mid-air, blood and flesh blurred together, that battering ram was also smashed to pieces by huge stones.

  I watched with a nervous heart, but saw King De and other generals and staff looking at the battlefield with calm expressions, without any tension. Then the sound of the horn echoed, those soldiers gradually retreated, I looked closely, most of the soldiers had not climbed up, so the number of wounded was not as many as I imagined, after a moment, the second wave of the Southern Chu army's attack on the city began, and the city also started to counterattack.

  On this day, the Southern Chu army launched more than 20 attacks, all of which were shallow and brief, while the defending soldiers on the city wall were also very cautious and did not recklessly use wood and stone. As dusk approached, the Southern Chu army launched a fierce attack, with a momentum like wildfire, and the soldiers risked their lives to climb up, actually climbing onto the city wall, where they engaged in a bloody battle, but in the end, the Southern Chu army still retreated down.

  I watched with a disturbed mind, today's attack on the city should have resulted in two or three thousand deaths and injuries. The losses aren't huge, but that terrifying momentum has left me unsettled for a long time. That night I tossed and turned in my tent, thinking about how great the losses were from attacking the city, and hearing that there are still so many cities below, each one like this, isn't it too miserable?

  The next day, the siege was extremely fierce. As soon as the sun rose, the soldiers pushed out more than a dozen catapults, which rumbled and roared as they moved forward. With a loud command, huge boulders flew into the air, heavily pounding against the city walls. Although the walls of Bajun City were high and deep, they did not shake, but the stone fragments on the city wall flew everywhere, and the city wall trembled with a whistling sound. My eyes narrowed as I saw the blood and flesh flying under the impact of the boulders.

  The defenders inside the city also began to counterattack with arrows and stones, and the catapults on the city walls were powerful, pounding our battlefield fiercely. Although only half of our catapults were destroyed due to the difficulty of aiming, they smashed our front-line positions into a mess of blood and flesh, with bodies piling up everywhere.

  The battle of catapults lasted for about two hours, during which time my hands and feet turned cold, and all I could see was blood and flesh. My eyesight was too good, and I even saw the miserable and desolate expressions on the faces of the soldiers before they died.

  After that, probably due to a lack of stones, both sides' offensives slowed down and gradually stopped. The Southern Chu army pushed forward with arrow towers and cloud ladders again, attacking the city once more. Although the height of the arrow towers was not enough to reach the top of the city walls, they could barely withstand the counterattack from inside the city.

  The sharp arrows of both sides flew through the air, drawing beautiful arcs, piercing through strong bodies, and splashing out dazzling blood flowers. The blood of both sides was thus spilled in front of the city walls. When the Southern Chu army charged forward again under a hail of arrows, this time it was scalding oil and quicklime that poured down from the top of the city wall.

  As the soldiers of the Southern Chu army fell to the ground with their heads and faces burnt, countless bundles of straw and torches were thrown down from the top of the city wall. The area below the city wall instantly became a sea of flames, and only a few agile soldiers managed to escape, while the rest were surrounded by the flames, burned beyond recognition, and their mournful cries shook the heavens.

  I saw this, and I really hated my keen intuition, which couldn't bear it anymore. I hastily rode my horse to the back, found a quiet place, and vomited profusely until I spat out bitter bile. When I straightened up, I saw Xiao Shunzi, wearing armor, standing in front of my horse. He handed me a jug of clear water and let me rinse my mouth. After I calmed down, I asked: "How did you come here? Aren't you with Wang Gong?" Xiao Shunzi said in a low voice: "I told Wang Gong that I didn't know the situation on the battlefield, so I came out to take a look. Wang Gong is worried too, so he agreed." Looking at the distant battlefield, I said with lingering fear: "It's too scary, I'd better go back." Just as I was about to ride my horse, Xiao Shunzi suddenly grabbed my reins and said: "Sir, you can't do that! Although I'm ignorant, I know that if you show cowardice now, you'll never be able to hold your head up in front of the military leaders again. And sir, you still have to go to battle in the future; are you going to avoid it every time?"

  I felt a bit ashamed, thinking that my willpower was far inferior to Xiao Shunzi's perseverance. I looked at him with gratitude and rushed back to the front line on horseback. When I returned to Zhao Jue's side again, the generals and staff around him all looked at me with approving eyes, my face pale as paper. Zhao Jue praised: "Sui Yun's courage is indeed not bad, when this king first went to the battlefield, he was even more unbearable than you, don't worry, after fighting a few more battles it will be fine." I bowed on horseback and asked: "Your Majesty, this official is not familiar with military affairs, it seems that our attack on the city is not going very smoothly?"

  Zhao Ke sighed and said, "Yes, Bazhou is a stronghold of Shu State. Not only are the generals skilled in battle, but the soldiers are also brave and fierce. The city's defenses and food supplies are also abundant, making it extremely difficult to attack. It pains me to think about it, but fortunately, if we can take down Bazhou, the more than 20 cities below will be easy to capture."

  "I asked again: 'Then, in your opinion, Your Highness, how many days will we need to attack?'"

  Zhao Jue calculated for a moment and said: "If we can capture Bazhou within half a month, that would be good."

  I calculated that Da Yong would have to go through several treacherous passes from Yangping Pass via Dongchuan to attack Jiameng Pass, but with his elite troops and abundant supplies, if we wanted to take the lead in Southern Chu, we had to resort to strategy. I racked my brains thinking of past battles I had studied, how could we break the current stalemate?

  For a moment, I couldn't think of anything, and then I thought back to the intelligence about Pa County. One by one, memories came flooding back - gazing out at the city walls, that red-armored general was directing from atop the wall. He directed with ease, defending Pa County so tightly that not even a drop of water could leak through. As soon as there was a slight breach in our Southern Chu army's defenses, he would catch it with one glance and then pursue fiercely, without showing any mercy.

  Slowly, tightly pursuing and fiercely attacking, without any mercy, I recalled the intelligence about the general defending the city: Tian Wei, strict military discipline, brave and good at fighting, skilled in defending cities, defense like a mountain, especially good at intercepting enemy camps. No wonder King De's camp was guarded so tightly, it turned out that this person was good at intercepting enemy camps. Slowly, a plan took shape, but would it work? After thinking about it repeatedly, I rode my horse to King De's side and quietly expressed my opinion to him. At first, King De hesitated, then gradually became interested, and after a long time, he smiled and nodded in agreement, and immediately ordered the troops to retreat. The bloodiest day of the Ba County Battle finally came to an end.