novelraw Chapter 402 - 10: The Strategy of Surprise Attack, Li Shimin and Gu Quan
Chapter 402 - 10: The Strategy of Surprise Attack, Li Shimin and Gu Quan
"The strategy of a surprise attack is indeed a brilliant plan."
"In the current situation, Xue Ju’s army is strong and his son, Xue Rengao, is a fierce general."
"If our army were to engage in a frontal battle, even if we won in the end, the casualties would likely be significant."
"However, if we were to employ a surprise attack.... the risks we would bear are also not small."
A surprise attack requires true elite soldiers!
Only the most elite soldiers can withstand the exhausting trek over mountains for days on end and endure both physical and mental pressure.
In fact, those trained by the Gu Clan are indeed suitable.
But Gu Quan cannot possibly use all of the Gu Clan’s trump cards for this!
Li Shimin listened with utmost seriousness, falling into deep thought.
He naturally understood the risks and difficulties involved.
But to say that Li Shimin would retreat because of this was, of course, impossible!
After a brief moment of contemplation,
Li Shimin made a decision in his heart.
"Good!"
"If that’s the case, then we shall execute the strategy of a surprise attack!"
As soon as his words fell, someone immediately volunteered to lead the army.
They were all fierce generals!
Not afraid of danger!
But looking at the generals who volunteered, Li Shimin shook his head directly: "This battle, I will personally go!"
Personally go!
Li Shimin naturally would not give up the opportunity to travel the path of Gu Chen.
Of course, he didn’t wish to entrust all the risk to those under his command.
Li Shimin had always been the one who charged at the forefront in every battle!
But just as he finished speaking, Gu Quan shook his head vigorously and said, "Your Highness must not do so."
"Hmm?" Li Shimin was momentarily stunned.
Gu Quan said very earnestly: "Your Highness, the current world is different from before."
"The surprise attack on Longxi is a matter known to everyone."
"If the elite soldiers of Great Tang are not at the front, if Your Highness is not at the front, no matter who goes, it is impossible to succeed!"
The hall immediately fell into silence.
Li Shimin furrowed his brows tightly, clearly taking these words to heart.
Gu Quan was right.
Li Shimin was no longer an unknown figure.
If he is not at the front, Xue Ju will definitely be on guard, and it is very likely he could counteract.
This is something they must consider.
"Ziyuan, what do you think?" Li Shimin asked slowly after a moment of silence.
This time, without a moment’s hesitation, Gu Quan cupped his hands and said to Li Shimin: "If Your Highness trusts me, I am willing to lead the army to battle."
As soon as he spoke,
Several members of the Gu Clan, including Gu Yan, also did not hesitate and cupped their hands, requesting to fight.
This matter naturally should be done by the disciples of the Gu Clan.
In terms of research on land surveying,
No one can surpass them.
Especially Gu Quan, who had imagined several times in his mind during his childhood how to conduct a surprise attack on Longxi.
Li Shimin was not an inconsiderate person.
Although he very much wished to go himself, seeing the people before him, he slowly nodded.
The matter was thus settled.
Gu Quan then discussed his strategy with Li Shimin.
He wanted Li Shimin to station troops in Gaozhi to attract Xue Ju’s attention, while he would lead five thousand elite soldiers, advancing west along the Wei River, employing surprise attack tactics to attack Qinzhou State.
To completely sever Xue Ju’s connection with the entire Longxi.
In addition to that——
Gu Quan even considered the defenses set by Xue Ju.
In the event of any unexpected circumstances, he would adjust his tactics to harass the rear.
Engaging the Western Qin Army in the forests.
This move was extremely perilous, but seeing Gu Quan’s resolute expression, Li Shimin eventually agreed to it.
The generals left one after another.
Li Shimin repeatedly reminded Gu Quan and Gu Yan of many things, telling them to absolutely ensure their safety, before they finally left.
Gu Quan’s expression remained as serious as ever.
He left after paying serious respects.
Once outside, Gu Yan couldn’t help but say: "Brother, why must you be so solemn? King Qin is not someone who cares about such formalities, why must you?"
Although they were well aware that what lay ahead was fraught with danger, the members of the Gu Clan showed no fear.
"I am the eldest son of the Gu Clan, with our father absent from Chang’an, it is my duty to uphold the honor of the Gu Clan."
Gu Quan said this while suddenly stopping, looking at his four brothers: "This time, I will go alone, and you all will remain by King Qin’s side."
Upon hearing this, the expressions of Gu Yan and the others changed dramatically.
Each one’s eyes widened, and they almost shook their heads instantaneously, "Brother, why?"
"This journey is fraught with danger. If failure is imminent, our clan must retain hope, and if there are no members of the Gu Clan present, Xue Ju will surely become suspicious." Gu Quan seemed to have thought it all out, showing no mercy.
"Brother!!!"
Though they understood Gu Quan’s intentions, how could Gu Yan and the others be content?
But Gu Quan would not care about what they thought.
From a young age, he had been very stern, always having the final say among his brothers.
Ignoring their expressions,
He turned and left.
Seeing this, their expressions instantly fell, their spirits dampened.
But what more could they say?
Gu Quan was right.
With the matter so dangerous, they couldn’t all be tied together.
They followed him with complex emotions.
Li Yuan had left a Champion Marquis Mansion of the Gu Clan in Chang’an as well, where these brothers now resided.
Returning to the mansion, not much time had passed.
Gu Yan again sought out Gu Quan, earnestly saying: "Brother, let me go with you. Leave the third and fourth brothers with King Qin...."
Gu Quan ignored this, using silence to dismiss Gu Yan.
A while later, another brother approached.
"Brother, let the third brother accompany you. This journey is perilous, and the morale of the troops is crucial. With me there, it can ease your burden, leaving the responsibility of our clan to the second and fourth brothers....."
Once again, Gu Quan used silence to dismiss him, only to soon face yet another visitor.
"Brother, the fourth brother has been adept at mountain climbing since childhood... Leave the responsibility of our clan to the second and third brothers...."
Perhaps due to youthful fervor, all wanted to expand their horizons.
No members of the Gu Clan wanted to miss this chance to retrace the path of their ancestors.
But unfortunately, Gu Quan was never going to agree to them.
This mission, besides himself,
He would only take Xue San and the bodyguards accompanying him, the rest would be elite soldiers of the Tang Army.
Seeing that Gu Quan had made his decision, Gu Yan, left with no choice, even sought out Li Shimin, hoping he would intervene.
But how could Li Shimin possibly agree?
As Gu Yan dejectedly exited the Prince’s Mansion, he unexpectedly encountered Pingyang Princess, who was also on her way to see Li Shimin.
"Greetings, young master."
Gu Yan had not initially noticed until the resonating female voice made him realize, prompting him to hastily salute Pingyang Princess: "Greetings, Princess."
"Young master...."
Though an unmarried woman, Pingyang Princess showed no shyness, earnestly questioning Gu Yan: "I heard... within the Gu Clan, women can also hold significant positions, is this true?"
She spoke with utmost seriousness.
On hearing this, Gu Yan, not knowing what the princess might mean, nodded and replied: "Indeed, my elder sisters are currently assisting our uncle with clan affairs,"
Instantly, a look of envy flashed in Pingyang Princess’s eyes as she exhaled lightly.
Unlike historical records, Pingyang Princess was unmarried.
Nevertheless, she had heard news,
Li Yuan intended to marry her to a clan in Guanlong, seeking consolidation of power.
Pingyang Princess could not reconcile herself to this.
It contradicted her nature.
Especially now, having heard Gu Yan’s response, the thought of resigning herself to that fate became even more unbearable.
As a princess, she naturally had to contribute to the Great Tang’s foundation.
But why must it come at the cost of being used to win over people’s hearts?
She was not willing!
This visit to Li Shimin was precisely regarding this matter!....
...
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