Chapter 393 - 387: Crossing the River
Prince East Sea sent troops several times to test the waters, surprisingly achieving a few minor victories, and after waiting for so many days, only Gou Xi’s forces remained on the opposite bank, with no sign of the Yu State Army.
This led Prince East Sea to confirm that Zhao Hanzhang had indeed left.
If it were only him against Gou Xi, he was quite confident in winning over Gou Xi.
Not only did he have more troops, but his backing was also stronger. Luoyang was not far from there, and he could continuously dispatch reinforcements from Luoyang.
He didn’t believe Gou Xi could outmatch him.
Thus, after a few provocations from Gou Xi, Prince East Sea’s confidence soared, and he could no longer hold back. He chose an auspicious day, and at the break of dawn the next day, launched an attack across the river...
As the sky was barely light, both banks were very quiet. On the opposite bank where Prince East Sea was stationed, many boats were silently dragged into the river to cross.
The scouts watching the river immediately reported, and the waiting Gou Xi rose and commanded, "Deploy the troops!"
Being stationed not far away and always ready for battle preparations, they quickly organized into formations and reached the shore at his command. Gou Xi watched the situation on the river, and as the first boat nearly crossed most of the river, almost reaching the shore, he commanded, releasing a volley of arrows. They shot up into the air and rained down, leaving those in the river with nowhere to hide, screams erupted.
Some soldiers plunged straight into the water. Although Gou Xi’s forces were using longbows with powerful force, entering the water reduced some of the power, and those hit in the water were not immediately killed.
However, they had to swim toward the shore, where a spear formation awaited them...
Most of the soldiers couldn’t reach the shore before sinking due to exhaustion, blood loss, and hypothermia...
The river chosen by Prince East Sea wasn’t deep, and now that winter was approaching, the water was shallow, causing chaos as soldiers sank, touching the bodies of fallen comrades with their toes, or being pulled down by panicked fellow soldiers.
The sight caused panic among their companions, who were already frightened.
Prince East Sea was not the kind who could inspire soldiers, and they were already reluctant to fight. This battle had nothing going for it besides his own belief; it lacked the right timing, geographical advantage, and harmony among people.
Zhao Hanzhang was upstream, watching the scene from a distance with binoculars. After a sigh, she ordered, "Let’s go."
Here, there was a shallow spot where they could cross on horseback.
However, the riverbank had mountains on both sides with only a small path out. Though wide and shallow, it couldn’t station many soldiers.
If Prince East Sea had the mind, he would have quietly sent troops to cross from here last night. Even if he couldn’t completely avoid Gou Xi’s notice, Gou Xi wouldn’t be able to trap him in the middle of the river.
Had a fierce battle happened here, the victor would be uncertain.
So, while Zhao Hanzhang carefully rode her horse across the river, she explained to Zhao Erlang, "Therefore, intelligence is very important in warfare. Since my first crossing back, so much time has passed, and Prince East Sea hasn’t found this place, which shows how poorly he grasps information."
Zhao Erlang asked, "What if he found it?"
He didn’t understand what use it had to find this place.
Zhao Hanzhang glanced at him, "If he found it and didn’t station guards or use it strategically, it shows he’s a fool. This is the disparity of intelligence, and even heaven can do nothing about it."
Zhao Erlang, also failing to figure out how to utilize this advantage, lowered his head, pretending not to hear.
Beside them, Fu Tinghan glanced at her, feeling she wasn’t a very competent teacher, so he told Zhao Erlang, "Heaven might be helpless, but people are not."
He said, "An individual’s intelligence is limited, so collective wisdom is needed. As long as a leader listens to opinions, if you can’t think of how to use this geographical advantage, may others not think of it too?"
"When someone proposes it, you can take the suggestion. This is another form of people harmony, which can make up for one’s shortcomings."
Zhao Erlang nodded repeatedly, took the most important part, and said, "I’ll listen to my brother-in-law in the future."
He hurriedly added when Zhao Hanzhang’s glance came over, "And to my sister."
Zhao Hanzhang: "...What if Ting Han and I are not by your side?"
Zhao Erlang was at a loss for words.
Zhao Hanzhang then shifted her gaze to Wang Nai and Xie Shi behind them.
Zhao Erlang finally showed some wit and said, "Then I’ll listen to General Wang and General Xie."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Hanzhang immediately said, "Good! Appoint Wang Nai and Xie Shi as Left and Right Deputy Generals."
The two, who had recruited soldiers, expelled Xiongnu, and led the army for Zhao Hanzhang, finally got formal positions.
Wang Nai and Xie Shi were momentarily stunned, then slightly bowed in gratitude on their horses, saying, "Thank you, Chief, thank you, Little Zhao General."
They had always been treated as aides without formal positions and thought they’d walk a path similar to Mr. Ji’s.
Handle affairs without taking official positions.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Hanzhang quickly bestowed them with official ranks.
Coming from noble families, they indeed had ranks, but weren’t keen on official titles, so their feelings were indifferent. They were more interested in the implication of Zhao Hanzhang’s appointment now.
Their eyes spontaneously landed on Zhao Erlang, squinting slightly.
Looks like Zhao Hanzhang wants them to train Zhao Erlang.
The two scrutinized Zhao Erlang from head to toe, reluctantly accepting it.
This youngster, though a bit silly, wasn’t without merits. At least he was good on horseback, and they’d heard Zhao Hanzhang and Fu Tinghan earlier.
As long as he’s willing to listen, cultivating him can yield significant benefits.
Zhao Erlang was Zhao Hanzhang’s only brother. She already had Zhao Ming and Ji Yuan in literature, with a string of Zhao family juniors following Zhao Ming; in martial, there was Zhao Ju, Qiu Wu, and Xun Xiu; they couldn’t reach her directly, so getting close to her through Zhao Erlang was wise.
The two slowed their horse pace, lagging a step behind, and moved to follow Zhao Erlang.
Zhao Erlang turned back curiously to look at them.
Wang Nai remained solemn, but Xie Shi looked up and smiled at him.
His sister had taught him to be polite, so Zhao Erlang responded with a smile and decided he preferred Xie Shi over the serious Wang Nai.
Unaware of Zhao Erlang’s thoughts, Wang Nai was contemplating how to train him.
Though they rarely interacted, this Second Young Master was famous in the army. He supposedly couldn’t read a word without a headache, yet came alive when mounted, becoming wild with a sword.
His literary skills grew worse with learning, but his martial skills improved rapidly. He was simple, with a bit of a temper, but had a good character, never mistreating troops, and could even eat and sleep alongside them.
If he could heed advice, indeed he was trainable.
Once Wang Nai made up his mind, he relaxed and, together with Xie Shi, flanked Zhao Erlang as they moved forward.
Since Zhao Hanzhang entrusted them with Zhao Erlang, they would strive for his best interest.
Zhao Hanzhang noticed their actions, slightly curled her lips, and felt very pleased.