Chapter 6, When the moon is full, it begins to wane
I always have a bad feeling, keep an eye on it, just in case!" Gao Xianzhi said in a low voice
The human heart is the most powerful! Similarly, the human heart is also the most fragile! To strike at the heart is just the beginning!
The ancient art of warfare is full of unexpected tactics, and many underhanded moves make it even more difficult to detect. In the future, even if it is not on the battlefield, if any unusual events occur, notify me immediately" Gao Xianzhi said in a deep voice
Indeed, they are all grains and medicinal herbs, all of the finest quality. We have sent someone to inspect them, haha, now there is no need to worry about Gu Hai causing any trouble!
Chen Tianshan and Chen Liangyi glanced at Gu Qin and nodded solemnly
Oh? Gao Xianzhi was slightly taken aback
The man had a handsome face, with an indescribable air of heroism between his eyebrows, which gave anyone who looked at him a sense of exhilaration.
Gu Hai paused his chess piece, nodded, and said: "Indeed, Gao Xianzhi slaughtered six hundred thousand soldiers of the Chen army. These six hundred thousand are the pillars of countless families; they are sons, husbands, and fathers. They are the spiritual support of each household. With their deaths, the homes of the common people are already filled with mourning, despairing without a future. They are simply unable to resist this group of invaders. At this moment, these invaders are celebrating every day, laughing heartily, wanting to assimilate them like demons. They are forced into this situation, yet within their hearts, more and more hatred will only grow!"
However, if one truly comes to congratulate and provide resources, there is no need to undermine them
Hulao Pass is a massive city tower, nestled between two steep cliffs. At this moment, both atop the city tower and outside Hulao Pass, the ground is strewn with corpses, and countless arrows are flying, with smoke and flames rising. Beside the city tower, numerous ladders are currently engulfed in flames.
In the evening, Lin Chong entered Gao Xianzhi's tent
"Hiss, that was close. Recently, news came that Gao Xianzhi's army was frightened by Gu Hai and actually halted to regroup. I never expected, I never expected it to be a deception. He arrived even faster than imagined, and all his troops are elite soldiers. If it weren't for your early preparations, Hulao Pass would have almost been breached!" Chen Tianshan said with a look of lingering fear.
"Good!" Chen Liangyi responded.
In the marketplace, are there merchants engaging in unscrupulous behavior? Gao Xianzhi inquired
However, in these three days, we have lost ten thousand lives!" Chen Tianshan said with a grim expression
"They have finally withdrawn their troops!" At this moment, Chen Liangyi was almost in tears.
Gao Xianzhi struck the horse's rear, and the black horse immediately galloped away
Gao Xianzhi furrowed her brows as she stared at the group of wealthy merchants. Given Gao Xianzhi's vigilance, she immediately speculated whether they were spies sent by the Ancient Sea faction and what their ulterior motives might be. However, upon observing the mountains of grain and medicinal materials piled not far away, a hint of confusion appeared on Gao Xianzhi's face. It didn't seem quite right.
It is ! ''
Gu Han realized that Gu Hai was teaching him. While he was diligently analyzing, he fell silent for a moment. Suddenly, a light shone in Gu Han's eyes, and a trace of astonishment flashed across his gaze
The wealthy merchant smiled and said: "Congratulations, General. You have been singing triumphantly all the way, even defeating Chen Wang. Upon receiving the news, we were all filled with excitement and admiration. Therefore, I have brought some military supplies, both to express my sentiments and to convey our most sincere congratulations. I hope you will allow it, General!"
"Can you do it?" Chen Liangyi asked with concern
"Are they all the best?" Gao Xianzhi furrowed her brows
... ...
Then I shall express my gratitude on behalf of the entire army! I have been rushing all the way and am somewhat fatigued, so I will not entertain you all!" Gao Xianzhi said.
Gu Hai placed a white stone on the chessboard and, with a faint smile, said: "Indeed, what use is it? Gu Han, can't you see?"
"Yes!" Gu Qin said with certainty.
Send someone to keep an eye on this group of merchants" Gao Xianzhi said in a low voice
Ah?
Report
"Great General, you should take a rest; I am here!" the Crown Prince said with a smile
"Foster father, are you referring to the common people of the marketplace?" Gu Han exclaimed in surprise
"That is natural, that is natural!" a group of wealthy merchants immediately laughed.
When the day comes that this hatred reaches its peak, it will be an extremely terrifying force, Gu Han said, taking a deep breath
Gu Hai nodded and asked, "Is there anything else?"
It is ! ''
"Firecrackers, fireworks?" Gu Han exclaimed in surprise
Although the Tiger Pass was not captured, for Gao Xianzhi, it was already satisfactory, as he had planted a seed of fear in the hearts of the remaining Chen Guo troops at the Tiger Pass.
They quickly arrived at the site of the school grounds. At this moment, a group of individuals dressed in brocade robes were respectfully bowing to a middle-aged man in a splendid robe.
This is called 'When the moon is full, it wanes.' Anything that is excessive is not only useless but can also be harmful, " Gu Hai said in a deep voice
"Foster father, the Pengcheng Chamber of Commerce, the Yuncheng Chamber of Commerce, and the Huicheng Chamber of Commerce have been continuously traveling to the marketplace, delivering large quantities of grain and medicinal materials as per your instructions. Under our instigation, each chamber of commerce is gradually making their way there. However, what is the use of sending such a large amount of grain and medicinal materials?" Gu Han questioned.
I have met the great commander!" Prince Song said with a smile
The firecrackers continue without pause, creating an incredible din
"Great Commander, Lin Chong's incompetence has resulted in our failure to capture Tiger Pass. The commander of Tiger Pass seemed to have anticipated our approach, having prepared oil in advance. We suffered heavy casualties, with three thousand soldiers unfortunately perishing, and another two thousand sustaining varying degrees of injury. My subordinates and I are incompetent, leading to such significant losses. I humbly request that the Great Commander impose punishment!" A robust man knelt down to plead for mercy.
Drive
General Chen of the Great Yuan, Gao Xianzhi
Rest assured, I trust my adoptive father; he will soon capture them!" Gu Qin said after a moment of silence
At Hulao Pass, Chen Jun lost tens of thousands of men, which might ignite their ferocity. However, what does it matter? When the day comes, with eight hundred thousand troops at the city gates, the seeds of fear buried deep within will quickly take root and sprout, shattering all the ferocity that has just begun to accumulate at the fastest pace
"Very well, in times of war, there are naturally casualties. This Gu Hai is unlike anyone we have encountered before. Do not underestimate him; you must regard him as an exceptionally formidable opponent. Remember, he is stronger than I am!" Gao Xianzhi said solemnly
Gao Xianzhi slowly turned around while holding the teacup, looked at Lin Chong, and smiled slightly, saying: "I did not expect you to capture Hulao Pass in one go! I merely wanted the vanguard troops to test the quality of Hulao Pass. You need not blame yourself; those defending the city are not something you can contend with!"
Indeed, as that group of soldiers watched large quantities of gifts arriving at the military camp, they surely felt a twinge of imbalance in their hearts, knowing that they themselves received no benefits at all
"Please punish me, great commander, for my subordinates are incompetent and have failed to capture the city tower!" The valiant Lin Chong once again bowed his head to the ground in apology.
Gao Xianzhi nodded
Three days later
Crackling!
Oh?
However, our three thousand brothers...!" Lin Chong still said with a grim expression
"What? A wealthy merchant?" Gao Xianzhi's expression changed.
The sound of rushing water
The ancient Qin, with white hair, stood at the city tower, overlooking the large number of Song soldiers retreating below.
... ...
On top of the Hulao Pass city tower
Chen Tianshan nodded: "I will keep your secret, but just from that one siege, three thousand people died, and Gao Xianzhi only lost three thousand men as well. This is just a small portion of Gao Xianzhi's army. When his main forces continuously gather at Hulao Pass, how will you withstand it?"
There is still some distance to the schoolyard camp. Gao Xianzhi suddenly frowned as a series of firecracker sounds came from the distant teaching area
The ancient Han's expression changed: "Oh, I understand now, adoptive father. It is because Gao Xianzhi is on guard against us. They have long prepared sufficient food and medicine, so the supplies we send are of no use at all. In times of scarcity, food and medicine would be invaluable, but when there is enough food, any additional amount is of no use; it can only be hoarded and left to gather dust, requiring people to guard and transport it. In fact, it is even less practical than money, as money can be rewarded to the troops to boost their morale. However, food is difficult to reward, at least during wartime; if it is rewarded, these soldiers cannot take it with them. Food and medicine become akin to waste, yet they can still serve to deceive others!"
Outside the camp, the sound of firecrackers was heard once again
"Foster father, the child never expected that these small firecrackers and fireworks could conceal such a dangerous function, capable of stirring people's hearts!"
What is going on? Gao Xianzhi said coldly
Indeed, this group of merchants is very enthusiastic. There will be a fireworks display later to celebrate our great victory!" Lin Chong said with a smile
On the second day, Gao Xianzhi got up and freshened up.
Within a large military tent
Ah? Lin Chong looked at the general in confusion
Outside Hulao Pass
It is ! ''
Yuncheng wealthy merchant? Gao Xianzhi displayed a hint of confusion
At this moment, it has long been secured by oneself, using it as a stronghold to expand military operations towards the cities in all directions
The fireworks at night appear dazzling, yet they seem to mock the wounded soldiers! They are a satire on the future of the disabled! With a large quantity of food and medicine arriving, none of it is distributed to everyone, and this group of wounded soldiers will feel even more psychologically imbalanced. Why should others enjoy the splendor of victory while they can only face a future of despair?" said Gu Han.
Although I respect him, I still want to defeat him, so you must be careful
"Aren't you supposed to be keeping an eye on the wealthy merchants of Pengcheng? Has something happened?" Gao Xianzhi said in a low voice
"The one who just broke through is the vanguard general of Gao Xianzhi, the one called Lin Chong. This person is valiant and requires special attention. Later, have the painter depict his likeness and distribute it to all the soldiers on the city wall. As soon as they see this person approach, they must immediately shoot with all their might!" Gu Qin said solemnly
In an instant, I thought of the wealthiest man of the Six States, Gu Hai
A group of guards stood quietly nearby, none daring to disturb the elegant man holding the teacup
Gu Hai smiled faintly and said, "How to put it?"
"Great General, you do not blame me?" Lin Chong exclaimed in surprise
Big Shot, I heard they are leaving early tomorrow morning, what should we do...?
Thud
What else is there? The ancient sea once again dropped a black piece.
Great General, I have already checked, and there are no issues with the grain and medicinal materials; they are all of the highest quality! It seems that this group of wealthy merchants has no connection to the ancient sea!
After taking a sip of tea, I gestured on the sand table with my hand
Gu Qin did not look at the two, but instead gazed into the distance, softly saying: "Gentlemen, no matter when, do not let anything slip. Remember, I am now Gu Hai!"
... ...
... ...
The elegant man holding the teacup, however, had his back to him, continuing to gaze at the sand table map.
Upon hearing that Gu Hai was leading the army, Gao Xianzhi's first reaction was that Gu Hai had anticipated cutting off resources through commerce, but he did not expect the merchants' association in Pengcheng of the Song state to be so proactive
Lin Chong quickly entered the main tent
The handsome man holding the teacup did not turn around, continuing to gaze at the sand table map
"Master Chen, my adoptive father wishes to defeat the Song state as swiftly as possible. Therefore, do not disclose any information regarding his movements to prevent any unforeseen circumstances," Gu Qin said solemnly
The city is garrisoned by an army of 300,000, while an additional 500,000 troops are dispersed in various directions, continuously capturing cities across the land. The city serves as the headquarters and also as a place for recuperation. Elite soldiers are constantly dispatched, while the wounded are transported back to the city to recover and heal. Some have lost arms or legs, are covered in injuries, and naturally feel immense sorrow in their hearts. With disabilities, they even harbor a sense of despair about the future. Yet at this moment, others are singing and dancing, firecrackers are ringing out, and there is immense celebration. The psychological gap for the wounded is exceedingly vast; it is akin to pouring salt on their wounds, as Gu Han remarked.
All around, whether they were soldiers, the crown prince, wealthy merchants, or servants, turned their heads in unison
Ah? What? Lin Chong exclaimed in surprise
Hiss! The ancient scholar gasped in cold shock
... ...
At the time of the initial arrangement by Gu Hai, Chen Tianshan was quite reluctant. He was worried about unforeseen circumstances; however, at this moment, he felt no resentment. At the very least, Gu Hai had anticipated the enemy's moves. The continuous five hours of attacks were surprisingly repelled, leaving Gao Xianzhi empty-handed.
Gao Xianzhi took a sip of the tea in his hand, nodded, and said: "I have already sent someone to survey the terrain around Hulao Pass. Truly, it is an ancient stronghold, with defenses that are impeccable. Even that treacherous mountain pass, they have securely collapsed the cliffs, cutting off one of our perilous routes"
What is going on? Gao Xianzhi frowned slightly
"Your Highness, it is a serious matter. We, the merchants, are incompetent and can only express our humble intentions. It truly is not much; it is merely our goodwill. Seeing our Song State continuously grow stronger brings us great joy. Therefore, the merchant association of our city has decided to send supplies for the use of the army, to prevent the State of Chen from taking advantage of any gaps!" said a plump man in a brocade robe, speaking with utmost respect.
In front of Gu Hai was a Go board, and Gu Hai was playing against himself, while his adopted son Gu Han stood beside him
... ...
Gao Xianzhi rode on a large black horse, accompanied by ten thousand wounded soldiers, slowly making his way towards a massive city not far away
Gu Han pondered for quite a while before his expression changed
A refined man in his forties, dressed in red, is currently holding a cup of hot tea, carefully observing a large sand table. The sand table provides a detailed depiction of the terrain outside Hulao Pass.
Continue
The sound of the retreat signal echoed outside Hulao Pass
Great General, these are some wealthy merchants from the Song State, who have come to offer their support to our army
I will follow your lead; whatever you decide to do, just do it, as long as it can stop Gao Xianzhi!" Chen Liangyi declared firmly
No, great leader, rest assured, you have long since had us monitor this. Not only the shopping mall, but other cities as well; there is simply no merchant who dares to act recklessly
Behind Gu Qin stood Chen Tianshan and Chen Liangyi
The robust man fell to his knees with a face full of guilt
Oh, this is the Chamber of Commerce of Pengcheng in the State of Song. I have heard that you have ordered the supervision of the granaries and medicine warehouses across the world to prevent the ancient sea from using commerce to create chaos and cut off our supplies. Therefore, the Pengcheng Chamber of Commerce has voluntarily organized itself to transport a large amount of grain and medicinal materials, striving to contribute to the nation and support our army
The great commander has returned to the camp! Suddenly, a young soldier shouted loudly.
Remember, no matter who it is, no one can withstand the wrath of the sea of people. When the tide of anger sweeps in, it will be like the heavens collapsing and the earth shattering, unstoppable!
The middle-aged man in a splendid robe before me is the Crown Prince of the Song Kingdom, who at this moment stands before a group of wealthy merchants, a glint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes
The great commander has returned! From afar, soldiers have come to welcome him.
Gao Xianzhi displayed a hint of confusion
Hulao Pass
Not far away, firecrackers were ringing in unison. However, a cold glint flashed in Gao Xianzhi's eyes
There are only 100,000 inferior troops in total, and 10,000 have died; the impact on morale is incredibly devastating, especially considering that the enemy has an army of 700,000 to 800,000 pressing in.
However, I saw Gao Xianzhi riding a large horse suddenly arrive close by
"After three more days of assault, even if we have to sacrifice a group of people, it does not matter. If they die, a similar number will also perish within Hulao Pass. The inferior troops inside Hulao Pass, witnessing their comrades fall one by one, will surely feel uneasy. Three days later, we will withdraw our forces. When we return in the future with a mighty army, they will undoubtedly be in a state of panic and self-destruction!" Gao Xianzhi said coldly after taking the last sip of tea
"You didn't manage to capture the tower, which is normal. If you had managed to capture the tower, that would have been abnormal!" said the general, holding a teacup and speaking淡淡的.
In today's world, I only bow to him!" Gao Xianzhi said solemnly
Before us lies the largest stronghold of the 800,000 troops, as well as the greatest city of the former Chen State outside of its capital, known as "Shangcheng". It is the place where the wealthiest of the Six States made their fortune.
Hmm? Lin Chong!" Gao Xianzhi shouted coldly
Ah? How is that possible, great leader? In today's Song Dynasty, I only submit to you!" Lin Chong immediately expressed his disbelief.
Crackling!
When the time comes ... ... ! ''
Suddenly, a robust man covered in blood burst into the large tent
Ah?
Hmm! Gao Xianzhi nodded.
Chen Liangyi also nodded affirmatively: "Fortunately, you prepared the kerosene. As soon as their siege ladder comes up, we can use the kerosene to set their ladder on fire. Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable, truly unimaginable. They are indeed fierce soldiers; if just one of them climbs up, it would be equivalent to five of our small soldiers. This, this...!" Chen Liangyi said, still feeling a lingering fear.
At this moment, Gu Qin's hair had been dyed white, and his face was marked by numerous wrinkles. Although he did not closely resemble Gu Hai, very few had seen Gu Hai, and even in recent years, not many had encountered Gu Qin. Moreover, Gu Qin's appearance had changed significantly, making it difficult for the average person to recognize him. The trusted confidants of the Gu family would certainly not expose him.
Having spoken, Gu Hai once again placed a piece on the chessboard
"My father is a master of psychological warfare. If he can do it, how could I not? Rest assured, I will handle the operations. By promoting it in a different way, these ten thousand deaths will not frighten them into submission; rather, it will awaken their ferocity and make them fearless in the face of death!" Gu Qin said with a smile.
Are you worried that there will be unrest in the barracks?" Gu Qin said with a light laugh
"Greetings, General!" a group of wealthy merchants said with slight excitement.
The capital of the Song State, Song City. Tian Mansion
No, they left early this morning. Oh, however, today is the day when the wealthy merchants from Yuncheng come to reward the three armies, and firecrackers have been exploding from outside the city all the way to the main camp. They also brought a large quantity of medicinal herbs and grain. It seems unlikely to be a deception
It is ! ''
The grand army slowly marched into the city, heading towards a vast parade ground at the center of the city. This parade ground also served as a gathering place for the army; not counting the troops deployed for external campaigns, there were at least 300,000 soldiers stationed here.