Section 6: War and Withdrawal

Zhou Huanan trusts himself, and Long Qian can freely express his thoughts in front of him

"Old Third!" Sun Dewang exclaimed loudly, "Your second brother is right. One must always consider the worst-case scenario. This government army is not to be underestimated; what if they find a way to drag the cannons up the mountain? Old Fourth, you need to prepare thoroughly!"

Haha, it's fortunate that you didn't join the official army. Otherwise, we would have gained a formidable rival. His injury is not serious; it hasn't affected the tendons or bones. Zhou Huanan has already examined his nephew Zhou Yi's condition, and since there is no damage to the bones, it is not considered severe

Liu Yucai pondered over Long Qian once again, feeling that the mystery surrounding this person had deepened. It was not that he suspected Long Qian to be a spy for the court; such baseless doubts were not even believed by Sun Laosan, who was most averse to Long Qian. The achievements of last night were certainly not fabricated; with so many members in the Eighth Team, it was impossible for them all to lie for Long Qian. Moreover, Long Qian's spoils were sufficient to prove that his Eighth Team had indeed breached the stockade. If it had not been for Sun Deming's poor command, they would have completely annihilated Cao Kun's vanguard infantry last night. If they had wiped out Cao Kun's reinforced infantry, based on Zhangjiazai, they could have engaged the reinforcements again, which would have completely altered the current situation.

We can engage, but we must not hold our ground too firmly. The firepower of the imperial troops is significantly stronger than ours, and their individual skills surpass ours as well. In my opinion, it is best to retreat now, leaving a squad to delay the enemy while the main force breaks through swiftly. I estimate that the imperial troops will launch an attack on the mountain by tomorrow at the latest; getting pinned down by them would be troublesome. Long Qian has a concern: has the eastern route already been thoroughly monitored by the imperial troops? Additionally, when breaking through, we must travel light and not carry unnecessary items. It would be best to take the southern route, as the enemy likely does not have heavy forces stationed there.

Upon seeing Zhou Huanan enter, Long Qian, who had been half-reclining, hurriedly stood up

After sending off the Thursday leader, Long Qian once again summoned the squad leaders and section leaders to complete the post-battle analysis of the Zhangjiazhuang battle, which had been half-analyzed earlier. Since Long Qian took command of the Eighth Team, he has required a thorough analysis after every mission. Even when he does not participate and the squad leader leads a small operation, Long Qian insists that the task executors provide a detailed account of the process to identify shortcomings.

Not yet. On the mountain, there is not much to spend silver on

Duo Duo Zhai is located approximately five li south of Guangming Temple. After crossing a shallow gully and passing through a dense pine forest, one can see a series of gray houses built according to the terrain. These houses were constructed by bandits themselves, and due to their proximity to Duo Duo Ridge, they are referred to as Duo Duo Zhai. This place features a small, hidden yet deep cave, which originally served as a warehouse for storing supplies for the stronghold. As the number of bandits increased, the main camp at Guangming Temple became overcrowded, prompting the gradual construction of houses here. Currently, there are two infantry companies, the Sixth and Eighth, stationed here along with a dozen prostitutes. The prostitutes reside in a tightly guarded independent courtyard, managed by members of Sun Dewang's guard. They manage the captured women as if running a brothel. Among them are those who were already prostitutes, but more are respectable women who were abducted for various reasons, serving as objects for the bandits to satisfy their sexual desires. With the flower tickets awarded by the leaders, one can enter the brothel to seek pleasure. Without flower tickets, if one wishes to find a woman, they must pay the guards. Sun Dewang, possessing the shrewdness of a businessman, uses the bodies of the prostitutes to convert the gold and silver awarded to his meritorious subordinates back into his own pocket.

"Wait a moment," Liu Yucai called out to Zhou Huanan. "I heard from Xiao Longzi that this group of government troops might have Western cannons, firing explosive shells. You need to pay attention to this."

Zhou Huanan's expression grew serious as he noticed a drawing on Long Qian's table, which was a topographic map of Zhangjiazhuang. "Are you still thinking about the matters concerning Zhangjiazhuang?"

You know quite a lot. Zhou Huanan's expression grew serious. In the battle at Zhangjiazhuang, the Third Team suffered heavy casualties, which naturally pained Zhou Huanan, as he and Liu Yucai had brought their trusted troops from Mengshan.

"If we don't fight, we withdraw? The main force of the imperial army remains intact, and their presence behind us is quite bothersome. Moreover, the leader may believe that they can rely on the natural defenses to repel the imperial army. Their supply lines are quite troublesome..."

The battle of Zhangjiazha last night was the largest engagement since the establishment of the Eighth Brigade, resulting in seven fatalities and four serious injuries. Long Qian, of course, must conduct a thorough post-battle analysis

Undoubtedly, the imperial army will advance along the main road to attack the mountain. Currently, the imperial army's main camp has been established in Maoyang Town. From Maoyang Town, they will proceed through Sucheng, Lianghe, and Zhangjiazai to ascend the mountain, crossing the ridge commonly referred to as the "donkey's leg," and passing through Liucheng, Dongyu, Louzi, and Tianmen to reach Guangming Temple. This main road is also the most frequently used route for the villagers to exit the mountain. Where would be the most suitable location to establish the main defensive position? Zhou Huanan already has a plan in mind, but he still wishes to seek Longqian's opinion.

How much do you know about them?" Zhou Huanan picked up the tea bowl and took a sip; the tea had already cooled.

I am just daydreaming with a few of them. If only we could completely annihilate that squad

"I haven't heard..." Zhou Huanan swallowed the rest of his words. He had intended to mention the rumors about Long Qian being unable to engage in human affairs due to the *Tushu* brothel, which of course stemmed from his own avoidance of seeking pleasure in brothels. However, such a statement would be too hurtful for a man. Zhou Huanan believed there must be another reason for Long Qian's situation. "You, you are skilled in both fighting and training soldiers, but your life is a bit too harsh. Have these silver coins been distributed already?"

Please rest assured, elder brother, I will take care of it right away. Zhou Huanan stood up and left

To speak frankly, Long Qian let out a bitter smile, "When I initially fled my home due to the famine, I heard that Yuan Shikai was training a new army in Tianjin, offering high pay. I once contemplated joining the military in Tianjin. However, I also heard that they had many requirements for enlistment, needing a local guarantor. As a drifter, who would vouch for me? Later, I encountered Zhou Yi... By the way, I heard that Captain Zhou was injured; is he alright?"

This is not a fact. Although the counterfeit market does not engage in commerce, there are places to spend money aside from the brothels. For instance, the tavern opened by Mao Xuandao, the cousin of Sun Dewang, is a lively spot. Of course, the prices for food and drink are quite high, making it unaffordable for the average low-ranking individuals.

But now we must face the assault of the imperial army on the mountain

It is said that Yuan Shikai followed the path of Li Lianying, the most capable eunuch in front of Empress Dowager Cixi, and obtained the authority to organize and train the Dingwu Army, which was originally based in Tianjin. He hired Germans as instructors, extensively purchased Western firearms and artillery, and invested significant effort in training. It is reported that even the Germans praised the results. This army was referred to by the court as one of the three Beiyang armies. This time, when Yuan Shikai came to Shandong as the governor, he brought this army he had personally trained to Shandong

You all may leave. The Fourth Master has a task for us. Jiang Yun, pour some water for the Fourth Master. " Long Qian waved his hand, ushering Wang Mingyuan and several other squad leaders out of the room

As the head of the Sihe Bookstore, you must advise Sun Dajian. It is unlikely that we can rely on natural fortifications to defend the stronghold. This group of government troops is much more formidable than we had imagined

"In that battle, your Eighth Brigade performed quite well; these are your rewards," Zhou Huanan pointed to the silver and red tickets on the table. "Aren't you going to the brothel? Why not?"

Long Qian had clearly given this considerable thought. "The terrain at the donkey leg is steep, but it cannot accommodate many troops, so it cannot serve as a blocking position. The terrains of Liu Cheng and Dong Yu are both unfavorable for defense. If we follow your suggestion, I believe we can only set up two blocking lines at Louzi and Tianmen. However," Long Qian looked into Zhou Huanan's eyes, "Fourth Master, to speak frankly, mere defense cannot lead to victory; we must consider withdrawing from Mengshan."

The person sent by Nong Mengfu had just delivered the reward from the chief to Team Eight, consisting of two hundred taels of silver and ten flower tickets stamped with Nong Mengfu's private seal, which were placed on the rough table in Long Qian's room. When Zhou Huanan entered, the three squad leaders of Team Eight and Long Qian were discussing something, likely deliberating on how to distribute the reward

What nonsense! Can his cannon go up the mountain? Sun Deming felt extremely frustrated after a while.

Zhou Huanan was taken aback, "Do you think the government troops have blocked the eastern route?"

There is no need to be upset, Lao San; victory and defeat are common occurrences in warfare. Moreover, we cannot be considered defeated, as the government troops' infantry has been severely weakened by you. " The speaker was Zhou Huanan, " It seems that the government troops will definitely come from the western route, so let us prepare promptly.

After listening to the report on the battle process from Sun Deming, Zhou Yilong, and Qian, the leaders fell silent

Zhou Huanan turned and left. He first found Long Qian, who had returned to Duoduo Village for rest, to discuss defense issues

It was not until late at night that Long Qian finally concluded this post-war analysis, which had lasted the longest. He instructed his subordinates that the fierce battles were still ahead, urging them to manage their troops well, conserve their strength, and prepare for the upcoming challenges

I am speculating. Cao Kun received formal military education, so it is impossible that he did not investigate the terrain

"What are you discussing?" Zhou Huanan asked with a smile

Long Qian shook his head, not providing a reason

I am merely repeating what I have heard

"It's alright, don't hold back with me." Zhou Huanan stood up, "You should rest, I have things to attend to." After saying this, Zhou Huanan left.

Old Four is right. Sun Dewang struck the pipe against the sole of his boot a few times, "Xiao Longzi performed well, he did not disappoint me. Reward the Eighth Team with two hundred taels of silver and ten flower tickets, Old Five, you handle it." He said to the Fifth Leader, Nong Mengfu, then turned his gaze back to Zhou Huanan, "Old Four, it all depends on you in this first round. I will entrust the Second and Fourth Teams to you; we must break the morale of the imperial troops. They have plenty of ammunition, but we have the advantage of terrain." The flower tickets are free passes to the brothel.

"It's nothing," Zhou Huanan sat down on the simple chair. Aside from a clay bed, this chair and the table were all the furnishings in the room. "I would like to ask you, the government troops are coming from the west, where would be a suitable place for us to engage them?"

Listening to Zhou Huanan, he agrees with the strategy of striking and then withdrawing. It is extremely dangerous to hope for the official army's logistics and supplies to be inadequate and then take the initiative to retreat. A foot squad of 200 men cannot bear the burden of over 500 warriors from the bandit stronghold. Cao Kun's troops have already demonstrated combat capabilities far superior to those of the stronghold at Zhangjiazai. Long Qian has been contemplating the gains and losses of the battle at Zhangjiazai since returning to the mountain, pondering how to completely annihilate that foot squad. He had just gathered several squad leaders to discuss this matter.