A battleground for military strategists, the title of the first city is no joke.
For the Chu State, it was the first place blocking foreign enemies from crossing the river.
For other countries, it is the best springboard to break into the hinterland of Chu State.
The expressions of several counselors were a little strange.
Jia You was about to speak but stopped.
Wang Su said: "Your Majesty, although Xiangyang is a strategic location, there may be something wrong if our army attempts to attack it."
Xiao Yuan looked at him and motioned for him to continue.
Wang Su continued: "Xiangyang has the best moat in the world. Not only that, its city is impregnable, even more difficult than a dangerous pass, and its economy, military, trade and population are extremely prosperous. If the Chu army defends here with its elite division, War, hoard food, grass and weapons in the city, it will take several years to capture this place."
"If our army cannot advance into Xiangyang City alone for several years, then the war has actually been lost."
After he finished speaking, Jia You followed: "Master Wang is right. The average width of Xiangyang's moat reaches 55 feet, and the widest point is more than 70 feet. In such a huge city, warships and soldiers are not allowed to enter. It is not an option to attack by force.”
Shangguan Wenruo also echoed: "Xiangyang is a large county in the north of Chu and an important town. Throughout the history of the empire, there were more than a hundred battles in this city, large and small. Loyal and righteous people all strived for the upper reaches. Xiangyang must be the main point. In the early Jin and Yuan Dynasties, The Duke attacked Chu and used an army of 200,000 to trap Xiangyang for four years, only to exhaust himself..."
From the words of the three counselors, we can see how difficult it is to capture Xiangyang. It is even more difficult than the dangerous pass.
After hearing this, Xiao Yuan frowned slightly and started thinking.
However, Su Yi said in a calm voice: "Xiangyang is a battleground for military strategists. Although it is difficult to capture, the gains and losses here will be related to the war situation in the entire Central Plains. As Lord Shangguan said, throughout the history, especially the political power in the north and south When there is a confrontation, Xiangyang's position will become crucial. Whether it is the Duke of Jin who attacks Chu or the Marquis of Yan who goes south, they all want to take Xiangyang first for strategic purposes to build a strategic advantage."
"If we don't regain the Chu land, it will be difficult to unify the mountains and rivers. If we don't capture Xiangyang, it will be impossible to cross the Yangtze River."
After listening to what he said, Wang Su said: "Even if the king wants to send his troops south, he can attack and destroy Wu first, send troops from Ningyang, use naval warships, go down the river, and then use infantry to land on the border of Wu."
Su Yi received: "Wu Chu now has a strong mentality of self-preservation. Knowing that Ningyang is an important military route, how can he let our infantry land easily? They will definitely set up defense lines along the river, and the Ningyang waterway is not vast. If the Wu army throws big rocks into the river, strands the warships, and then sets up an ambush, the consequences will be disastrous."
"To conquer Wu Chu, the right way is to first capture the cities north of the Yangtze River."
"This..." Wang Su paused for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "The general's words make sense."
Xiao Yuan pondered again, then looked at Yan Qi: "What do you think?"
Yan Qi raised his hand and returned: "I agree with General Su Yi. The importance of Xiangyang is not as simple as one city and one pond, but its geographical location."
At this point, he paused again: "But... if we try to attack Xiangyang now, it will be very disadvantageous for our army. It is better to use Xiangyang as a bait to make a feint attack, which will affect the entire battle situation in Jiangnan."
"Oh?" Xiao Yuan's heart moved, "You mean to involve all Wu Chu's troops near Xiangyang first?"
"Yes." Yan Qi said: "If the king marches south, Wu and Chu will definitely unite to resist. We can use our absolutely superior force to attack Xiangyang City. Everyone knows how important this place is, and the king of Chu will definitely be powerful." We are frightened, and then we want to fight with our army in Xiangyang to the end. In fact, we secretly take Jiangling."
This strategy is a typical one of attacking from the east and attacking from the west, attacking Xiangyang with great fanfare, and secretly using elite troops to steal Jiangling.
While he was talking, Xiao Yuan was already looking at the sand table map.
From the perspective of strategic location, Jiangling is certainly not as good as Xiangyang. It is better to choose this place, but it can also open up a frontal battlefield across the river and can also be used as a certain settlement area.
But by taking Jiangling, the troops were no longer directed at Chu, but instead turned against Wu.
Xiao Yuan was still thinking and did not make a decision immediately.
Jia You pondered for a moment and said tentatively: "If we use this strategy, if the other party finds out, it will have no effect."
"No." Yan Qi said directly: "In terms of strategic intentions when we attack Xiangyang, Wu Chu will definitely think that the king wants to destroy Chu. He will not think that we actually want to attack Wu."
As he spoke, he explained: "Although Wu and Chu are united, they are not the same country after all. Our army is approaching Xiangyang. According to common sense, the king of Wu only wants to help Chu."
"And even if Jiangling can't, then we can still choose the opportunity to destroy Wu Chu's main force in the Xiangyang area."
"In short, I think that if we want to conquer the south, we must first encircle Xiangyang. This is a war route that must be followed."
The counselors looked at each other.
Su Yi received: "I agree with General Yan Qi's military strategy. No matter whether this strategy is successful or not, it is worth a try."
"Well..." Xiao Yuan nodded slowly, and then said decisively: "Let's tentatively decide on the preliminary military strategy. Before the war begins, all military arrangements must be made, and no information must be leaked."
"No!" Everyone bowed down in unison.
In this southern expedition, Xiao Yuan was determined to destroy Wu Chu and regain Jiangnan. It was expected that he would use all three armies. Therefore, the early military preparations were relatively complicated and there were many things that needed to be solved.
However, the royal court's military decision has been finalized, and they are just waiting for the time to use troops.
Just at this time, a piece of news came over, which somewhat hindered Xiao Yuan's footsteps.
The old King Wu's condition worsened and he died suddenly. The whole country of Wu was in a state of silence.
At this time, if there is an expedition to the south, there is no doubt that the Wu army will fight in anger. The so-called sad soldiers will win!
And in name, the world would think that King Qin was taking advantage of King Wu's death to launch an unreasonable attack. Morally, he would have lost his head first.
The morale of the officers and soldiers of the Qin army may also be weak, and this is also a problem that Xiao Yuan is worried about.
Based on this, the counselors immediately gave their opinions and unanimously suggested that the southern expedition be postponed and that if we attack at this time, our army's morale will definitely not be as good as that of Wu's army, and we may be in danger of defeat.
Shangguan Wenruo even said: "It has been established in ancient times that if the monarch of another country dies and raises an unjust division, he will be despised by the world. This is moral and righteousness, and the king must not lose it."
Xiao Yuan is not a gentleman. If this is an opportunity to destroy Wu, he will never hesitate. But this is obviously not the case, but news that is detrimental to his own side.
The old King Wu died and Prince Wu succeeded him. This had no impact on the defense of the Wu army.
So he could only smile bitterly and said: "With Yan Sui as your envoy, let's go to the Kingdom of Wu to express our condolences."
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