Chapter 26 Wuhuan Attack
After the two great talents returned to him, Tian Ze was overjoyed and immediately appointed Cheng Yu as the left county lieutenant, a position higher than Guan Yu, in charge of all military affairs.
Chen Gong's position was slightly lower. Since Wen County was not large and could only have one county magistrate, he could only temporarily serve as the chief clerk, in charge of overall government affairs.
Fortunately, Chen Gong was not a person who cared about fame and did not mind it at all.
Jia Xu, who had always been forced to do things against his will, was finally able to retire and take full-time charge of intelligence, refugee recruitment and trade. The burden on him was instantly reduced by half.
After all, human energy is limited. Although Jia Xu had done a good job before, due to the large number of affairs, it was still difficult for him to take care of the details.
Now with the support of Cheng Yu and Chen Gong, Wen County's development speed has soared again, and it can almost be said to be changing with each passing day.
After learning Tian Ze's true trump card, even though Cheng Yu and Chen Gong had been trained to be very bold, they were still shocked again. Chen Gong, who was originally a little worried, took over Jia Xu's place without hesitation and began to make drastic reforms.
Everything started to fall into place.
However, the peaceful days lasted less than half a month before what Jia Xu had long anticipated happened.
In the county government office, many civil and military officials gathered together. Jia Xu calmly placed a few small flags on the huge sand table in the center.
"My lord, the ones who invaded us this time are the Dida tribe and the Zhiyuan tribe. They have about 300 cavalrymen each. Their combat effectiveness is relatively average among the Wuhuan cavalry. They attacked from the Jiamadao and Heishuiyuan routes respectively." Jia Xu said, pointing to the two small black flags on the sand table.
"Where's the time?"
"According to reports from spies and border scouts, they set out this morning and crossed the Liao River an hour ago. Even if they took a short break along the way, they will be approaching the vicinity of Wen County in one hour at the earliest and two hours at the latest. They are currently probably within these two areas."
Tian Ze and everyone else couldn't help but frown when they heard this.
The reason why Liaodong is poor is largely due to this.
As soon as there is any improvement in development, the barbarians will target them.
Wen County is adjacent to the vassal state of Liaodong, and if the Wuhuan invade, they can arrive within one day at the earliest.
The land was planted this year, the Hu people came in the morning, and the food was gone in the afternoon.
Moreover, this was the Wuhuan, who had relatively close relations with the Han Dynasty. If it were the Xianbei, they wouldn’t even be able to protect their people.
"What is the situation of the farmland and villages?" Tian Ze asked.
Chen Gong replied: "According to the previous arrangement of the lord, we will concentrate the villages and farmland mainly on the south side of Wen County. There are only four villages on the west and north sides close to the Liaodong vassal state, and the population is not large, mainly young and strong."
"We have previously focused on renovating these four villages. Although the fortresses are not yet complete due to time constraints, the tunnels have been built and sufficient food and water have been stored, so the people can protect themselves."
"The farmlands in these four villages are planted with underground crops such as peanuts and radishes. Even if the Hu people find them, it will be difficult for them to transport them all away. In addition, the quantity is small, so even if they are lost, the impact will not be significant."
"What about business?"
"We are in the process of emergency transportation according to the rehearsal. Since there are not many bulk goods today, we will be able to settle them in about a quarter of an hour."
After hearing Chen Gong's report, Tian Ze nodded.
One should think about defeat before thinking about victory. Tian Ze did not manage Wen County to serve as a granary for the Hu people.
Human safety is the top priority. We have already made multiple preparations for food and supplies. The worst possible outcome is destruction.
Wen County doesn't care about the grain fields at all. It just needs to protect the people and the trade routes.
"How is the situation with the troops?"
"We have been preparing for this recently. The intensity of training for each unit has been controlled and they are all in good condition. The weapons have also been replaced. Guan Yu, Gao Shun, Ma Teng, Le Jin, Xu Rong, and Zhang He have six units, six hundred elite soldiers, each with two horses, and are ready to go into battle at any time."
"In addition, Ling Cao's navy is already in place. It will only take an hour to control the Liao River and cut off the Hu people's retreat, making it impossible for them to return." A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Cheng Yu's eyes.
"If we launch a head-on attack, what are our chances of winning?" Tian Ze asked.
"Our army will definitely win." Cheng Yu said with great confidence.
In the past half month, he lived and ate in the military camp almost every day, invested a lot of effort, and had a deep understanding of the strength of Tian Ze’s army.
"What about the estimated damage?"
"It should be less than 10%." Cheng Yu said.
"Do you have any other good ideas?" Tian Ze asked again, looking at the sand table.
"We can lure the enemy deep into the village and use the villagers as bait. Once the Hu cavalry is trapped in the village and unable to charge, their combat power will be reduced by half." Cheng Yu said. "It is already Shen time now. We can use the four forts outside Wen County as camps to dampen the enemy's morale and then launch a night attack." Chen Gong said.
"The enemy troops are divided into two groups. We can take advantage of the time difference and quickly defeat one of them." Guan Yu said.
"We can send out a small number of soldiers to pretend to flee in defeat, and lure them to the ambush point to stop them." Xu Rong said.
After listening to everyone's suggestions, Tian Ze nodded and looked at Jia Xu.
"My lord, it is difficult to produce a strong army without a fierce battle. Moreover, Wen County has already made its mark. If we don't show our strength, I'm afraid there will be more invasions from the barbarians in the future." Seeing this, Jia Xu said in a deep voice.
Tian Ze had already made a plan in mind, and when he heard Jia Xu say so, he no longer hesitated.
"Then let's have a head-on fight to see the quality of these Wuhuan cavalrymen and also to train them."
"Xu Rong." Tian Ze ordered.
"I am here!" Xu Rong stepped out.
"You will be the commander of this battle, leading six generals, Guan Yu, Ma Teng, Zhang He, Gao Shun, Le Jin, and Ling Cao, three hundred elite cavalry, three hundred infantry, and one hundred naval forces. You must completely destroy these two Hu cavalry units!" Tian Ze said.
"promise!"
No one present was surprised that Xu Rong was appointed as the commander.
Among all the generals, no one can match him in terms of command ability.
Guan Yu and others also have the potential to be talented leaders, but after all, they are still young and lack ability.
"My lord, after destroying these two barbarian tribes, what should we do with their tribes?" Cheng Yu suddenly asked.
"If we leave them to fend for themselves, I'm afraid they will soon be swallowed up by other Wuhuan tribes. That's a lot of people!"
Since joining Tian Ze's army, Cheng Yu's knowledge has improved significantly and he has paid more and more attention to population.
"These two tribes are located on the eastern border of Liaodong State, adjacent to us."
Jia Xu pointed to the two small flags between Liaodong and Wen County on the sand table, looked at the flags representing other tribes around them, and said, "But there are many tribes around them, so we must avoid them and make a detour. We must also fight quickly and try to move them here tonight."
Tian Ze nodded and said, "Zhongde, I leave this matter to you. Organize a thousand strong men and sufficient horses and carts to move these Hu people here tonight. Bring as many cattle, sheep, war horses and other supplies as you can. We will not force you, but you must bring the people here."
"Yes!" Cheng Yu said
"Gongtai, there is a grassland near the Chuan River Valley. It is located to the south of Wen County and has a secluded terrain. You should organize the people in the surrounding villages to build some houses as soon as possible and prepare to settle these Hu people there. They will be responsible for animal husbandry and farming."
"Yes!" said Chen Gong.
"Send an order, have Yu Jin lead his troops to station here, prepare to take over the Hu people and supervise them."
It would be a waste of talent to leave Yu Jin in Changxing Island. After all, no one goes there. Tian Ze has selected a young general from the army to be in charge of garrisoning there, and Han Dang will help take care of him.
"My lord, how do you plan to deal with these Hu people?" asked Jia Xu.
"Give them Chinese names, wear Chinese clothes, learn Chinese, write Chinese characters, and follow Chinese customs. We must completely assimilate and absorb these Hu people." Tian Ze said.
If he was going to assimilate, he had to assimilate thoroughly. He didn't want another Five Barbarians invasion in the future.
He could only give these ignorant Hu people two choices: either die or integrate into the Han people.
"My Lord, can this matter be left to Chou?"
Hearing Tian Ze's words, Tian Chou stood up and volunteered.
Now that his talent has begun to awaken, he is determined to work for Tian Ze.
Tian Ze looked at Tian Chou's determined gaze and nodded slightly.
He still recognized the ability of this cousin. Moreover, he was naturally gifted in the way of education and had made many contributions in recruiting refugees before. He was the perfect person to deal with the Hu people.
"Okay, I'll leave this matter to you. Remember to ask the public platform for advice if you have any questions, and don't be reckless or careless."
"Yes!" Tian Chou said happily.
(End of this chapter)
