bookrandom Chapter 2106 This is an opportunity!
Chapter 2106 This is an opportunity!
In his concluding remarks, Han Xing offered his suggestion, which was also the core message of the letter:
"Therefore, this old minister humbly begs Your Majesty's grace."
"Regarding General Ma Chao's unfinished pursuit, considering his meritorious service in battle, his keen judgment of the situation, and his loyal and diligent heart, we earnestly hope that he will be treated leniently, so as to demonstrate Your Majesty's benevolence and compassion."
"And I humbly request Your Majesty to allow him to remain as the commander-in-chief of this region, to lead the victorious army, and to guard the southern border."
"In this way, meritorious officials will be safe, the morale of the army will be strengthened, powerful enemies will be subdued, and the southern border will be forever peaceful!"
After writing the last character, Han Xing put down his pen and carefully looked at the whole thing again.
The report was sincere and reasonable, accurately reporting the battle situation while protecting Ma Chao to the greatest extent possible, and providing His Majesty with a solution that demonstrated imperial authority without compromising benevolence.
He carefully dried the letter, placed it in a special report envelope, sealed it tightly with sealing wax, and stamped it with his seal.
"Someone is coming."
He summoned his trusted messenger and ordered, "Send this report to the capital immediately by express courier, and present it to His Majesty in person!"
"Understood!" The messenger took the sealed letter with both hands, turned around, and quickly left.
Han Xing got up, walked outside the tent, and looked at the gray sky and the direction of the Tang army camp that could be vaguely seen in the distance.
He knew that this letter would determine many things.
However, he believed that with His Majesty's wisdom and appreciation for Ma Chao, he would surely make the most appropriate decision.
As for himself, what he needs to do now is to stabilize the morale of the army, guard against possible counterattacks or retreats by the Tang army, and await His Majesty's decree.
And then, consider the next step: how to use this great victory to secure the greatest benefit for the Great Chu.
The cold wind still blew, but within the Chu army camp, a sense of determination and anticipation after victory was quietly gathering.
The letter was sealed with sealing wax and stamped with Han Xing's general's seal, making it appear extremely solemn.
Han Xing did not delay. He summoned his trusted captain, who was in charge of emergency communications with Zhennan Pass in the rear, and solemnly instructed him:
"This letter is of great importance and must be reported to His Majesty as quickly as possible."
"Immediately select the most reliable carrier pigeon and use it to deliver the message safely to Zhennanguan in the shortest possible time!"
"As ordered!"
The captain accepted the heavy letter with both hands, knowing full well the weight of his responsibility, and immediately turned to carry it out.
Soon, the carrier pigeons, which had undergone rigorous training and carried a special mission, quietly took off from the Chu army camp.
Finding its way under the gray sky, it flapped its wings and flew swiftly towards Zhennanguan in the southeast.
Their small figures quickly disappeared between the clouds and distant mountains, yet they carried the loyalty of the frontline generals, the judgment of their merits and demerits, and their expectations for the future.
Even after finishing dealing with the report, Han Xing was not completely at ease.
He knew that Li Jingxin's defeat, though Guo Ziyi's rescue was successful, would inevitably leave him severely weakened. The Tang army's next move would be the key to determining the final outcome of this battle.
He dispatched more scouts to closely monitor the movements of the Tang army camp opposite.
About an hour later, the sun began to set slightly in the west.
While most of the soldiers in the camp were taking advantage of this rare lull in the battle to rest and eat, a scout who had been keeping watch on the outer high ground rushed back to the main camp, his face showing excitement and tension at discovering important military intelligence, and headed straight for the central army.
"Report! General Han! Urgent military intelligence!"
The scout knelt on one knee, his voice urgent: "There's a large-scale disturbance at the Tang army camp across the way!"
"The Tang army's camp gates were wide open, and countless soldiers were marching out and lining up. Supply wagons were also gathering, and dust was rising. Judging from their movements, they seemed to be breaking camp and retreating!"
"Break camp and retreat?"
Upon hearing this, Han Xing's eyes flashed, and he immediately stood up: "Did you see clearly? Are you sure it's a retreat, and not a reorganization or accompanying movement?"
"Absolutely true!"
The scout said confidently, "I saw it clearly from this vantage point. They dismantled some of their tents, loaded them onto wagons, and the infantry were lined up facing northeast, while the cavalry patrolled the flanks for cover. This is no ordinary mobilization; it is definitely a sign of breaking camp and retreating! And they are moving quite quickly!"
"Investigate again! Find out their retreat direction, their formation, and whether there are any signs of an ambush!"
Han Xing gave the order and quickly stepped out of the tent, saying to his personal guards, "Bring the horses! Come with me to observe the battle!"
Under the protection of his personal guards, Han Xing rode his horse to a high earthen slope on the edge of the camp and looked out into the distance.
Although they were several miles apart, the afternoon light was still good, and the view was wide open.
Sure enough, dust was billowing and figures were moving about in the direction of the Tang army camp, and the once neat outline of the camp was becoming blurred and chaotic.
Squads of soldiers poured out of the camp gate like ants, gathered in the open area outside the camp, and then slowly moved northeast.
Some supply wagons could be vaguely seen mixed in with the procession, and one could even see empty spaces left after some tents were dismantled and still-smoldering cooking fires.
"Li Jingxin was defeated, Guo Ziyi also suffered a setback, morale was low, and supplies may have been damaged. At this time, it is reasonable to retreat."
Han Xing stroked his beard, deep in thought, his eyes gleaming with contemplation.
The Tang army's decision to disengage naturally reduced the pressure on the Chu army.
But it also means losing the opportunity to capitalize on the victory, further weaken or even annihilate the enemy's main force.
Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came.
Upon receiving news of the Tang army's unusual movements, Ma Chao, without even taking a break, immediately donned his armor and rushed over.
He leaped off his horse, climbed the earthen slope in a few steps, and followed Han Xing's gaze, his face instantly revealing a mixture of excitement and eagerness.
"General Han! He's indeed retreating!"
Ma Chao's voice was filled with barely suppressed fighting spirit: "Li Jing and Guo Ziyi's newly defeated army is in low spirits and hastily retreating. Their formation will inevitably be in disarray, which is the perfect opportunity for our army to pursue them and expand our gains!"
He turned to face Han Xing, clasped his hands in a fist and volunteered, his tone resolute: "This humble general is willing to be the vanguard! Lead the cavalry of this unit out of the camp immediately to pursue them!"
"We don't need to annihilate them completely; we just need to charge their retreating ranks fiercely. This will surely cause them to lose their front and rear, abandon all their supplies, and collapse for dozens of miles!"
"If we can capture or kill one or two more enemy generals, or disrupt their retreat plans and force them to abandon more troops and supplies, then the outcome of this battle will be even more glorious! Please give the order, General!"
Ma Chao's suggestion instantly ignited the fighting spirit of the other generals who rushed to the scene upon hearing the news.
They had just gone through a fierce battle, and although they were exhausted, the excitement of victory had not yet completely subsided. Seeing the enemy retreating in disarray, how could they be willing to sit idly by?
"General Ma is absolutely right!"
One of the most valiant men shouted in agreement: "That Tang dog thinks he can escape? Not so easy! Strike while the iron is hot! If we don't chase him now, when will we?"
"General Han! This humble general is also willing to go! I will definitely make the Tang army leave behind the toll!" Another general rubbed his hands together, eager to go.
"Yes, General! Although our troops are exhausted, their morale is high! The enemy is in a panic, like stray dogs; now is the perfect time to pursue them!"
"Even if we can't annihilate them all, taking a big bite out of them will make Li Jing and Guo Ziyi suffer even more!"
"A strike now will surely bring a great victory! General, give the order!"