A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1129: Surprise Attack on Yinshan City

Yang He offered a nod of acknowledgment.

Military strategy fundamentally hinges on knowing both yourself and your opponent.

Prior to his arrival and throughout his journey, he had diligently gathered extensive intelligence, making him quite well-informed about the affairs of Western Xia and King Jin.

The same thoroughness applied to Yang Chenyi.

However, his focus was specifically on the history and background of King Jin.

"King Jin, despite being the younger brother of the current King of Western Xia, is renowned for his valor and martial prowess!"

"Throughout the years, he has earned distinguished service for the Royal Family!"

"His straightforward path to usurping the throne is intrinsically linked to his past accomplishments and the strong reputation he has cultivated within the imperial court!"

"This clearly indicates his exceptional skill in military operations, troop deployment, and his remarkable talent as a strategist!"

The assembled individuals offered concurring nods.

After a comprehensive exchange of views, a unified conclusion was reached:

This individual is formidable and must not be taken lightly!

Underestimation represents a grave error in the conduct of military campaigns.

Approaching any conflict with caution and the application of thorough analysis ensures victory is already half-secured.

Such is the fundamental truth of warfare.

...

Meanwhile, across the divide.

Within the encampment of Western Xia.

King Jin and his assembled forces were engaged in a similar process of assessing the enemy contingent dispatched to confront them.

Residing within a sumptuously appointed tent, adorned with intricate silver embroidery.

King Jin, clad in a striking war armor fashioned from wolf pelts and wearing a necklace of unidentifiable animal bone, occupied the place of honor.

Flanking him stood several trusted deputy generals and strategists handpicked by him personally.

These were warriors of exceptional bravery, truly one in a hundred.

The advisors comprised seasoned veterans with years of experience.

A palpable tension filled the air as everyone, alongside King Jin, meticulously studied the maps and detailed profiles of the opposing generals.

"The commander of the opposing forces is Minister of War Yang He. Expedite the report of all available intelligence!"

Without delay, his maternal uncle, Hastu, serving as an advisor, stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, it is widely known that Yang He has held the esteemed position of Minister of War in Great Chu for the majority of his career!"

"The role of Minister of War within the Chu Dynasty is no trivial matter; it entails oversight of all military deployments originating from the Capital!"

"This individual undoubtedly possesses superior capabilities, vast experience, and considerable courage!"

Such a figure presented a particularly vexing challenge.

Hai Xiangjin's expression visibly darkened, and he cast a sharp, challenging glance at those present.

"What else? We dispatched numerous scouts! And this is the meager information you have managed to gather?"

At this precise moment, another advisor ventured forth.

"Your Majesty, word has it that General Yang's son has accompanied him on this expedition!"

Hai Xiangjin's displeasure intensified markedly.

"Blast it all, what kind of intelligence is this?!"

"I require details of his capabilities, his vulnerabilities, his inherent weaknesses!"

What concern is his offspring to me at this juncture?!

The advisor, intimidated, immediately retreated, making no further sound.

Shortly thereafter, another individual stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, the intelligence I received indicates the presence of General Xia among the enemy ranks!"

"He appears to hold the title of Marquis within the Great Chu Dynasty; his precise official position remains undiscovered!"

Marquis Zhongyong was merely a title, easily ascertainable.

However, specific positions directly tied to the Royal Family, particularly those concerning the Emperor himself, were classified as confidential information!

Those who served in close proximity to the Emperor within the Imperial Forest Army.

Even their identities were subject to strict secrecy, let alone their command positions!

Discovery of such details would rely entirely on sheer chance!

Hai Xiangjin's countenance grew even more grim.

With a furious sweep of his fan-like hand, he shattered the table before him in a surge of anger.

"Insolent fools!"

"With war looming, you present me with this utter trash?!"

"Incompetent fools who do not deserve the food and salary they consume by remaining at my side; it would be better to put them to the sword!"

A wave of pallor washed over the faces of those present as they hastily knelt, begging for clemency.

Hai Xiangjin impatiently gestured for them to rise.

"You are granted leniency this time!!"

"Should you fail to conduct a thorough investigation on the next occasion, I shall claim your lives!"

"Yes, yes, yes!"

All offered fervent pleas until their lives were assured.

Confronted by this imminent, life-threatening peril, they finally exerted themselves to compile a comprehensive array of intelligence reports for him.

"Commander Yang He is a paragon of integrity, having received a most rigorous education throughout his life; he embodies the essence of an upright gentleman!"

"He excels in direct engagements, adept in both offensive maneuvers and defensive strategies, proving exceptionally formidable!"

"However, his critical weakness lies in: a lack of proficiency in employing deceptive tactics."

"There exists a well-known adage in the Chu Dynasty: 'All's fair in war'; a general who shuns deception cannot truly be considered a capable commander..."

"His son, though superior to his father, is notably inexperienced, posing no significant threat at this present moment!"

"Regarding Xia Tingfeng, there are no records of his current service affiliation; no leads have been found. It is speculated that he serves in direct attendance to the Emperor of Great Chu!"

Otherwise, the absence of any traceable intelligence would be entirely inexplicable!

Upon absorbing this wealth of information, Hai Xiangjin finally granted a nod of profound satisfaction.

"This is more like it!"

"Dispatch rewards!"

Like they had received a pardon, everyone fell to their knees and bowed.

"Your Majesty, we thank you!"

Hai Xiangjin gestured for them to rise.

He took the map and the newly acquired intelligence, his mind lost in thought.

When it came to warfare, his expertise was unmatched.

The most critical element distills down to this: "Address the correct ailment!"

If you are skilled in direct confrontation, then I shall decidedly avoid it!

If your father and son team up, lacking true experience, I will identify your weaknesses and strike them with full force.

Your martial prowess may be supreme, but it matters little!

Even if I cannot match you in direct combat, I will lay traps and employ every underhanded tactic at my disposal!

Furthermore.

He had spent a period of two to three months within the Chu Dynasty.

Although he had infrequent dealings with their officials, he had at least observed their appearances and bearing, gaining a rough understanding of their temperaments and characters.

These details might seem minor, yet they are far from useless.

In fact, they hold significant importance!

Identifying who possesses a fiery temper and impatience versus who remains calm and steadfast as Mount Tai, all these characteristics influence their approach to military formations.

King Jin intently studied the map and pored over his research for a considerable duration,

not letting a single piece of information escape his notice.

He meticulously sifted through all the gathered intelligence, discerning what would serve his advantage and what would prove detrimental!

Like a patient fox lurking for its prey,

he sought the opportune moment, awaiting the perfect chance to strike.

...

When facing each other, you are strong, and so am I!

You do not take the enemy lightly, and neither do I.

You proceed with caution, and I unravel your cautious steps.

You understand my tactics, and I comprehend yours!

In such a confrontation, against adversaries like these, not a single misstep can be afforded.

Every individual must dedicate their complete effort and focus!

The initial engagement commenced under the cover of night.

King Jin dispatched his forces to storm Yinshan City.

The forces of Western Xia, akin to a pack of ravenous wolves, scaled the city walls in the dead of night.

Hai Geli had already been repelled by the overwhelming force of Great Chu's hundred and ten thousand soldiers.

Currently, the defense of the city rested with Great Chu's commander, Yang He, who fortunately did not harbor any underestimation of the enemy.

His dispatched sentries were vigilant, their patrols never ceasing for even a quarter of an hour.

The moment the first Western Xia soldier attempted a surprise infiltration.

Signal flares instantly illuminated the night sky.

Everyone converged with remarkable speed.

"Advance! Slay them all!" Deputy General Cui roared with fierce determination!

"Attacking in the dead of night, these scoundrels are tired of living!" Deputy General Qin exclaimed, his voice ringing with indignation.

The two deputies led their troops in a swift charge up the city ramparts.

Within a mere half-hour, the majority of the Western Xia soldiers had been cut down.

The few remaining survivors shed their helmets and armor, scattering in a panicked retreat.

The first battle was a resounding triumph!