Chapter 1057 – Crossing the River? No! Dividing Forces (2)
Jiang Pengji was irritable, and the audience was utterly disappointed.
They had expected to see luxurious warships rivaling aircraft carriers from costume dramas, but instead—
【Kuang Xia Mo Shi】: What can this wooden boat even do? The streamer has tens of thousands of troops, and with this kind of boat, it’s impossible to land all at once. We might need to make four or five waves. How much time will that take? This boat—it’s just for laughs, right?
【Jiao Sha】: If I remember correctly, during our ancient history, there were “tower ships” that could carry three thousand people in the Three Kingdoms period. From what the streamer has shown us, the social background seems akin to the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties? There’s no way the shipbuilding technology is this poor!
【Tai Kong Piao Liu Ping】: I think it’s a geographical issue; after all, this area is more northern and tends to focus on land battles, without an environment suitable for water warfare. Building these tower ships would cost a lot of money and effort, and since battles rarely utilized them, they likely weren’t made.
【Yao Qu Ge Hao Ming Zi Hen Nan】: I saw in the livestream that the streamer mentioned Cangzhou has well-developed land and water routes, which is why business thrives and the economy is prosperous. There are many commercial ships on the river, so crossing the river shouldn’t be a problem, but engaging in naval battles with such vessels is too ambitious. It’s only been a few years since the chaos began, and the Meng Clan has dominated the Song River for a long time without much fighting—how could they have prepared so many military ships?
With the audience sharing their thoughts, it was clear that while the boats could manage river crossings, using them for naval combat was a stretch.
Many viewers were thinking even further ahead; before Cangzhou was secured, they were already contemplating the complicated waterways of the south.
【Bei Bi Bao Bei】: Why doesn’t the streamer find the narrowest part of the Song River to cross?
Jiang Pengji furrowed her brows, deep in thought, as Feng Zhen pointed at the topographic map on the table.
“The gorge of the Song River’s middle to lower reaches has a wide river and gentle flow. We could take a detour here to cross and flank Cangzhou. There are plenty of crossings, so there should be enough boats for our army.” As he spoke, Feng Zhen’s brow furrowed, his eyes glistening with intent. “Furthermore, this gorge is near Haizhou and Chenzhou, making it a strategic location. If the Lord chooses this place, then later—”
It would be an attack on Cangzhou, retreating to conspire against Chenzhou.
But why didn’t Feng Zhen choose to cross at the narrowest part of the Song River?
The Song River was swift; the narrower it got, the stronger the current, hiding countless submerged rocks.
Attempting to cross with such ships would be nearly impossible; before even reaching the shore, the ships would capsize.
This wastrel Feng Zhen not only had an extravagant personality but also soaring ambitions.
Cangzhou, Chenzhou—he wanted them all!
Jiang Pengji squinted, smiling. “A gentleman doesn’t snatch what others cherish.”
Feng Zhen understood intuitively.
“Is the Lord concerned that Huang Song also wants to approach from the gorge?”
“It’s not concern; he will definitely do so.” Jiang Pengji chuckled and added, “Bo Gao has his own thoughts too.”
After a moment, she said with a smile, “Bo Gao has been blocking the Meng Clan from Cangzhou for nearly a year. If he chooses to take the gorge route, can we still compete with him? Moreover, the Meng Clan is already coming for me. Bo Gao’s willingness to help is a gesture of goodwill; if he refuses to assist, that is expected. Rather than causing strife between our two alliances, it’s better to be proactive—we’ll detour to the upper reaches of the Song River, easing the pressure a bit.”
Feng Zhen remained silent, while the others in the tent understood Jiang Pengji’s strategy.
Her seeming retreat was actually a tactical advance; since Huang Song desired Chenzhou, she generously offered it.
However—
As for the Meng Clan’s dominion over Cangzhou, Huang Song shouldn’t even think of it.
Meng Heng casually remarked, “If we take the detour to the upper reaches of the Song River, it’ll ease our logistics for supplies.”
Jiang Pengji’s forces were concentrated in the north, relying primarily on land routes for supply.
Taking the gorge route would require them to follow the Song River south, lengthening their logistics and making them susceptible to enemy interception.
Northern powers engaging in naval battles needed not only strong forces but also robust logistics.
If the supply lines faltered and the vanguard ventured deep into enemy territory alone, the outcome would only lead to one-way trips.
In contrast, if they detoured to the upper reaches of the Song River, they’d be on Jiang Pengji’s northern territory, ensuring maximum support for supplies.
Meng Heng added quietly, “Also, the gorge leans towards the south; the climate is humid, and the shallow areas are muddy. Soldiers could easily suffer from waterborne illnesses, and if unlucky, fall ill. While the gorge poses its own challenges, for our Lord, it’s akin to a hollow victory.”
Jiang Pengji aimed to annex Cangzhou.
Should she gain Cangzhou, she’d have two regions ripe for war horse production, greatly enhancing her strategic value.
In contrast, the flat terrain and abundant resources of Chenzhou were less enticing for her.
Feng Zhen grasped the intricacies and cast an admiring glance at Meng Heng, showing no displeasure at having his suggestion brushed aside.
“Once Cangzhou is captured, the Lord can then plot to annex Langya, Hejian, Huanling, and other prefectures, uniting the entire northern territory and showcasing a dominating presence. Aiming for supremacy might also become a reality.” Meng Heng spoke plainly, yet the content stirred excitement in others.
Compared to the minor gains at hand, it was better to look far ahead and strategize.
For Jiang Pengji, the significance of Cangzhou outweighed that of Chenzhou.
If she failed to seize Cangzhou, and Huang Song took Chenzhou, setting sights on Cangzhou as well, Jiang Pengji would find herself in a passive position.
Everyone had deliberated and had a clear understanding.
The audience listened, baffled. Though not entirely comprehending, they grasped one thing—
【Yun Tian Qi Yu】: The two families are still in an alliance, and the streamer is already scheming against Huang Song? Poor Huang Song baby.
With a two-faced partner like this, he had it coming.
Jiang Pengji curled her lips into a cold smile.
She was plotting against Huang Song while their alliance still stood?
He had been scheming against her too; it was merely tit for tat.
It’s all just the way of survival, who speaks of morals and righteousness!
As Jiang Pengji had anticipated, news arrived that the reinforcements from Cangzhou had already reached the opposite bank of the Song River, and Huang Song suggested dividing his forces to cross.
Jiang Pengji proactively proposed leading troops north along the Song River, while Huang Song aimed south, flanking Cangzhou from north and south.
Both armies had no objections to this arrangement.
To avoid alerting the enemy, the two armies packed up and moved under the cover of night.
As for Han Chang Pass?
Huang Song left a garrison behind, repositioning forces to prevent the Meng Clan from attempting a “rescue of Zhao by besieging Wei.”
Before the main forces departed—
Huang Song, feeling somewhat sentimental, addressed Feng Jue. “How about a quick visit? Just a few words. If we miss this chance, we may not get another one.”
Huang Song was often suspicious, but with those he truly trusted, he exposed his heart.
Feng Jue, keeping low, had been meticulously planning for him over the years; how could he remain indifferent?
Feng Jue’s gaze turned somber, his tone distant.
“No need, Second Brother is neither soft-hearted nor indecisive; how could he mix public with private matters?”
Years ago, during the earthquake in the capital, he had told Feng Jin—
When they next met on the battlefield, without mercy.
The Meng Clan, while despicable, balanced Huang Song and Jiang Pengji’s relationship.
After all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Once the common enemy vanished, infighting wouldn’t be far behind.
Huang Song sighed softly, but his worries didn’t end there.
The next day while marching, Yuan Xin secretly spoke to Huang Song about a matter.
