Chapter 144:
With a touch of pride, Lu Dongzan had hoped to confront renowned Tang generals. Yet, considering the stakes for Tubo, he wished for an inexperienced opponent. The possibility of facing a newly appointed son-in-law leading troops for the first time would have seemed ludicrous to him. What a missed opportunity.
After composing himself, Lu Dongzan formulated a strategy. Regardless of the circumstances, the Tang army rushed to Song Zhou urgently. After such a rapid, long-distance expedition, the Tang soldiers must be exhausted. Essentially, their opponent was at their weakest state. Lu Dongzan believed that victory was almost assured if they could force the Tang army out of the city to engage in battle.
Lu Dongzans plan was pragmatic. Directly attacking Song Zhou wasnt a viable choice, a fact he had recognized from the outset. The fifty thousand weary Tang soldiers could still hold the city even if a siege was launched. Furthermore, Song Zhou wasnt isolated. A blockade would starve the Tibetan forces while leaving the citys inhabitants comfortable. Thus, the only viable approach was to draw the Tang army out of the city.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om
Lu Dongzan quickly devised a plan. The Tibetan scouts had recently apprehended many Tang scouts and civilians. Lu Dongzan decided to use these captives to gauge the enemys intentions. It would be ideal if they could incite the enemy commander into recklessly engaging with an exhausted army. However, Lu Dongzan wasnt overly optimistic about this strategy. After all, Li Daozong was no unknown entity. As a seasoned general, he understood that a commander should avoid excessive compassion.
Nevertheless, warfare was similar to chess, requiring continuous probing to identify weaknesses. Consequently, Lu Dongzan summoned messengers and issued orders. Soon, the Tibetan army reorganized, forming ranks on the outskirts of Song Zhou. Halting at a distance of an arrows flight from the city, they released a group of captured Tang scouts. Su Li and his generals had reached the city wall at this juncture.
Commander, these barbarians are truly nothing more than beasts, just as Your Excellency stated! Li Daozong coldly snorted, muttering to himself.
Su Dingfang glanced at Su Li. His expression was tinged with concern. Both were seasoned warriors, with the brutality of war etched deeply into their minds. In truth, the scene before them hardly stirred any emotional response. Su Lis gaze remained ice-cold, fixed on the area beneath the city wall.
General, the Tubo forces are likely trying to lure our army out of the city. If we go out now, wont we be falling into their trap? the commander of Song Zhou City urgently interjected. His military expertise was substantial, and his confusion deepened at this moment. Could it be that Su Li didnt see what was evident even to him? Or was Su Li, as rumored, merely a figurehead lacking true commanding abilities?
Glancing at Li Daozong, the commander quickly observed, My lord, our troops are exhausted and worn. If we hastily leave the city
However, Li Daozong waved his hand and directed, If the general is going to battle, the rest of you should prepare as well!
Perplexed, the commander regarded Li Daozong. What preparations were required? Seeing the commanders utterly baffled expression, Li Daozong refrained from further clarification.
Preparations? Naturally, they were readying themselves to join Su Li in seeking revenge and clearing the battlefield. With Su Lis exceptional prowess displayed in front of all, Li Daozong swiftly adjusted his perspective. He wholeheartedly supported any decision Su Li made.
This extraordinary and invincible warrior, capable of defying norms and reshaping landscapes with a single blow, wasnt constrained by conventional rules. The standard wisdom that commanders mustnt be excessively merciful? While typical commanders needed ruthlessness to ensure plans went smoothly, Su Li was free from such constraints. Regardless of the scope of his plans, he could bulldoze his way through as he pleased. Strategies became futile.
Even the composed Li Daozong felt excitement, anticipating what would unfold. He recognized that he was on the cusp of witnessing the birth of a legend!
