Faced with such a situation, not to mention the Pyu soldiers, who were all confused, even the Tang soldiers had never expected this kind of result. They had trained for such a long time before coming here, and His Highness had tightened our grip on us again and again, but they did not expect such a result on the battlefield.
When Li Xiang arrived here, he saw a large number of our captured soldiers in the open space outside the city. They were being registered. The people in the city were all staying in their homes. No one was allowed to go out until the city was truly under control.
"Looking at the expressions on your faces, do you think all your training was wasted?"
Li Xiang knew what these people were thinking without talking to them. They all felt that the previous training was too difficult. If they were only facing these soldiers, there would be no need for them to work so hard.
"Your Highness has a reason for us to train. How dare we make random guesses? Your Highness, please temporarily move outside the city. There are still many unstable factors in the city. It is best not to go in for the time being."
Although Chang Sun Ze didn't say anything, it could be seen from the expression on his face that he also thought that Li Xiang's training was a bit too intense, resulting in a waste of so much manpower and resources, and our enemy was so weak.
"I know you're all unconvinced, but I'm telling you in advance that attacking a city is easy. If you want to gain a foothold here, it won't be that easy. The training I gave you earlier will come in handy sooner or later."
Li Xiang had to remind these people that if someone else said this, I am afraid that the arrogant soldiers and generals below would immediately refute it. You always say how powerful the enemy is, but it didn’t even take us two days. We have already fought from the border to Wa City and successfully occupied the largest city in the north of the Pyu Kingdom. Is this all fake?
But Li Xiang was their commander, and a commander who always won. Li Xiang had fought more battles than they had ever seen, so when Li Xiang said this, many people were still wondering in their hearts, could it be that this country had a more powerful army?
"Your humble servant Cao Lian pays respects to Your Highness."
Cao Lian spoke excitedly. He was just a small businessman, on the verge of losing money. If it weren't for Li Xiang, how could he have worn this official uniform? He and his men had done a good job these past few days. First, they destroyed the supplies outside the city, and then they held out for so long. When our men rushed in, the Tang Dynasty Guild Hall was still in our hands.
"Hurry up and get up. You are now a hero of our Tang Dynasty. I heard about your story on the way. Your efforts during this period have not been in vain. However, I can't give you much rest time. Is your injury a hindrance?"
Cao Lian's arm was in a sling. During the two days of attack, he was stabbed in the arm, but fortunately it was not seriously injured and the bone had been bandaged. If he had not been involved in the battle, this injury would not have been a big deal, and Li Xiang would not have let him charge to the front line.
"It's no problem at all to reply to Your Highness. The swords of the Pyu people are very blunt."
Cao Lian's words also made everyone laugh. This man was able to hold out in the city for three days without being defeated. This was indeed quite capable. You have to know that his men were not all regular soldiers, and some of them were retired soldiers. How could he be a simple person to be able to hold on under such circumstances?
"That's good. From now on, you will be the marching advisor. Follow General Changsun's command and accompany him as he attacks south. Rest tonight and continue your advance south tomorrow."
No one present was surprised by Li Xiang's arrangement, because Li Xiang believed that speed was everything in battle. When the enemy hasn't realized what was happening, our people have already rushed to your front. This way we can have a greater chance of winning, and the enemy will not be able to figure out our movements and will be led by us all the time.
"I obey your command."
Although Cao Lian is not a soldier, he has seen a lot of things on the battlefield. Moreover, he has been living in the enemy country and is much more vigilant than ordinary people. There is absolutely no problem for him to just stay by Changsun Ze's side and act as a guide or adviser.
Even if Li Xiang didn't say it, Changsun Ze would have to find a staff officer. Their reconnaissance only reached Wacheng. If they continued to move south, they would get less information. Cao Lian was a good target, as he knew more about things in the south.
"Then let me test you. I previously had General Changsun's men undergo over a year of training, and now their training hasn't been used. So, where do you think their training will be useful in the future?"
Taking advantage of the fact that there was nothing to do now, Li Xiang also wanted to see if Cao Lian was a competent marching staff officer. A whole lamb had been roasted on the fire next to him. Li Xiang cut a piece of meat and ate while talking.
Chang Sunze's ears pricked up at this moment. Although he wanted to be a brave and resourceful Confucian scholar, he knew that this goal was still a long way off. So, whenever there was an opportunity on the battlefield, he had to learn from it. If he wanted to learn from someone, who could be more suitable than Li Xiang? This was the most powerful general in the Tang Dynasty.
Li Xiang was conferred the title of General of Heavenly Strategy. Although the Changsun brothers did not return to witness the ceremony, they all received the news. The early Tang Dynasty was full of powerful generals, but now the entire city of Chang'an is silent about this title. What does that mean? It means that everyone is convinced of Li Xiang's title.
"In a frontal battle, we might only need to exert 30% of our strength. However, after we capture this place, many people will undoubtedly be dissatisfied. If they really flee to the surrounding mountains, I believe the training you generals have received will be of use. At that time, small-scale wars will continue to occur and last for a long time."
After Cao Lian finished speaking, Li Xiang knew that he had really integrated into the local community and had a better understanding of the situation there.
"You are indeed right. Your marching advisor is extremely qualified. So, General Changsun, do you understand my profound meaning?"
Li Xiang knocked the open space next to him with a bone, and Chang Sun Ze finally understood what Li Xiang meant. It turned out that a head-on battle was not a big deal. The most difficult thing was how to clean up the battlefield after the fight. That was when you had to put in some effort.
