The Duke of Shu Han began guarding Jingzhou in place of Guan Yu.

Chapter 57 Reconnoitering the Terrain, Ready for Battle

Soon, Miwei arrived at Dankou, which was guarded by Xi Hongtun.

Both parties verified the talisman.

Upon learning that Mi Wei was traveling south for the first time, Xi Hong volunteered to act as his guide.

"I want Sima to know that the water conditions here are complicated. In addition to the Dankou at our feet, there are five other main water outlets."

"The Yuan River flows eastward into Dongting Lake, forming Hengfangkou."

"The Li River flows eastward into Dongting Lake, forming the Lijiang Estuary."

"The Li River also has tributaries that flow into the Yuan River, forming the Li River Estuary."

"There is also the Chisha River, which flows south into the Lishui River, forming the Shakou."

"Besides that, there is also the Lunshui River, which flows through the west bank of the Dajiang River..."

Miwei: "Stop, stop, stop! Let me catch my breath!"

He felt he was almost unable to recognize the character "口" anymore.

What's going on on the west bank of Dongting Lake?

It sounds like God just randomly scribbled something.

I'm drawing a mind map here!
I simply took out the simplified diagram drawn by Pan Mi and compared it with the original.

Well, it really does look like a mind map!

However, he quickly realized what was going on.

Essentially, Dongting Lake, as a large lake in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, naturally possesses the functions of water storage and flood discharge.
During the rainy season, the Yangtze River overflows its banks, causing lakes to flood.

During the dry season, the Yangtze River has low water levels, and the lake surface shrinks.

The lake's waters have risen and fallen for countless millions of years.

The silt and sand accumulated and were washed away repeatedly for countless millions of years.

It wouldn't be surprising if they created some bizarre and complex riverbed shapes.

Why did Qu Yuan sing "The Yuan River has angelica, and the Li River has orchids"?
Because this place has abundant water and fertile soil.

Even an inch of land is exposed.

Wildflowers and weeds shouldn't grow wildly upwards.

Xi Hong, out of curiosity, peeked over to look at the picture.

Mi Wei simply let this local expert take charge of the map, in order to identify and fill any gaps.

What if Pan Jun wasn't meticulous enough, or what if Pan's secret notes were drawn incorrectly?
However, Xi Hong looked at it from left to right and couldn't find any problems.

The more they looked, the more amazed they became.

Finally, she said with a shy expression:

"If I had known Sima had this plan, I wouldn't have shown off my knowledge!"

Miwei waved his hand and said:
"It's alright. This is my first time commanding troops, and I only have a basic understanding of military affairs. Even with this map, it doesn't mean I can secure a foothold here. I still need your strong support!"

Xi Hong, being young, didn't think much of it upon hearing this and immediately agreed.

Mi Wei then appointed him as his deputy, continuing to lead the original Yiqu Jue Zhangshi.

Xi Hong also stepped up without hesitation.

Great, this is someone who won't overestimate me.

Reliable!

This tall, muscular man isn't just randomly chosen.

After receiving Liao Hua's transfer order, he tried his best to recall the Xi brothers' affairs.

Especially Xi Hong.

When I think of his deeds...

It's hard not to think of Xu Shu from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, who remained silent after entering Cao Cao's camp.

But it is different from a fictional story.

Historically, after Xi Hong was captured by Sun Quan,

Throughout his life, he truly lived up to the principle of "not answering any questions."

Putting aside his abilities, his character is definitely superior to that pretentious old man, Pan Jun.

At least you don't have to worry about being betrayed by your teammates during a battle.

After settling down.

Xi Hong briefly recounted the military intelligence that had already been ascertained:
“Sun Huan, the Commandant of the Imperial Guard, led two thousand soldiers and garrisoned at Likou, controlling the Yuan River.”

"Pan Zhang and Sima Ma Zhong led a thousand soldiers to garrison at Shakou, blocking the Li River."

"General Xiao Guan's remaining troops number about three thousand. They have no boats to cross the river and are unable to communicate. Their current situation is unknown."

Upon hearing this, Mi Wei realized that he and his men alone could not rescue Guan Ping.

Let's not even mention the two main forces of Liao Hua and Pan Zhang in the upper reaches of the Lishui River.

Speaking only of the downstream area to the east.

Sun Huan was an acquaintance.

Mi Wei proclaimed himself a minor general of Jiangdong.

One of its troops was larger than Mi Wei and Xi Hong combined.

There is also the advantage of boats and ships.

Not to be offended.

As for Ma Zhong, who also lives on the banks of the Lishui River.

If I remember correctly, it was this very person who captured Guan Yu and his son on the banks of the Ju and Zhang rivers in history.

He was considered one of the main enemies of Guan Yu's family.

In the fictionalized account, the novelist altered his story to depict him being killed by Huang Zhong's arrow at the Battle of Yiling, thus completing his revenge.

However, in actual history, Huang Zhong died of illness before the battle.

There is no record of Ma Zhong participating in the Battle of Yiling.

There is no such thing as revenge.

Perhaps they even died of old age.

However, Ma Zhong, a famous general of the Shu Han dynasty who shared the same name as him, had a brilliant performance after the Battle of Yiling.

But that's another story. In short, this Ma Zhong from Jiangdong was capable of capturing Guan Yu and his son.

Their strength should not be underestimated.

Yuan has grandsons, Li has horses; I yearn for Guan Ping, yet dare not speak of it.
However, it couldn't save Guan Ping.

This does not mean that Miwei is inactive.

Following in the footsteps of Pan Jun, Mi Wei was influenced by him and paid particular attention to the reconnaissance of battlefield terrain.

Fortunately, he had Xi Hong and Zhan Sifu, military officers familiar with the local area, by his side.

So, while on duty, he made sure to have everyone help him sort out the surrounding geography.

And in doing this analysis, he actually made some discoveries.

"My friends, look at this place!"

Miwei pointed to a hilly area on the map, looking doubtful.

"Although the hills to the west are not high, they are rugged enough to provide support."

"Although there is no large river on the east side, there are countless puddles and mud pits, which can serve as a protective barrier."

"Such a place, with both front and back, is enough to establish a stable camp for thousands of people."

"More importantly, this place is also on the southwest bank of the Lishui River, only twenty or thirty miles away from Pan Zhang's current water fortress."

Having followed Mi Wei for a long time, Zhan Sifu quickly understood his meaning.

The same question arose:

"That's right. There's a safe place not far behind, so why did Pan Zhang insist on going forward to the banks of the Lishui River, where there are no natural defenses, and setting up a fortified camp by the river?"

"Aren't you afraid that Magistrate Liao will sneak across the river upstream and downstream and directly destroy his water fortress?"

The two were completely baffled.

Xi Hong, who had been stationed there for some time, immediately understood what was going on:

"This is to make it easier to block the river channel!"

"The enemy forces attacked from the east bank of Dongting Lake, and then advanced westward along the Yuan and Li rivers."

"From then on, whether it was transporting supplies or using the complex river network to divide our troops, we could not do without the convenience of boats."

"Therefore, rather than relying on mountains, enemy generals prefer to rely on rivers in order to take advantage of their naval forces."

Miwei immediately understood.

Northerners ride horses, while southerners sail boats.

A general should adapt to local conditions, maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses; this is the proper way.

So there was nothing more to say for the time being.

……

Thanks to unimpeded logistical support, Liao Hua quickly completed preparations for the river-crossing operation.

Mi Wei received the military order the night before.

The next morning, the entire army ate breakfast in batches, which was divided into two portions.

A thousand soldiers followed Mi Wei onto the ship and sailed out of Dankou onto the main channel of the Li River.

Then they set up their boats in the river, erected shields and crossbows, facing the enemy downstream.

Looking forward to it.

The remaining auxiliary troops were placed under Xi Hong's command, and they were to support the river from the fortifications on the northeast bank.

They are also on high alert.

As for Zhan Sifu and his barbarian cavalry, they continued to gallop along the shore as always, either delivering military orders or maintaining communications.

Miwei is not the only one on high alert.

Sun Huan of Yuan River is not visible for the time being.

However, Ma Zhong's troops, who lived downstream of the Li River, also ate breakfast early and then gathered and deployed towards Shakou.

Miwei also saw a medium-sized warship called a "fighting ship".

The ship was equipped with parapets, three feet high, which provided cover for the soldiers without them having to raise their shields.

Compared to the light boats and small vessels of the Miwei side, they were much more powerful.

It seems that Ma Zhong also received Pan Zhang's orders.

It's unclear whether this order is to instruct them to attack against the current or to continue to besiege Guanping.

anyway.

Today, the Li River will inevitably be stained with blood.

Thinking of this, Mi Wei subconsciously looked out of the ship.

The flowing water is clear but not turbid.

It perfectly reflects the slowly spreading ink-black hue on the horizon.

……

Dark clouds barely obscured the sun, and the sky was sometimes overcast and sometimes clear.

Liao Hua's expression shifted between light and shadow.

He was unwilling to criticize the local elderly who provided the weather forecast.

Accidents will happen.

The vast heavens, even the emperor himself, cannot fathom their intentions.

Moreover, it's just a cloud hanging over the horizon, and it might not necessarily hinder the deployment of troops.

And more importantly.

At this moment, the troops are well-trained, well-supplied, and in high spirits, just like an arrow ready to be released.

If we don't act now, when will we?

Liao Hua then roused himself and ordered the drums to be beaten as the army advanced.

In an instant, the drums thundered, echoing along the riverbank.

Five thousand regular soldiers, arranged in several tight formations, pressed forward with a thunderous roar.

However, the first to arrive at the front lines were auxiliary soldiers from several garrisons who were pulling boats and carrying logs.

(End of this chapter)