We have fought to the Arctic Circle, and you want me to inherit the throne?

"Left Army Commander Chen Pingzhi presents this to Your Majesty for your perusal:"

"Your servant Chen Pingzhi bows his head.

General Wang Sanchun defeated Zhai Yan at Dingtao, killing countless prisoners. Zhai Yan escaped with only a thousand or so remaining cavalry.

I am excited by the good news, but I also know that the war situation is changing rapidly and we cannot afford to be negligent.

The pseudo-general Zheng Mao, with an army of 70,000, still held the Rencheng camp. Relying on the dangerous Ji River, he built deep trenches and high fortifications, and confronted us across the river in a very calm manner.

Although they have no talent for fighting, they are well versed in defensive tactics, have a strong camp and sufficient food and grass. If we continue to hold our ground, it will be detrimental to our army's plan to advance eastward.

I have observed that Zheng Mao's deployment of the army is focused on our front and along the Jishui River. He relies on the fact that the rear is the hinterland controlled by the pseudo-dynasty, so he must have relaxed his guard.

Moreover, when he heard the news of Zhai Yan's defeat, he was frightened. He must have thought that our army had just won a victory and needed to rest and replenish, or meet up with General Wang's troops, so he would never dare to take risks.

However, the way to use troops is to combine the normal and the unusual.

I have made up my mind to personally lead the elite cavalry, abandoning the baggage, and setting off immediately with five days' dry food. We will go around the Si River and the west side of Liangshan, and make a long-distance attack on their nest, Rencheng!

The journey here is difficult and dangerous, requiring a circuitous route of hundreds of miles, bypassing several enemy-occupied cities..."

Zheng Mao and other court rebels knew too little about the character of the Fengtian Army generals.

They only knew that Wang Sanchun was born a criminal, so they thought he was a reckless man with a bad temper and no strategy.

Little did people know that Wang Sanchun had never read any military books before following Li Che. He started leading troops after joining the Fengtian Army. All he learned and used were formal military tactics, and he studied under Yang Zhongsi for many years.

In fact, Wang Sanchun’s way of using troops was not unconventional. Instead, he was good at systematic confrontations between two armies.

In contrast, although Chen Pingzhi was called a Confucian general, that was just his appearance.

In fact, the reason why he was called the White-Robed Ghost General was because he was good at using surprising tactics in his military operations, which were often unexpected.

When Li Che attacked Khitan, he advocated a surprise attack.

When attacking Goryeo, he even rushed to support He Conglong overnight, completely unconventionally playing by the rules.

Although both were taught by Yang Zhongsi, Wang Sanchun learned Yang Zhongsi's fundamental methods of deploying troops, while Chen Pingzhi learned Yang Zhongsi's surprising and cunning methods of employing troops.

This led to the rebels' huge misjudgment of Chen Pingzhi, and they did not expect Chen Pingzhi to launch a surprise attack.

. . . . . .

Let’s go back in time to when the news of Wang Sanchun’s victory had just reached Chen Ping’s camp.

Inside the central military tent, Chen Pingzhi did not show much joy on his face after reading the description of the great victory in Dingtao in Wang Sanchun's letter.

After putting down the military newspaper, Chen Pingzhi stood up silently, walked to the huge map of Yanzhou hanging on the wall, and stood with his hands behind his back.

This stop lasted for a full half hour, like a clay sculpture or wooden statue, motionless.

His eyes moved repeatedly between every river, every hill, and every town name on the map, and his mind was rapidly deducing.

All the generals in the tent, such as Jie An, Jie Ming and others, held their breath and concentrated, not daring to disturb them.

As they also came from the Huan Guo army, they were familiar with Chen Pingzhi's habits.

Whenever he stared at the map for such a long time, it meant that a major decision was brewing in his mind.

Finally, Chen Pingzhi turned around, glanced at the generals in the tent, and spoke calmly:

"Call all generals above the rank of regimental commander for a military meeting."

Soon, all the generals gathered.

Chen Pingzhi said nothing more, pointing directly to the location of Rencheng on the map: "General Wang has already defeated Zhai Yan, and our army's morale is high."

"However, Zheng Mao's 70,000-man army remained huddled in the main camp at Rencheng, defending it by relying on the strategic location."

"If we wait until our army joins up with the right army before launching a forceful attack, Zheng Mao's camp will be even more fortified by then, and the campaign will be protracted, which is not what Your Majesty wants."

He paused, then continued, "I have decided to personally lead all the elite cavalry in the army, carrying five days' rations. We will set out immediately, bypassing the Si River and the west side of Liangshan, and then attack Rencheng and wipe out Zheng Mao's lair in one fell swoop!"

When these words were spoken, everyone in the tent was shocked.

Jie An was the first to speak up: "General, isn't this plan too risky?"

"Rencheng is Zheng Mao's headquarters, so there must be a heavy garrison there."

"Our army has traveled a long distance, advancing deep into our territory alone, without support or food. If our whereabouts are exposed and we are stopped by the garrisons of the cities along the way, the consequences will be disastrous!"

Jie Ming also frowned and echoed: "Yes, although Zheng Mao is not good at attacking, he may not be incompetent in defending the city."

"Furthermore, our army has bypassed the city. If they send troops to cut off our route back, what should we do?"

"It would be better to proceed steadily and join forces with General Wang before making further advances."

The other generals also looked worried, thinking that this move was too risky.

The rebels have just been defeated and will inevitably strengthen their defenses. They should hold on at this moment. How can they take the initiative to attack? This is not in line with the art of war.

Chen Pingzhi patiently listened to everyone's objections before speaking out, "Everyone's concerns are sound."

"But war is a treacherous path."

He walked over to the map and ran his finger over the planned detour.

"Zheng Mao is a cautious person, even cowardly."

"Zhai Yan has just been defeated. He must be like a frightened bird at this moment. All his attention is focused on our army camp in front and the movements of General Wang in the north."

"He could never have expected, nor dared to imagine, that our army would dare to abandon its camp and march alone deep into their heartland!"

"As for the cities along the way," Chen Pingzhi snorted coldly, "the defenders have all been pulled to the front by Zheng Mao. They have little manpower left. They might not even be able to defend the cities. How dare they leave the cities and pursue our army?"

"Our army moves quickly. Even if they discover us, they won't have time to react!"

After saying this, Chen Pingzhi stood with his hands behind his back, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

"Zheng Mao and the entire pseudo-court all believed that I, Chen Pingzhi, was a Confucian general who followed the rules."

“They are wrong!”

"In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken! If the general can use the right tactics to unite the forces, I, Chen Ping, will achieve victory through extraordinary means!"

The generals looked at Chen Pingzhi's confident look, and thought of his usual style of using troops like a devil, and were somewhat convinced.

After all, there are not many opportunities to make meritorious deeds before Your Majesty officially ascends the throne.

"What's more," Chen Pingzhi added finally.

"Zheng Mao's army's food and supplies are all in Rencheng. If Rencheng is lost, the morale of the 70,000-strong army will collapse instantly, and they will fall into chaos without a fight!"

"This will save us a lot of energy compared to a frontal assault. Didn't His Majesty also say that offense is the best defense?"

After Chen Ping's military order was issued, although the generals in the tent still had worries in their hearts, the military order was as firm as a mountain.

After hesitating for a moment, everyone finally clasped their fists and accepted the order: "I obey your command!"

Chen Pingzhi immediately gave the order: "Release An and Ming."

Brothers Jie An and Jie Ming stepped forward and said, "I am here."

"You two will stay behind in the main camp and spread out your deceptive forces. Make sure you create the illusion that the main force is still there!"

The two men said solemnly, "We will defend the main camp and will not let Zheng Mao see any flaws! Congratulations to the general on a successful surprise attack and a decisive victory!"

Just as the generals were about to disperse, a slightly anxious voice sounded from the back of the generals' formation:

"General Chen! Wait a minute!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw that the person who spoke was a burly man with a full beard.

It was Hu Xian, Marquis of Yingyang, one of the members of the military honor group who accompanied the army to observe and learn.

Originally, all the military heroes stayed with Li Che. Later, Li Che went to the Qin and Jin areas. Knowing that he would not have any major battles to fight in the next period of time, he assigned them to the left and right armies.

Chen Pingzhi looked at Hu Xian and frowned slightly.

These military heroes were sent in by His Majesty to learn new tactics. They all have special identities. He usually treats them with courtesy, but he has no authority to command them, and he does not want them to interfere with military operations.

"What's the matter, Marquis Yingyang?" Chen Pingzhi asked calmly.

Hu Xian strode into the tent and clasped his fists towards Chen Pingzhi. "General Chen! Your plan to attack Rencheng makes my blood boil!"

"We old brothers have been bothering your army for so long, just watching and not doing anything. Our bones are almost rusted!"

"General, please allow us to join you on this mission, so we can truly experience what a true surprise attack is!"

Without a second thought, Chen Pingzhi refused directly, saying, "Marquis Yingyang, my lords, you are here to observe our army under the order of His Majesty. I, Chen, will treat you with courtesy and ensure your safety."

"However, I, Chen, have no authority to command you, and I cannot bear the responsibility of putting you in danger. I ask you to remain in the camp and wait for good news."

"General Chen!" Qi Liangchen, Marquis of Xuancheng, also spoke up. "Although we are here to observe the battle under imperial orders, we are also true warriors, and have never neglected the art of archery, horsemanship, or swordplay."

"The general has such an earth-shattering strategy. If we can only watch from the sidelines and not participate in it personally, we will regret it for the rest of our lives when we look back on it in the future."

"We are not trying to interfere with the general's command. We only ask that you allow us to accompany the army as soldiers."

"Even if it's just holding the stirrup for the general, it's better than waiting here in vain."

"The Marquis of Xuancheng is wrong." Chen Pingzhi shook his head, his attitude still firm. "On the battlefield, swords have no eyes. If any of you were to be injured, how would I explain to Your Majesty?"

"This must never be done!"

Qi Liangchen seemed to have been prepared and immediately said, "General, rest assured. We have voluntarily signed the military order. It is written in black and white that we beg for participation in the war. All consequences will be borne by ourselves. It has nothing to do with you, General."

"Even if misfortune really happens, the descendants of our family will never dare to blame the general in the slightest!"

"Yes! I'll issue a military order!" Hu Xian patted his chest and shouted, "I'll be the first to write it. Fighting a battle like this with General Chen is worth dying for!"

The other honored military heroes also echoed in agreement, their emotions excited and their eyes burning.

They were thrown into the army by Li Che, and they originally intended to integrate into the military of the new dynasty.

Now that we have encountered such a surprise attack that will go down in history, how can we hold back?

Chen Pingzhi looked at the nobles in front of him who were excited and pondered for a moment.

He was well aware of the power of these military honors. If he completely rejected them, it would probably discourage them and would be detrimental to His Majesty's strategy of integrating military honors.

Moreover, these people might really be good on the battlefield...

Finally, he nodded slowly and said in a serious tone, "Since you have made up your minds, it would be unkind of me to stop you."

"But there are three things you must obey me!"

The military heroes were overjoyed when they heard this: "General, please speak!"