Tang Dynasty: To win Yang Guifei, they asked Emperor Xuanzong to die.

Li Mao stared at the map, pondering how to deal with the Wolf Lord's provocation.

At that moment, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the tent.

Li Jingqing walked in from outside, looking slightly nervous.

"Your Highness, we just received a letter from Chang'an. His Majesty has decided to send another reinforcement to us," Li Jingqing immediately reported.

Li Mao looked up, his tone questioning, "Oh? What are the specifics?"

"It is said that the commander of this army is a young general under the Duke of Wei, named Guo Ziyi," Li Jingqing continued.

"Guo Ziyi?" Li Mao looked at Li Jingqing with some surprise.

Guo Ziyi was one of the key generals who quelled the An Lushan Rebellion.

It's unclear what this person's current strength and status are. If we can nurture him and help him rise to power, he will surely be of great use in the future.

“Your Highness, although this man is currently just an unknown soldier, I have heard that he is quite brave and resourceful in the army, but he lacks opportunities,” Li Jingqing said thoughtfully.

Li Mao nodded, pondered for a moment, and said, "It's alright. As the saying goes, heroes don't ask about their origins. This war is a good opportunity to hone talent."

At this moment, Afu also entered the tent. He seemed quite excited about the arrival of reinforcements. "Your Highness, this is great news! With another army supporting us, the border defenses will naturally be more secure."

“That’s right.” Li Mao smiled, his tone revealing a hint of relief. “Chang’an has clearly realized that the Wolf Lord’s probing is not to be underestimated. We must make full use of this reinforcement.”

“Oh, right, Jingqing.” Li Mao suddenly remembered something, “You need to make thorough arrangements so that Guo Ziyi’s troops can quickly integrate into our defenses.”

"Understood, Your Highness. I will personally take charge of this matter," Li Jingqing solemnly promised.

As night deepened, vigilance remained high both inside and outside the camp.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, the sound of horses' hooves could be heard in the distance.

A thousand-strong cavalry unit led by Guo Ziyi strode in at dawn, their imposing presence awe-inspiring.

Li Mao and his generals came out of the tent to greet them. He looked closely and saw that although the cavalry was not large, every soldier displayed an extraordinary and capable demeanor.

Guo Ziyi dismounted, cupped his hands in greeting, and said respectfully, "Your Highness Prince Shou, I have come to provide support by order of His Majesty."

Li Mao smiled slightly and greeted him warmly, "General Guo, you've worked hard."

"It is my great fortune to be able to serve the Tang Dynasty," Guo Ziyi replied succinctly, his tone humble.

Li Mao was quite satisfied. He turned to the Duke of Wei beside him and whispered, "It seems that Guo Ziyi is no ordinary person. He is a man who can accomplish great things."

Duke Wei nodded slightly, agreeing with Li Mao's judgment.

Upon returning to the camp, Li Jingqing specially arranged a strategy meeting to discuss the current situation.

"Your Highness, according to current intelligence, there are signs that the Wolf Lord's troop deployment is changing," Li Jingqing analyzed the battle situation.

"General Guo, what are your thoughts?" Li Mao asked Guo Ziyi at the opportune moment.

“Your Highness, the Wolf Lord may launch feigned attacks in certain areas to tie down our main force,” Guo Ziyi replied calmly, his gaze resolute. “We might as well lay in ambush in advance and launch a counterattack at the crucial moment.”

"Good strategy." Li Mao nodded, clearly very optimistic about Guo Ziyi's suggestion.

Afu nodded and then agreed, saying, "In this way, we can achieve effective defense at the lowest possible cost."

“Very good.” Li Mao calmly tapped the table. “Follow this plan. Decide quickly in wartime, without any delays.”

Li Mao felt much more relaxed when the meeting ended.

As time went on, the standoff between the two sides gradually escalated.

For several days, small-scale skirmishes have continued along the border, and the situation remains tense.

One night, Li Mao was alone in his tent when he invited Guo Ziyi over, wanting to gain a deeper understanding of his insights.

"General Guo, what is your opinion on the Wolf Lord's true intentions?" Li Mao asked bluntly.

Guo Ziyi pondered for a moment and replied, "In my opinion, the Wolf King is probably suspicious of the peace negotiations and is either advancing or retreating in order to test our reaction."

“Your analysis makes a lot of sense.” Li Mao nodded approvingly, then asked, “So, how do you think we can truly stabilize the situation?”

"Your Highness, after careful consideration, I suggest that we quickly mobilize our forces, stabilize our defenses, deceive them with feigned weakness, and demonstrate our strength." Guo Ziyi remained calm and composed, displaying remarkable strategic vision.

Li Mao's eyes revealed appreciation. "Very good, we will proceed according to your suggestion."

Guo Ziyi nodded solemnly, "Your Highness, rest assured, although the reinforcements this time are few, this humble general will do his utmost."

“General Guo, there is one more question,” Li Mao suddenly spoke, a hint of doubt in his voice.

"Your Highness, please speak," Guo Ziyi replied without hesitation.

"If one day you need to shoulder a heavier responsibility, would you be willing to charge into battle for me?" Li Mao's gaze was piercing, his eyes fixed firmly on the other man's.

Guo Ziyi smiled cautiously and replied firmly, "For the sake of the Tang Dynasty, I fear no challenge. As long as Your Highness commands, I will shoulder any responsibility, no matter how great."

"Very good." Li Mao nodded in satisfaction, then his tone softened slightly, "General, you must be tired from your long journey. Rest well tonight, and we will discuss military matters again tomorrow."

Guo Ziyi accepted the order and left. As he left the camp, he secretly resolved to give full play to his potential in this aid mission to repay Li Mao's trust.

It's just dawn,

Li Mao returned to his tent and summoned his generals to begin further battle planning.

He spread out a map, which marked various potential conflict locations. "We must now adapt to the situation and not give the Wolf Lord any opportunity to take advantage."

"Your Highness, why don't we set up ambushes at several potential points of attack to tie down the Wolf Army's forces?" Guo Ziyi suggested.

“That works,” Li Mao said happily. “In this way, we can use a small force to confuse the enemy while preserving our main force.”

"General Qiemo believes that we must send out false intelligence from time to time to confuse the Wolf Army," Guo Ziyi suggested again, a flash of inspiration in his mind.

Li Jingqing nodded in agreement, "Only in this way can we keep the wolf army busy and gradually lose the desire to attack."

In addition to making proper arrangements for troop deployment, Li Mao was also repeatedly considering long-term strategies to deal with the Wolf Lord.

In his view, marriage alliances were not a long-term solution, and at the same time, he was also thinking about how to tap into Guo Ziyi's potential.

The meeting ended and everyone dispersed.

Li Mao stepped out of the tent and took a deep breath of the fresh morning air.

In a corner of the camp, he saw Guo Ziyi sitting with the soldiers, sharing their hardships with them through simple military meals.

"General Guo," Li Mao stepped forward and asked in an inquiring tone, "how are the soldiers' morale today?"

"Your Highness, the soldiers are in high spirits. They are ready to fight at any time as soon as the order is given," Guo Ziyi replied calmly.