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

Even though it was late at night, Li Heng was still working diligently at his desk.

Gao Shi entered the inner hall and said softly, "Your Highness, please prepare to rest."

Li Heng didn't look up, but whispered, "Wait a little longer, I need to find the key to a breakthrough."

Gao Shi nodded, lit a candle for Li Heng, and then quietly withdrew.

the next day.

Gao Shi entered the study, bringing new intelligence: "Your Highness, our scouts have discovered that the rebels seem to be gathering, preparing to launch a larger-scale attack. We need to react as soon as possible."

"A gathering?" Li Heng stopped in his tracks, his brows furrowed. "It seems they really do have powerful backing; they shouldn't be underestimated."

"Your Highness, should we deploy our hidden forces ahead of schedule?" Gao Shi suggested.

“It’s not the right time yet,” Li Heng shook his head. “We need more information to identify the rebels’ core weaknesses before we can take action.”

Zhang Jiuling then entered and said worriedly, "Your Highness, time is of the essence. We need to ensure that the generals' cooperation goes smoothly."

“You’re right,” Li Heng nodded. “The morale of the generals must be high. Send more men to reinforce the defense of Chang’an and ensure that nothing goes wrong.”

at the same time.

Li Mao, who was in the Prince of Shou's residence, also received some news.

"Your Highness, several rebel groups are secretly contacting outside aid, which may be a major reason why they dare to provoke us," Afu explained from the side.

Li Mao sighed slightly, realizing that the situation was more complicated than he had originally thought: "It seems we underestimated the rebels' ambitions."

Afu continued, "Should we make some contact with the rebels' outer perimeter to probe their true intentions?"

“Yes, but be careful not to expose any opportunities.” Li Mao’s eyes flickered, then he took out a map and pointed out several important points. “At the same time, we need to keep a close watch on the gathering places of these rebels.”

at the same time.

In the enemy camp, An Lushan was also studying intelligence in his main tent when he suddenly noticed a commotion coming from the rear.

"Report! Our supply line has been attacked, and we are short of food and supplies, which may affect the operations at the front." A trusted confidant rushed into the tent to report.

An Lushan's expression changed: "Who did this?"

“It’s unclear at the moment, but this operation was clearly well-prepared,” the confidant said anxiously. “We must stabilize the situation as soon as possible, otherwise it may shake the morale of the troops.”

"Find the thieves and punish them severely!" An Lushan roared. He knew that the supply line was the lifeblood of the army, and if it was unstable, it would be difficult to maintain the army.

The aide asked softly, "General, do you need to request immediate reinforcements to ensure everything goes smoothly?"

An Lushan pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "It's not time for that yet."

at the same time.

Li Mao fell into deep thought in his study.

"Your Highness, the rebels in the south seem to be connected with certain foreign powers. We can incite conflict between the various forces and keep them in a stalemate," Afu suggested.

“Good idea,” Li Mao smiled slightly, his eyes revealing shrewdness. “Perhaps we can create even greater chaos and use this as a pretext to relieve the pressure we are currently under.”

Afu understood Li Mao's intentions and immediately began making arrangements.

"I will strengthen our network of informants to ensure the secrecy of all operations."

Several days later, new intelligence arrived that the rebels seemed to be preparing to join forces with a powerful local warlord and march together towards Chang'an.

"It seems these rebels are truly fearless and naive," Li Heng said calmly.

"Your Highness, could we unite with local forces to form a larger combat matrix?" Gao Shi suggested.

“Yes, but we must ensure there are no hidden dangers to loyalty.” Li Heng’s expression was firm.

At this moment, an urgent report arrived at Li Mao's residence regarding changes in the situation in the south.

"Your Highness, our informants report that the southern rebels intend to seize control of the local garrison. We must take this very seriously," Afu said earnestly.

"Evacuate key personnel if necessary, and ensure the supply line remains open," Li Mao calmly directed.

……

Li Heng gathered his most trusted advisors in the council hall of the Eastern Palace to discuss the next steps in the strategy.

"Your Highness, we have received the latest intelligence. An Lushan may be reassessing the situation and preparing to consolidate his forces," Gao Shi said, combining the intelligence with his analysis.

"Oh? He must have guessed something." Li Heng slowly put down the folded document in his hand, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

Zhang Jiuling continued, "According to observations at the front, An Lushan's troops have made small-scale movements. These movements are clearly not for an attack, but rather more like preparations for withdrawal."

Li Heng frowned, pondering carefully: "An Lushan is a cunning opponent. If he feels that the rebellion in the south cannot be sustained, he may plan for the long term. We need to be wary of his next move."

At this moment, An Lushan, far away in the rebel camp, was indeed facing a difficult choice.

Recent information and increasing supply pressures made him realize that the current situation was extremely unfavorable to him.

"General, our men can no longer receive supplies reliably; vital supply lines have been cut off," the trusted aide reported anxiously.

An Lushan flicked his cloak and asked in a deep voice, "Are you from the imperial court?"

"Someone may have already noticed our movements, but we can't be sure who it is," the confidant replied.

An aide nearby suggested, "General, I suggest we take this opportunity to retreat and preserve our forces for a more advantageous time to act."

"Retreat? You think our current situation only allows for a temporary retreat?" An Lushan narrowed his eyes slightly.

“That’s right. Preserving our strength is the wisest choice right now,” the aide calmly analyzed.

An Lushan was silent for a moment, then his eyes gradually hardened: "Alright, begin preparing the retreat plan immediately. There's no need for a public withdrawal; all actions must be concealed."

at the same time.

In the Prince of Shou's residence, Li Mao was also keeping an eye on An Lushan's movements.

He knew that if he could detect signs of the rebels' retreat, it would be a breakthrough.

"Your Highness, we have received information that An Lushan is secretly mobilizing his troops," Afu presented the intelligence.

Li Mao frowned slightly: "It seems he is also reassessing the current situation. We can take advantage of this opportunity."

General Feng then interjected, "If An Lushan chooses to retreat, we can take the opportunity to launch a pursuit, which may yield unexpected gains."

Li Mao pondered for a moment: "No, we need to wait for the right opportunity. The main goal is to weaken their strength as much as possible so that they cannot launch a quick counterattack."

A few days later, An Lushan adjusted the retreat plan to a covert operation, transferring most of his troops back to relatively safe defense zones, while spreading false information among the army to confuse the court's observations.

"General, we have made proper arrangements for our post-retreat encampment," his trusted aide whispered to him.

An Lushan nodded, signaling immediate action: "We must act swiftly and secretly, and never let the enemy discover the true movements of our army."