Chapter 105: On Strategy and Warfare

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Zhang Chi killed the man with a single sword strike. The deceased, Officer Yi Cao Congshi, was not only unexpected to him but also to the assembled civil and military officials, and even the Prince of Chengdu himself. Killing an imperial official in the palace was no trivial matter. Yet Zhang Chi was well aware of the situation.

It was clear that the Prince of Chengdu harbored a desire to resist the Hu invaders but felt constrained by limited military authority, causing hesitation and indecision. Zhang Chi’s act of killing in the palace was merely a means to solidify the Prince's resolve to oppose the Hu.

Whether to fight or surrender, the Prince of Chengdu had to take a clear stance. If even he wavered, how could he expect his officials to unite against the Hu? Furthermore, Zhang Chi was deliberate in his choice: upon entering the hall, the Prince had briefly introduced the officials present. While Zhang Chi could not recall every name, he had a general sense of rank and knew that the victim was not a powerful military figure; killing him would not provoke a great commotion.

Though taking a life was grave, and the victim might not have been wholly villainous, Zhang Chi was never one for hesitation. Merely advocating surrender to the Hu in the face of a formidable enemy warranted death. Otherwise, how could he inspire unity and resolve against the invaders?

Though the Governor of Liangzhou also favored surrender, Zhang Chi was not foolish enough to kill him in the hall; doing so would have sparked internal strife in Shu rather than unity. The killing also served to intimidate self-interested officials, silencing those without power who dared not voice defeatist sentiments any longer.

Zhang Chi’s bold action effectively controlled the situation, even earning quiet admiration from Qin Bo: “Master Zhang truly shows both courage and decisiveness.”

The Prince of Chengdu cooperated, standing with solemnity. “Young master, you speak rightly. My mind is made up. I swear to resist the Hu to the death. Any further talk of surrender will be met with execution without mercy!”

Though the political situation in Shu was complex, with provincial governors holding military power and pursuing personal agendas, none dared openly rebel. The Prince of Chengdu remained the nominal ruler of Shu. Now that he had spoken decisively, even discontented officials kept silent.

Among those present, the highest-ranking after the Prince were the Governors of Yizhou and Liangzhou. The Governor of Yizhou, twirling his goatee, smiled warmly. He had been silent until now, and Zhang Chi had been unsure of his stance. Hearing praise, Zhang Chi bowed modestly, “You honor me too greatly.”

The Governor of Liangzhou, with his distinctive eight-shaped mustache, had earlier advocated surrender but made no mention of it now. Smiling as well, he said, “Since you have asserted authority by killing and advocate resistance, you must have sound strategies. Pray, share them with us.”

Among those present, only the Prince and these two governors held the highest ranks. Their appearances—one with a goatee, the other with an eight-shaped mustache—gave Zhang Chi an instinctive sense that neither was entirely trustworthy.

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Zhang Chi’s first impression was correct; at least the Governor of Liangzhou was not a good man. He was curious to see what this frail scholar could possibly propose to resist the Hu. Though he no longer spoke of surrender, he could mock the idea of resistance. In his mind, given the overwhelming disparity in forces, those advocating resistance were simply foolhardy.

Zhang Chi had never commanded troops, and he had no real military plans. Yet having read many ancient texts and watched countless dramas before his time-travel, he was adept at bluffing ancient people. Smiling slightly, he spoke clearly, “First, though the plains of Shu are fertile and vast, it is surrounded by mountains: Ba Mountains to the north, Wu Mountains to the east, snow-capped peaks to the west. The path into Shu is rugged and treacherous. The Hu, coming from afar, do not know Shu’s terrain, while our people know it intimately. As the saying goes, those who know the terrain win, those who don’t lose. Utilizing the terrain well, even if the Hu have many troops, strong horses, and powerful crossbows, they pose no great threat.”

The Prince of Chengdu nodded repeatedly as he listened.

“Second, the Hu burn, loot, and commit unspeakable atrocities. The people of Shu are willing to fight to the death to defend their homes. Refugees from the north especially harbor deep hatred for the Hu. The hearts of the people are a resource to be harnessed.” Zhang Chi continued, “As the saying goes, favorable timing is less important than terrain, and terrain less than unity. Esteemed lords, victory belongs to those united in purpose!”

“Well said!” The Prince of Chengdu slammed the table and rose, walking down from his seat to grasp Zhang Chi’s hand. “The ancients said one scholar could pacify a region. Today, with you here to aid us, we shall surely defeat the Hu. I hereby appoint you Grand Commander, in charge of Shu’s military affairs.”

Zhang Chi was about to speak when the Prince tightened his grip and earnestly said, “Please do not refuse. I beg you to share this burden with me.”

Seeing the Prince’s sincerity, Zhang Chi nodded. Though nominally ruler of Shu, the Prince had only recently arrived. The powerful provincial governors had long held sway and made the Prince’s position tenuous. Zhang Chi’s arrival was like a lifeline, especially given his connection to Lady Wang, so the Prince was quick to entrust him with responsibility.

The Governor of Liangzhou, with his short, unmanageable mustache, twirled it between thumb and forefinger and smiled. “Your points are reasonable, young master, but sadly vague and impractical. Do you understand the art of marching and battlefield formations? Perhaps you could demonstrate for us? If you do not even understand these, appointing you Grand Commander would be sending our troops to their deaths.”

He was certain Zhang Chi, a frail scholar, knew nothing of warfare.

In truth, Zhang Chi did not. But he could bluff. He scoffed, “Those formations are mere paper talk. They do not win battles.”

“Oh?” The Governor’s expression exaggerated as if he had caught Zhang Chi in a lie. “You disdain the ancients’ strategies? I’m eager to hear your wisdom.”

He deliberately emphasized “wisdom,” sarcastically implying that Zhang Chi’s words were nonsense. Everyone present could understand the irony.

Zhang Chi ignored the mockery, smiling faintly. “Battlefields differ—wide or narrow, perilous or easy. How can one rely on fixed formations? The essence of warfare lies in surprise, keeping the enemy uncertain of our true strength. Plans cannot outpace change. To fix oneself rigidly to a formation before battle is certain defeat. I suspect you do not understand this principle—that success depends on a unified mind.”

The Governor was left speechless.

The Prince resumed his seat and addressed the assembly, “Since we have resolved to fight the Hu, let each lord report the number of troops under his command, so we may coordinate deployment.”

At this, all fell silent, an awkwardness settling over the hall.

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None of the officials spoke. Those commanding troops were wary; their forces were their bargaining chips in Shu. None wished to commit their soldiers to a bloody fight. Even if the Hu were defeated, losing their troops would weaken their own standing.

The Governors of Liangzhou and Yizhou, commanding the largest forces, also smiled quietly but said nothing.

The Prince of Chengdu was furious and about to reprimand them when Zhang Chi chuckled and said, “My lord, perhaps they themselves do not know their exact numbers. It would be best to return and conduct a thorough count. We can reconvene tomorrow.”

With a knowing glance at the Prince, Zhang Chi suggested this tactful delay.

The Prince understood and said, “Very well. Today’s meeting is adjourned. You lords are the pillars of Shu. Now is the time to contribute. Return and ascertain your troop numbers. We shall continue tomorrow.”

The officials rose and were escorted out. Zhang Chi and Qin Bo were about to leave when the Prince called out, “Young master, please wait. I have matters to discuss with you further, and as you have journeyed far to Shu, I should host a welcome banquet.”

Once the officials had departed, the Prince hurried over and grasped Zhang Chi’s hand. “You may not know, but the Governors of Liangzhou and Yizhou each command tens of thousands of troops. The Hu cavalry is already advancing toward Wuping. Should Wuping fall, Shu will be imperiled. Speed is vital. Why did you stop me from pressing them to send troops earlier?”

“The Governors of Liangzhou and Yizhou hold the highest ranks in Shu and refuse to mobilize. The others only pay lip service. Even if troops are deployed, their hearts are not with the cause. Such a force, disjointed and uncoordinated, no matter how large, cannot defeat the Hu.”

Zhang Chi’s reasoning was sound. The Prince nodded anxiously. “Then what shall we do?”

“Do not worry, my lord,” Zhang Chi smiled faintly. “If I am not mistaken, after I leave the palace, these two governors will likely invite me to their residences. Then I shall persuade them to resist.”

The Prince looked puzzled. “How do you know they will invite you?”

“It is human nature,” Zhang Chi explained. “The realm is divided. I am but a scholar newly arrived, yet you have shown me great favor. They must wonder about my background. Long in office, they will not rashly make enemies without knowing my origins. Hence, no further moves in the hall today. I expect after I leave the palace, they will send for me. Then I will try to convince them to stand against the Hu.”

Seeing Zhang Chi’s confidence and plans, the Prince was relieved. It was nearly noon, so he hastily ordered a banquet—both to welcome Zhang Chi and to further discuss resistance strategies. To be frank, though the Prince had resolved to fight today, he still lacked confidence in their prospects.