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

Chapter 118 War Clouds Rise Again

Inside the tent, Li Mao, Guo Ziyi, and several deputy generals were analyzing the situation in detail.

“Your Highness,” Guo Ziyi pointed to the southwest direction marked on the map, “Although An Lushan’s troops have suffered heavy losses, if they regroup in Luoyang, they will undoubtedly pose a great threat to our subsequent advance.”

Li Mao nodded and said, "We must strike hard before they regroup, or there will be endless trouble."

"Jing Qing, immediately gather the most elite cavalry, along with reliable scouts, and do everything in your power to track the enemy's movements," Guo Ziyi quickly instructed.

"Yes, General." Li Jingqing replied without hesitation, then turned and left to prepare.

Another deputy general present chimed in, "Your Highness, if An Lushan is indeed colluding with the surrounding tribes, we need to send someone to appease him and win his support."

“You’re right.” After careful consideration, Li Mao adopted a multi-pronged approach in accordance with the law. “I will send envoys to the surrounding tribes to maintain communication with them and strive for opportunities for cooperation. We must not allow the enemy to unite with these tribes.”

Guo Ziyi added, "Regarding Luoyang, we still need to pay close attention to the movements of the local gentry to avoid any suspicion of rebellion or collusion with the enemy."

Li Mao nodded in agreement, saying, "Moreover, Luoyang is a strategically important location. The success or failure of this battle is also the key to whether our army can ultimately quell the rebellion."

Time was of the essence; the generals received their orders and quickly left the tents.

It was late at night, and Li Mao sat alone in his tent.

“Your Highness,” Guo Ziyi pushed open the tent flap and entered, interrupting Li Mao’s thoughts, “the soldiers are ready to depart tomorrow morning.”

Li Mao came to his senses and looked at the old general in front of him, feeling a heartfelt gratitude: "Ziyi, it is fortunate that you are by my side that I have been able to achieve this."

"It is my duty, Your Highness, please do not be too polite." Guo Ziyi smiled slightly, then advised, "Although the current situation is dangerous, Your Highness should not worry. With all the soldiers working together, we will surely be able to revive the Tang Dynasty."

Guo Ziyi then added, "Your Highness's previous considerations regarding the creation of a more stable system of governance may be gradually implemented under the current circumstances. Stabilizing public sentiment and consolidating our advantages are essential to turning danger into safety."

Li Mao agreed wholeheartedly, saying, "This is also what I have always thought. Once the war has stabilized, we will surely rectify the laws and regulations so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment."

There was a rustling sound outside the tent, which sounded like the soldiers preparing.

Li Mao smiled and said, "After the victory, I will hold a banquet in Luoyang to reward the soldiers for their merits."

Guo Ziyi sighed softly, "Your Highness has always won people over with virtue, and I'm sure the people will gradually come to your heart's content."

a few days later.

The flag, located in the center of the camp, fluttered in the wind once again.

"Everyone, prepare to depart!" Li Mao stood on high ground, his gaze as firm as a rock.

Behind them, the assembled soldiers were fully armed and ready to go, determined to plant their battle flag on the land of Luoyang.

The procession gradually began to move, the sound of horses' hooves causing the earth to tremble.

Just as they were about to set off, Li Mao turned to Guo Ziyi and said, "This battle was entirely due to the efforts of Ziyi and all the generals and soldiers. After we achieve a resounding victory, we will discuss the next plan."

Guo Ziyi nodded slightly, "Your Highness, rest assured, even if we are attacked again, we will definitely push the Central Plains to see the light again."

As the troops set off, a solemn and resolute atmosphere permeated the entire military camp.

The sounds of horses' hooves clashing against armor mingled together in a continuous chorus.

During the journey, Li Mao and Guo Ziyi rode side by side.

"Your Highness, the pass ahead is the one we are about to reach. If we can occupy this place, we can cut off the enemy's connection with Luoyang," Guo Ziyi said with a solemn expression.

“That’s right,” Li Mao said with emotion. “Luoyang is where the situation lies. If we control it, we will gain the upper hand.”

"Yesterday we received a secret report from our scouts that the enemy is intensifying its troop buildup, intending to create a stalemate here," Guo Ziyi reported in a deep voice.

Li Mao frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "We need to catch them off guard with faster maneuverability, and not let them consolidate their defenses."

Guo Ziyi nodded in agreement and immediately arranged for the cavalry to go first, ensuring that they would occupy key positions before the enemy could react.

at the same time.

Li Jingqing also directed the follow-up troops from the rear of the main force.

"Soldiers, we cannot afford to fail in the face of such a formidable enemy. Only by working together can we create new glories!" Li Jingqing shouted, raising his arms in a triumphant cry.

The soldiers responded in unison, their voices resounding powerfully.

As dusk fell, the scouts ahead brought good news: the first wave of cavalry had successfully reached the pass and taken up a favorable position.

"Your Highness, our vanguard has successfully captured key terrain," a messenger rushed to Li Mao to report.

Upon hearing this good news, Li Mao felt a huge weight lifted from his heart, and a sense of relief appeared on his face. "Very good, this step lays the foundation for our next action."

He turned to Guo Ziyi and said, "Next, we must consolidate this advantage and prevent the enemy from launching a counterattack."

Guo Ziyi nodded in agreement, "I will personally lead a team of elite troops to provide support and ensure that the defense of the pass is foolproof."

"Okay, Ziyi, remember to maintain contact with the rear and ensure smooth communication," Li Mao instructed.

Guo Ziyi nodded solemnly, then mounted his horse and led a troop of elite soldiers forward.

At his command, the sound of horses' hooves once again stirred up a cloud of dust.

As darkness fell, campfires were lit in the camp, but no one dared to relax their vigilance in the slightest.

Li Mao patrolled the camp, his gaze firm and composed, offering silent support and encouragement to every soldier.

Just then, a scout rushed over and reported nervously, "Your Highness, we have discovered a small enemy force infiltrating our rear, attempting to carry out harassment and attacks."

Li Mao frowned slightly, and after a moment's thought, said, "Immediately dispatch a light cavalry unit to intercept them; we cannot allow them to disrupt our rear."

The order was quickly relayed, and several cavalry squads swiftly spurred their horses out and galloped toward the enemy's direction.

Not far away, Li Jingqing, the deputy general, walked over with a confident expression. "Your Highness, no matter how frequently the enemy harasses us, our deployment is no longer something they can easily shake."

“Yes, but we can’t let our guard down yet,” Li Mao said.

As night deepened.

Li Mao rallied his spirits, returned to the central command tent, spread out the map, and reconsidered each step of his next move.

"Your Highness, the enemy situation is constantly changing. Please allow me to come and understand the follow-up deployment." Not long after, Guo Ziyi returned safely, looking as usual.

“Ziyi, you’ve come back just in time.” Li Mao gestured for him to sit down, then turned his attention back to the map. “We have now captured the pass, but in our next advance, we must be wary of An Lushan’s counterattack.”

Guo Ziyi carefully examined the map, pondering to himself. "Your Highness is absolutely right. We must firmly control every key point of the pass and not give the enemy any opportunity to take advantage."