After Marrying a Vegetative Princess, I went crazy with joy! - Chapter 143

Chapter 143

After five days, Su Li’s army entered Song Zhou City. Su Li issued military orders from the governor’s mansion, where the injured governor, Zhang Jiuhe, lay. Zhang Jiuhe was reluctant, but Su Li demanded control. Despite Lu Dongzan’s report, Zhang Jiuhe felt the situation wasn’t dangerous. Tubo’s mobilization might be for a marriage alliance. Tubo wouldn’t risk attacking the Tang dynasty.

Until this point, Zhang Jiuhe had unwavering confidence in this assessment. Consequently, when Su Li demanded control of Song Zhou, Zhang Jiuhe was the first to oppose it. After that, Su Li ordered him to receive ten lashes as punishment. Despite the lashes, Zhang Jiuhe remained defiant. However, Su Li possessed the imperial decree, and regardless of his subordinates’ reluctance, they had to comply with Su Li’s requests.

As per Su Li’s instructions, Song Zhou City immediately went into a state of preparedness. Officials at all levels mobilized the youthful and capable laborers, as well as all accessible livestock, in preparation. These were the two primary commands. Zhang Jiuhe observed, increasingly sensing that this newly appointed commander-in-chief was acting recklessly. The state of readiness was reasonable, given the Tubo forces at the city gates and the arrival of the Tang army.

In such circumstances, a battle was unavoidable. However, Zhang Jiuhe couldn’t comprehend the purpose of mobilizing young laborers and usable livestock.

Zhang Jiuhe considered his military strategy only moderately effective and believed he could effortlessly discern the pointlessness of such orders. Yet, he was perplexed that Vice General Li Daozong and other officers down the chain of command executed Su Li’s orders without hesitation. This indicated Su Li’s remarkably strong control over the army.

Zhang Jiuhe could detect a hint of confusion in their eyes, but they refrained from questioning. This aspect alone made Zhang Jiuhe incapable of fully understanding this young princess’ spouse.

Soon, the crowd in the hall dispersed gradually. Su Li turned to glance at Zhang Jiuhe, who was lying on a stretcher. He wasn’t inclined to converse with the regional governor.

Being a frontier pastoral officer accustomed to dealing with diverse ethnic groups, Zhang Jiuhe understood that each group had its methods. The Tubo people were crafty, and officers like Zhang Jiuhe, who strictly followed protocols, were likely to be deceived by them. However, that was his concern, and Su Li had no reason to teach him to be astute.

“May I inquire, General, about the intent behind these military orders?” Despite nursing his injuries, Zhang Jiuhe took the initiative to question Su Li. Su Li didn’t want to engage, but Zhang Jiuhe was eager to seek answers. Though he still held his backside and appeared genuine, Su Li found it amusing.

He replied calmly, “All the workforce and livestock in Song Zhou City are to accompany the army and join us in cleaning up the battlefield.” Zhang Jiuhe nodded in comprehension, saying, “I understand…”

After a pause, he suddenly looked up, his eyes widening as he gazed at Su Li. “Expedition… Cleaning up… the battlefield?” Zhang Jiuhe appeared thoroughly puzzled. Every word Su Li had uttered made sense to Zhang Jiuhe individually. Yet, he found himself perplexed when connected and applied to the current situation. Where were they embarking on an expedition? What battlefield were they meant to tidy up?

Song Zhou City occupied a strategic position as the southwestern gateway to the Great Tang Empire. The city’s location was highly advantageous, with its western gate as a natural pass. The eastern and northern sides faced the Tang Empire’s territory, eliminating worries about rear attacks.

Invading Song Zhou would necessitate a siege battle for the Tubo people. However, their expertise in horseback archery wouldn’t aid them in a siege, leading to substantial casualties if they fought fiercely. Given their limited population, a significant loss like that was unbearable.

Although a successful siege from the Tubo people was unlikely, the Tang army faced challenges. Launching an immediate counterattack after marching thousands of miles without rest would be impractical and could lead to disastrous outcomes. At least half a month of recuperation would be needed to restore combat strength. Even a civil officer like Zhang Jiuhe understood this principle and doubted Su Li’s decision to declare an expedition without allowing recovery time.

Su Li chose not to explain his reasoning, reserving certain information for his comrades in the army. He aimed to challenge the conventional roles of offense and defense and to gain from the nomadic tribes. The historically established pattern of nomadic tribes raiding the Central Plains was to be reversed. Su Li’s plan involved targeting the growing Tubo tribe and then moving north and east to address other ethnic groups.

He rallied the young and strong residents of Song Zhou City, prioritizing those unaffected by high-altitude sickness. Su Li’s goal was simple: cleaning up the battlefield. While fifty thousand soldiers and horses might not be enough for territorial occupation, Su Li treated these workers generously. Spoils they found, including captives and slaves, would belong to them personally. This approach was understood by those living on the borderlands, where slaves held more value than precious metals.

Su Li’s army couldn’t transport these valuable items, but the promise of personal gain made each civilian accompanying the expedition potentially wealthy overnight. This approach ensured ample motivation for the young and strong workers to participate in the campaign.

Right at that moment, Su Dingfang hurriedly entered through the doorway.

“Commander, it appears the Tubo army is displaying unusual activity!”

Su Li paused briefly, then donned his helmet and swiftly made his way to the city wall alongside Su Dingfang.

Half an hour earlier, in the Tubo camp, Lu Dongzan received news of the Tang army’s entry into the city. In response, he took control of Song Zhou, initiating a state of readiness and mobilizing forces from all directions. This cautious move reflected Lu Dongzan’s awareness of the gravity of the situation. He believed that Li Daozong was undoubtedly the opposing commander, which left Lu Dongzan somewhat disappointed.