Volume Two: The Battle of Hulao Pass Chapter Forty-Nine: Offering Counsel

"Oh?" Li Shimin grew interested and laughed. "Quick, tell me."

Fang Xuanling spoke at length. "As for the top strategy, though Dou Jiande's army is large and seems formidable, after several engagements, it's clear his strength is just a façade. If we proceed steadily, sending out small detachments to engage and withdrawing after each victory, never rushing into a decisive battle, we can gradually erode his forces—small victories accumulating into a great one. If we defeat him three to five more times, the morale of the Xia army will surely collapse, and then we can win all in one stroke."

Having said this, he clasped his hands behind his back and paced a few steps before continuing, "The middle strategy is to hold firm at Hulao Pass, conserving our strength and letting the enemy exhaust themselves, defending instead of attacking. If we rely on the strength of the pass, we will remain invincible. If we can hold out for ten days or half a month, the Xia army will run low on provisions and naturally withdraw. We can then pursue and destroy them for a certain victory."

"As for the lowest strategy, it is as the commander previously mentioned: choosing the right moment for a full-scale assault, staking everything on a single stroke, implementing a decapitation tactic—sending several thousand elite troops straight for the Xia commander. Frankly, I do not favor this plan. It is far too risky. If we fail to break through the enemy ranks, all will be lost."

Du Ruhui beside him spoke up as well, "Indeed, the lowest strategy is too aggressive and full of risk, while the middle is overly conservative. The top strategy is best!"

Li Shimin was broad-minded, not one to be autocratic or intolerant of dissent. It was only right, in discussing strategy, to gather collective wisdom and diverse opinions.

Though he already had a decision in mind, he wanted to hear if there might be a better plan or to catch any overlooked detail. After listening to the two, he pondered for a moment before asking his trusted generals, "What do you all think? Speak freely."

Li Shiji, ever astute and diplomatic, cupped his hands and replied, "How and when to fight is for the commander to decide. I await your orders in all things!"

Cheng Yaojin slapped his chest with a thunderous sound and boomed, "Dou Jiande? He’s nothing! His hundred-thousand-strong army may look intimidating, but it's just bluster! Just give Old Cheng three thousand—no, two thousand—elite troops, and I guarantee to capture Dou Jiande alive and kick his head around like a ball!"

Li Shimin, well aware of Cheng Yaojin’s brash and straightforward character, merely smiled and did not take him to task.

Qin Qiong shot Cheng a glare and scolded, "Nonsense! How can you speak so carelessly about such grave matters? We must all obey the commander’s orders!"

With Qin Qiong’s words, all the generals in the Tang camp cupped their fists and declared in unison, "We await the commander's orders!"

Seeing that no one dissented, Li Shimin nodded, pondering for a moment before saying, "Fang Xuanling's top strategy is indeed the most prudent—it shows the wisdom of experience. Yet, as a scholar, Fang has overlooked one thing: morale! Throughout history, the weak have often defeated the strong. Once morale falters, even an army a million strong will collapse without a fight."

Striding to the campaign map, Li Shimin gazed at it and said quietly, "Moreover, time does not wait for us. I have received secret intelligence: Guanzhong is empty and the Turks on the steppe are restive—they seem poised to move south. We must win quickly. Therefore, I choose the lowest strategy!"

His tone suddenly sharpened. "First, Dou Jiande appears invincible but is hollow within. His ten thousand soldiers are undisciplined. Second, their campaign is long and their hearts yearn for home. Third, their supply lines are cut and panic is spreading. Fourth, after repeated defeats, their morale is low. As for our army, though small, every man is an elite. Our morale is at its peak, united and rested. Victory is certain."

Finishing, Li Shimin stood, struck the table with his fist, and declared, "My decision is made and will not change! Now, we discuss only how to fight! Who will lead the vanguard, who the flanks, who will guard the pass?"

All responded in unison, each offering their counsel and plans.

Li Xuanba called out, "Second Brother! Let me lead the vanguard!"

Yuchi Gong also cupped his fists and said gruffly, "The vanguard should be none other than Old Hei!"

Among the Tang generals, all fierce warriors, none wished to fall behind and a heated debate ensued.

Seeing their unity and eagerness, Li Shimin raised his voice, "If so, listen to my orders!"

All answered, "At your command!"

Li Shimin issued his commands. "Zhangsun Wuji, Fang Qiao, Du Ruhui—listen! With Wuji as chief, Fang and Du as deputies, I leave you five hundred elite troops to hold Hulao Pass. Do not fail!"

The three bowed and saluted, "Rest assured, Commander. As long as we live, the pass will not fall!"

Li Shimin nodded and continued, "Li Shiji, take three hundred light cavalry as the advance guard."

"Luo Shixin, you command five hundred to protect the flanks."

"Niu Jinda, lead twelve hundred elite as the main force."

"Qin Qiong, take three hundred armored cavalry as the spearhead! Fully equipped!"

"Cheng Yaojin, take two hundred armored troops to form the second wave!"

"Yuchi Gong, you and I will lead the remaining five hundred armored troops as the third wave—our assault force!"

Once all appointments were made, Li Shimin stood and declared, "This battle, we stake our lives on one blow! Victory is required, not defeat! Long live the Tang!"

The generals saluted and shouted in unison, "We will fight to the death, never retreat, and strive for glory! Long live the Tang!"

Li Shimin flourished his hand. "Come, let us meet Dou Jiande on the field!"

Seeing he was left without a role while all others were assigned, Li Xuanba hurried to say, "Wait! Second Brother, what about me?"

Li Shimin laughed, "Sanlang, you have already done enough by coming to our aid. I am grateful. I know you have no desire to remain in the army. Leave the battlefield glories to these warriors."

Xuanba knew his brother spoke thus out of care—this was a deadly, perilous endeavor, and he wished to keep him safe. Yet before leaving Guanzhong, he had promised his sister-in-law to protect his second brother. The Tang forces were stretched thin; even the commander himself would have to fight to inspire the troops. How could he stand aside?

Xuanba strode to Li Shimin and said, "Second Brother! On the battlefield, blades and arrows see no kin. How can the commander risk his life? Let me take your place. We look alike, and in your armor, none could tell us apart."

Li Shimin laughed, "Sanlang, what are you saying? How can a general shrink from danger? That is not my way! A true man must face hardship head-on. If I let you take my place, how could I ever ask my men to follow me to the death? My mind is made up—say no more!"

But Xuanba would not yield and was about to argue again when his disciple Mingyu spoke up. "Master, please don't argue! I have a better idea!"

Ever since entering the command tent, Mingyu had stood silent behind his master. Strategy and tactics were his strength, but grand deployments were not his field. But now, Li Shimin had set on a decapitation strike—a blitzkrieg by later standards—which was precisely his specialty. As master and brother quarreled about switching armor, inspiration struck, and he spoke up.

"Oh?" Li Shimin, knowing Mingyu’s talent for surprise attacks, asked, "What is your idea?"

Mingyu did not answer directly but asked, "Second Uncle, based on your plan, what are the odds of victory?"

Li Shimin thought for a moment. "If all we need is a win, I'm certain of it. But if we seek a decisive victory, to strike Dou Jiande down for good, then fifty percent."

He clenched his fists, as if to steel himself, and laughed, "Fifty percent is enough! When the time comes, hesitation breeds chaos. Nothing in this world is perfect! And the battlefield changes in an instant—who can plan for everything? All that business about 'man proposes, heaven disposes' is nonsense! Ever since I was young, I’ve believed my fate is mine to shape! In this battle, I will not only risk everything, I will lead from the front! Victory comes from human effort, not fate! I, Li Shimin, will lead these fearless warriors upstream, and with the blades in our hands, carve out a clear and bright path!"

His declaration was stirring, his spirit overwhelming. The Tang generals were moved and responded as one, "We pledge our lives to follow the commander! We will carve out a new world! To serve at your command is an honor worth dying for!"

For no particular reason, Mingyu was reminded of a famous saying: "The joy of struggling against heaven, earth, and men is boundless!"

Perhaps Li Shimin and Chairman Mao belonged to the same breed of men.

Indeed, such figures are the true heroes of the ages—born with indomitable will, never retreating. Once their path is set, they press on unstoppably, clearing all obstacles, even at the cost of wounds and blood. If they must die, it will be in the charge!

Mingyu, too, was infected by Li Shimin’s soaring spirit, his own voice trembling with excitement. "Second Uncle, your spirit soars to the heavens, your might equal to the ancient conquerors! I have a plan to offer, one that can greatly increase your chances of victory!"