Chapter 47: Raising the Banner (4)

After the dinner, Geshu Han kept a group of senior generals behind. Li Kuo, as the commander of the scout unit and having uncovered important military intelligence, was also specially retained by Geshu Han.
A dozen or so people gathered in Geshu Han’s study, standing still with hands clasped, waiting anxiously for his orders. Only the Turk Abusiman sat carefree on a Hu-style stool. “I suppose everyone has seen what happened earlier. Even a skilled cook can’t cook without rice!”
No one expected Geshu Han, usually so resolute and firm, to start things this way.
Geshu Han paused and glanced at the gathered men. “That envoy named Song Hun was sent by the emperor to urge me to start the war. The court couldn’t provide grain, so it allowed me to raise it myself. If I don’t buy millet from those noble families, how can our army sustain itself? We can’t expect everyone to fight the Tibetans on an empty stomach!”
His words were so sincere that everyone sighed, “We understand your difficulties, General. But the pressure from Chang’an is too great.”
General Zhang Shouyu knelt and said, “General, I believe this battle should be resolved quickly. The longer it drags on, the more advantageous it is for the Tibetans.”
Geshu Han nodded. “Shouyu is right. Winter comes early in the Chiling region. If a heavy snowfall occurs, it will make it even harder to attack the city. The emperor gave me a deadline of breaking through Shibao City by July, but I can’t wait that long. I want everyone to capture Shibao City by mid-June!”
These words left everyone stunned. Capturing Shibao City by mid-June? Was this a joke? The Tibetans weren’t made of clay—how could they be defeated so easily?
Geshu Han cleared his throat and said, “I made this decision thanks to Lieutenant Li. It was his surprise attack on Fusi City that burned down the 500,000 dan of grain stored by the Tibetans, which convinced me to act!”
Everyone turned to look closely at the young man who usually didn’t stand out.
What? Was it that inexperienced kid? It was already remarkable he returned alive from Qinghai. And he not only managed to open the city gates but also burn the grain? He had eyes and a nose too—how could he do such things?
Their gazes toward the young man varied—jealousy, envy, disdain, or contempt.
He was just a poor kid with no family background. What could he possibly achieve?
Though no one spoke it out loud, the young man could read their thoughts from their eyes.

Feeling a bit uneasy under their gazes, Li Kuo puffed out his chest and said, “Indeed. I used a trick to lure the main forces of Fusi City out to fight, then disguised myself as a Tubo to infiltrate the city. I guarantee not a single grain of millet remains in Fusi City now!”
Ge Shu Han nodded in satisfaction. “In that case, the Tubo’s supply advantage will be completely gone. Their supply lines will even be longer than ours. That’s why I want everyone to capture Shibao City by June. If we can take it, we’ll surely win this battle in the Hehuang region. Since I, Ge Shu Han, have the emperor’s favor, you’ll all receive generous titles and rewards. But if we fail to take Shibao City…”
Ge Shu Han’s gaze turned icy. “I, Ge Shu Han, will surely be executed by the emperor for losing troops and disgracing the nation, but I’ll also execute you all for the same crime before that happens!”
This great battle had nearly depleted the Tang Dynasty’s strength. If he failed to capture Shibao City on time, the emperor would surely blame him as a scapegoat to quell the anger of the troops and the people.
“Hiss!”
Everyone gasped in shock.
“Raise any objections now. Don’t blame me, Ge Shu Han, for being heartless later!”
Ge Shu Han quickly scanned the crowd and raised his voice.
Seeing no objections, he sighed in relief.
“Then, let me share my plans.”
He strode over to the map hanging on the wall and drew a black circle around Shibao City.
“This is the only goal of this battle. Any assumptions are only meaningful if we capture it. So, no matter what the cost, I must take it!”
Ge Shu Han tapped his fingers. “Of course, Shibao City is built on a steep peak, making it easy to defend but hard to attack. If we don’t cut off its supply lines, no matter how many soldiers we send, it will be difficult for us to gain an advantage. That’s why I decide to divide our forces into three groups to confuse the enemy.”
After saying that, he paused at Jishi Army and asked, “Where is General Abusi?”
“I’m listening!”
Abusi snorted but didn’t agree with Ge Shu Han’s plan.
Although humiliated in public, Ge Shu Han suppressed his anger for the sake of the greater good.
“I hope General Abusi can lead his Tongluo cavalry to bypass the southern line of Chilin Mountain to hold off the enemy forces in Bai Gu and Wan Xiu areas.”
Abusi shook his head and sneered, “I only have 30,000 cavalry, while the defending forces in Bai Gu and Wan Xiu number at least 50,000. Are you trying to send me to my death?”

Ge Shuhan patted his arm and said, “I’ll assign 30,000 elite troops from Hexi to General Abus for command, but you must ensure not a single Tibetan soldier crosses the river to Mo Liyi!”
“I understand. It’s just to hold off the enemy forces—what a waste of talent!”
Not wanting to argue further, Ge Shuhan moved the charcoal stick northward again.
“Where is General Gao Xiuyan?”
Ge Shuhan marked Shenwei City with the charcoal stick and gave orders.
“Here I am, sir!”
Gao Xiuyan stepped forward and bowed.
“Hmm, a while back I ordered you to defend Shenwei City, and you did an excellent job.”
Ge Shuhan forced a smile and acknowledged Gao Xiuyan’s efforts. “Back then you asked why I would spend resources and troops to build a fortress in such a remote place. Now I’ll tell you!”
Ge Shuhan walked over to Li Kuo, took the young man’s hand, and said, “Lieutenant Li discovered an island in Qinghai during his return journey, and he’s already left several hundred men there to build a fortress.”
He narrowed his eyes and stared intently at Gao Xiuyan.
“Does the commander want me and Lieutenant Li to support each other and strike at the Tibetan forces from the flanks at any time?”
Not knowing Ge Shuhan’s intentions, Gao Xiuyan asked tentatively.
“You’re only half right!”
Ge Shuhan sighed. “During war, the Tibetans will surely concentrate their forces in the Dafei River and Chiling areas, which will increase pressure on the front lines. This time, the Tibetans are also going all in; they won’t care about ordinary harassment. That’s why I’ve ordered you to lead 30,000 elite troops to besiege Jiuqu City!” Note 1: Abus was originally the leader of the Tiele Tongluo tribe, who were subject to the Turkic Khaganate. They had a large population and strong strength. Later, he led his tribe to join the Tang Dynasty, and Emperor Xuanzong settled his tribe in the Henan region under the Shuofang military governor. In the eighth year of Tianbao (749 AD), he followed General Ge Shuhan on a campaign against the Tibetans and captured Shibao City.