Chapter 178: Imperial Decree Forbids MarriageChapter 1809: Disposal Plan
Li Chen frowned as he read the entire battle report.
Because the loss was greater than he had imagined.
The only thing that comforted Li Chen was that the entire casualty of the Yan Yun Sixteen Riders was within expectations.
By the end of the battle, most of the soldiers had lost their will to fight. They surrendered in groups, dropping their weapons one after another. In the end, out of a full force of 150,000, with the exception of the 10,000 Iron Flotilla, over 140,000 soldiers surrendered. Excluding the wounded, there were still over 80,000 who had surrendered.
This is already much better than Li Chen expected.
Li Chen thought for a moment, and immediately asked Wan Jiaojiao to call Wu Qingsang.
When Wu Qingcang arrived, he was covered in dust and looked exhausted. His demeanor and attire clearly showed that he hadn't had any rest. With the decisive battle imminent, and the possibility of the Liao army forcefully entering Wolong Mountain for a final showdown tonight, Wu Qingcang didn't even have time to steal a nap, let alone proper rest.
"I hear that Your Highness has been struck with a cold, how are you feeling..."
Before Wu Qingcang could finish speaking, Li Chen handed him a battle report, gesturing for him to read it first.
Getting down to business, Wu Qingcang no longer bothered with polite conversation and carefully read through the battle report.
It wasn't long before Wu Qingcang finished reading the battle report. He looked up at Li Chen and said, "The Jin army's combat effectiveness... is not to be underestimated."
This is due to the difference in identity and position, which leads to different perspectives on things.
Li Chen was concerned about how much combat effectiveness the Yan Yun Sixteen Riders would have left after this operation, and how to quell the situation afterward. Wu Qingcang, on the other hand, had a simpler focus: he only saw the overwhelming combat strength of the Jin army.
With a light chuckle, Li Chen said: "Let's not talk about the Jin army's combat effectiveness for now. In your opinion, what should be done with these 100,000 captured Yan Yun Sixteen Cavalry"
Wu Qingcang pondered for a moment after hearing this, and suddenly asked, "What should be done with those generals who have already surrendered"
Li Chen frowned slightly, he understood Wu Qingcang's meaning.
Wu Qingscang asked this question not for an answer, but to probe his own intentions through the act of formulating one.
If all the soldiers were executed for treason, those below them wouldn't fare any better either.
If it were to be handled differently, then that would be a completely different situation.
After a moment of deliberation and careful consideration, Li Chen made up his mind.
"To die in battle."
Four simple words, and they managed to downplay an event that, once revealed, would surely cause a massive uproar.
Regardless of what others may believe, these generals are recorded in official Qin Empire annals as having died in battle against Liao.
And a century from now, history will record it thus.
No one will ever know the truth from back then.
Wu Qingshang nodded and then said, "My meaning is that they must be separated and cannot gather in one place. Moreover, they cannot participate in the war afterwards. They should wait until the imperial court has finished dealing with the Liao army before making any further plans."
“These 100,000 Yan Yun cavalrymen, setting aside political affiliations, are absolutely valiant in battle. To kill them all would be detrimental for several reasons: firstly, it would be an excessive sin, incurring the wrath of heaven; secondly, the court's years of effort would be wasted. It would be self-defeating. If managed properly, these soldiers, grateful for your grace, will likely fight even fiercer than other armies.”
Li Chen narrowed his eyes slightly.
When he told Wu Qingcang that he intended to give those generals a fighting death, Wu Qingcang already understood his meaning.
The truth, can never be revealed to the public, so these soldiers have no reason to abandon.
When used, it surprisingly has a peculiar effect. no effort to keep the country running smoothly.Lichen had been reading nothing but petitions lately, all complaining about shortages: silver, manpower, and materials. They implored the court for fund...
