bayedsolid Chapter 154 ...No need to...
Chapter 154 ...No need to...
Military strategists are indeed not up to par. Although none of the scholars present thought of the same method as Shen Qing, they all believed that if they gave themselves some time to consult ancient books or think, they would definitely come up with a better idea.
Amidst the mocking gazes of the civil officials, Xu Kai sheepishly retreated back into the ranks. The Earl of Haining gave Xu Kai a look of disappointment and, determined to redeem the military general, stepped forward and said, "Shen San Niangzi is indeed well-versed in a wide range of knowledge, but such extreme situations are rare. Siege warfare is the norm."
After saying this, he waved his hand to signal, and immediately a palace attendant pushed the sand table that had been prepared into the arena.
“This is the terrain of Liangzhou,” said Hainingbo, pointing to a city. “Back then, when I was expanding the territory of Xuan Kingdom, I attacked Guibei City. Third Sister, being learned and knowledgeable, must have known the principle of besieging if you have ten parts of the city and attacking if you have five parts.”
At this point, Ning Haibo seemed somewhat wistful, as if reminiscing about the days of war and conquest.
"However, Guibei City has high walls, strong defenses, and abundant food supplies, while our army's provisions cannot support a protracted war of siege without attack. Therefore, we must launch a strong attack!"
Shen Qing had witnessed the brutality of sieges before, and sensing the sorrow hidden in the eyes of the Earl of Haining, Shen Qing remained silent, waiting for what would happen next.
“So…” Hai Ning turned to look at Shen Qing, having already suppressed her grief, “If it were Lady Shen, how would you command the siege to minimize our army’s casualties?”
The assembled officials, looking at the sand table, began to ponder. Each of them was a seasoned veteran of the political arena, confident that their strategic acumen was no less than that of a young lady.
"What month was it when you attacked the city, Lord?"
The Earl of Haining was taken aback, then replied, "July."
Shen Qing nodded, and many people thought to themselves, "When it comes to fighting, one must consider the timing of the battle. This young lady is quite cautious."
Before long, Shen Qing pointed to the sand table and said, "Dig a ditch here and flood Turtleback City."
This statement immediately gained the approval of many people, who all thought the same thing.
Hai Ningbo laughed and said, "Third Miss probably doesn't know that this Turtleback City uses a special rammed earth wall construction method, and the inspection method is extremely cruel. Iron spikes are used to kill the craftsmen, and if the iron spikes cannot be destroyed, the person holding the spikes is killed. On the day it was completed, there were thousands of corpses. It is so hard that even catapults cannot destroy it, and water cannot wash it down or soak it."
After hearing this, everyone sighed and fell into deep thought once again.
"After soaking for three days, block the riverbank and let the water drain naturally. Then let it be exposed to the scorching sun for two days. Finally, use a catapult to aim at the base of the wall and smash it."
What's the logic behind this? Everyone was puzzled.
"Wonderful!"
Upon hearing the Vice Minister of Works praise the method, Emperor Yongxi asked, "Is this method feasible?"
The Vice Minister of Works stepped forward and replied, "The rocks are hard. In order to quarry the stone, the rocks are first heated and then cold water is poured on them. This way, they can be easily chiseled open. I think Shen San Niangzi's method is the same."
Hainingbo felt a little short of breath and pointed urgently to another city, "Not all cities are low-lying. Although Kaiping City is also near the river, it is on higher ground and the river won't flood it!"
“Indeed,” Shen Qing agreed, then changed the subject, “but people in the city still need to drink water.”
The Earl of Haining seemed to have guessed what Shen Qing was going to say and relaxed, saying, "There are wells in the city, so there's no need to go out to fetch water."
Shen Qing pointed to the sand table and said, “Judging from the terrain, the underground water veins of Kaiping City share the same source as this river. A large number of wild animals and corpses can be piled up upstream to pollute the water veins. Before long, a plague will break out in the city, and our army will win without a fight.”
Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent.
Prince Hu, who was waiting on the sidelines because Emperor Yongxi was unwell, said tremblingly, "There is a reason why a great epidemic will follow a flood."
The crowd looked at Shen Qing with strange eyes, and those who were close by couldn't help but take two steps back. Although it is said that one cannot command an army with kindness, there was no need to be so ruthless!