The Advantages of Kaiyuan Commandery

The vast disparity of twenty thousand against sixty thousand left the several heavyweights present feeling gloomy. Nomadic peoples were naturally superior in troop numbers. Even if both sides had roughly the same total population, their system of universal military service meant their forces would naturally outnumber those of an agrarian society several times over. No agrarian people could possibly compete with that.

However, Ying Rui, who had personally received Luo Chong's guidance, was not particularly worried, because he knew the power of artillery.

"There's no need for everyone to be so pessimistic. In fact, we have the greater chance of winning this battle."

"Oh? Prefect Ying, how so?" Chai Duoduo asked in confusion.

"First, we have the advantage of terrain. We can wait in comfort for an exhausted enemy, while our weapons, provisions, and ammunition are plentiful, and our logistics are well secured.

"By contrast, the enemy has marched a thousand li to attack us. Their men are weary and their horses exhausted. Spring is also the season when livestock mate and breed, while the spring grass is not yet lush. Whichever way you look at it, they are at a disadvantage.

"Moreover, we can fight with the city walls at our backs. If we truly cannot defeat them, we can abandon the area outside the city and withdraw inside to hold our position. With the docks and support from the rear, our provisions and manpower will remain abundant, and there is nothing the enemy can do to us. As time drags on, they will naturally retreat without a fight. Of course, that would be the worst possible outcome."

Everyone nodded in agreement at his words. Ying Rui paused, then continued.

"As for equipment, the enemy is armed entirely with bamboo arrows and bamboo bows, bamboo armor and leather armor.