Strategists these days were never simple men. Though they were not as versed as Zhuge Liang in the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams, astronomy, and geography, every one of them could read the situation clearly. Even if not all were skilled in strategy, they certainly possessed schemes and wits.
Chenggong Ying's analysis was correct. As he had said, Wang Yan could not possibly launch a massive army against Liang Province. The supply line was stretched too far; delivering one shi of grain there would consume one shi of grain. The cost simply did not match the reward. If such a long supply line were truly established, taking Liang Province would be pointless, because it would mean losing the chance to cross the river and attack Henan.
Compared to Liang Province, Henan was far more important. Its population was greater, its land more fertile, and its water resources more abundant. Any sensible person would make that choice. Besides, General Wang was a military commander and strategist in his own right. There was even less chance that he would lose his mind and raise a great army to campaign against Liang Province.
In truth, Han Sui had failed to grasp the heart of the matter. Why was Wang Yan attacking Liang Province? Because the land here was poor and unsuitable for farming, yet ideal for planting cotton on a vast scale. It also connected to the Western Regions, making trade possible. The Hexi Corridor held considerable strategic importance as well; it was the choke point between east and west and had to be controlled.
Thus, if Han Sui and the others were clever enough, what they should have done now was send a letter seeking peace. They could promise to sell all the cotton they grew to Wang Yan at low prices