Hu Xiaotian came over to the sand table. Whatever else might be said, its construction alone revealed Su Yuchi's military talent. This was an age of cold steel, without modern high-tech methods or surveying instruments, let alone satellite imagery. Yet Su Yuchi had made the model exquisitely detailed, clearly marking every pass and river valley around Yunyang.
Alongside his admiration, Hu Xiaotian could not help feeling wary. If a man like this could not be brought into his service, he would become a thorn deep in his side. He had to seize this golden opportunity, with Western Sichuan and Xingzhou attacking Yunyang from both sides, to settle the matter.
Su Yuchi said, "Recently, Li Tianheng's forces have been moving troops frequently around Xiaochuan in northeastern Western Sichuan, and there have been unusual movements in Xingzhou as well. Have you heard anything, young master?"
Hu Xiaotian said, "I have heard a little."
Su Yuchi said, "Li Tianheng is probably planning to join forces with Guo Guangbi to attack Yunyang."
Hu Xiaotian said, "Li Tianheng hasn't launched a military campaign beyond his borders for quite some time, has he? Western Sichuan is already vast. Is even that no longer enough to satisfy his ambitions?" Of course, he knew the reason perfectly well. Xie Jian had already explained everything in full.
Unlike Xie Jian, Su Yuchi had no taste for beating around the bush. He said bluntly, "You have blocked Li Tianheng's route south, severely affecting Western Sichuan's trade. If he doesn't want to be trapped there until he dies, he must find a way out."
Hu Xiaotian said, "So this whole affair is my doing, then?"
Su Yuchi smiled. "Anyone in your position would have done the same. But as a result, Li Tianheng is staking everything on finding a passage to