After speaking, Li Jingxuan hurriedly looked at Wang Yang, as though awaiting confirmation.
Everyone else stared wide-eyed as well. A falling pin could have been heard in the hall.
Wang Yang spoke:
"Correct."
The entire hall erupted!
The Prince of Badong straightened and asked in disbelief:
"Old Feng really lost? Could he not have lost yet? Could he still be fighting?"
Wang Yang said gravely:
"Feng Quanzu underestimated the enemy in his arrogance, recklessly advancing in pursuit of glory. After days of forced marches, his soldiers were exhausted and his officers flagging. Worse, he marched alone into an ambush, with no support at hand.
Unprepared against a prepared enemy-how could he possibly escape disaster?"
The Prince of Badong's expression darkened.
Guo Wenyuan stepped forward:
"Our immediate priority is to dispatch the Right Guard Battalion to support him!"
Wang Yang shook his head:
"It's too late."
Wang Yang paced a few more steps, then his brow tightened:
"Send orders to Liu Chaozhi: lead the Guangmu Army as our advance force. Move swiftly, drive straight ahead, and sweep the road clear! Reach Niezhou within one day and hold it! If he arrives late or loses Niezhou, I will strip him of his Vanguard command!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Order Zhang Guo's troops to follow the Guangmu Army with eighty light boats. Proceed deep into Niekou, leave the boats, and march east from the shore. If Feng Quanzu has lost, he will certainly retreat along the Tu River. Zhang Guo can march north along it to meet him. If he reaches Pingshigang without encountering Feng's troops, he must make camp there, erect palisades, and secure his position. He is not to take a single step beyond Pingshigang.
Once he has received Feng Quanzu, he need not withdraw. He should gather the routed troops gradually and