Thread: A step into the past - 寻秦记 - by Huang Yi

  1. #4361
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    Default Thanks Jean!

    Hmm...I think XSL will develop a kite and attack the enemy by air!..or create a tunnel attack the enemy from the ground..! or use his pretty wife as a bait and attack the enemy by the.....

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    I miss the interactions and romantic aspects of the stories. His wives aren't much part of the story anymore, which sucks.

    He should make cannons. I have no idea how to make one, but it doesn't look like something that is too difficult if you know what one is. Any experts on that? Cannons were invented by the Chinese anyways, so he wouldn't change history too much!

    Do they have Trebuchet? From middle age movies, those seems to be pretty impressive. I suspect it is more complex then cannons through. What about ballistas? He's already designed larger immobile versions of a rapid fire crossbow, take it to the next step and make a ballista. It would also help him against Li Mu, since ballistas are more mobile and accurate than other artillery.

    Artillery in general hasn't been showcased much. You would think that a person of his background would appreciate the power of proper use of artillery. I bet he could make some flame throwers. In any case, I think the answer is that he should bring a shitload of artillery. Even if only to demoralize the defenders. I think that's how the mongols did it.

    Proper use of artillery in open battle field is difficult through, unless he had cannons. You have to have the vision and tacticians to properly place your troops and your artillery. XSL hasn't displayed this ingenious ability through IMHO. So far he has followed other people's battle plans.

    Spoiler from the tv series, which hasn't followed this novel at all but
    click to show/hide spoilers
    didn't XSL lose this battle? I might be remembering incorrectly through, because he let some Moizi people into his fort and they backstabed him.


    How will HY protect the integrity of Li Mu and have XSL come out on top? Maybe XSL succeeds in conquering the city, but loses to Li Mu in battle someway so he has to escape to Han or something. He has to still visit the other states yet still in the novel.

    He should really ask Yanran what she knows how to do with gunpowder. Mines are awesome too, and can be simple to make detonate with fuses.
    Last edited by Demitre; 10-04-11 at 06:39 AM.

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    thanks jean!

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    end of chapter!!


    ***********************************************

    Suddenly he had an idea and he sat up in joy and shouted, “I’ve got it.”

    The map was spread open on the mat. Teng Yi, Jing Jun and the rest were all concentrating on it but they still have no idea what tricks Xiang Shaolong have up his sleeve.

    Xiang Shaolong pointed at a big city inside the Zhao border named Zhongmou and said, “This city is an important place in the Zhao’s northern border and the Zhao Capital is 120 miles north of here while Tunliu is 130 miles northwest of here. Therefore the distance to any of these two places from Zhongmou is roughly the same. But to the east of Zhongmou there is an official road leading to Handan and it’ll only take 3 days on a swift horse to reach Handan. If we can take down this city, what do you think will be the reaction of the Zhao King?”

    Teng Yi banged the table in admiration, “Of course he’ll be terrified that we’ll attack his capital. We’re all well aware of Guo Kai’s standard.”

    Qin Qing furrowed her brows, “Zhongmou is situated along the borders of Zhao and Wei and have always been tightly guarded. How can it be so easily taken down by you? Besides, at the north of Handan there’s another long wall spanning about a hundred miles protecting the capital. The Zhao army has been stationed there for a long time and if your 40,000 odd men were to infiltrate them, it’ll really be very dangerous.”

    Ji Yanran said with a smile, “Lord Husband will definitely have another brilliant plan, Sister Qing please listen on carefully.”

    Xiang Shaolong smiled at Qin Qing and replied, “Please listen to your husband’s explanation.” Qin Qing saw that he was addressing himself as her husband was felt both embarrassed and happy at the same time, and she stared at him in reproach.

    Xiang Shaolong said, “This time we’re going all out regardless of the consequences. Now Guan Zhongxie is deploying troops to the city of Xuanshi in Han and it’s only 80 miles away from Tunliu and about a hundred odd miles to Zhongmou. We might as well get a secret edict from his Highness to go to Xuanshi and take away Guan Zhongxie’s military command, taking over his 130,000 men for our own use. That way our forces will be boosted and the best thing is the Zhaos will still think that we will be coming up from the south to Changzi city to meet up with Huan Qi before going on to invade Tunliu. Therefore they will surely concentrate their forces at Shangdang to better deal with us.”

    Jing Jun said viciously, “Best is we can get rid of Guan Zhongxie at the same time.”

    Qin Qing commented, “Won’t that be the same as forcing Lu Buwei to rebel immediately, don’t forget Guan Zhongxie is his beloved son-in-law.”

    Xiang Shaolong said, “Once we reach Xuanshi, we will split our forces in two, one obvious and one secret to move in so that the Zhaos will think that we are going to Changzi city but in fact we will be crossing the river towards Zhongmou. We’ll catch them unawares and our Wu family’s elite warriors will climb over the city walls in the middle of the night. As long as we can seize control of one of the city gates, we’ll be able to take over Zhongmou.”

    Teng Yi nodded his head, “Best is if we can smuggle someone into Handan first and create some rumors to make the people panic. Then the Zhaos will have to summon Li Mu back to protect the Capital and Tunliu won’t be that impossible to obtain.”

    Ji Yanran exclaimed excitedly, “At the same time we have to ask Xiao Bi and Duan He to lead their armies and make a major counter attack to engage Pang Nuan and Sima Shang’s two armies. By then Li Mu’s summons to leave Tunliu will become a surety.”

    Xiang Shaolong said, “The most difficult part of this matter is how can we move the troops so far, crossing the river from Xuanshi towards Zhongmou without letting our enemy find out. Otherwise it’ll just end up as another long drawn siege attack.”

    Ji Yanran studied the map and replied, “You can pretend to be going towards Changzi City first and split up your troops once you reach the southern shore of River Lu. From here to Zhongmou, it’s all wilderness. As long as the troops move rapidly, even if someone sees them, there won’t be enough time for them to inform the city guards of Zhongmou, so the number of men cannot be too big. Also, the light cavalry must go first with their light packs, followed by the foot soldiers. Zhou Liang’s Eagle King can be put to the greatest use in such situations.”

    At this point in time, everyone was filled with confidence, almost wishing that they can attack Zhongmou immediately.

    Teng Yi said, “If we can send 50,000 men to Changzi City to meet up with Huan Qi, our army size will reach almost 120,000 but to take down Tunliu, it’s not something that can be accomplished within one or two months. I’m worried that by that time the Zhaos would have figured out our actual force and send troops to attack. With enemies in front and behind us, our situation is still bleary.”

    Xiang Shaolong said, “Pu Hu is still a merchant at heart, he’s just relying on the Zhaos. He only had the guts to rebel because being caught will mean his entire clan getting exterminated. The soldiers in the city are all a motley crew gathered hurriedly so as long as we successfully spread rumors to make them panic and deliberately give them an escape route, I guarantee that Tunliu will fall without a battle and no one will put up a real fight.”

    Zhao Zhi said, “Their first fear is of course that the Zhaos will abandon them, but what can we use to scare them after that?”

    Xiang Shaolong smiled, “It’s simple, make use of the strategy of villages surrounding a city. Take over all the villages nearby, move the villagers away and make sure Tunliu lose their supply of food and grains. Set up camp outside the city of Tunliu and build various equipments for besieging a city. Make it look as if we’re planning a long haul siege and I guarantee that in less than two weeks, Pu Hu will try to think of a way to slip away.”

    Jing Jun said with a smirk, “If he doesn’t slip away, we’ll just launch a damn attack.”

    Wu Tingfang chided, “Xiao Jun, can you mind your words?” Qin Qing saw that everyone’s gaze was on her so she shrugged her dainty shoulders and said, “I’ve gotten used to it long ago!”

    Everyone smiled.

    Xiang Shaolong continued, “We’ll have to think about the whole plan in more detail and then send someone to inform Xiao Qi, Xiao Bi and Duan He immediately. This matter must be kept absolutely secret, otherwise it won’t work if word gets out.”

    By now, although it’s very late into the night, how were Xiang Shaolong and his two brothers able to sleep. After the ladies went to bed, they continued their discussion all the way until dawn before they went on their separate ways to carry out their tasks.

    ********************************************

  5. #4365
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    thanks jean!
    exciting battles to come!
    Last edited by tweety365; 10-05-11 at 03:29 AM.

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    Thanks for the update Jean
    "Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is Mystery.
    Today is a gift... That`s why we called it Present."

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    Wow. Another update. A thousand thank you kisses for you, Jean.

    I'm still confuse about XSL strategy. But meh... maybe as the story goes on, everything will be clear.
    Last edited by balikpapan; 10-05-11 at 04:01 AM.

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    Thanks so much Jean!

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    Quote Originally Posted by balikpapan View Post
    Wow. Another update. A thousand thank you kisses for you, Jean.

    I'm still confuse about XSL strategy. But meh... maybe as the story goes on, everything will be clear.
    A variation of "sound east hit west" 声东击西 perhaps
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    Jean. Thank you very much. Just back from trip and so much to catch up.
    lawwoo
    Bonus. A new day.

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    Thank You Jean

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    short update to end the week...


    ********************************************

    Book 20 Chap 12 – False Alarm

    After having a confirmed plan of action, Xiang Shaolong and the rest changed their training methods and split the army into two groups. 20,000 cavalry were specially trained in undercover and camouflage warfare.

    Xiang Shaolong used what he has learnt in the 21st century on this group of cavalry.

    In a twinkling of an eye, winter is ending and spring is approaching. Xiao Pan came to send off the troops personally in a ceremony and Xiang Shaolong left for another military expedition once again.

    The army travelled in ships downstream, landing at Wusui and walked towards the northeast straight towards Xuanshi City where Guan Zhongxie is at.

    Guan Zhongxie, Lian Jiao, Zhao Pu led their army out of the city to welcome them. Of course they appeared extremely polite on the surface, giving them the respect due to a superior.

    Xiang Shaolong asked Wu Guo, Jing Jun and the rest to set up camp outside the city and in order not to incur Guan Zhongxie’s suspicions, he only led Teng Yi and a thousand personal guards into the city. Only after they reached the Commander’s Residence did they take out Xiao Pan’s imperial edict to order Guan Zhongxie to hand over his military token immediately and to return to the Capital to continue his duties.

    After Guan Zhongxie read the imperial edict, his countenance changed, “What’s the meaning of this, why are there no orders from Premier Lu? And the Dowager’s imperial seal is missing from this edict.”

    Xiang Shaolong pretended to be surprised and commented, “Why is General Guan so nervous, his Highness is just being concerned that Lord Guan has been working so hard and stationed outside the pass for the whole year, that’s why he’s allowing General Guan to return to Xianyang for a short holiday. It’s just a simple matter of changing of guards, is there a need to trouble Lord Lu and the Dowager on this?”

    At this time Teng Yi saw Lian Jiao moving backwards and hurriedly gave out a command, their accompanying personal guards immediately took out their crossbows and took control of the situation. There’s no way Guan Zhongxie will expect Xiang Shaolong to have such a move. He saw him smiling icily with his hand on the sheath of Hundred Battles Blade and knows that one wrong word would mean immediate decapitation. He raised his hand to stop his men from making senseless retaliation and his countenance changed to a pleasant smile as he said, “Great General has reprimanded me well. In fact I was really hoping to go back and see Niangrong too.”

    Xiang Shaolong replied with a smile, “We cannot go against a ruler’s orders, I am just following instructions. It’s great that General Guan is willing to cooperate.”

    He’s not worried that Guan Zhongxie will disobey, unless he wants to rebel immediately. Otherwise this is the only outcome available.

    The next day, Xiang Shaolong, on the pretext of sending them off, ordered Jing Jun to ensure that Guan Zhongxie and his 2,000 personal guards were escorted to Wusui and to make sure that they board the ship before he returns to Xuanshi.

    By this time Xiang Shaolong has completed the redeployment of Guan’s army and the cavalry was increased to 50,000 men, the light infantry had 50,000 men and the heavy artillery forces had 80,000 men and their strength was immediately boosted.

    They trained for another month in Xuanshi before they left Xuanshi and travelled along the river up north towards Changzi City.

    They travelled slowly but steadily, making sure that the soldiers get ample rest and maintain their energy at a full level.

    When the reached the southern bank of the River Lu, the 180,000-strong army stopped and waited for night to fall.

    Huan Qi hurried over on hearing the news and when they met, everyone was filled with both sadness and happiness as they told one another what happened while they were apart. He left with xiang Shaolong, Teng Yi, Huan Qi, Zhou Liang, Wu Guo, Zhao Da and the rest to the Commander’s Residence to hold a meeting.

    ************************************

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    first i hope
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    Second isn't bad...

    Wow.. it's time to settle with Li Mu.. hope this time the war won't be so smooth... more bloody scene....
    Thanks for the updated.. last in this week...i think...

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    ...Thanks Jean!

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    I don't think XSL can defeat Li Mu ..... make a bet?
    Later XSL is defeated and executed by Li Mu, and story end ......

    Thank Jean

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    It doesn't sound like there will be a confrontation with Li Mu. The purpose of their strategy is to make Zhaos fear invasion of Handan so Zhao King will be forced to recall Li Mu and keep him there. With Li Mu out of the picture, XSL will then go after Pu Hu in Tunliu.

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    I made this account just to tell you how much I appreciate your translation.

    Thank you for all your hard work!

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    thanks for the support MrWerd~

    Update....


    ************************************

    Huan Qi first reported the situation at Tunliu and analyzed, “Inside Tunliu, there are only about a thousand odd men who are old subordinates of Du Bi and Chang Qiao, the rest are Pu Hu’s family warriors and local rebels who were from Zhao. The situation is a little similar to the peasants rebellion which happened a few years ago in the east, they are full of valor but no actual capability. But the biggest problem is Li Mu’s 100,000 strong Zhao army stationed at Lu City within the Zhao border 40 miles of Tunliu. They can respond immediately if called for and not only are they a source of support for Tunliu, we also dare not attack Tunliu without reservations.” When he spoke of Li Mu, his expression revealed an underlying fear.

    Teng Yi signed and asked, “How did you lose that battle?”

    Huan Qi replied painfully, “The way Li Mu fights a battle is like performing a magic trick. Great General and I were already keeping a real close eye on the movements within the Zhao border and planted our scouts far and wide. We did not expect that just after we received the alarm, Li Mu’s cavalry has already reached our camp and it was a bright and starry night. Li Mu ordered his men to take over the highlands first and burned the camp with fire arrows. The Tunliu rebel forces took the opportunity to charge out as well, drumming the signal for attack. We could not even last until dawn and were utterly defeated. I led a group of 10,000 men and tried out best to fend off the pursuers, otherwise the number of our casualties will be even higher.”

    On hearing that, everyone felt a cold chill.

    Huan Qi continued agitatedly, “After Great general Wang passed away, I led our very demoralized troops to attack Lu City twice but we were forced back by Li Mu. His strategies are ever changing, his soldiers brave and their training excellent. No wonder his fame can spread so far and wide.”

    Jing Jun commented, “It doesn’t matter how formidable Li Mu is, it’s no use if there’s a excellent general but no good ruler. Have Xiao Qi sent anyone to check the situation over at Zhongmou?”

    Huan Qi’s spirit was lifted as he took out a rolled up map and opened it on the table, saying, “I took advantage of the heavy snow to order my men to scout on the enemy’s situation so I’m sure the enemy knows nothing at all. Zhongmou is the Zhao’s most important military base outside of Chang City and it originally belonged to the Weis. It only landed in Zhao hands four years ago, so that they have another vital point outside out Chang City, that’s why it’s very heavily regarded.”

    After everyone had some discussion, he continued, “There are two groups of Zhao army permanently stationed outside the city, about 10,000 men or so at the north and south to cover each other. Their initial use should be to deal with the Weis. Inside the city there are about 20,000 men guarding it and for a city of Zhao, such numbers are very rare. If anything happens, the soldiers inside the city can come out to provide reinforcements. That’s why in the many attempts by the Weis to attack the Zhaos, they have been unable to take over Zhongmou, this important city.”

    Xiang Shaolong said, “That’s why we must surprise them in this battle and take them unawares. Otherwise this batter will be a certain defeat.”

    Huan Qi said, “The Zhaos have built a hundred odd beacon stations on higher grounds outside the city and there are sentries there day and night. If a huge army were to advance, they will find out even if it’s at night. It’s very difficult to go under their radar.”

    Jing Jun tapped his chest and assured them, “Let me be in charge of this. I guarantee that not a single one of those beacons will be able to sound any alarm.”

    Xiang Shaolong said, “Tonight, our 40,000 strong elite cavalry will be split into 4 teams and set off in batches after dark. Jing Jun will lead 10,000 as vanguards to clear the beacons. The other 140,000 men will stay here for three more days before they are split up into two teams of 70,000 men each with one team going towards Changzi and the other towards Zhongmou. The day that Li Mu returns to the capital will be the time that Xiao Qi strikes. Remember to make it look as if it’s going to be a drawn out battle, you must not take the risk to attack the city otherwise Li Mu will advance even though he may look like he’s retreating and a replay of the battle that night will happen. Then this loss will be totally not worth it.”

    Huan Qi was taken aback as he replied, “No wonder both the previous Great Generals were so full of praise for Great General Xiang before their deaths. I have not thought of this point at all and when you mentioned it, the thought of it made me break out into a cold sweat immediately.”

    Wu Guo said with a smile, “It’s time to eat.” Everyone were laughing and jibing one another. As they left the tent, Xiang Shaolong said to Huan Qi, “After you take over Tunliu, immediately start works on repairing and building up defenses. We will pretend to be defeated by Chang City, situated on the border separating Zhao and Wei before suddenly retreating so that the Zhaos will find it difficult to pursue us.”

    Huan Qi was high spirited and totally impressed as he nodded his head.

    That night, once it’s dark, Zhou Liang released Eagle King. After making sure that there are no hidden enemy scouts, Jing Jun’s team consisting of the Wu family’s elite warriors set off first and in a short while, the four teams of men set off one after another, travelling slowly on horseback.

    By the morning of the third day, the army have reached the dense forest 40 miles away from Zhongmou and set up sentries around them. They waited for night to fall.

    Zhongmou City is situated in the middle of the plain, with high and thick city walls. It’s indeed a tough and important stronghold for the military. The trees outside the city were cut down so it’s really not easy to approach without being seen.

    Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi observed the area for a long time and they both felt discouraged, but couldn’t think of any good ideas at all.

    All of them dare not start fires for cooking so they survived on dried rations.

    ***********************************************

  20. #4380
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    What first again
    Twice in a row just can't believe it & I am not even trying
    Thanks Jean for translating the story
    Last edited by baldy; 10-10-11 at 04:31 AM.
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