Li Daozong and Su Dingfang quietly observed the unfolding scene not far from the impressive tent.
Su Dingfang sighed and remarked, Your Highness, you shouldve intervened yesterday.
Yesterday, Su Li only summoned Li Daozong, not Su Dingfang.
After Li Daozong emerged from the command tent, Su Dingfang discovered the order issued by Su Li.
Initially, he wanted to approach Su Li immediately, but Li Daozong held him back.
Su Li probably intentionally excluded Su Dingfang to avoid his objections.
Yet Su Dingfang had learned much from Li Jings teachings, becoming a formidable military strategist.
Despite pondering it, Su Dingfang couldnt understand why Su Li had given that order. Was sending troops on a rushed expedition and engaging in fast-paced marches to serve the enemy?
Su Dingfang spent the entire night grappling with the mystery of how the Tang forces could defeat the Tubo army after such hasty maneuvers. If Su Li wasnt behind this decision, then who was?
Given Su Dingfangs temperament, he would have confronted the commander directly. Soldiers must be brave in battle but not recklessly suicidal.
However, unlike anyone else, Su Dingfang would hesitate to question Su Li. After knowing each other for so long, Su Dingfang conceded that he never truly understood his younger brother.
Su Li always surprised others with his talents, whether in writing, martial arts, or strategy. When people believed he had reached his limits, he consistently revealed new strengths.
Regarding this enigmatic brother, Su Dingfang never regarded him with ordinary eyes. The military command might seem irrational, almost arbitrary.
Would Su Li be so thoughtless?
Certainly not!
There must be reasons behind his actions. Su Dingfang just couldnt grasp it yet. He firmly believed in Su Li. Unconsciously, he treated Su Li just as he had treated Li Jing before. When unable to understand, he pondered privately, and if not clear, he observed silently.
After seeing the result, he could then deduce the reasons quite easily. Therefore, Su Dingfang and Li Daozong were currently watching the situation unfold together.
Li Daozong used the term watching a play.
However, Su Dingfang still didnt know why Li Daozong said that. He simply watched Su Li with concern, unsure of how he would resolve the current dilemma.
Although the military order had been issued, the officers in the army didnt agree and united against it. Handling this matter in any way would seriously blow the commanders authority. Rescinding the order due to pressure from his subordinates would cause him to lose some face. However, being obstinate and unyielding would be dreadful.
In the past, officers might not have dared to openly oppose him, but once on the battlefield, he might not know how many would criticize him behind his back.
At that point, the commanding generals fate could be quite ignoble. Throughout history, numerous commanders died inexplicably at the hands of friendly forces on the battlefield.
Without a doubt, Su Li must have a third solution in mind.
But what was his method?
At that moment, Li Daozong, beside Su Dingfang, suddenly smiled and spoke.
Have you heard of the story of Emperor Xin dragging nine oxen?
Su Dingfang hesitated for a moment, then finally understood.
He looked up abruptly at Su Li, then at the nine sturdy bullocks, his gaze filled with disbelief.
Could it be
At the entrance of the commanders tent, Su Li surveyed his surroundings and then burst into laughter.
Is it individuals like you who make the Great Tangs military prowess sweep the world?
Su Li asked deliberately.
This single sentence immediately stirred up a hornets nest. The soldiers of the Great Tang didnt have the same sense of honor as future professional soldiers.
However, among those who could become officers, who didnt rely on warfare for their livelihoods?
Being doubted by their own commander about their cooking skills could be extremely insulting. If they were capable enough, it might be acceptable.
Since becoming the commander, a person making misguided commands still had the audacity to mock them?
One officer said, If the commander said that within five days, he would launch a rapid attack covering two thousand miles and then face an enemy four times our strength and win, we indeed cant achieve that.
Im afraid its not just us. Theres probably no one in the world who can do such a thing.
Su Li pretended to be surprised and asked, The only thing you need to do is a rapid march. When would you need to face an enemy four times your strength?
The officer furrowed his brows and said, Could it be that this campaign also has another army targeting Tubo?
Su Li pointed at himself.
I alone can form the army. You must follow along and clean up the battlefield from behind. Is that really so difficult?
As the words fell, the officers around widened their eyes. Damn, I heard of being bold but never seen anyone as audacious as you!
Forming an army by yourself?
In the past, the legendary Xiang Yu, the King of Western Chu, might have had that ability.
But what happened in the end?
Xiang Yu single-handedly fought through five thousand Han soldiers besieging him but ultimately took his own life in exhaustion.
Su Li could fight, and so could Xiang Yu.
From how he talked, did he even want to challenge two hundred thousand people by himself?
Could not even boast properly, could you?
At this point, Su Li suddenly walked to the back of the ox cart. He grabbed the backboard of the cart.
All the officers then realized that the carriage board was made of bronze and connected tightly to the reins of the nine oxen.
As everyone was baffled, Su Li exhaled softly, then shouted lowly. Following this, he grabbed the bronze carriage board with one hand and pulled it backward forcefully.
The reins stretched taut, and the nine oxen subconsciously lowered their heads, attempting to move forward. However, what happened was shocking!
The nine oxen dug their hooves into the ground but couldnt budge an inch forward.
Instead, the ground beneath them was thrown into four pits.
At this point, Su Li shouted again.
Then, he began stepping backward.
The nine oxen emitted a collective mournful sound, their hooves dug into the ground, exerting force forward. However, as Su Li stepped back, they began moving backward, dragging the chariot board along!
Everyone had their mouths agape, utterly speechless!
Dragging nine oxen in reverse!
No one anticipated the historical legend of dragging nine oxen in reverse would occur right before their eyes.
And the one who achieved this was the commander who was considered of little use just last night.
All the officers felt that the world had gone mad for a moment!