The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 152: Marching South
By noon the next day, a comprehensive battle plan is delivered to Henwell. After glancing through it, he tosses it back, instructing the officers to continue their discussions.
Was the plan bad?
Not at all!
But Henwell wants them to refine it further, squeezing out every bit of potential from the officers. He wants them to rack their brains and come up with the best possible strategy.
Over the next few days, Henwell sends the officers' battle plans back multiple times. After another three days, he gathers the senior officers for a meeting. As he looks at their tired faces, marked by dark circles under their eyes, Henwell raises the final battle plan. "This one won't do either!"
Disappointment and embarrassment wash over the officers' faces. Just as they brace themselves for a reprimand, Henwell continues, "This plan is excellent! It's very detailed! But the reason it won't do is precisely because it's too good, too detailed!"
"War is driven by people, and people are unpredictable. The more detailed the plan, the more likely it is to go awry! The essence of war is to leverage strengths and avoid weaknesses, to use our strengths to attack the enemy's weaknesses. Speed, keen insight, boldness, and ferocity in battle—that's how we win!"
The officers ponder, reflecting on the plan's shortcomings. As they prepare to return and continue their discussions, Henwell throws the first battle plan onto the table. "We'll go with this one!"
The officers are a bit bewildered as Henwell, with a serious expression, says, "War is not child's play. Behind every decision and plan you make are countless lives! All of you here are future leaders and generals. Every battle plan must be crafted with utmost caution, yet you must not let it bind your hands and feet. You need to achieve the greatest results with the smallest cost!"
"Remember the plans you've devised. When real combat occurs, you'll have contingency plans for most unexpected events. When surprises arise, you won't be at a loss; at least you'll have a general strategy in mind."
Henwell's tone softens, "In the future, you'll command larger armies, with numerous officers under you. They will also draft battle plans for you. Remember these past few days—don't let your officers brush you off, and don't expect a perfect plan."
"I want commanders who think for themselves, and you should want officers who use their brains! War is a complex matter influenced by force, logistics, resources, planning, intrigue, and many other factors. No one can achieve perfection, but you must be adequately prepared! You've all worked hard. Go rest for a day and be ready to march at any moment!"
Henwell isn't just putting his subordinates through the wringer; he genuinely wants to cultivate better commanders. The art of war in this world is quite primitive, and the army he aims to build requires commanders with both courage and wisdom.
From that day on, a different atmosphere envelops all of Peace Haven. Officers, leading variously sized units, continually gather in the Blood Hill territory.
Two days later, Henwell stands before an organized army of over ten thousand.
"You probably all know by now that you're going into battle. I'm not a miser, nor will I make empty promises!" Henwell gestures, and guards bring forth dozens of chests. As the chests are opened and tipped over, a cascade of gold coins spills out.
"Five gold coins for every enemy you kill! I have three hundred thousand gold coins right here!"
"Go! Go and fight!"
"Bring back sixty thousand enemy heads and take these coins!"
"Additionally, I've already sent your family allowances—ten gold coins—directly to your families! I personally oversaw it!"
"Remember, your families are waiting for you! The gold coins are here waiting for you! Come back alive! Come back with enemy heads and claim the wealth that is rightfully yours!"
The sight of hundreds of thousands of gold coins piled on the ground is truly awe-inspiring. Every soldier's breath quickens, their eyes filled not with the fear or anxiety of battle, but with desire. In this harsh world, grand speeches don't work on soldiers. It's this straightforward and blunt approach that makes them understand that fighting comes with rewards!
Henwell then draws the Dusk Greatsword and hands it to Rawkins. "You are the commander of the right flank. This sword represents my will!" Next, he draws the Dawn Greatsword and gives it to Arnold. "You are the commander of the left flank. This sword represents my resolve!"
Both men receive their swords, tapping them against their breastplates. "We accept the command!"
That afternoon, under the astonished gaze of New Town's residents and passing merchants, two thousand cavalry lead the way, followed by ten thousand infantry, marching in perfect formation towards the south. Trailing behind are five thousand militia and a ten-thousand-strong logistics and supply team. Over a thousand large wagons set off in a grand procession, the scene truly spectacular.
Everyone knows something is happening, and spies from various factions hurry to back to their masters.
That night, Viscount Jansen arrives at Henwell's estate in a hurry. "Henwell, where is your army headed? Are you planning to attack the Kingdom of Ogiro? You've lost your mind! Call your troops back immediately! This could put the duchy in a two-front war!"
Henwell pours Jansen a glass of wine. "I haven't lost my mind. Did you know that the Kingdom of Ogiro is planning to attack Peace Haven?"
Jansen pauses for a moment. "It's just a plan! Nothing's been decided yet! Besides, I wouldn't just stand by. If Ogiro truly makes a move, I'll bring my forces to support you!"
Henwell gestures for Jansen to sit down. "And will the duchy's three legions also come to support us?"
Jansen asks, puzzled, "Isn't that a good thing? With our three forces combined, we'd have over forty thousand troops, more than enough to defend Peace Haven!"
Henwell replies calmly, "It's not good. I'm afraid that once the war is over, the duchy's legions might just stay here and never leave."
Jansen is taken aback. "Why would you think that? That won't happen!"
Henwell points around him. "I can't take that gamble. This place is my lifeblood! The Grand Duke has already used my lifeblood to force me into a life-and-death gamble. Now, I have no intention of handing my lifeblood over to anyone else!"
Jansen furrows his brow. "Are you saying that my support wouldn't be welcome either? That you don't trust me with your lifeblood?"
Henwell counters, "Uncle, would you hand your lifeblood over to someone else? Would you want to join a life-or-death gamble?"
Jansen falls silent for a long time before sighing. "Henwell, whether you believe it or not, I never intended to harm you. I have no idea what happened with the envoys. By the time I found out, it was too late!"
Henwell chuckles. "Hehe,uncle, you've misunderstood. I'm not blaming you. I believe you truly didn't know. Even if you don't care about me, you at least care about Arius, who grew up by your side. You wouldn't let him take such risks! So, someone kept this from you. Everyone who knew kept it from you! Everyone!"
Jansen is left speechless, knowing that when Henwell says "everyone," he includes Grand Duke Amir.
Chapter 152: Marching South
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