I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 331 - 23: Troops Arrive at Lingnan, Flaming Beacons on Dayu Ridge

Chapter 331: Chapter 23: Troops Arrive at Lingnan, Flaming Beacons on Dayu Ridge

Unlike the last time he left Luoyang, the passage of time has made everyone feel its ruthlessness.

Gu Ye is no longer the twelve-year-old boy who could bring endless hope.

For many in the court.

In this campaign, what they long for is not a great victory, but for Gu Ye to return safely.

Even Zhong Hui has somewhat changed.

He is older than Gu Ye, now almost at the age of marriage, but still full of ambition, galloping across the court.

This is the difference brought about by the appearance of the Gu Clan.

In the original history, Zhong Hui was loyal to Sima Shi, and his end was not ideal.

But now—

The Sima family has long disappeared under the iron hooves of Gu Chen.

Even the Chancellor died with a smile.

The emergence of the Gu Clan ultimately changed too much of history, altering the fate of many.

"Zhao De."

In the Champion Marquis Mansion, Zhong Hui, his temples grayed, stared intently at Gu Ye, as if he had a thousand words to say, but in the end, it all condensed into one sentence: "No matter what, you must come back!"

"Our great endeavor is not yet complete, you must come back at all costs!"

"You must come back..."

His eyes gradually reddened, and he kept whispering those four words.

Gu Yi silently watched this scene.

He did not interfere much with Gu Ye.

Partings always bring gloom.

Zhang Hua would be even more concerned about Gu Ye’s safety than Zhong Hui. These days he was almost sleepless, trying to find ways from various records to avoid miasma.

Even though the Gu Clan had methods.

But he also wanted to give his utmost effort to provide Gu Ye with an extra layer of protection.

He was no longer young either.

Compared to his original historical self, he was now much more diligent.

This is a characteristic becoming increasingly rare in modern times.

He must live up to Gu Chen’s evaluation of him!

The farewell arrived amidst this silent atmosphere.

The seventeenth year of Qianji, August;

—Gu Ye set out from Luoyang again after several years.

At the time of departure.

Liu Chen, along with tens of thousands of people from Luoyang and officials from the court, came to see him off.

This scene had occurred many times, but each time it was just as moving.

Generations of Gu Clan descendants ventured forth from this city for the world and for the family.

An inexpressible sorrow filled the entire Luoyang city.

Among the crowd were elderly people with gray hair, leaning on canes, eyes filled with reluctance and concern;

There were women holding infants, their clothes soaked with tears, and the children in their arms seemed to sense the sorrowful atmosphere and cried aloud;

The young men, though not in tears, bit their lips, their eyes filled with respect and worry.

Gu Ye slowly walked up to Liu Chen, solemnly bowed to him, and said resolutely, "Your Majesty, we shall fight to the death, not letting down your trust, not letting down the people of the Great Han!"

"Be careful on this journey, all of you, We..."

Liu Chen nodded slightly, gently lifting Gu Ye, his voice low yet full of strength: "We and the people await your triumphant return!"

Await your triumphant return!

A simple sentence yet contained countless words.

Gu Ye nodded, then turned and left. ...

......

This battle is destined to be extremely difficult.

Its fatal aspect lies in the army’s march, and the changes in the environment it must face.

This is one of the most severe challenges they face in the expedition to Lingnan.

High temperatures... miasma... acclimatization issues... dense population.....

There are indeed too many factors that can cause the Han Army to fall ill, thereby inducing chaos in the army.

In fact, this is also one of the greatest shortcomings of feudal dynasties’ expeditions.

A dense army can become a breeding ground for bacteria, spreading within the army.

For this, Gu Yi made numerous preparations.

He divided the entire army into three routes.

—The eastern army of thirty thousand departed from Yuzhang Commandery down the Ganjiang River, passing through Luling and Nanye, traversing Mei Pass to enter the Zhen River, directly targeting Panyu.

The waterway was mainly used.

The forces were further subdivided to avoid large-scale illness.

—The central army of thirty thousand dredged the Lingqu from the Qin Dynasty in Lingling Commandery, connecting the Xiangjiang and Lijiang river systems, directly reaching Cangwu.

The objective is to thoroughly control the Lijiang.

Once they control the Lijiang, they can completely sever the escape route of the Shanyue to the west.

They can also form a pincer attack with the eastern route, suppressing the Lingnan native tribes.

The western army of forty thousand marched from Wuling Commandery along the Yuanjiang.

There are innumerable details within.

Gu Yi made sure to prepare thoroughly, including the selection of camp locations; water had to be boiled and settled before drinking, sleeping on hammocks to prevent snakes and insects—everything had been instructed.

Gu Yi could clearly feel his improvement since his last command.

Needless to say....

Though he may not yet rival those historically famous generals in judging the overall situation, he already had the capability to oversee the whole picture.

This is Gu Yi’s progress!

The most crucial aspect is—

Gu Yi possessed a vision they didn’t, using modern knowledge to minimize each potential risk faced.

He chose to march in August due to his own judgment.

The saying goes, "Clear skies and crisp autumn air."

Spring and summer are the rainy seasons in the Liang-Guang area, moving troops during this time would be a disaster for the Great Han’s soldiers.

As for the troops led by Wen Yang, Gu Yi made a unique arrangement for them this time.

He abandoned the heavy armor of the Han Army, allowing them to adopt the rattan armor woven by the southwestern tribes.

This was Gu Yi’s comprehensive consideration.

The environment of Lingnan was ultimately vastly different from the Central Plains, and the heavy armor of the Han Army in such conditions might become a burden for these elite troops.