Chapter 155:

Chapter 155:

Li Er displayed remarkable generosity this time. He sent three distinguished generals to help Su Li and instructed various provinces and countries to gather substantial provisions and supplies for Su Lis upcoming endeavors. With Tangs abundant food resources, Li Ers ambition to expand his territory was evident and unrestrained.

Three days after Cheng Yaojin and the others arrived, the army began its preparations in Song Zhou. Following that, under Su Lis leadership, the entire army headed directly for Tubo. After marching for just five days, they reached the western border of Tubo.

As the army traversed Tubos territory, the Tubo King, who had recently established a marital connection with the Tang Dynasty, cooperated harmoniously. Tubo was a formidable adversary, and the Tubo King understood that without the Tang Dynastys assistance, Songtsan Gampos unification of Tubo would not tolerate another power on the plateau. Prudence during times of safety was something the Tubo King grasped well. If this continued, Tubo would eventually succumb to the Tubo forces.

Furthermore, Tubo and the Tang Dynasty were still in the honeymoon phase of their relationship. The Tubo King dispatched numerous guides to lead the Tang army through their lands and offered advice on dealing with the challenges of the high-altitude environment. Unfortunately, these tips had limited effectiveness.

During this era, general living standards were quite low, and issues like night blindness were common due to malnutrition, even among elite troops, not to mention the more severe problem of altitude sickness. Consequently, as the Tang army prepared for battle near the border, the reports from various officer ranks were far from optimistic.

Inside the command tent, several high-ranking Tang officers were in a meeting. Cheng Yaojin appeared frustrated, his expression deflated. Wei Chi Gongs usually dark complexion had a slight purple hue, indicating his struggle with altitude sickness. Su Dingfangs condition was somewhat better, but he still struggled with heavy breathing. Li Daozong and Hou Junji had milder symptoms. At the head, Su Li observed their condition without needing to inquire about the overall armys situation.

However, Hou Junji voiced dissent, expressing concern about the diminished military strength due to altitude sickness. He believed that launching a strong attack might play into Tubos hands. Li Daozong challenged him, asking when they should go into battle if they waited for recovery. Hou Junji suggested waiting for at least two months, citing information from Tubo guides.

Su Li firmly declared, My decision is made, General Hou. No need to say more. He had confidence in conquering Tubo in a single battle and had broader objectives beyond Tubo. He couldnt afford to spend two months on one campaign.

Hou Junji was shocked by Su Lis direct refusal. He sneered and warned, Youre the Grand Commander, and you can make decisions regarding military matters, but if the battle goes south, dont blame me for changing my attitude. With that, he left, unfazed by the surprised gazes of others.

In the capital city of Tubo, known as the City of Patriots, Songtsan Gampo gazed intensely at the war report. His frustration was palpable as he read about the recent entry of the entire Tang army onto the plateau. He could easily deduce their intentions.

For the past few days, his sole focus had been ordering conscription. Tubo operated under a primitive feudal system, with remnants of slavery. Over seventy percent of the population were slaves, while the nobles comprised less than thirty percent. Even the private soldiers maintained by nobles were effectively considered slaves.

Tubo had suffered a devastating loss in a previous battle led by Lu Dongzan, with 150,000 elite troops perishing. Songtsan Gampos heart ached at such losses. With just 250,000 troops remaining, he had mobilized the entire nobility, offering substantial incentives for recruitment. The result was a reorganized army 400,000, though it paled compared to Tubos former glory.