Chapter 602 - Chapter 602: Chapter 280: Nanzhao’s Surprise Attack_3

Chapter 602: Chapter 280: Nanzhao’s Surprise Attack_3

Although he was pleased that his strategy was recognized, the precarious situation facing the entire southwest tribes also caused genuine concern to this prince of Nanzhao Country.

The reason he took the risk of making a surprise attack this time was to reverse the decline and counter the invasion of the Eastern Yang people.

As Zhao Changqing talked, he became more impassioned: “As the descendants of the great god Wu Yu, we cannot allow such a situation to happen.

Do those Eastern Yang people want to invade our southwest tribes?

This prince will let them know that if you attack us, we will also attack you.

If they can come to fight our southwest tribes, then our southwest tribes can also fight them.

Now that old monk Jihui is stuck in Xiang City, surrounded by 150,000 Jianchuan troops, completely unable to remove themselves.

Such a golden opportunity is perfect for this prince to steal his homeland, and let him taste what it feels like to have his own country invaded.

Starting today, the vast Xichuan Plain in front of me now belongs to my Nanzhao Country.”

As Zhao Changqing finished speaking, he stretched out his hand and faced the vast plain ahead, as if to embrace all of it.

Apart from the three big lakes of Kunhai, Erhai, and Lihai, the Three Southwest Barbarian States are basically mountainous with almost no decent plains.

As a result, even after thousands of years of development, the Three Barbarian States still cannot support too many people. The most populous time of the three countries with nearly seven prefectures never exceeded ten million.

In front of them, the Xichuan Plain’s vast expanse, covering more than two thousand miles, is no less than the three Southwestern Seas – even surpassing them.

If they can conquer this land and operate it for another hundred years, the strength of Nanzhao Country will leap forward and even double.

How could a young Zhao Changqing with so many achievements and such great ambition miss such a great opportunity?

Now that the Eastern Yang countries are invading the southwest tribes on a large scale, many people may see it as a catastrophe for the entire southwest tribes.

But in Zhao Changqing’s heart, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him and for Nanzhao Country.

Because according to the original situation in the southwest region, even if Nanzhao Country has an Inborn Grandmaster like Zhao Changqing, it is impossible to defeat or annex the other two barbarian states without a crushing strength gap.

Even if Nanzhao Country becomes too strong, it will only provoke joint containment from the other two parties, and there will be no chance of success.

But now the situation in the southwest region has been broken.

The stronger enemy – the Eastern Yang people – has come and tied up the hands and feet of both Da Changhe and Dali, and similarly tied up the hands of the Eastern Yang people, making them unable to take care of other things.

And under this particular situation,

Nanzhao Country only has to deal with a weak Xichuan country with a population of less than one million.

Originally, given Xichuan Country’s strength, they could muster 100,000 troops. And with the country’s master as an Inborn Grandmaster, and several Allies, their defense would be more than enough, even if their offense is insufficient.

With Nanzhao Country’s strength, it would not be easy or even impossible to defeat a Xichuan like this.

But now a group of Eastern Yang countries has launched a joint attack on the southwest tribes, and suddenly the encirclement around Nanzhao Country is full of gaps.

Zhao Changqing has no intention of attacking Da Changhe Country or Dali Country.

First of all, although these two families have fallen, there are two Inborn Grandmasters left in the country, and they can pull out tens of thousands of troops, which are not easy to deal with.

Moreover, after fighting them, the Eastern Yang people would have no impediment, undoubtedly driving straight in and bringing the war to the land of Nanzhao Country.

Instead of doing so, it would be better to keep these two countries as barriers to block the attack of the Eastern Yang people.

On the other hand, Xichuan Country is more vulnerable to attack.

Now that old monk Jihui, who doesn’t know if he’s really old and muddled, dared to get involved in this mess with just 30,000 soldiers under his command.

Now he’s been blocked in Xiang City and has lost contact with his country. Well, he really deserves it.

However, it’s just the right time for Xichuan Country to be empty and give themselves a chance to take advantage of the situation.

‘This time, Xichuan Country must be defeated, and this land of two thousand miles must be taken for my Nanzhao.’

Zhao Changqing looked into the distance, as if through the plain, seeing those cities that had surrendered to him and were flying the banner of Nanzhao.

“Your Highness, the scout reports that there is a county town of Xichuan Country thirty miles northeast of here,” said a guard who came hurriedly, reporting to Hua Kaiyun before the Old General came to report.

“Really? We’ve found the Xichuan Country’s city so quickly.”

Zhao Changqing came back from his distant thoughts, still wearing his usual smile on his face, and then gave the order: “In that case, let the army set out, and I will choose an elite force to follow me and attack the city.”

After that, he looked at Hua Kaiyun and said, “Old General, I’ll take some troops and start first. The remaining majority of the troops will be led by the Old General to follow up. I’ll leave the rear of the army to the Old General.”

Hua Kaiyun replied solemnly, “Your Highness, don’t worry; I’ll take care of it. With me in charge, we won’t let anything happen to the rear of the army.”

Zhao Changqing nodded upon hearing this.

He trusted this old general who had fought for the country for decades; he would not disappoint him.

Therefore, after obtaining the promise, he adjusted his clothes, then mounted his warhorse, followed by dozens of personal guards, and waved his horsewhip, saying, “Set out!”

Ahead, a fully armed army responded to the order, swiftly forming a long black dragon line, heading northeast.

On the 17th day of the 6th month of Shenwu year number five, the Nanzhao army travelled through the high plateau, crossed mountains and ridges, and launched a surprise attack on Xichuan Country.

With Xichuan Country’s defenses empty, they were unable to resist the fierce Nanzhao Army.

In just half a month, they lost two prefectures, and the capital city, Jinguan City, also fell.

At this moment, the demise of Xichuan Country seemed imminent.