Chapter 2166 - 1921: Deployment
"Chen Gongtai, you will be General Zhang's military advisor. After the Central Army loses contact, you have the authority to make decisions alone!" Zhuge Liang began issuing orders to all the military generals and then proceeded to give directives to the civil officials acting as advisors.
"Understood!" Chen Gong stood up and saluted. He fully understood Zhuge Liang's intention, likely both the right wing and the rear army's advisors will only receive orders to act independently.
After Chen Gong saluted, Zhuge Liang gave the same order to Sima Yi and Sheni Pei. Both guessed Zhuge Liang's plan; it was evidently to fully utilize everyone's strength within the army.
Given that this formation, when viewed at an angle, with the left wing and rear as the back line, the right wing and vanguard are on the same line. Once the Central Army loses contact, the left wing and rear can directly advance to support the vanguard and right wing, greatly reducing the impacts of unforeseen battles. There's no need to mention the abilities of Chen Gong, Sima Yi, and Sheni Pei.
Thus, when the Central Army unexpectedly strikes the opponent, causing chaos, the three legs capable of making decisions will surely launch attacks on their own, responding in kind to the disorder.
Regardless if the opponent is feigning attack or making a genuine move, once Zhuge Liang's Central Army emerges, all of the opponent's forces will be revealed. At that time, judging from the vanguard, left wing, and rear's assessment of the situation, the critical gaps post the opponent's full-force assault will be difficult to hide, and for Sheni Pei and others, it would be enough for a lethal strike.
The usual unmovable meaning of the Central Army was for dispatch, but in the current situation, to be frank, Zhuge Liang knows that even with everyone's acknowledgment, he alone wouldn't be able to contend with everyone, especially battlefield-hardened advisors, who are more adept in seizing battle opportunities than Zhuge Liang.
Thus, after pondering the night before, Zhuge Liang decided to delegate some power to these three individuals, firstly to garner their support, and secondly to maximize the potential of these three legions.
It's undeniable that even if Zhuge Liang earned their recognition, commanding these individuals might still be challenging, although they wouldn't set traps in major strategies, the lower- and middle-level officers might not endorse Zhuge Liang.
So, might as well delegate to Sheni Pei and the others, let them be unrestrained, while using the Central Army as the core, covertly directing the other three legions.
After all, the military lacks constant form, until achievements are established, this is the best way to stabilize others. When sufficient accomplishments are made, and no other problems remain, then establish威严.
"Alright." Sima Yi nodded and quietly spoke, but his slightly flickering eyes have revealed his thoughts.
"All soldiers are to prepare rations, regroup today; tomorrow, we'll lead the army and depart." Seeing everyone had no further issues, Zhuge Liang immediately ordered.
After everyone left, Wei Yan finally asked, "Kongming, why give them independent command rights, and as the Central Army, you're quick to mobilize it."
"Two reasons: they won't be truly convinced, and if a substantial army does attack the vanguard, in reality, external maneuvers, General Guann's left wing, and General Gao in the vanguard would already be in action. If these forces combined still fail to push back the enemy, inevitably, the Central Army must mobilize." Zhuge Liang shook his head and said.
Wei Yan was speechless, indeed, if the Xiliang Iron Cavalry, Trap Formation, and Elite of Danyang combined fail to repel, then inevitably the Central Army must move.
"In such a scenario, besides mobilizing the Central Army to draw enemy fire and force them to attack quickly, there's hardly a faster way to end the war." Zhuge Liang shook his head, seemingly helpless.
The sides' maneuvering Xiliang Iron Cavalry, setting traps in the vanguard with Danyang—if forcibly engaged by the enemy, without a doubt, the opponent has pressed at least two Super Elite Legions. Logically, in that scenario, it's already entering the decisive phase, the Central Army must mobilize.
Given inevitable mobilization, and considering their rear's and right wing's inherent brains, it's better to mobilize the Central Army, provoke the enemy's full power, and exploit weaknesses when they concentrate to encircle. Confident in Sheni Pei and Sima Yi's wisdom, they certainly grasp the weaknesses to crush the opponent.
Unlike other legions, this large army has numerous capable minds; even after losing one or two, the whole army can still assess the overall situation. Facing such advantageous conditions, without forcing the enemy to exhaust their mental resources, exploit gaps, and withstand?
"Actually, once the Central Army attacks, the right wing and rear are aligned, and they have only one shortest path to advance." Zhuge Liang explained smilingly to Wei Yan, who will be his war comrade for a long time.
"I see." Wei Yan's strategic mind is skilled although not as nimble as Sheni Pei and Sima Yi's caliber, spoke after Zhuge Liang's explanation, grasping most of it.
"Seems I'll barely have opportunity to take action during this battle." Wei Yan sighed.
"Rest assured, this scenario arises only if the enemy and Parthia are evenly matched; normally, as Generals Li Jue and Guo Si mentioned, it's just to witness, nothing major." Zhuge Liang consoled smilingly.
Of course, Zhuge Liang didn't anticipate the Two Rivers battle evolving into a predicament. Li Jue and Guo Si's casual attitudes fueled his confidence, not imagining just attending to observe and cheer but didn't foresee experiencing such intense combat.
However, post this battle, Zhuge Liang always uniquely recollected it in every warfare, causing him never to encounter unpreparedness.
"It's good. After all, we need to refine our skills here; unable to engage in major battles in Central Plains, exercising against the barbarians isn't bad either." Wei Yan chuckled.
Hearing this, Zhuge Liang nodded, "Train your soldiers well; although your Legion Talent is formidable, fully activating your Legion Talent lasts too briefly, strengthening soldiers reduces need to employ Legion Talent."
Wei Yan nodded, he harbors no ill feeling toward Zhuge Liang now; on the contrary, thanks to the supplements provided making him unexpectedly powerful, hence Wei Yan considers Zhuge Liang an indispensable comrade.
After everyone went out to prepare for battle, Zhuge Liang stood and exhaled deeply. Commanding so many for the first time, and leading such complex factions posed much greater challenge than the Northern Frontier battle.