PFC Chapter 1173 Post-War Review
Chapter 1173 Post-War Review
After Wang Sanchun finished speaking, Li Che nodded, signaling Qiu Bai to take notes, and then asked, "What mistakes did the Tibetan army make during this period that we can learn from?"
Wang Sanchun pondered and said, "The Tibetan army's mistake was that they relied too much on attrition warfare by slave soldiers and traditional cavalry flanking tactics, and seriously underestimated the power and range of our firearms, which led to the needless deaths in the first two waves of attacks and damaged morale."
"Its strength lies in the fact that the main force of the central army remained in order throughout the entire process, and even when it was defeated, it did not collapse. It also maintained basic order during the final retreat. This ability to manage the army should not be underestimated."
Upon hearing this, many people glanced at Lu Dongzan, who was listening in the background.
Lu Dongzan was somewhat restless and didn't know how to respond, so he simply pretended not to see it.
"Hmm." Li Che turned to Yue Yun. "Yue Yun, where are your cavalry?"
Yue Yun succinctly stated: "The problem with our unit is that after defeating the Tibetan cavalry on both flanks, there were gaps in the coordination between the various hundred-man squads, allowing a small number of Tibetan cavalry to escape."
"In addition, heavy cavalry are highly dependent on terrain. Their charging speed is affected in areas with too much gravel. Training in such terrains needs to be strengthened in the future."
"The Tibetan cavalry's equipment, training, and tactics are far inferior to ours, but their warhorses' endurance and high-altitude adaptability are noteworthy. If they encounter each other on higher terrain, the advantage of our armored cavalry may be weakened."
Next, generals such as Yu Daliang and Ma Zhong analyzed the shortcomings of their respective campaigns.
They spoke calmly, and their self-criticism was as natural as drinking water.
The evaluation of the Tibetan army also strives for objectivity, criticizing its outdated tactics while also pointing out its strengths.
The generals of the Northwest Army were initially quite uneasy upon hearing this.
Having been defeated by the Tibetans for many years, they now find it both strange and somewhat shameful to hear these generals who had routed the Tibetans still nitpicking their own shortcomings.
Gradually, they were also infected by this purely pragmatic atmosphere, and some people began to raise different opinions on some specific details.
Only Lu Dongzan sat in the corner, feeling increasingly uneasy.
Listening to others break down the battles they commanded step by step, analyze every mistake they made, and even learn from their own pitiful strengths.
The feeling was like being stripped naked in public; waves of shame and helplessness washed over you, and the complex emotions were hard to describe.
However, as the discussion deepened, his mindset subtly changed.
He discovered that people weren't just criticizing, but genuinely analyzing from a military perspective.
They pointed out the problems of the Tibetan army, and almost every sentence hit the nail on the head. Some of them were even chronic problems that he had vaguely sensed but had been unable to change when he was a high lama.
What shocked him even more was the way everyone was discussing things.
No one showed any mercy; they not only criticized themselves but also started exposing each other's shortcomings, not even sparing Li Che.
If someone questions you, those who disagree will argue back, but they will never get angry or embarrassed.
Lu Dongzan was so engrossed in listening that he didn't realize he was listening intently.
This kind of military maneuvering that transcends any particular stance is something he has never experienced before.
In Tibet, military discussions were often accompanied by disputes among nobles over their interests and empty talk about saving face.
Never before has there been such sharp and directness, solely in the pursuit of finding a better way to play?
He even muttered something under his breath when he heard a proposal for infantry defensive positions on the Tibetan Plateau:
"If we had stockpiled more stones and set up tripwire zones beforehand, we might have been able to hold out a little longer..."
Although the voice was soft, it was still caught by Li Che's sharp ears during the pauses in the heated discussion.
Li Che turned to him, encouragingly saying, "Since you've thought of it, why not explain it in detail? You're more familiar with Tibetan weaponry and terrain, so your ideas are very important."
In an instant, all eyes were on them.
Some Northwest Army generals looked on with sudden realization; it turned out that after all that discussion, the opposing commander was sitting down below.
However, some generals had a fierce glint in their eyes; the hatred of twenty years could not be resolved overnight.
Lu Dongzan's face flushed, but seeing the encouragement in Li Che's eyes, he still stood up and walked to the sand table.
At first, he was a little hesitant, but once he entered a familiar area, his speech became fluent.
As soon as he finished speaking, a Qing army general immediately chimed in: "Storing stones is one option, but our army has artillery, which can destroy fixed storage points from a distance. It would be better to consider dispersed, concealed storage points..."
"Transportation is difficult on the plateau, and dispersing reserves only increases supply pressure. It would be better to concentrate our efforts on guarding a few key mountain passes..."
"The key mountain pass is too large a target; instead, we should use the terrain to set up multiple layers of simple obstacles, gradually wearing them down..."
The discussion heated up again.
This time, however, Lu Dongzan was no longer a mere bystander.
He sometimes refuted, sometimes added, completely immersed in the military simulation.
He suddenly realized that this review was not only about summarizing gains and losses, but also about absorbing and digesting the opponent's experience and lessons in a terrible way!
The lessons learned by Tibet at the cost of blood and land are being analyzed and studied by the Qing army generals without any cost, and are being transformed into the foundation of their future combat power.
Is this the Qing Army? It's truly... terrifying.
No wonder the Qing army won so many battles; with such rules in place, the speed at which these generals progressed was terrifying.
Coupled with those firearms that were practically cheating, which army in the world could stand against them?
The meeting lasted for nearly two hours before taking a break.
Many Northwest Army generals were still not satisfied and went out to open the sluice gates to release water while discussing the topic they had just discussed.
Lu Dongzan walked alone at the back, his steps somewhat heavy.
"Lord Lu, please wait." Xu Jiezi's voice rang out from behind.
Lu Dongzan turned around and bowed: "Sir."
Xu Jiezi looked at him and smiled, "Have you had many feelings?"
Lu Dongzan smiled wryly: "It's like looking in a mirror and feeling ashamed, but I've also benefited greatly."
"His Majesty often says that a skilled warrior has no illustrious achievements, and a skilled physician has no glorious name," Xu Jiezi said leisurely. "Reviewing and reflecting on past actions is the way to prevent future illnesses."
"Today's arguments may seem like harsh criticism of a victorious army, but in reality, they are preparing for the future."
"What we gain today may become a model for others' research tomorrow. Only by constantly reflecting and striving for progress can we avoid falling behind others."
"Now that Lord Lu has entered this gate, he should know that this path is inexhaustible."
Lu Dongzan bowed deeply and said solemnly, "Thank you for your guidance, sir. I have learned a great deal."
After everyone had taken care of their physiological needs, they gathered in the room again.
Li Che tapped the table, drawing everyone's attention back: "The war is over. Next, we need to consider how to defend the newly acquired territory and manage the old borders."
"The old methods used in the Northwest are probably not enough for the current frontier, and the burden on you all is not lightening."
Upon hearing this, the generals of the Northwest Army below the hall were all startled and became uneasy.
Sure enough, Li Che's next words were not good news: "The Northwest is bitterly cold, and guarding the border is not easy."
His gaze swept over the many old generals with graying temples below the hall, and his tone was somewhat solemn: "I cannot bear to see the old soldiers wasting their energy here any longer. From now on, the main force guarding the northwest border should be composed of young and strong men."
The hall fell silent for a moment, and many veterans wore complex expressions.
The veterans are retiring, but what about the generals?
They knew very well that it wasn't just ordinary soldiers; it was time for them, the old guys, to retire from the stage as well.
After years of fighting, I am indeed tired, but the thought of leaving this land where I shed my blood also fills me with reluctance.
Li Che took in everyone's reactions.
He was not unaware of the complex emotions of the veterans, but on matters concerning the long-term stability of the border, he would never hesitate because of personal feelings.
The Northwest Army needs fresh blood, and it must be a complete overhaul from top to bottom!
Veteran Marshal Ma Jing spoke up at the opportune moment: "It's not just a matter of soldiers. Now that the front line has been pushed to the Nu River, the supply line has been stretched by more than a hundred miles, and transportation is becoming increasingly difficult."
Li Che nodded and continued, "What Minister Ma said is very true. Therefore, the rotation of troops cannot be done overnight. The old troops in the Northwest can be gradually transferred to the rear."
"They have a thorough understanding of the Tibetan army's activity patterns, which is a valuable asset that cannot be wasted."
"When spring comes next year, we should further develop military farming to sustain the war effort and strengthen the border through military settlements."
"As for the soldiers guarding the border, if any of them are willing to settle down here, the court should provide strong support."
At this point, Li Che took a sip of water before slowly revealing his plan:
"I have ordered that the imperial court will fund the marriages and marriages of the soldiers."
"If anyone is willing to bring their parents, wife, and children here, the imperial court will also take care of them; this place will be their new home."
"When soldiers guarding the border become one with the frontier, they will no longer suffer the pain of homesickness."
This was a disguised form of the military household garrison system, binding soldiers to the land and ensuring their hereditary garrison duty.
In the short term, this method can indeed quickly stabilize newly occupied areas and save the huge costs of long-distance troop and grain transport.
The generals below were all knowledgeable in military affairs, and after a little thought, they understood the advantages and disadvantages.
Only Li Che knew in his heart that this method was effective, but it was by no means a long-term solution that would last forever.
Over time, the hereditary system of military households inevitably leads to a decline in training, with officers treating soldiers like servants, ultimately resulting in a complete breakdown of combat effectiveness.
In the original timeline, the rise and fall of the Ming Dynasty's guard system served as a cautionary tale.
Perhaps while I am alive, my presence will deter them from falling into depravity.
But what about decades or centuries from now?
Systems are always prone to inertia, and people are always driven by greed; no policy is perfect.
Thinking about this, Li Che concluded: "Ultimately, whether the border areas can enjoy long-term peace and stability depends on the roads."
"My mind is made up. Once the situation has stabilized, I will build a sturdy official road connecting Longyou, Hexi and all the way to the border of Xinding."
"With the roads repaired, the transfer of supplies becomes more convenient, and the inland and the border regions are no longer two separate ends."
"At that time, the soldiers guarding the border can be rotated regularly without the worry of homesickness, and the people in the interior can come to cultivate and trade with more peace of mind."
When roads are open, people can move freely; when people can move freely, hearts can connect; and when hearts connect, the borders are secure.
This is more important than how many fortresses or how many farmlands there are.