Ang Lee didn't have any experience in commanding a large-scale battle. Naturally, he wouldn't accept the position of Western General. In addition, speed was the most important factor in this long-distance attack against Tibet. They didn't need too many soldiers. Too many soldiers would affect Ang Lee's battle strategy.
"Your Majesty, I only want all the armored war chariots, over a thousand steam-powered vehicles, and sufficient supplies. This will be enough to support this elite troop to penetrate deep into the enemy's rear and cooperate with the troops at Hexi and Longyou to annihilate the main force of Tibet. After that, I will lead the troops to the south and attack Tibet's capital city. We will annihilate Tibet and display the military might of the Tang dynasty."
Ang Lee said in a domineering manner.
At this time, the Tang dynasty had a total of 130 armored war chariots. Among them, 100 armored artillery vehicles were divided into two brigades. The first brigade was formed earlier. They only modified the internal structure and installed spring dampening seats. The second brigade used spring dampening systems on the body of the chariots. Its performance was more advanced.
There were a total of 20 armored command vehicles. They were specially provided for the use of the officers. A brigade of armored artillery vehicles was made up of eight vehicles. Each brigade had one vehicle and each brigade had three vehicles. There were a total of 16 vehicles. The remaining four vehicles were backup vehicles.
The armored reconnaissance vehicles were the miniaturized version of the armored command vehicles. They were faster and more agile. There were a total of 10 of them. Each brigade had five of them. They were responsible for scouting on the battlefield. They were more reliable and faster than cavalry. Especially after they were equipped with a telescope with a magnification of 100 times, their power was even more powerful.
As for the logistics vehicles that Ang Lee asked for, they were mainly transportation steam-powered vehicles. Moreover, they were all the most advanced heavy-duty models. Other than that, there were also many support vehicles such as dining vehicles, maintenance vehicles, ambulances, tent vehicles, and so on.
The reason why Ang Lee only asked for the most advanced vehicles and not the other auxiliary troops was to ensure absolute speed. He wanted to launch a blitzkrieg attack on Tibet's army at the fastest speed. He wanted to inflict heavy damage on Tibet's army before they were ready.
This was a classic blitzkrieg tactic used by later generations of rulers. It was also applicable in the Tang dynasty. Of course, in the Hua Xia Empire, there were already precedents of blitzkrieg tactics. The Great Han Empire's Huo Qubing used blitzkrieg tactics to heavily injure the Xiongnu's main force. From then on, the Xiongnu no longer had the strength to fight against the Great Han Empire.
If Ang Lee wanted to attack Tubo, he would have to rely on the highly mobile and powerful armored war chariots. This was an elite army that he had built up himself, and it was completely capable of taking on the heavy responsibility of attacking Tubo. They would first go around the enemy's rear and work together with the main forces at Hexi and Longyou to deal a heavy blow to Tubo's main forces. Then, they would gather a portion of the main forces and march all the way to Tubo's capital. They would not stop until they destroyed Tubo.
However, Ang Lee's idea was a little too bold. After all, this was a lone army penetrating deep into the enemy's territory. If anything happened, it would be a huge loss to the Tang Empire.
Of course, the loss of these equipment was nothing. They could be rebuilt at any time. However, if Ang Lee was injured, the loss would be huge. After all, the knowledge stored in Ang Lee's head was always the most valuable. If the Tang dynasty lost Ang Lee, it would be a huge loss.
"Assistant Minister Li, although your plan is good, it's too risky. If anything happens to you, it would be a huge loss to the Tang dynasty. In my opinion, why don't we give this task to Guo Qiang? I heard that he performed well in the Iron Armored Artillery Brigade. He should be qualified for this task. "
Li Longji was not willing to let Ang Lee lead such a small number of soldiers and take the risk of penetrating deep into the Tibetan territory. After all, Ang Lee's safety was much more important than the Iron Armored Artillery Brigade. He was even worried that if Ang Lee was captured by the Tibetans, the Tibetans would have all kinds of advanced weapons. If that happened, it would be a huge disaster for the Tang Empire.
"Your Majesty, although Colonel Guo Qiang performed well, he doesn't know enough about the use of the Iron Armored Artillery Brigade. These things were invented by me. Naturally, only I know how to use them. It's better to put them in my hands than to put them in anyone else's hands. I can make this army more powerful. As for the situation that Your Majesty is worried about, I can guarantee that it will not happen."
Ang Lee strongly requested. After all, Guo Qiang did not know how to use the Blitzkrieg. If he led the Iron Armored Artillery Brigade to attack the Tibetans' retreat, Ang Lee would be very worried. It was not appropriate to do so. It would be irresponsible to the Iron Armored Artillery Brigade.
"The army that Assistant Minister Li wants to lead is too small. There are only six to seven hundred people. Even if we include everyone else, there are less than three thousand. Is it really possible to ensure that nothing will go wrong just by relying on the power of the armored artillery?"
Li Longji was still very worried.
"Your Majesty, don't worry. Before I take action, I will tell Wang Jieshuai where I am going to go so that he can provide support. In this way, even if I run into trouble, I can get help quickly. With the defensive power of the Iron Armored Command Vehicle and the combat power of the Iron Armored Artillery Brigade, the Tibetan army will not be able to do anything to us in a short time. Your Majesty, you don't have to worry about safety at all."
Ang Lee continued to insist. After all, he was the only one who understood the theory of the Blitzkrieg. He was also the only one who was familiar with these violent machines. He knew how to use these advanced machines better.
"Why didn't Assistant Minister Li bring more soldiers? There are so many soldiers in the capital. Wouldn't it be better to bring more?"
Li Longji was very curious about Ang Lee's method. He felt that Ang Lee was a little too arrogant. He looked down on the Tibetan army and wanted to use the smallest number of soldiers to achieve the greatest results. Of course, this was also Ang Lee's usual style.
"Your Majesty, this time, I want to use the shortest amount of time to defeat the Tibetan army before they can react. This is called the Blitzkrieg. The most important thing is speed. If I bring a large number of soldiers, it will definitely slow down my movement and give the Tibetans enough time to prepare. In this way, my army might be in danger. Therefore, it is safer to bring fewer soldiers than to bring more soldiers. It will also be easier to achieve victory."
Ang Lee explained.
"Blitzkrieg? Why haven't I heard of it before? "
Ang Lee could only explain to Li Longji what the Blitzkrieg was. Of course, Ang Lee didn't use the example of the future heads of state. Instead, he used Huo Qubing of the Han Dynasty and Chen Qingzhi of the Southern and Northern Dynasties. These people's battle specialties were all long-range attacks. They would ambush the enemy and cause the enemy to be disoriented. From there, they would obtain a glorious victory.
Now, Ang Lee had a hundred iron armored artillery vehicles in his hands. He also had a large number of supply vehicles. He could transport even more resources. As such, he was completely capable of launching a Blitzkrieg attack on the Tibetan Empire.
Li Longji seemed to understand a little. He felt that Ang Lee's words made a lot of sense. Although he didn't personally lead the army into battle, as the Emperor, he still had a good understanding of military matters. After listening to Ang Lee's repeated explanations, he felt that Ang Lee's plan was completely feasible. With the power of the Tang dynasty's iron armored artillery vehicles and a sudden attack, they could definitely defeat the Tibetan Empire.
"Assistant Minister Li, you must be fully prepared. There can't be any mistakes. Our Tang dynasty can't lose a talent like you."
Li Longji finally agreed.
Ang Lee was very happy when he heard this. He quickly said, "Your Majesty, don't worry. I will definitely be fine. This time, I will definitely destroy the Tibetan Empire and make our Tang dynasty's territory look more complete."
"Alright, we'll do as Assistant Minister Li says. You must be careful."
Li Longji looked at Ang Lee with great concern. His expression was quite sincere.
Ang Lee was a little touched. He paused and said, "Your Majesty, when I was on my way here, Gwangbyeong Of Gojoseon came to find me. He seems to want to go to Tibet to fight."
"He is the Emperor's grandson. How can he leave the capital so casually?"
Li Longji objected without thinking. He paused and asked, "Assistant Minister Li, do you think it's okay to let him take the risk?"
"I don't think it's appropriate. However, we should let the Emperor's grandsons go out to train and see more of the world. This will be very beneficial for them in the future."
Ang Lee expressed his opinion.
"Going deep into the enemy's rear is such a dangerous thing. We shouldn't let the Emperor's grandsons go. However, since Assistant Minister Li is willing to take the risk, what can the Emperor's grandsons do? Let him go! You just need to stay together at all times. "
In the end, Li Longji relented. As for what he was thinking, only he himself knew.
"Your Majesty, speed is the most important thing in war. I will go and prepare now. We will set off tonight."
Ang Lee bade farewell and immediately went to prepare.
"Assistant Minister Li, did His Majesty agree?"
Li Yu suddenly jumped out from a corner of the palace and looked at Ang Lee expectantly.
Ang Lee smiled and nodded, "His Majesty has agreed. However, you must listen to me along the way. You are not allowed to leave my side."
"His Majesty has agreed. That's great, that's really great."
Li Yu was very happy. He nodded repeatedly, indicating that he wouldn't cause trouble for Ang Lee.
Ang Lee couldn't be bothered to talk too much with Li Yu. He had to immediately rush to the armored artillery brigade and let all the soldiers prepare for the battle. In addition, he had to contact the officials in the capital to mobilize enough vehicles and resources to meet the needs of the battle.
After arriving at the armored artillery brigade's camp, Ang Lee immediately called for a meeting with the officers above the rank of captain. He also conveyed the Emperor's order to set off.
With regards to penetrating deep into the enemy's rear and attacking Tufan, all the soldiers were very supportive. They were very confident in their equipment. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the soldiers of the Iron Armored Artillery Brigade were already bursting with confidence. They were just waiting to show off their skills on the battlefield. Now that the opportunity had come, how could they not be excited?
However, Ang Lee didn't like the soldiers' arrogance. He gave them a good lesson and asked them to obey orders. They were not allowed to act on their own. Those who disobeyed would be severely punished.
After arranging the armored artillery brigade's matters, Ang Lee ran to gather all the resources and vehicles needed for the battle. He also asked all the vehicles to immediately rush to the railway station in the west of Chang 'an City and load them onto the freight train. They were going to be transported along the railway to Min Province. They were going to get off at Min Province, bypass Jishi Mountain, and directly enter the rear of the Tibetan army. This would cut off the connection between the main Tibetan army and the rear of the Tibetan army. They would even join forces with the main Tang Army and severely damage the main Tibetan army.
As the battle required a lot of vehicles and resources, the Railway Bureau of the Tang Dynasty mobilized dozens of freight trains to transport these vehicles and resources to Min Province.
That night, Li An returned to his courtyard for a short while to say goodbye to his family. After all, this attack on Tibet would definitely consume a lot of time. He probably wouldn't be able to return in a short period of time. There were many things he had to say to his family.
"My husband, I'm afraid that you will only be back after a few months! Tibet is a bitter and cold place. You must take good care of yourself and don't fall sick. "
Yan Ruyu said gently as she tidied up Ang Lee's clothes.
"Don't worry! I will take good care of myself. You must also take good care of yourself at home and wait for me to come back. "
Ang Lee smiled gently and kissed Yan Ruyu's cheek.
"My husband, it's getting late. You should go and say goodbye to your two sisters! Don't waste too much time here. "
Yan Ruyu was never a selfish person. She would always consider the feelings of her two sisters.
"Okay, one more kiss."
Ang Lee kissed Yan Ruyu's cheek affectionately and walked out of the bedroom. He went to the other two ladies' rooms and said goodbye to them one by one. Of course, he also kissed all of them as a form of farewell etiquette.
In the evening, a series of freight trains carrying a large number of vehicles left for Min Province, which was a few hundred miles away. The last train was a passenger train. After all, a high-ranking official like Ang Lee had to sit in a soft sleeper carriage for the journey. He would be comfortable for a while, but after he got off the train, he would have to suffer.
"Assistant Minister Li, I heard that the mighty army of the Tang dynasty is going to destroy Tibet in one go in this battle. Is it really possible?"
Li Yu sat beside Ang Lee and asked curiously. He also heard it from a young eunuch in the palace. This young eunuch was very close to him. Otherwise, he would not dare to tell Li Yu what he overheard.
"Does Gwangbyeong Of Gojoseon think it's possible?"
Ang Lee asked with a smile.
Li Yu nodded and said, "With the current strength of the Tang dynasty, of course it's possible. We can definitely destroy Tibet."
"Haha, I'll take your auspicious words. We can definitely destroy Tibet in this battle and open up more territory for the Tang dynasty."
Ang Lee's answer was equivalent to telling Li Yu that the purpose of this battle was to completely conquer Tibet and expand the territory of the Tang Empire.
"Tibet has always been a strong country. If the Tang dynasty destroys Tibet in this battle, I wonder how the other small countries will feel. Will they fight to submit to the Tang dynasty? Just thinking about it makes me happy. "
Li Yu smiled slightly and seemed to be quite excited.
"Haha! Gwangbyeong Of Gojoseon's idea is very good. As long as we work together, the whole world will belong to the Tang dynasty in the future. Tibet is just the beginning. "
Ang Lee said domineeringly.
"The whole world will belong to us? Tibet is just the beginning?"
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