Chapter 3429
Troops with Extremely Large Disparities in Combat Strength
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However, with the issuance and implementation of orders from both sides, both the Han army and the Kushan army completed the orders in a very short time.
The behavior exhibited under these circumstances demonstrates the qualities expected of an elite force.
Similarly, this meant that both the Han army and the Kushan army entered into a continuous, rotating war that went on day and night.
The longer duration of the battles and the successive rotation of opponents gradually increased the pressure on both commanders and made the battlefield more dangerous.
Whether it's Guan Yu or Kailash, in this situation, they both need to maintain appropriate caution to avoid revealing weaknesses first and then being taken advantage of by the opponent.
Guan Yu's army was alright; even if they exposed a weakness, they only suffered heavy losses.
Kailash's troops were completely different. Although they were all elite units, the differences in their core strengths were still very obvious.
If Kailash and his troops were to expose a fatal flaw in this situation, or if their defenses were breached, they would truly face a near-certain death.
The complexity of the costs incurred by both sides ensured that both sides achieved their objectives.
For Kailash, it meant constantly sending troops to the front lines, day and night, to fill the gaps and use military equipment to inflict damage and casualties on Guan Yu's army as much as possible.
For Guan Yu, defeating his opponent, whether it was day or night, was always an option!
Although the actual strategic objective of the plan was to suppress the Kushan army and prevent it from expanding eastward and affecting the gradually established internal governance system and frontline governance system, achieving good results in actual combat would be a bonus.
Based on this line of thinking, both Kailash and Guan Yu were preparing for their respective strategic policies, while also delaying the other's manpower and military mobilization capabilities.
Kailash and Guan Yu, both highly skilled warriors, relied on their superhuman physical abilities and tireless command of their armies in the ensuing battles.
Guan Yu, who moved with ease and made steady progress, and Kailash, who exerted all his strength and even resorted to robbing Peter to pay Paul, both demonstrated their abilities in their interactions.
"In less than ten days, the Han army is only forty miles away from Zhanbo City..." Abaz, who looked somewhat disheveled, told Kailash, whose eyes were bloodshot and whose hair was a mess, about the latest battle situation.
“Five days left…” Kailash, realizing that the Han army was advancing too fast, frowned and kept thinking of ways to solve the current predicament.
"The Han army's advance is gradually accelerating. At this rate, they will reach Zhanbo City in less than two days," Abaz said with a wry smile.
"Two days? That's about the expected time." Kailash wasn't surprised to hear this time, as it was the same time he had calculated.
"So, should we mobilize the flanks for a counterattack?" Abaz asked, casually placing various flags on the map.
"No, absolutely not!" A quick glance at the corresponding flags revealed that Abaz had mentioned the flank forces—the armies commanded by Gars and Nakuru. These flank forces were numerous; if they were willing to engage in battle, even just to launch a pincer attack on the central army, they could halt the current decline and even push them back.
However, all of this is based on the premise that the flank forces have real strength. If they are not strong enough, even if they have a large number of troops, it will be difficult for them to exert corresponding combat power, and they may even be annihilated by the Han army on a large scale.
If that were to happen, it would be all bad news.
Therefore, the best approach is to order the troops on both flanks to remain in place, ensuring their retreat while simultaneously improving their fortifications and strengthening their deterrent capabilities, thus forcing the Han army to be wary of the troops on both flanks.
Regardless of whether the Han army was truly wary of the troops positioned on both flanks, Kailash had to make a choice in the shortest possible time.
Otherwise, the already dire situation will only become more unpredictable.
"Next, notify the naval forces to strengthen their counterattack, or advance along the Ganges to directly intimidate the Han army's ships and supply convoys, forcing them to stop or retreat, thus buying us some time." Based on the markings on the map, Kailash quickly found a barely usable plan and method: to use the unique characteristics of ships to directly damage the enemy's morale.
"Our navy? I understand!" Abaz looked at Kailash's serious expression and indicated that he understood.
Traveling downstream from upstream, the speed of the ships is undoubtedly impressive, especially without the heavy cargo attached. They are so fast that they can even block the corresponding Han ships before the Han ships can react.
However, this carries a significant risk: the orders that can be carried out in pursuing ships are only aimed at attacking ships on the river surface, rather than serving a military purpose in the true sense.
Given this basic premise, it became logical to instruct the ships to sail down the river and further attack the Han army.
As it turns out, Kailash's idea was perfectly reasonable.
The appearance of the Kushan navy put considerable pressure on the Han army's officers and soldiers, especially regarding the Ganges River vessels, which further increased the logistical burden on the Han army.
"The Kushan navy has finally made its move. It seems the enemy can't withstand the pressure anymore. I thought they would mobilize their flanks first, but unexpectedly, they've called up their navy first." Guan Yu put down the battle report in his hand and said very calmly, "Compared to the Kushan navy, the fighting capabilities displayed by the Kushan navy are indeed not strong..."
Knowing the strength of the Kushan navy, the entire Han army was on high alert when they learned of the Kushan navy in the Ganges River basin.
However, under such high vigilance, the Kushan navy's combat capabilities and decision-making abilities were only at an average level.
Even Guan Yu suspected there might be a trap involved, since the Kushan navy's command capabilities seemed inferior to his own.
Considering the fighting capabilities of the Kushan navy, anyone would have to have doubts.
Unfortunately, after several rounds of probing, Guan Yu discovered that the fighting strength of this Kushan navy was comparable to that of the Kushan navy itself, seemingly just like that of ragtag soldiers. (End of Chapter)