Il Cielo dei Tre Regni
by Lunar Wave
Disclaimer: This story borrows the setting and characters of the Koihime†Musou series and borrows multiple elements from Katekyo Hitman Reborn. I own neither series as they both belong to their respective owners. Also, considering Koihime†Musou could be considered a fanfic of the Three Kingdoms, I'd like to say I don't own anything related to the stories of the Three Kingdoms.
-()-
Aiding the Winning Side
-()-
Sousou scoffed as she saw the call for a parley. She shrugged, merely agreeing to it as she walked on forward. Flanking her are Kakouton Genjou and Ten'i, alongside their respective platoons. Behind her, Kakouen is prepared to order a charge if danger occurs, her eyes as a sniper easily spotting any signals that could be made.
She soon reached the middle of the field, where Enshou, flanked by her most trusted, Ganryou and Bunshuu, was standing. No palanquin. No grand displays. Rather strange for the normally extravagant En Clan heiress. That shows just how flustered Enshou was at this development. She leaves their platoons just a ways behind before reaching the center where the three waited.
"Hello, Reiha."
"What's the meaning of this, Karin-san?" Enshou demanded. "Why are you here? This is Toukan, Joshuu, is it not?"
"Isn't it more accurate to ask why you are here? This is the effective Imperial Capital. You are the trespasser. It is only right for a loyal warlord sworn to the Kan to come to the Imperial Army's aid."
"I, En Honsho, do not reco-"
"It doesn't matter if you don't recognize her as the emperor." Sousou cut her off. "You and the rest of the En Clan are already traitors to the Kan."
"How d-"
"And even if you weren't, Reitei herself has proclaimed to the entire country that she stepped down. Kentei is the next-in-line. There is no room for argument. Kentei is the current Emperor of the Kan Dynasty."
"Do you really think that little girl is worthy of the position!?"
Sousou decided that she didn't have time for this circular argument. Enshou is a stubborn mule, and will never change her mind until she has been dragged through the dirt. "What do you want, Reiha?"
"Back off, Karin-san. This is between myself and the little girl!"
"You haven't even noticed." Sousou sighed. And this was a premier warlord of their era? Was she so deluded that she couldn't see the facts when laid out in front of her?
"Huh?" It seemed that really was the case. Only the layabout would truly refer to this fool as a premier warlord of the era. The only ones worth their salt in this world are Hongou, Sonsaku, and Batou. Maybe Ryuubi, but that one's riding on the coattails of the Heavenly Messenger. There's nothing she's done that's worth noting right now.
"How big of an army do you see before you, Reiha?" Sousou mockingly asked her.
"And? What kind of worthless threat is that?"
"Worthless threat? Do you really think I'd bother with a threat if I could not back it up?" Sousou silently laughed in her mind. "I suggest you start marching back to Kishuu. For I, Sousou Moutoku, given the role of Protector of the North by Kentei, will serve as her shield."
"Do you think your army great enough to beat mine, Karin-san!?"
"Your army, that has failed to stop a force of ten thousand bulldozing through your supply chain? Your army that has been essentially forced to starve for more than a few days, and likely hasn't recovered their strength? Your army against mine, that has not needed to fast, and is fully armed? My army may be smaller than yours, but you are not my match." The arrogant reply of Sou Moutoku exited her mouth with no filter. There was no need to play nice to the fool. "Speaking of, your holdings in my territory have already been confiscated and are now considered the state's belongings."
"Excuse me!?"
"For you not to have realized the consequences of declaring yourself the enemy of Kentei, all the while proclaiming that you are the representative of the En Clan…" She dramatically sighed, "All the other lords have requisitioned all belongings of the En Clan, and imprisoned all its members, in 'fealty to the Emperor'." Sousou mockingly said the last phrase. Really, it was just them taking advantage of the situation and claiming the En Clan's riches for themselves.
"That's…!"
"The riches that the En Clan has so proudly declared is now confined to what you have in Kishuu," Sousou smirked. The implication was clear: the En Clan was no longer as rich as Enshou believed it to be.
That implication, however, either did not register in Enshou's mind, or she truly believed that it mattered little, as Enshou didn't even deign to give that a response, "Are you really going to join forces with the commoner?"
"Better than the traitor."
"It was Kentei who ousted her own sister in a bid for power!"
Enshou's delusional remark… one that only serves herself, marred by her refusal to see reality, only served to disgust Sousou. "Let me repeat myself. Why did you call for a parley, if you're just going to justify yourself? Do you have anything that would incentivize me to even consider backing off from this war?"
"… You will receive the wrath of the En Clan, if you do not back off." Enshou gave a threat.
Said threat was empty, as far as Sousou was concerned. "I care not. If you insist on this attack, I, Sou Moutoku, will be your enemy. I suggest you back off, Reiha."
"Umm… Sousou-san." Ganryou spoke up.
"HAH? Why are y-"
"Speak Ganryou." Sousou interrupted Kakouton's indignant tone. Sousou knew why Kakouton was upset. A general courtesy of parley is for only the head of the two sides to speak, and officials are only to speak if spoken to. However, Ganryou is Enshou's voice of reason; her opinions are far more credible than Enshou's.
"… Why are you aiding Ryuubi even though you had clashed last fall?" Ganryou asked cautiously.
"That's right!" Enshou blinked, "Why not join forces with me? If you are that commoner girl's enemy as well, then why not?"
"And?" Sousou asked, "You've not given me any reason to side with you."
Enshou growled, "Then, why side with Ryuubi?"
"There is no need for me to tell you that. That is between myself and Ryuubi." Sousou rolled her eyes.
"… I will double whatever amount they'll pay you."
Kakouton's eyes glared daggers at Enshou for insinuating that Sousou could even be bought to do someone else's bidding. But Sousou had already interrupted her once. It meant that Kakouton's contribution to this topic was detrimental to Sousou's plans, so Kakouton simply continued glaring. Sousou merely laughed at Enshou's offer, "Oh? You can offer me double the compensation? Do you really think I'd go all this way for Ryuubi's money?"
"There is no other reason for you to side with her!"
"Oh, I have plenty other reasons that I would." Sousou smirked, "The problem is that you can't see beyond your own world. Since it seems that I need to tell you the facts, even though it's right in front of your face, let me enlighten you. Exactly what will happen if you and I fought here, Reiha? Do you think you can topple my army quickly?"
"You didn't even bring an army large enough to threaten mine!" Enshou growled.
"But would you do it quickly?" Sousou repeated, indulging Enshou's fantasy that she would actually win in that fight. While Sousou didn't doubt that it would be an uphill battle for herself to fight Enshou's large army, there were no longer any intelligent advisors on Enshou's side. Ryuubi's Army has captured and converted the strategist that Enshou had recently claimed as her own. Ganryou was the closest to one, but intelligence was of no use if you didn't assert yourself.
"…"
"You know the answer better than I, right? I won't lose so easily. And as soon as you and I are at a stalemate, the Imperial Army will be able to drum up enough support from their surroundings to launch their own attack. Sonsaku Hakufu, for one, is likely itching to get at you, you know?"
"Hah?"
"After all, it is likely that Enjutsu had retreated to your territory. If she can contribute to your defeat, it might be possible for her to claim Enjutsu's head." Sousou mockingly smirked. Of course, this was all just a fabricated scenario. Sousou had no reason to think that that would be what Sonsaku actually want from this. "Not to mention that Sonsaku and Ryuubi may not have publicly stated it, but they have formed an alliance, and Sonsaku would be more than happy to come."
"…"
"Then there's Batou-dono, who has already drummed up her own army, and is merely waiting for the call to action." Sousou continued. "So, Reiha? Your army's only true worth is that it is big. What will happen once your enemy army has grown bigger than yours?"
"Karin-san, you…"
"Retreat, Reiha, and I won't pursue. But remain, and I will bring the sword of Sou Moutoku to pry your head off your shoulders."
"You've grown a big head to compensate for your small stature, Karin-san." The insinuation was clearly directed to her chest.
Sou Moutoku frowned a bit from the mockery before resuming as if nothing happened. Falling for personal attacks in a debate… was something only fools do. "So, what will you do, Reiha?"
"Very well! If it's a fight you want then, it's a fight you'll get!" Enshou left in a huff.
"Reiha-sama!" Ganryou ran after Enshou.
"See you on the battlefield, Blind Kakou!" Bunshuu waved with a hearty laugh as she followed after her friends.
"I am NOT BLIND!"
"Enough Shunran. Channel your anger for the war." Sousou turned away and returned to her escort.
"Alright, Karin-sama!"
-()-
And so, within Joshuu's borders, the war between Sousou and Enshou began in earnest. They eventually called the battle off once sunset hit, but they are still eyeing the other's position, waiting. There's always the chance of an attack at night, but only the bold ever bother with that maneuver. Normal soldiers are ill-equipped to fight at night, not unless there's a full moon, and not unless they're desperate for a victory. For wars, the night was a time for the soldiers to rest.
The city of Toukan would have made for the perfect base for the Sousou Army to hold against the invading Enshou Army. However, none of Sousou's army has been able to get in, despite surrounding it. Joshuu Soldiers were manning the walls, glaring at their men, but they dared not make a move against them. Likely under orders. No one left the walls of the city, and the gates opened for no one. Not for lack of trying, of course.
"Are they really going to make us camp again?" Kakouton grumbled, having just come back from yelling at the gate guards to let them in.
Jun'iku nodded, "Seems the Ryuubi Army is as ungrateful as ever."
"Ungrateful, you say?" Sousou asked the strategist.
"We came all this way to help them, and they're turning a blind eye to us." Jun'iku pointed out.
"Hardly." Sousou shrugged. "They're wary of us."
"… I see." Jun'iku nodded, "They're worried that we are not helpers but invaders."
"We may be fighting Enshou, but that could either be of two things:" Sousou put up one finger, "We may actually be Enshou's allies and we're pulling them into a false sense of security or" she put up another finger, "we are another invading force trying to take Joshuu. We just happened to clash against the already existing invading force."
"I see."
"I, of course, properly sent Tou to tell them of the situation, however, that might take a while. Regardless, even if we can't get in the walls, Toukan still serves as better resting grounds than wherever Enshou is." Sousou shrugged, as she watched their camp be set up. "For now, eat your meals and get some rest."
""As you wish!"" Jun'iku and Kakouton nodded, leaving Sousou to her own thoughts.
Kan'u should've been stationed in Toukan. And yet, when Sousou had come to demand an audience, the soldiers merely replied that Kan'u was not there. Wherever Kan'u may be, it is doubtful that she intended on abandoning Toukan completely, not when there are soldiers within its walls.
However… considering…
When dealing with a large army, the usual strategy is to face them head-on, using war tactics to make a formation that will counter the enemy's own. Utilizing the terrain. Hitting the enemy's weak points, making a strike against the enemy commander, using the army to its fullest…
The pieces of information Sousou received from the war in Joshuu gave her enough of a picture of what's going on.
Early harvesting of all summer crops, even though harvest time for those crops is still a ways off.
Mass evacuations of villages on the border next to Seishuu. Not just evacuation of people, though. Evacuation of supplies as well.
If you only had some of this information, you'd probably think little of it. Just the actions of cowards who have given up on fighting the enemy…
But no. Considering the other pieces of information that Sousou got, not from Joshuu, but from her informants in Seishuu…
Ryofu attacking the Enshou supply chain… prioritizing the destruction of wagons, rather than personnel.
Kan'u's attack on the undefended rear of the Enshou Army.
Chouhi's attack on the retreating Enshou Army, who were desperate to reclaim their supply chain.
Those aren't the actions of the desperate. There's a hint of desperation there, but… strategy is something Sousou has always been trying to keep a keen grasp on. No… if Sousou had decided to just let them do their thing… Enshou… might have actually lost.
A large army, trapped in a place where there's little to no food, harassed on all fronts by generals with strength larger than life…
The Imperial Army might've seemed desperate, but…
There was a chance.
There was a chance that Enshou could've lost.
All it would've taken was them holding Enshou long enough that the hunger would kick in, that the rations are no longer enough to sustain any soldier and everything Enshou had worked for in this war would shatter. The soldiers would either die from starvation or flee, abandoning their posts. At the very worst, an internal rebellion, as they try to take the food and life of the commander who brought them to such a deadly crusade.
It was a strategy that fascinated Sousou. So utterly pragmatic and designed to deal with an enemy army many times greater by striking at their strength, their numbers. Enshou's numbers were great, but that itself also brought a challenge that the pencil pushers that have not entered the field of battle would realize: supplies. Cut the supplies and their numbers would devour them whole. That was also why the Imperial Army evacuated their supplies, despite the cumbersomeness of it all. To remove the chance that Enshou would be able to replenish by taking the supplies of the villages on her way down. Of course, Sousou immediately pinpointed the more obvious method of doing so: burn the food stores. But even she knew how desperate that would appear. And from what news she received from her informants, that was what they did for the first village that Enshou encountered. Likely, due to the distance, they weren't able to evacuate all the food stores, not safely at least.
For that Ryuubi and Hongou to come up with this plan… No, saying that it was Ryuubi could only be considered a fallacy. If Sousou's conjecture was true then… Ryuubi could not have approved this venture. Ryuubi would have had to be dragged into it by those around her… and the only two who have that authority… were Kentei and Hongou. Kentei, herself… did not have that much agency. If anything, she was beholden to Ryuubi, letting both Ryuubi and Hongou make her decisions for her. Kentei was nothing more than a puppet, who just happened to have some rather decent puppeteers on her strings. So that left… Hongou. Even if the strategy was devised by another, whether it be Shokatsuryou or Houtou, one of those three would need to approve. Hongou probably talked Ryuubi into it.
Honestly, Sousou would've been impressed… if she didn't have her own plans. And the Imperial Army's total victory would run counter to it.
So… Sousou decided to intervene. She formed her army and marched into Joshuu, with the intent of "helping the Imperial Army". It wouldn't be a hard sell either. From a strategy standpoint, the Imperial Army was winning, but very few actually see the strategy standpoint. From a layman's point of view, the Imperial Army was losing, giving ground to Enshou. They did manage to run them back, but Toukan was now effectively disputed territory. So Sousou Army moved in, to "assist" the Imperial Army.
Still… there is a slight problem that Sousou herself didn't foresee. Kan'u's immediate disappearance upon Sousou's entry into their borders. Not that Sousou will ever admit that she didn't foresee it. Kan'u's retreat was in the plan, but where Kan'u went was worrisome. The plan was for Kan'u to retreat and confront them in Toukan, where Sousou would then offer her aid. In doing so, she would then appeal to Kan'u to join her instead by showing her noble and good side. Well, that was all a side job. While it was a shame she wasn't present, it was much more important for Sousou to consider why Kan'u wasn't here. It's unlikely that Kan'u had abandoned her lords. No… if anything, considering the proximity of the rivers, Kan'u likely rode down them to reach their capital to report Sousou's arrival. Why she personally had to do that…
No, she should try to keep her mind clear of assumptions just yet. While Sousou was pretty certain as to the strategy put in play, now that she had disrupted said strategy, the Imperial Army needed to recalibrate their strategy. Although… would the Imperial Army really not have had a backup plan if this strategy didn't work? Doubtful, seeing as they had Shokatsuryou, Houtou, and Josho in their ranks. And the preferred strategies that the Ryuubi Army used (which Sousou had extrapolated from all the wars that they've been through together) were largely reactionary strategies, relying on the enemy to make a mistake or give them an opening of which they can exploit. Even this time was no exception. Have they really run out of strategies now that this last one was effectively ruined?
"… No." Sousou frowned. Sousou refused to believe that they don't have any cards left to play. Maybe Kan'u was still present. Maybe she was scouting them out, trying to figure out if they were friend or foe, not wanting to confront them in case of the latter.
In the meantime, she'll have to do her best to play the benevolent helper and ward off Enshou from taking Toukan.
All this, for her ambition.
-()-
"Sousou-sama! Soldiers to the south!"
Sousou blinked as a report from one of her scouts barreled in. "Flag."
"Kan! It's the flag of the Empire!"
"Finally they've come." Jun'iku scoffed, "Took them long enough."
"Wait!" Sousou sharply ordered, "How many soldiers?"
"About a few platoons worth. Likely an escort."
"I see… Shunran, Shuuran, Keifa, Ruru, with me." Sousou sharply ordered. "Shan, Karon, maintain watch of Enshou's camp. Any activity from them, I want to be informed as soon as possible."
"As you wish!" The two nodded, and Sousou departed quickly with her chosen escorts.
-()-
Sousou's horse ride south was rather uneventful and, eventually, they reached their destination. To an open field where Ryuubi, Hongou… and surprisingly…
"It is an honor to see you once more, Kentei-sama." Sousou knelt down as a sign of respect. Her officers knelt with her. She then noted their escorts: Kan'u, Shokatsuryou, and Houtou. So they really weren't within the walls of Toukan. Well, the past few days told her as much.
"… Why are you here, Sousou-san?" Kentei asked.
Did they truly need to ask, considering that Tou should've told them already? Likely this was just an intimidation tactic; it won't deter Sousou. "To aid you, of course." She said with no hesitation.
"Even though we sought no aid from you?" Kentei challenged.
Kakouton growled at the slight but kept her mouth shut. Sousou merely shrugged, "I am loyal to the Kan after all. I am the 'Protector of the North', as you recall."
As soon as she said that, Hongou's expression shifted to that of exasperation before schooling it back to a neutral one. Sousou gave a questioning look at Hongou. Hongou merely gestured his head towards Kentei.
"If that is the case, then I will thank you. However, you have put us in a bit of a bind." Kentei frowned.
"And what would that be?"
"You did not inform us of your intent to aid us." Kentei pointed out. "Is it surprising that we would be worried that you are here, not to aid us, but to aid Enshou instead?"
"… I suppose that is reasonable." Sousou hummed, "I must apologize for causing undue concern." Sousou then glimpsed Hongou's eyes rolling at that statement. Sousou knew that Hongou was more than capable of holding a poker face, why did he make such an exaggerated expression? No one else seems to have seen it and Hongou didn't seem to mind that she did. Best not draw attention to it for now.
"… Is your intent genuine, then?" Kentei asked.
"Of course."
"Then I trust that you can coordinate with our soldiers?"
"Of course." Sousou nodded.
"… Very well. Then I'd like your opinion on the battle. What should be our best move to achieve victory?"
Sousou asked, "What should be the goal of this battle?"
"The best is that we can take Enshou herself down, alongside my sisters-in-law." Kentei told her.
"Empress Ka and Kashin." Sousou nodded.
"Preferably alive, so that we can avoid making martyrs of them." Hongou added, "But that is not a priority, of course."
"Martyrs?" Sousou frowned.
"Enshou's army still fights for her, even though we have starved them quite a bit." Kazuto frowned, "It seems that Enshou has a charisma that makes people want to follow her… which makes it problematic if we do kill her. Her followers could either: be dispirited enough to not want to fight and just run or become death soldiers who are willing to go through any lengths to kill us. The latter, obviously, is the problematic option."
"I highly doubt it would come to pass, but we'll keep it in mind." Sousou shrugged.
"At the very least," Kentei spoke once more, "if we can successfully drive them back to Kishuu, then we'll have at least succeeded."
"What are the resources available to me?" Sousou's eyes gleamed. Since she had disrupted their strategy, it was only natural to suspect that they would be at their rope's ends when it comes to plans. All according to her own plan.
"… Our main army has gathered south. If they begin marching they should be able to arrive within a couple of days. General Chouhi is on standby west." Shokatsuryou replied, "General Ryofu has been allowed to do as she pleased. Her last known contact with us is when she, alongside General Kan'u, temporarily cut off Enshou's supply chain." Before Sousou showed up, was left unsaid.
"I see…" Sousou hummed.
"Batou has been informed to attack Enshuu if Sousou decided to attack Joshuu," Hongou added off-handedly.
The silence from that one sentence was deafening, as Sousou incredulously looked at Hongou. Even his own allies were doing so as well, likely caught off guard by the sudden reply. Even the Emperor. While for her side, it was surprise, likely, the Emperor's side were surprised at Hongou suddenly bringing it up at all.
"… What?" Hongou blinked. "You didn't know that, Sousou?" Sousou refused to answer that, as she compiled all that she knew about the west. Indeed Batou had been forming up an army. But Sousou assumed that was meant to be reinforcements for battle against Enshou. For it to turn out to be actually meant to be reinforcements for her caught her way off guard. Not that she would show it, as she kept her face schooled. However, Hongou gave a small smile to Sousou, as if he read her thoughts, "Eh, thought you should know."
So that's how it was. Hongou was trying to throw her off-balance. Sousou couldn't show that he succeeded, so she asked "… Have you called it off?"
"Not yet. Shouldn't have entered Joshuu unannounced." Hongou shrugged.
"Hoy, Hongou!" Kakouton growled, "Are you betraying u-"
"If the Imperial Army entered Enshuu, hoping to attack Kishuu, without telling you why we're there, what will your reaction be, Kakou Genjou?" Hongou severely asked.
"We'll attack you of co- Oh." Kakouton deflated. Sousou merely nodded. Fair is fair. Her intrusion could be seen from the outside as an invasion as well. Especially since tensions between the two territories were high.
Kentei nodded, "We'll send a messenger to inform Batou that you have joined hands with us."
"That would be appreciated." Sousou nodded. "Is that all?"
Shokatsuryou looked at her companions. After confirming that none of them were intending on speaking anymore, she nodded, "Yes."
"Then may I make a suggestion to that effect?" Sousou asked.
Kentei blinked at that before slowly turning to Hongou. Hongou was staring intently at Sousou, to which Sousou didn't flinch at all. Hongou then sighed and nodded to Kentei.
That seemed to be a sort of signal, "… Go on." Kentei nodded.
And so, she laid out her plan. And after a bit of adjustment from Shokatsuryou's part (and Sousou was most pleased to see Shokatsuryou's talent displayed in full in front of her), they began the plan to end this chapter of the war.
-()-
It was remarkably simple. Raise the flags of Kan alongside their own flags of Sou to indicate Kentei's presence. Have the soldiers all chant their loyalties to the emperor. And just like that, the Enshou Army is now putting its full force into attacking Toukan. This would go on for a few days.
"If any of your soldiers are seen looting, we'll be cutting off more than a few hands. Are we clear, Sousou?" Hongou told her, as the gates of Toukan finally opened. The Imperial Army gave Sousou Army permission to enter Toukan.
The warning made sense. Even if Toukan is mostly evacuated, there are some things that the residents wouldn't be able to take with them, no matter how hard they try. As a show of respect, Sousou nodded, "Only my most elite will be allowed in." Sousou 'solemnly' swore.
"Sure." Kazuto shrugged. "So, just you and Ten'i?"
"Just you?" Sousou returned. While they have their personal bodyguards following quietly behind, in a distance just far enough that they likely won't be able to hear their conversation, for all intents and purposes, the three of them were functionally alone.
"Well, we can't afford a proper escort right now." Hongou laughed, "So you'll have to make do with just me."
"Would think that you'd at least have one."
"Paitan's more important right now." Hongou shook his head, "And anyway, you wanted to talk to me?"
"… What was the strategy you implemented before I arrived?"
"You can grill me for details when we're out of public ears, Sousou. You know the kind of headaches that kind of talk entails."
"… Very well." Sousou conceded. "So where should we stay?"
"I honestly don't know how the standard protocol for those sorts of things is." Hongou shrugged, "Technically speaking, we are outsiders forcing our way into homes that we basically ordered be emptied. The local magistrate is still present and is housing our group…" Hongou turned to her, "… I suppose I'll be happy to house you and your entourage as well, but only if the local magistrate agrees."
"Can't you order him to?" Sousou frowned.
"A reminder that just last winter, we were enemies… here in Toukan, in fact." The location of their battlefield is a bit more west, but still. "Things are still raw."
"… Raw?" Ten'i asked.
"I see. There are soldiers here whose friends were killed in the war." Sousou nodded, explaining for Ten'i, who gave a noise affirming that she understood what was said.
"That or family." Hongou nodded. "I may be fine with it, and Touka and Paitan may be willing to put aside a grudge for the time being, but I do not want to be responsible for any assassinations on your number by the disgruntled."
"My soldiers can take care of themselves."
"Paitan will be making a speech tonight." Hongou told them, "Likely to honor your dead and recognize your allegiance. That should tide us over for the few days that we need to buy to finish that plan of yours." Kazuto then turned to her. "Are you sure that sending Kakouton away was a good idea? She seemed pretty attached to you."
"If she wishes to be my sword, then she should learn where to strike. In the meantime, I'll mold Ten'i here to serve as my shield for when she's not next to me." Sousou chuckled. "She is my 'Akurai' after all."
"Akurai, huh?" Hongou hummed, "The name of the bodyguard of old King Chuu? So Ten'i is officially your personal bodyguard now?"
"When Shunran and Shuuran can't be with me." Sousou hummed, "Seems you're pretty well-read as well, Hongou?"
"Not as much as I'd like to be," Hongou confessed. "And Jun'iku?"
"She is my strategist after all. There is no one in my army I'd trust more with my plans than her."
"And the fact that you sent both your most vocal vassals away has nothing to do with us being here?" Hongou asked.
"Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses." Sousou smiled, "To know such things and delegate appropriately, is that not the duty of a proper warlord?"
"Understanding and accepting all." Hongou nodded, "It is a pointless question, but I'll still ask it:" Hongou frowned, "What are you trying to do here? Why are you getting involved in this war?"
"I've no idea what you mean." Sousou played coy.
"Fine." Hongou sighed, "We've reached the city hall." Hongou nodded to Toukan's main administrative building. Or simply put, the palace of the magistrate. "Try not to insult the magistrate."
Sousou laughed slightly at that, "No promises."
-()-
A few days later…
It was honestly pretty boring for Sousou as her plan goes off without a hitch. She could practically hear Enshou yelling curses at her, and she wasn't even close enough to do anything.
The plan was simple. Send Kakouton and Jun'iku with a portion of Sousou's troops towards Kishuu (which Sousou's territory borders) and make threats. That should send the news to Enshou about the situation, causing Enshou to start to see the option to leave and retreat back to her territory. However, with Kentei's presence, Enshou will probably still be hesitant… or rather stubborn about trying to end the war by attacking Kentei. So she needs some incentive to push her to make the call.
That incentive is an all-out attack from the east, west, and south. West will be from Sousou's Army, finally done with just taking the hits. Then two surprise attacks from Kan'u, from the south, and Chouhi, from the east. They won't be as numerous as others, but… even the most stubborn fool like Enshou will likely retreat at that point… especially since Ryofu was still striking their supply lines, this time backed by Seishuu's Southern Army. It seemed that Kentei wasn't completely ally-less in Seishuu.
And so, the Enshou Army ran for the mountains that divide Joshuu and Seishuu. There was no more formation, no more organization. Just every man for themselves.
However, the army before them can only be at most half of Enshou's forces. And it wasn't as if they decimated the Enshou Army. Demoralized them, made them hurt, made them starve, those are all things that happened to them, but they were still a large army.
"Report!" A soldier approached, "Enshou and her entourage were seen fleeing the battlefield. Should we make chase?"
"No." Sousou replied. "Let her return to lick her wounds."
Now her plan truly began.
-()-
"Enshou has fully retreated. They are no longer in Joshuu territory." Josho reported.
"Thank you, Josho-san." Kentei nodded, "… Now then, I suppose… the only thing left to do is… what should we do next?"
"Reiha will be back," Sousou remarked easily, getting her voice in before anyone else could. For situations like this, she needed to be bold. "Her stubbornness is the real deal."
"… We've been told so before." Kentei sighed. "I…"
"… Kentei-sama, I'd like to offer a plan."
"Or what we call, your actual goal." Hongou sighed. "… You want Kentei in your territory." As usual, Hongou had to take the wind from her sails.
Kentei looked almost exasperated at Hongou's deduction, turning to Sousou with a stern expression, "I re-"
Unfortunately for him, no matter how many times he takes the wind out of her sails, she was more than willing to paddle. "I'd like to give you my reasonings first before you reject me outright, Kentei-sama." Sousou hummed. Her gaze flitted over to those next to Kentei.
"Kazuto-kun."
"Let her speak, Touka. She's still the 'Protector of the North'. No matter how empty the title is, it would be bad for us if we outright refused to hear her speak when given a title that designates her as someone entrusted to protect the Empire." Hongou really got it, this whole political side of the problem. If they outright refuse her without hearing her statement, it would show that the titles that were given out during the Kan-Chuu War truly were empty, and have no bearing. The Kan Empire would no longer be able to confer titles as rewards. Or at least, as the only reward. Everyone would be clamoring for more. In the meantime, Ryuubi was floundering around with her irrational dislike of Sousou to try and deny her at all turns.
And naturally, seeing as both Hongou and Ryuubi have agreed to hear her out, what basically boils down to as their puppet could only reluctantly nod, "… Proceed."
"Understood." Sousou smiled. "Allow me to highlight the situation for all of you." And by that, she meant the so-called Guardians of Ryuubi and Hongou, who were all watching this meeting. Behind her as well, were her own officials, of course, although they are all currently under orders not to speak up. Just observe. And be prepared to defend her should the need arise. "I've received the reports of the battles that took place here in Joshuu."
"From your spies, I wager?" Hongou hummed.
"Please don't interrupt me." Sousou frowned.
"No promises."
"How boorish."
"How Enshou-like of you."
Okay, that was a bit too far. Sousou gave Hongou an annoyed glare before schooling her expression. "As I said, I received reports of the battles. From what I gathered… you were implementing a rather… interesting strategy."
"… Of course you figured it out. It's not a common strategy in this era, and you still figured it out." Hongou sighed.
"Do you have a name for it? It would be easier for me."
"Just tell me what you think the strategy is and we'll correct you for anything. And don't worry about lies." Hongou sighed. "We know how it looks from the outside."
"Very well. You intended on drawing Enshou into a war where she stretches herself into your territory to the point that she will leave her supply chain defended so little that you could cut her off of her supplies." Sousou hummed. "A strategy meant to starve the enemy within your own territory." Then Sousou gave a smirk, "But that strategy… will only work, if the territory you are stretching the enemy in has been stripped of all its resources. Hence, the need to evacuate all food stores and supplies from the villages bordering Seishuu." Sousou then turned to Kan'u, "And for one village, which is too close to the border for a proper supply evacuation… burning."
Kan'u flinched at this. It seemed that she didn't really do it because she wanted to either.
Hongou sighed, "Well, you figured it out. About as expected of one of the most brilliant minds of the era, I suppose."
"Thanks for the compliment." Sousou nodded.
"It's an adaption of the Scorched Earth Strategy. The scorched earth strategy is where the territory is destroyed so that the enemy cannot make use of its resources. Our version was still focused on lowering costs to ourselves. If we were doing the proper scorched earth, only the people would be evacuated and the supplies would be all burned."
"I see…" Sousou pondered on what he said, "That way, soldiers can still get supplies from the cities, and only burn the supplies once they're forced to retreat. A brutal but effective tactic. A costly one as well." Sousou nodded. "However, there were some things that you likely failed to account for, correct? Like… Reiha deciding to attack southwards, instead of trying to take Toukan."
"… Yes." Hongou sighed, "She really is a wild card, isn't she?"
"A fool she may be, but a wild card nonetheless." Sousou agreed with his assessment of Enshou. "… So there was a need to adapt. You allowed her to reach as far as possible before reaching any territories that have yet to be evacuated completely, and then… Kan'u attacked."
If only the attack was done a bit later, Enshou would've been unable to retreat quickly enough. If Sousou had not spooked Kan'u into retreating, then there was a chance. But…
"No matter. There is no need for a self-destructive strategy now that I've become your ally." Sousou declared. "Now then, let me outline the simple plan: I will serve as the frontline of the battle."
"You do share a border with Kishuu." Hongou nodded. "But I guess, to make you the frontline… there is a rather important thing we need to do…"
"Allow me to house Kentei in my territory, in Kyoshou. We will publicly move as the Empire and draw targeted attacks from Enshou. In the meantime…"
"Our army will attack through Seishuu, to Kishuu, to Kahoku itself, directly." Hongou nodded.
"Why do we need to give you Paitan for this?" Ryuubi argued as Kentei could only blankly stare at Sousou for her boldness.
"For one, to make my territory a target. If Kentei remains in your territory, it will be Joshuu that will be in danger of an attack."
"Is that a problem? Southern Seishuu has already revealed their allegiance to Kan." Kentei frowned. "With both Seishuu and Enshuu fighting against Enshou…"
How cute, assuming that she's already sworn to fight with them, "There is another reason," Sousou interrupted, "It will serve as proof that you are willing to be my ally," Sousou replied.
"In other words, if we do not, then Sousou's alliance is void." Hongou sighed. "We'll have to fight Enshou on our own… again."
"If you have to, then you already realize what your strategy would've done to Joshuu, correct?" Sousou smirked, "Would you rather destroy the livelihoods of all your citizens just to keep the Emperor out of my hands?"
"Sousou, you!" Kan'u growled, "So that's your game! You will hold…"
To be perfectly honest, Sousou understood well how underhanded her methods were, but, while she will never see Ryuubi as a worthy rival as a king, she knew Ryuubi's desire. "What did you say was your goal, Ryuubi?" Sousou directed her smirk at the girl, "To protect the commoners, yes? To protect the normal people from the brutalities of war. If you do not accept my aid, you realize who will suffer most, right?"
"… Sousou you really are…" Ryuubi grimaced. "I don't…"
"… This is not something that can be decided on easily." Hongou finally said.
"At the very least, decide by tomorrow. The sooner we can go back to Kyoshou, the less likely that Enshou will decide to turn around and attack here." Sousou smirked.
And so, Sousou gave her ultimatum. Regardless of how they decide, things will be in her favor.
For the Mandate of Heaven is with Sousou.
-()-
Chapter End
-()-
Chapter Release Date: June 18, 2021
-()-
Beta Reader: Seraphius
I cannot get the hang of these chapter number counts. Next chapter is the last chapter of this arc. As well as the last chapter that I have stored up. I really couldn't make it an even 50, huh? Anyway, considering the structure of the next arc, it might take a while for me to finish. i doubt I'll finish the next chapter by next week, so there won't be any surprise attacks the week after next.
So let's discuss the strategy that was employed by the Imperial Army.
SUMMARY OF THE WAR AND THE STRATEGY EMPLOYED BY THE IMPERIAL ARMY. SCROLL TO THE NEXT EMBOLDENED TEXT TO SKIP.
The status of the war is, from a numbers perspective, are 40,000 (approx.) to 100,000 (approx.) soldiers, favoring Enshou. This is a combination of Enshou's large territory (comprising of both Kishuu and Yuushuu) and higher spending budget on the army. They simply can afford more soldiers than average. Individually, comparing the most elite of both sides, the Imperial Army wins in quality. An imperial elite will beat an Enshou elite seven times out of ten. However, two Enshou elites can overpower an imperial elite, so there's not much to that advantage. Regardless, aside from the soldier numbers, these calculations aren't a factor to Shuri and Hinari's plans. As far as their concerned, it's more balanced. It's not as if they've ever seen Enshou's army fight up-close to know something like that. However, one advantage that they have is a high number of quality generals, who can both lead and command respect, effectively allowing them to split their army.
In regards to available strategies, the Imperial Army are trapped by the nature of their army. While they call themselves the Imperial Army, they're really just the Joshuu Army with a different flag. Any military expedition from them will be seen as an invasion from Joshuu's side. So they cannot march into Seishuu or Enshuu to launch a counterattack. They can't even station soldiers within them, to prevent the war from entering Joshuu. They have to fight Enshou in Joshuu. A defensive battle against an army more than twice their size.
There are two types of attacks that Enshou could theoretically do. A straightforward assault towards the provincial capital Kahi, relying on only their supply line and the towns on the way for their food, or a longer but more stable assault to Toukan, with the plan to use Toukan as a staging ground to take every commandery south one by one. The first is quick and brutal. The second would drain Enshou's supplies. The second one is actually fairly simple for the group to deal with. Delay the war for as long as possible and Enshou will drain her own supplies before she could even set foot in Kahi. So really, they needed to plan for the first one more.
Well there's also the third one, a march through Seishuu to enter Joshuu in a position more south, closer to Kahi. This is bad for the Imperial Army, not militarily or logistically, but politically. They can't really bring a large army into Seishuu to attack a force within Seishuu. When collateral damage happens, the Seishuu lords may just band together and join Enshou's army. So they'll be forced to fight in Joshuu Territory, in a shorter path to victory. The only real strategy that they'll be able to do in this case is a defensive siege. They can't really abandon Kahi, as it's the center of Joshuu's trade, due to the rivers leading to it. If Enshou takes this option, it will be a brutal battle that will cripple their ability to fight any wars in the future. This is the absolute worst case scenario for the Imperial Army.
Regardless of what strategy they do, they need to stop the third option. To dissuade the third option, the best method is to appeal to Enshou that it's better for her to attack through Toukan. Fortunately, (something the Imperial Army didn't really expect) one Seishuu lord (Kouyuu) was a sympathizer and is the one in control of the northernmost commandery connecting Seishuu to Joshuu. The other southern Seishuu lords were more on the fence, but didn't like the idea of Enshou entering their territory for war anyway, so they naturally supported Kouyuu's plan. This could change if the Imperial Army moves to meet Enshou's army in Seishuu. In exchange for the chance to push the collateral of the war to just Joshuu, they agreed to give their names to Kouyuu's plan. And so, Kouyuu pushed Enshou towards Joshuu using the threat of the southern lords' betrayal. Enshou thinks her only enemy is Joshuu's leadership, after all.
The other two types of assaults (direct assault towards Kahi or a slow methodical attack) are dealt with using the pseudo-scorched earth strategy that the group implemented. In either case, the Imperial Army will be removing much needed supplies from Enshou's path. Effectively, the best way to deal with a large army like Enshou's is to use its size against it. They can't really do a full scorched earth; they are a bit too queasy to actually do such a brutal strategy. The compromise is to simply evacuate as much of the province's supplies away from the north. The only exception is Toukan, where the supplies were moved into the commandery capital (also called Toukan). The evacuations were led by the mercantile families, led by Rairai and Denden's family, as well as the Chin clan's Chintou.
Theoretically, if Sousou did not intervene, the Imperial Army would've been able to defeat Enshou. Looking from the outside, without any knowledge of strategy, the Imperial Army were losing, but if the strategy had been allowed to continue, Enshou's soldiers would be hungry and weak, deserting left and right. It will be the ultimate proof of Mandate of Heaven, as far as the world was concerned. But Sousou's intelligence allowed her to see through the obvious and shape the situation to just how she liked it.
Now then, let's discuss Ren. She's not really been instructed to do anything. However, she did understand one thing: the war will be won by the one with the most food. That's why even though she wasn't really directed to do anything, she decided to attack Enshou's supply chain. Although, why was Ren able to operate in Seishuu, while the Imperial Army can't? Because she's operating in Kouyuu's territory, who is an ally of the Imperial Army. Regardless, Ren's actions in the north has effectively diminished Enshou's ability to supply her soldiers. As stated by one commenter, most people would think that it's natural to put Ren in the frontlines due to her strength, but honestly she's so strong that she can just as easily, if not better, support the army by splintering off from it and affect the war with a smaller force suited to her specifically.
SUMMARY DONE
Phew, I wrote quite a lot, huh? Anyway, see you next week for the last chapter of this arc (the aftermath). And since it's the last, what do you think? This wasn't an easy arc to write. Enshou hasn't been defeated quite yet either. Any reviews you'd like me to answer in the AN next chapter?