Rise of the Tang Dynasty by Julian Romane

Author:Julian Romane
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: HISTORY / Military / Ancient
ISBN: 9781473887794
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Published: 2018-01-30T05:00:00+00:00

References

Chinese sources: Suishu, 70, 85; Jiu Tangshu, 53-56; Xin Tangshu, 84; Zizhi Tongjian, 183, 186.

Fitzgerald, pp.50-59.

Graff, pp.162-71.

Hung, pp.61-69.

Chapter 10

Tang Victorious

Li Shimin Weighs Tang’s Next Move

When word of Dou’s approach came to Tang headquarters, Li Shimin, his subordinate commanders and their staffs sat down to consider their options. The question was whether to attack or retreat. Either path led to possible disaster or a great victory. Individual staff members, along with commanders Xiao Yu, Qutu Tong and Feng Deyi, presented one option. Their soldiers were tired, they said. Wang Shichong was holding out behind high and well-defended walls, and Dou Jiande was coming with a victorious army to rescue him. They would be caught between front and rear, so they should withdraw to their home to refit and regroup; opportunity would come to attack again. Then Field Commander Gao Xiaoke responded that the best option would be a fast and massive effort to occupy the barrier at Hulao Pass to block Dou Jiande. He went on that once they destroyed Dou, Wang would fall because he had no food or hope. Staff officer Xue Shou pointed out that both Wang Shichong and Dou Jiande still commanded significant forces. If Dou managed to unite with Wang, bringing in supplies and horses to Luoyang, the two of them could easily defeat the Tang. The land would remain divided, and there would be a war without end.

Xue then presented his campaign plan. Firstly, he said, they need to divide their forces. They should pull the best troops and powerful cavalry out of their lines and organize them into a field force. The weaker troops and support groups should remain in the siege lines around Luoyang. There, they should strengthen the lines and fortify their camps. If Wang Shichong attacked, they needed to defend positions rather than fight. Secondly, Commander Li Shimin should take the field force to Chenggao and wait for Dou Jiande. When they came, Li Shimin would attack and defeat them. Thirdly, with the defeat of Dou, Wang would be out of moves: he would surrender, and within twenty days the war would conclude. Li Shimin listened to his commanders and staff. He dismissed the meeting with the remark that he would make the necessary decision.

After some time, messengers recalled the commanders and staff to the meeting place. Li Shimin entered and issued his orders. He explained that Wang Shichong had run out of supplies. Morale was low, and ruler, ministers and officers were in disagreement. They did not have to attack the city; it would fall soon enough. Dou Jiande had managed successful campaigns. His army was brave and well-disciplined, but it was tired. They could block Dou at Hulao Pass. If he could not force a way to Luoyang, the city defences would collapse within a month. That way, they gained more men. If they didn’t hold Hulao Pass, then Dou would reach Luoyang and join Wang. They could not defeat that joint force. Li Shimin’d mind was clear: this was his decision.

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