Munitions Empire-Chapter 1110 - 1031 at a loss whether to advance or to retreat

To command and mobilize hundreds of thousands of troops in an orderly manner is a commanding talent unparalleled throughout history. Without the leap in communication technology in the modern warfare system, it would be impossible for anyone to achieve this.

Zhao Chen is actually in the same position; he couldn’t directly see the 800,000 men under his command. He could only manage and deploy his troops based on radio communications.

But now, the command and control were in chaos, the original plan was completely without reference value, the troops intended for the main attack were still stuck in the middle of the assembly area, and the rear guard had already begun to abandon their defensive positions.

This was the normal state of dispatch at the level of World War II. Why would an army quickly collapse and be annihilated once encircled? Zhao Chen’s current situation was the reason.

The long shot of Huang Wei’s Corps advancing in the great battle was praised as one of the most spectacular and classic continuity errors in history for this reason: a corps capable of advancing in such formation was considered elite among elites worldwide. If Huang Wei’s Corps were capable of that, nobody would be able to encircle them…

In most cases, there was no need to see the enemy; just some minor chaos would stir up the troops, and on some days, it would be good if they could march a dozen kilometers.

"Tell the rear guard to stop the retreat! Stop the retreat! Hold their positions! They must hold until tomorrow evening! Must hold until tomorrow evening! Not a step back!" Zhao Chen, frantic and infuriated, grabbed the officer responsible for conveying orders and fiercely gave the command.

Then he grabbed a confidant and threatened harshly, "You go to the 1st Armored Division personally! Tell them, if they can’t reach the westernmost position and engage with Fengjiang’s army within three hours, I’ll have them court-martialled!"

He had no need to hold back now; after all, Zhao Kai was already gone. Who would ultimately take that position, nobody knew. Zhao Chen could now dispose of these generals however he wanted!

"Yes! Yes!" The confidant, holding onto his cap, quickly agreed before running out.

While Zhao Chen angrily directed the troops to move westward, Zhao Yu, who was originally stuck in Fengjiang, made a comeback. He could be described as triumphant; even the air about him when he spoke was different.

After all, the more obvious the internal turmoil within the Dahua Empire, the more likely with the support of the Great Tang Empire he would return to the long-coveted position.

Now, at Fengjiang, he was deploying his troops, pressing against Zhao Chen’s forces who had already retreated from Fengjiang without regard for anything else.

At this moment, the finesse of his identity as "the most outstanding prince of the Dahua Empire" became apparent: theoretically cornered Dahua troops began to systematically surrender to this prince of the Dahua Empire.

Also, due to the Great Tang Empire’s effective propaganda, these Dahua troops knew that perhaps the best way out was to follow Zhao Yu. Thus, they unanimously made the most "sensible" decision.

At first, it was companies and battalions that surrendered, and then entire regiments or divisions. As more units surrendered, the influence spread to the entire rear guard of Zhao Chen’s forces.

While Zhao Chen was busy breaking through in the west, his forces at the back began to disappear systematically: by the time Zhao Chen noticed, Zhao Yu’s forces had already caught up and were fiercely biting at his tail.

"This Luo Xiao is truly a lucky general." Almost at the same time, within the Great Tang Empire’s Staff Department, Emperor Tang Mo attending the meeting couldn’t help but smile when looking at the map to the west of Fengjiang.

Marshals Redman and Tagg attending the meeting also laughed, and Marshal Luff teased, "When he fought at Shanping, the defender, Zhao Zheng surrendered, and he reaped an easy victory."

"When he fought at Guiguang, Guiguang surrendered, and he again took advantage." General Strauss sitting nearby couldn’t help but laugh and add.

"When he fought at Wanliang, Wanliang’s defenders surrendered, and once again, he picked up an easy win." General Bolton next to him followed up.

Sometimes, you can’t help but envy someone’s luck. Luo Xiao, having captured Guiguang, had been promoted to Major General, and now with another succession of achievements, including the encirclement of Zhao Chen’s forces, he could be described as a rising star.

"Now he’s taken Hezhe, another effortless victory, hahaha." Emperor Tang Mo in a very good mood, laughed once more.

"Then, Your Majesty, the order for his promotion?" Marshal Tagg, having had his laugh, asked.

Emperor Tang Mo generously answered his question, "Nothing much to say, a win is a win, the promotion should proceed! But he still needs to be further tempered; promote him to Lieutenant General and give him the 8th Corps!"

"Understood!" Tagg immediately complied. The position of Commander of the 8th Corps had been undecided, and no one expected that the young officer Luo Xiao would be the winner.

"I want Zhao Chen alive! I like such a servant very much. If it doesn’t work, let Feng Kezhi or Qian Jinhang make another trip!" Emperor Tang Mo thought highly of such talent and added to the orders.

"Like Wang Yucái, he’s worked in the Dahua Empire’s Ministry of Household for so many years, definitely an economic talent; putting him in the financial department would be immensely helpful for Alice. Chen Jing could also assist Mathews or Parker, compensating for their lack of administrative capacity. As for Chu Muzhou, needless to say, with his talents suitable for a premier, prudent and experienced, appointing him as Vice Chancellor of the Empire would be perfect." Emperor Tang Mo listed off, familiar with some of the Dahua Empire’s officials.

The Great Tang Empire lacked talent, especially middle-aged and steady figures. Even though these old-era talents had little innovative capacity, letting them assist the young officials of the Great Tang Empire was an excellent choice.

As long as there were no problems with their character, these seasoned talents could still have various uses. It proved that not all officials from the Dahua Empire were incompetent.

Such as Qian Jinhang, now serving at the Staff Department, or General Feng Kezhi, commander of the 9th Group Army, as well as Lu Qianshan and Bai Fei, and the many old officials from Zheng Country and Qi Country among the middle-level cadre of the Great Tang Empire.

They were doing well. If they were not truly useful, native factions wouldn’t be gradually swelling in power today, right?

"We understand, Your Majesty." The marshals and generals at the meeting responded in unison.

"So, bring them back to me!" Emperor Tang Mo stood up to end the meeting, "Nobody is allowed to scheme, or I will be very angry."

"Long live the Emperor!" Everyone stood up, saluted, and declared.

"Long live the Empire!" Emperor Tang Mo waved his hand and walked out of the meeting room.