548: Chapter 548 Xiang Yu: I came, I saw, I conquered!

After splitting the forces, Xiang Liang and Fan Zeng were discussing the next development plan.

Inside the tent, they leaned over the spread-out map, their faces showing signs of deep thought.

Xiang Liang's expression was grave as he tapped his finger on the mountainous region of the map and said slowly, "Brother Fan, I believe we should follow the advice of the Consul General and occupy this mountainous terrain, relying on the defensive advantages of the topography to develop gradually. High mountains are easy to defend and difficult to attack; for us, while we are not yet firmly established, this is not a bad strategy."

Fan Zeng stroked his beard, nodded slightly, and stared intently at the map, agreeing, "Brother Xiang is absolutely right. Occupying the high mountains allows us to advance and attack, or retreat and defend. Once our foundations are solid, we can then plan for other things. This is truly a prudent course of action."

At this moment, Xiang Yu strode into the tent. He had a towering stature and a resolute expression. Upon hearing their conversation, he frowned, his tone carrying a hint of disdain.

"Uncle, Yuer believes this move is inappropriate. Look at the northwest of the Mauryan Empire; although it is all high mountains, the terrain is rugged, making it impossible to cultivate fertile fields, which is unfavorable for stockpiling grain."

As Xiang Yu spoke, he reached out and forcefully drew a line on the map from the northwest to the southeast.

He said, "My suggestion is to follow the mountain range south all the way, and strike directly into Gedrosia."

Xiang Liang looked up at Xiang Yu, his brows tightly furrowed, his face showing worry.

"Yuer, although Gedrosia is located on a great plain and the open terrain is beneficial for growing grain, it has no natural defenses to rely on. If we encounter an enemy invasion, we will find it difficult to resist."

Xiang Yu, however, did not agree. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly, revealing a confident smile, his eyes filled with pride.

"Uncle, I came, I saw, I conquered!"

"So what if it is a great plain?"

"So what if there are no natural defenses!"

"With me, Xiang Yu, leading the Jiangdong Youths, we roam the battlefield—what enemy do we have to fear!"

"On the plains, our cavalry can better utilize their advantages, using the momentum of thunder to quickly defeat the enemy."

Xiang Yu crossed his arms over his chest, holding his head high, as if the whole world were in his grasp.

Fan Zeng looked at Xiang Yu, shook his head slightly, and advised him earnestly, "Yuer, in military campaigns, one cannot rely solely on the courage of a mere brute. Having no natural defenses is a major taboo in the School of Military Strategy. If you rashly go there and end up besieged, the consequences would be unimaginable."

Xiang Yu suddenly waved his hand, his eyes firm as he said, "Father Fan, you are too cautious."

"With me, Xiang Yu, here, if the enemy comes, I will surely make them unable to return!"

"Gedrosia is as flat as a plain, perfectly suited for our army to deploy tactics and sweep across all directions."

"We should not defend passively, but rather take the initiative to attack!"

Xiang Yu's voice was impassioned, echoing in the tent, revealing an overbearing arrogance.

Xiang Liang looked at Xiang Yu, feeling somewhat helpless, but knowing Xiang Yu's temper well, he fell into silence for a moment.

He both admired Xiang Yu's bravery and decisiveness, and worried about his impulsiveness and arrogance.

Seeing that Xiang Liang and Fan Zeng still looked hesitant, Xiang Yu stepped forward and looked at Xiang Liang with burning eyes.

"Uncle, we cannot miss a golden opportunity because of temporary stability. By occupying the plains, we can rapidly expand our forces, gather grain and troops—why worry about failing to achieve our great ambition?"

A burning light flickered in Xiang Yu's eyes, as if he had already seen the Chu Army galloping across the plains of Gedrosia, invincible and unstoppable.

The atmosphere inside the tent was somewhat heavy for a moment; Xiang Liang and Fan Zeng were weighing the pros and cons, while Xiang Yu waited for their decision with a look of arrogance.

He firmly believed in his own judgment.