Chapter 623: Chapter 87: Subduing the Enemy Without Fighting, Shifting from Defense to Offense

Dazhen Pass.

This place guards the critical route through Long Mountain, and it is the most crucial barrier in the western part of Guanzhong.

Currently, it is guarded by Guo Ziyi.

This arrangement was, of course, made by Gu Yi.

There is no need to say more about Guo Ziyi’s abilities; in the original history, he was even hailed by many as a "savior of the Great Tang."

He is the only one who can withstand the ferocious attack of the Tubo at this time.

"First resolve the biggest internal threat, then tackle the external problems," this was the strategy that Gu Yi had long established.

In dealing with the Anshi Rebellion, Gu Yi’s core idea was that internal strife and external threats must never erupt simultaneously across Kyushu as they did in the original history.

Although this arrangement would still cause considerable casualties, it was already commendable compared to the original historical trajectory.

At this moment, the shouts and killings outside Dazhen Pass shook the heavens and the earth, as countless Tubo soldiers frantically charged at the pass.

Tsri Songtsen Gampo was indeed fighting with all his might.

He must break through Dazhen Pass.

Only by doing so can his army enter the Pingyuan of Guanzhong.

By then, even if Gu Xuan leads an army to arrive, he will have enough space to maneuver.

Don’t forget, the main goal of the Tubo is looting. They do not mind seizing a city and then emptying it.

However, it is unfortunate that—

No matter what methods the Tubo use, Dazhen Pass stands like a towering mountain, always unmoved.

In fact, had Tsri Songtsen Gampo retained a shred of sanity, he should have immediately withdrawn his troops and sent envoys to seek peace with the Great Tang.

But human nature is often like this.

The natural defenses of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have ultimately given them excessive confidence.

Neither Tsri Songtsen Gampo nor the other Tubo nobility ever believed that the Great Tang would counterattack the Tubo.

In their view, even if the forces of the Gu Clan arrive, it will still "not be too late" to retreat at that time.

....

First year of the Zhide era, July.

Amidst countless rumors and expectations, the army finally arrived at Dazhen Pass.

Gu Yi finally met this renowned general of history.

"Grand Tutor!" Guo Ziyi, without any airs, although much older than Gu Xuan, quickly stepped forward to greet him with respect upon his arrival:

"Your subordinate Guo Ziyi has been awaiting you for a long time!"

"No need for such formalities, General Guo." Gu Xuan, equally unpretentious, hurriedly stepped forward to help Guo Ziyi up and smiled, "I am still young and not well-versed in military affairs."

"The responsibility of defending our land against the enemy still relies on all you generals."

Indeed, Gu Yi had no intention of directly intervening in specific military command.

Although he believed he had gained considerable knowledge by being around veteran generals like Gao Xianzhi and Feng Changqing all this time.

Relying solely on this bit of accumulated knowledge to oversee the entire war situation would be overly arrogant.

Furthermore, isn’t "knowing people and employing them well" itself the most skillful art?

Now that history has completely changed, Gu Yi could not take the original historical developments as his foresight in all matters, but knowing people and employing them well is always right.

The game had progressed to this day.

Gu Yi had long discovered many things not mentioned in the "precautions."

The Gu Clan could defy the heavens and change destiny, but it is only applicable to great matters; if one wishes to completely change a person, it requires long-term contact and character development.

This is Gu Yi’s greatest asset at present.

Hearing this from Gu Yi, a flash of surprise passed through Guo Ziyi’s eyes.

He never expected this young Grand Tutor to delegate so much power, and immediately bowed deeply again: "Your subordinate... thanks the Grand Tutor for his trust!"

Having said that, he immediately made a gesture of invitation.

Thus, he led the generals into Dazhen Pass.

Gu Yi did not waste time; upon entering the pass, he immediately convened the generals for a meeting.

Although he would not personally interfere with the generals’ decisions, he needed to understand the detailed situation.

Besides—

Gu Yi needed to clearly explain the purpose of their expedition to the generals and soldiers, making them feel his determination!

"Grand Tutor," Guo Ziyi was the first to speak, his voice steady and powerful, "In my opinion, the Tubo currently stand no chance of turning the tide."

"The Western Regions army is harassing their rear, and now with the Grand Tutor’s arrival... our army can very well switch from defense to offense!"

He walked to the large map, heavily tapping on the Long Mountain area: "Perhaps... we can annihilate the elite forces of the Tubo here in the Long Mountain region!"

"...."

When it comes to military matters, Guo Ziyi’s entire demeanor sharply transformed, meticulously analyzing the enemy’s situation and deploying troop arrangements with precision and clarity.

Gu Yi nodded repeatedly as he listened, exceedingly satisfied.

This is why a general can leave his mark on history; his abilities far exceed those of ordinary people.

As soon as Guo Ziyi finished speaking, the generals in the tent immediately became enthusiastic and volunteered for action.

They were already brimming with vigor, and now seeing a member of the Gu Clan personally there, combined with Guo Ziyi’s strategic planning, they were filled with even more confidence. The calls for battle orders rose one after another, and the atmosphere instantly became fervent.

Gu Yi, continuing to manipulate Gu Xuan to sit at the main seat, did not intervene in the generals’ heated discussions but was rapidly calculating his overall plan in his mind.

For Gu Yi, if one desires to penetrate into the Tubo heartlands, summer is undoubtedly the only and best window period.

This is supported by scientific evidence.

The Tubo’s greatest reliance is the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which causes many soldiers to experience altitude sickness, a challenge that cannot be completely solved in the current era.

Only in summer, when the oxygen levels on the plateau are relatively highest.

Moving troops at this time, although there will still be many soldiers experiencing discomfort and even reduced numbers, it is the only opportunity to minimize the impact of the "natural barrier."