Chapter 1702: From Prosperity to Decline
"General."
When Xiao Shenghe's order was carried out, someone immediately said: "There are also many Guzha people at the Prince's side. Since we have suffered a setback this time, should we go there in person to ensure everything is secure?"
Xiao Sheng without a second thought refused.
“We absolutely cannot leave Moonlit Gate.”
Seeing the different expressions on the faces of his subordinates, Xiao Shenghe said: "Do you think General is afraid of being punished by the Crown Prince, so he shrinks here and dare not go?"
No one spoke.
But sometimes, silence itself is an attitude.
Although we let the Qin army get away this time, uncovering the rebellion of the Guza tribe is enough to offset that.
Xiao Sheng said helplessly, "Therefore, this general is not worried about being reprimanded by the Crown Prince, but... just in case."
Just in case, Xiao Sheng didn't say anything.
Those who were smarter naturally could tell that their faces had changed.
What Xiao Sheng wanted to say but didn't was that this rebellion by the Guza tribe was actually a landmark event marking the decline of the Liao army from its peak. Right now, the Liao army's predicament and weaknesses had all been exposed.
The blizzard raged, making the environment completely unsuitable for an army like the Liao, which relied primarily on cavalry.
With logistical support crippled and their vital supplies and provisions destroyed, the Liao army faced an insurmountable logistical problem. This is why Yelu Shenxuan claimed they had no retreat left. The Liao army's only hope was to completely conquer all of Gansu and Shaanxi and survive on its resources. Otherwise, any delay would lead to starvation within days as the harsh winter descended.
As the Liao army of 600,000 soldiers has been encamped outside Yueya Pass for over half a year now, morale among the defenders has begun to falter. This prolonged siege has taken its toll on the Liao forces as well. They have been engaged in high-intensity combat for most of this time, and even they are not immune to fatigue. This campaign has already surpassed any previous battle in terms of duration, and the inherent nature of their cavalry tactics dictates that they cannot sustain a prolonged war. They rely on speed and decisive strikes, coming and going like the wind. However, now they find themselves trapped here for half a year, and this prolonged stalemate inevitably breeds discontent and shifting loyalties.

Heaven, Earth, and Man are not on the side of the Liao army. Xiao Sheng already sensed that this time, he was very likely to be defeated in Gansu and Shaanxi.
If this were true, it would be a major stain on Yelü Shenxuan's political career and the beginning of the end for his rule over the Liao Dynasty.
So he could only hold onto the Moonlit Pass, and once the worst-case scenario happened, at least the Moonlit Pass would be saved. Yelü Shenxuan would still have accomplished a great feat.
Xiao Shenghe's thoughts were far more comprehensive than most people's, running ahead of the vast majority. No one had considered things as deeply as he had.
And it was precisely because Xiao Sheng thought too much that he became more pessimistic than others.
Though the Qin army currently appears to be in disarray, like a cornered dog being pursued by the Liao army, the Liao army's weaknesses are becoming increasingly apparent. As these flaws worsen, the Qin army is bound to rebound eventually. After all, Gansu and Shaanxi are still part of the Great Qin Empire. The Qin army has the entire empire as its backing and can quickly recover.
Thus, in this seesaw battle, he couldn't bring himself to be optimistic about the war's outcome.
"Listen to this general."
Xiao Sheng gritted his teeth and said, "I take full responsibility for everything."
Since Xiao Sheng had made his point so clearly, no one else dared to object. They all received their orders and went back to work.
At this time, dozens of miles away from Yueya Guan, after a hurried march that shook off the pursuing Liao army, Zhao Tailai and Su Pingbei and others finally let out a sigh of relief.

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