Chapter 436: The position of general must be yours
"So the Prime Minister plans to let me, as the commander-in-chief, be solely responsible for the attack on Chang'an?" Ma Di was a little surprised. Although he had led the army alone two years ago, this time it was special.
This time, the prime minister was still in the army, but he was asked to be responsible for commanding the battle instead of going into battle himself. This meant a lot.
If it succeeds this time, the prime minister may not lead troops to fight in the future. At that time, the general and the prime minister are likely to separate, and Prime Minister Zhuge will switch full-time to internal affairs.
"You are right. If we can successfully capture Chang'an, I will not be too involved in the Northern Expedition in the future." Zhuge Liang saw what Ma Su was thinking and said openly without any hesitation.
"So, are you sure you can conquer Chang'an and drive Sima Yi out of Guanzhong within three months? Future general?"
Although he had expected it before, Ma Di still breathed a little heavier when he heard Zhuge Liang say it himself.
General of the Shu Han Dynasty, the meaning of this position is of no small importance. He represents the complete military power in the world, and represents that the entire Shu Han army will be at his disposal in the future.
Although the emperor's seal was still required during the process, there was basically no problem in Liu Chan's era. Even if the prince Liu Xuan ascends the throne, there will be no obstacles to this. After all, Ma Su is the prince's teacher.
Such an important position was personally promised by Zhuge Liang and was directly assigned to him.
Of course, according to Zhuge Liang's wishes, the position of general was not given to him immediately. Instead, it was given to Wei Yan, the leader of the Yuan Cong faction, for a few years to give an explanation to the veteran general who had given the Shu Han a lifetime of military service.
When he returned to the old capital, Zhuge Liang stabilized the interior of the court, and had enough strength to go east again, it was the time for Ma Di to take office as the general.
This responsibility is not unimportant, even Ma Su, who has always been big-hearted and decisive, hesitated.
"Prime Minister, conquering Chang'an in three months is indeed not a big deal, but the position of general... I am adventurous and must be the first to get into any battle. I can handle such an important position..."
"You have the nerve to mention it, right? You're right that the commander-in-chief of the three armies should be the first to serve!" It's a good thing Ma Di didn't mention it. Zhuge Liang immediately became angry when he mentioned it. He got up and went to find Jifeo Chanzi.
"I have to give you a spanking today so that you will remember it for a long time!"
But this time, Ma Su did not run away as usual, but sat in his seat honestly and said seriously,
"Prime Minister, this is really not suitable for me. Since I conquered Longyou, I have been accustomed to be the first to go to the front line in every battle. In fact, whether they are watching me or not, I will try my best to go to the front line in person."
"I have this habit of fighting, and it's hard to get rid of it. So I still think that the position of general is not suitable for me. If one day I really die in battle, it will have a huge impact on the country."
His previous position was okay. Even when he was promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry, Ma Su didn't think that one day he would be dead and it would have much impact on the war situation. However, the position promised by Zhuge Liang was of great importance, so Ma Su couldn't help but not take it seriously.
Seeing Ma Su's rare extreme seriousness and not just fooling around with a smile, Zhuge Liang also fell silent. After a long silence, Zhuge Liang threw the Jifei Zenzi aside, sat down gently and said,
"Do you think you have a choice? You Chang?"
"Do you know how many of your loyal troops have been in the army over the years? Jiang Wei, Shu Ji, Deng Fan, Zhang Ni... these generals you promoted are the pillars of the new generation of the army, and they are even more I am willing to obey your orders."
"If you are not a general, but another general takes on this important responsibility, do you think you can command the Han army?"
"You Chang, from the time you asked for orders to go to the street pavilion, you have no way out. Until now, this position of general belongs to you, and it is not up to you!"
"As for whether your personality is suitable or not, that is your business, and you need to resolve it."
Zhuge Liang's calm words also directly blocked Ma Di's retreat. The whole article has one meaning: the position of General of Shu Han must be yours!
No other person would have been able to command the entire nation so smoothly. The Shu Han's family background is too thin and cannot withstand one or two rounds of party struggle.
In response to this, Ma Su could only remain silent. At this point, the matter was already a done deal. Ma Su also knows that in this position, there are many things that he cannot help himself.
Come on, it looks like I have to figure it out myself...
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After coming out of Zhuge Liang's military tent, Ma Di successfully became the temporary commander-in-chief of the siege of Chang'an. Wei Yan, Wu Yi, Chen Shi and other generals were all under his overall planning and deployment.
Zhuge Liang, on the other hand, greatly delegated power to the Chinese military account and was responsible for handling logistics for the army full-time.
With Zhuge Liang personally responsible for the logistics and leading the team of the Prime Minister's Mansion into battle, Ma Su basically did not have to consider any logistical issues. He now needs to be responsible for frontline deployment full-time and consider how to take down this first fortified city in the northwest in three months in front of Cao Wei's best bastard.
Three months is the most critical window period in Zhuge Liang's calculations. Three months later, the Wei River will thaw, which will affect the Han army's food routes. In addition, it is a taboo for military strategists to fight with their backs against the water. If it is delayed until that time, the Han army will have no choice but to retreat to Weibei and make long-term plans.
This time is neither long nor short. Overall, you can still do a lot of things. But Ma Di had to go to Chang'an to investigate in person to know how to capture this place.
So after some preparations, Ma Su, Ma Zhong and several of his subordinates left the camp at dusk and brazenly arrived at a location several miles away from Chang'an.
Under the protection of only a few people, Ma Di began to spy on the city wall of Chang'an under the setting sun.
You wouldn't know it if you didn't see it, but Ma Su was shocked after snooping. The Chang'an city wall at this moment was not in any dilapidated condition, but looked extremely thick.
The city wall is not only high but also extremely strong. Even Xiangyang in the south cannot compare with it. Especially outside the main city wall of Chang'an City, the Wei army also built many female walls, and a large number of soldiers relied on these walls to guard.
This is obviously Sima Yi's masterpiece. During the three years that this uncle supervised Guanzhong, he not only repaired the Chang'an city wall, but also built a new city in key places nearby.
Such a large number of strong city walls completely extinguished Ma Su's idea of attacking by force. With this level of defense, even if Ma Su brought out hundreds of eight-oxen crossbows, he would not be able to capture the city.
but……
"Speaking of which, is it feasible to destroy the city wall? Master Pu came to Guanzhong with the army." Ma Di touched his chin and looked at Chang'an City thoughtfully, considering the feasibility of this idea.
However, just as Ma Su was looking at Chang'an City and thinking about countermeasures, Ma Su's subordinates suddenly found that the gate of Chang'an City suddenly opened.
Hundreds of Wei cavalry equipped with stirrups and unique saddles suddenly came out of the city and rushed towards Ma Di.
"My dear Ma Su, get off your horse quickly and die!"