Judgment of Dayu.

Summary

Elder Guandou, after receiving intelligence about the imperial army's camps, realized the enemy had around sixty to seventy thousand troops positioned at the mountain pass. He calculated that the Xia Dynasty could only mobilize a similar number, so he was not surprised by the scouts' reports. Despite attempts to find alternative routes to the new city of Wang Ji, the scouts confirmed that they had to pass through the mountain pass. Additionally, they discovered a smaller imperial camp outside the new city with around ten thousand troops, likely composed of reinforcements from various tribes. Meanwhile, Shuang Feng Xian arrived at the devastated city of Ying He, learning that the tribal leader had relocated and that the imperial army had burned the city in retaliation. On his return, he spotted tribal soldiers entering the imperial camp, indicating a growing threat. Reporting back to Elder Guandou, they assessed that the influx of tribal forces could significantly bolster the imperial army's strength, complicating their chances of victory. Elder Guandou recognized the urgency of engaging the imperial forces in a decisive battle to prevent a prolonged conflict that could jeopardize their supply lines. He planned an assault on the enemy camp, aiming to deplete their strength and potentially capture key figures. With provisions for ten days of combat secured, he organized the troops, assigning roles for a coordinated attack. As preparations were made, the central army's structure was established, with vanguard towns leading the assault and rear towns ready to assist. The stage was set for an intense confrontation.

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