The one leading the troops eastward was Li Boping himself commanding the large army, and Cui Wenjing, who was stationed there, had considerable forces as well. This was the garrison mobilized from Jiangnan and Jianghuai, though they were unaccustomed to the local conditions. Assisting in the defense of Hangu Pass, however, was not too problematic. Tang Buqi and Wan Dongliu were both present, along with Cui Yuanyang and the entire Yang Family, creating a truly formidable assembly of troops.
Without either side possessing Imperial Realm powers, this situation would most closely resemble historical large-scale warfare, making a swift resolution impossible.
However, Li Boping did not intend to remain in a deadlock with Cui Wenjing.
Regardless of the outcome of the Northern Border battle, if Zhao Changhe returned victorious, Guanglong would surely fall; if the nomads won and marched south, he would be reduced to a subordinate position. Neither outcome was in his interest.
