Tan Xiao said, "Prime Minister Liu, I did not say I have a way to stop them from crossing the river in three months; rather, I know they cannot cross. Observing the astronomy by night, I saw opposing stellar alignments, and over the Haluo River, the grey qi hangs heavy."
"Only that grey qi is still far off. It is highly likely that after two months there will be continuous downpours lasting more than half a month. By then the river will be swollen and rushing, and the newly added soldiers come mostly from the north—how could they have ever witnessed such a spectacle? They will be frightened to death, so how could they cross the river?"
"Besides, even with increased numbers, men cannot become effective immediately. Upon arrival they must first settle down and rest adequately before they can attack. But how will they cross the river? They must have boats. With more men, the boats are still those same boats, and the new warships have not yet arrived, so they cannot cross over!"
Chapter 261