Throughout the history of the Central Plains dynasties, every northward expedition into the grasslands to strike at nomadic tribes has faced the same dilemma: logistics.
The Art of War states that an army without baggage, food, or reserves will perish. The prerequisite for winning a battle is ensuring that both soldiers and warhorses are well-fed; otherwise, defeat is certain.
When Meng Tian led his northern campaign against the Xiongnu, for every two hundred piculs of grain dispatched from the Guanzhong region, only two actually reached the front lines. The remaining ninety-eight piculs were consumed by men and livestock during transit.
Chapter 579