Calculating victory or defeat beforehand is not just a Chinese habit; many excellent and experienced generals do it as well. Therefore, both Legion Leaders decided to establish a formal camp between the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers.
Although doing so might result in missing opportunities for decisive victory, unlike Gilea, who needs achievements to build his reputation, these two have long passed that age. They are very clear about their most important duties.
In fact, if they truly followed Gilea's suggestion, a surprise attack might still be feasible.
Of course, that's under normal circumstances, whereas this time, the situation is completely abnormal. Even if Gilea convinced everyone to march through Armenia, he would inevitably run into Vologases V, leading seven with Inner Qi Manifestation and eight elite legions.
