Chapter 1935: Working in Harmony

Zhao Xianhe nodded: "Among the officials and generals we stationed in Xianyou, several have already been assassinated."

After the fall of Xianyou, the Panlong army split into two routes, with the Red General and Tiger Wing General, among others, going east to resist Bekka, while he led the troops to suppress the opposing forces within Xianyou's borders, namely the local warlord officials who had declared independence.

"We took Xiji State easily enough, but suppressing the Liangchuan river bandits and securing the Liangchuan trade routes took over a year. Referring to the experience of Yuheng City back then, if we want to quell Xianyou's internal strife, let its people and Panlong's people integrate and let go of prejudices, it will take at least several years." He Lingchuan said solemnly, "Our investment in Xianyou will offset a large part of the gains we have made."

The Red General conquered Xiji in just three days, but Yuheng City spent years of effort to dismantle the Liangchuan river bandits. In this regard, He Lingchuan, who was then the Commander-in-Chief, has the most authority to speak.

"Secondly, annexing Xianyou will inevitably make the neighboring countries wary, which is unfavorable for diplomacy. Hah, who would welcome a neighbor who loves war and seizes others' houses?" No one wants to become the next Xianyou; the small states around Panlong are all worried, "Especially Balin, which originally wavered between us and Bekka. Now that Xianyou is gone, our buffer with Balin is also gone."

General Nanko sneered: "So what?"

"Balin has deep grudges against both Xianyou and us. Now that Xianyou has been destroyed by us, Balin will surely live in constant fear, dreading to follow in its footsteps, and may even directly throw itself into Bekka's embrace. I think everyone here does not want Balin to become a second Xiluo State, a puppet of Bekka, dancing to its tune."

This statement is somewhat exaggerated—Balin is strong in soldiers and horses, its ruler is scheming and opinionated, making it hard to become a second Xiluo State. But the three words "Xiluo State" are simply a thorn in everyone's heart; mentioning them brings pain.

General Nanko grunted: "At worst, we'll destroy it too."

But everyone knows this is just muttering, not to be taken seriously.

Panlongcheng found it so difficult to destroy Xianyou that it currently has no intention of moving against Balin. Moreover, if they truly destroyed Balin, Panlongcheng and Bekka would lose one strategic buffer on the northern front!

"If we withdraw our troops, all neighboring countries will breathe a sigh of relief, lower their guard, and think we are not greedy for land, merely giving Xianyou a bloody lesson." He Lingchuan said solemnly, "The timing is perfect—we have just taken all of Xianyou and cleared out the various rebel forces, so to other nations it looks like we could continue occupying Xianyou. Therefore, our withdrawal is a proactive move, causing no harm to Panlongcheng's prestige."

To defeat the enemy and then withdraw is to be proud and triumphant, to come and go like the wind, not to flee in disgrace.

"Finally, I think everyone already knows: Bekka cannot swallow this insult, and its 150,000-strong army attacking the eastern part of the Mao River Plain is already on the move. This time the force is formidable, even Meng Shan State has dispatched its Tiger Demon army." He Lingchuan saw several people's Adam's apples twitching, knowing they had something to say, so he preemptively interrupted, "I do not doubt our army's strength and resolve, nor do I doubt whether we can hold Yuheng City, but this will certainly be one of the most brutal wars of the age. Since the great grudge has been avenged, wealth exhausted, and the threat removed, is it really necessary for us to pay such a huge price for a Xianyou that we have already temporarily exhausted all its benefits?"

Or let's return to the original topic and weigh the pros and cons.

Liu Baobao suddenly said: "Tiger Wing General makes sense. Xianyou's territory is not large, its resources are indeed rich, but there are many small states with similar conditions around it—why should we only see the trees and not the forest?"

She has repeatedly earned military merits in years of campaigns, already been promoted to Martial Hero General, and become the second female general of Panlongcheng.

Since someone spoke up, several other young commanders also echoed: "Yes, earlier we took down the three western tribes, two small states, and Bekka didn't even utter a sound. Wanting to expand territory and recruit people doesn't necessarily require obsessively fixating on Xianyou alone."

General Nanko remained silent, while Han Wensheng gazed at He Lingchuan, lost in thought.

Tiger Wing General's image among soldiers and civilians is bold and resolute, his combat style especially ferocious; Han Wensheng originally thought he would insist on annexing Xianyou, but little did he know he would this time wholeheartedly support Commander Zhong.

He Lingchuan, however, did not respond to their glances.

He has not changed his mind, still hoping to annex Xianyou. After all, in reality he harbors greater ambitions—to devour the entire Shining Gold Plain.

But Zhong Shengguang specially sought him out for a private talk before the big meeting, just wanting to get on the same page with him, and He Lingchuan understood instantly.

Announcing this decision will require withstanding enormous pressure; Zhong Shengguang very much needs He Lingchuan's face-to-face support, at least not to directly undermine him in the Hall of War and Arms, for public outrage will certainly be intense.

The Red General is absent. If even He Lingchuan, such a mainstay, opposes it, then even if Zhong Shengguang can forcibly suppress all voices and insist on withdrawing troops, it will be a major blow to his prestige.

In a system like Panlongcheng's, where military and political authority are united, the prestige of those in power is extremely important. With so many tough battles and major battles still ahead, He Lingchuan realized this point—even if he does not fully approve, he must still speak out in support of Zhong Shengguang, and not let Commander Zhong perform alone.

What kind of person is He Lingchuan? Reasonably speaking, he can argue either way, depending on which angle he chooses to take.

His earlier argument was also quite objective; the officers present are all experienced in warfare, not particularly eloquent, and for a moment could not find suitable words to rebut.

Most people, following his line of thought, thought: Indeed, it seems Xianyou this place is not absolutely necessary to take.

Zhao Xianhe also came to his senses, saying in a deep voice: "We are not unwilling to take Xianyou—it's just that the timing is not quite right. Rest assured, everyone: one day, Xianyou will surely return to Panlong's hands!"

No mistakes, no omissions, one shot, one hit, one in, one in, one in, one in, one in, one in!

The Commander and Vice Prefect both spoke up, the crowd exchanged glances, knowing the bigwigs had already reached agreement.

Shi Chuchu also lightly coughed, speaking gently and amiably: "Recently, gods and demons have been falling in succession, imperial elixirs have been appearing frequently, as if causing a partial change in the laws of heaven and earth; we also need time, need to devote effort to carefully study, see if we can seize the initiative in future wars."

The timing is right, so he came out to add his voice.

The Shuomin Academy bears the responsibility for researching spells, divine abilities, and combat techniques, has close ties with Ling Mountain, often cooperates with the military, and as its dean, his words are trusted by all.

Han Wensheng wondered: "What changes?"

Shi Chuchu smiled: "For now, keep it secret; not yet suitable for public announcement."

The atmosphere had already eased, Zhong Shengguang finally spoke, striking the final blow:

"Beloved commanders, rest assured, withdrawing troops from Xianyou will undoubtedly bring more benefits than drawbacks for us. All return to prepare—orderly withdrawal within fifteen days!"

The generals all knew the matter was settled beyond dispute, and since the Tiger Wing General's words also made sense, they shouted in unison "Yes!" and rose from the table to take their leave.