Chapter 337: Scheming and Sparring

"Su Cishi is indeed brilliant. We had also considered this tactic before, but we could never make up our minds."

"Now with the addition of the Cangzhou army, our confidence has doubled."

"Shen Zhian heard this, and a flicker of intention crossed his eyes."

"This battle is not something I can handle alone."

"Please, two generals, do not exalt me."

"Su Ye shook his head and spoke humbly."

"He certainly did not want to be lifted up by Shen Zhian and the other to directly confront the Yellow Turban Army."

"He's just here to slack off."

"He's not really here to serve as a loyal subject of the Da Qian dynasty."

"But the situation of the war indeed cannot be controlled by one person alone; we need to gather everyone's wisdom and discuss the grand plan."

"He secretly sighed, knowing that persisting further would be futile, and so he went along with Guo Jia's words and spoke."

"Shen Zhian silently cursed, 'Little fox,' but could do nothing about it."

"General Shen, General Si, Su Cishi's humility is truly a model for us."

"From time to time he throws out some unique insights, both displaying his talent and cleverly avoiding making Su Ye the focus."

"And Guo Jia maintained a smile throughout, as if everything was under his control."

"Shen Zhian froze, not expecting this young strategist to shift the topic so nimbly."

"After the discussion ended, Shen Zhian and Guo Jia exchanged a glance, each seeing the deep meaning in the other's eyes."

"As for Su Ye, after handing this matter over to Guo Jia to handle, he directly took up residence in the Cangzhou army's camp."

"However, each time it was cleverly defused by Guo Jia."

"Su Ye secretly rejoiced, glanced at Guo Jia, and then also joined the discussion of the battle situation."

"Shen Zhian and Guo Jia sat facing each other; their conversation was like a smokeless contest, full of mutual scheming and sharp wit."

"The night grew darker, and the lights in Wu Zhou city were sparse."

"What Master Guo said is absolutely right; then let us discuss the upcoming battle situation."

"He let out a soft sigh, unwilling to give up, and prepared to persuade again."

"In the end, Shen Zhian had no choice but to abandon his own plan, and together with Su Ye and Guo Jia devised a detailed tactical plan."

"However, Su Ye's answer was like a bucket of cold water, dousing his enthusiasm."

"During the discussion, Shen Zhian repeatedly tried to steer the topic back to Su Ye, hoping he would take on more responsibility."

"He didn't even bring Wu Zhou city into the matter."

"A flicker of disappointment crossed Shen Zhian's eyes; he had originally hoped to rely on Su Ye's prestige to boost the entire army's morale in one fell swoop and take the Yellow Turban Army's commander's head."

"Just then, Guo Jia smiled and took up the conversation."

"Master Guo, Su Cishi seems not enthusiastic about the war; what should we do?"

"Shen Zhian took a sip of tea and slowly spoke."

"His tone hinted at a worry, as if he were seeking Guo Jia's opinion, but in fact he was probing."

"General Shen, you are overthinking."

"Su Cishi has his own considerations; we just need to assist him as best we can."

"Guo Jia smiled faintly and responded without changing his expression."

"His answer was flawless, showing respect for Su Ye while also implying that Shen Zhian need not worry excessively."

"Master Guo, the war situation is urgent; should we adopt a more proactive strategy?"

"Shen Zhian furrowed his brows slightly, clearly dissatisfied with Guo Jia's answer, and probed again."

"His gaze locked onto Guo Jia, trying to discern some clues from the other's reaction."

"What General Shen said is quite right, but the way of war requires assessing the situation and acting accordingly; we must not act rashly. We need to wait for the right moment, then we can strike decisively."

"Guo Jia gently set down his teacup and spoke calmly and unhurriedly."

"Shen Zhian secretly sighed at Guo Jia's cleverness and steadiness, understanding that this dialogue was not mere conversation but a contest of strategy and tactics."

"Then Master Guo, according to your view, how should we deploy the upcoming battle situation?"

"The previous plan we discussed of dividing troops requires elite soldiers and strong generals to carry out; I wonder if Master Guo has any recommendations for personnel?"

"He no longer pursued the question, but changed the subject and continued probing."

"General Shen has many brave warriors under his command, and General Si, being a member of the Da Qian royal family, is renowned throughout the world; why worry about lacking usable personnel?"

"The general only needs to pick elite troops, and success will naturally follow."

"Guo Jia smiled faintly and replied."

"This gave Shen Zhian enough face while also cleverly avoiding the direct problem of recommending personnel."

"What Master Guo said is quite right; I will now go select elite troops and prepare to implement this plan."

"Upon hearing this, Shen Zhian burst into loud laughter, knowing deep down that continuing further would be pointless."

"He rose and left, yet in his heart he deeply admired Guo Jia's cleverness and steadiness."

"Although this conversation did not directly touch on sensitive topics, the mutual scheming and sharp wit between the two were fully displayed."

"The night grew deeper, and the conversation between Shen Zhian and Guo Jia also came to an end."

"However, this contest of strategy and tactics continues."

"Both understand that the upcoming battle situation will become more complex and changeable, and that they will continue to match wits and courage in this contest."

"At this moment inside Wu Zhou city, although the night is deep, people's hearts are not at peace."

"The conversation between Shen Zhian and Guo Jia is like stones dropped into a lake, stirring up ripples upon ripples."

"Meanwhile, Si Yan and the retinue under Su Ye's command were marching forward with great strides."

The autumn wind swept across the plain, kicking up dust, yet everyone's steps appeared firm and composed.

Si Yan's gaze was deep; he looked ahead at the towering Cangzhou Main Camp, his heart surging with heroic fervor.

"I have long heard that the Cangzhou Army boasts fierce generals like clouds; to see them today is indeed fortunate."

"I wonder if you all would be interested in exchanging a few moves with me, to improve together?"

Si Yan grinned, smiling slightly, and put forward his idea to Wang Xiangyang and the others beside him.

These words immediately stirred up quite a ripple among the Cangzhou crowd.

Among these Cangzhou people, the one with the strongest aura, Wang Xiangyang, merely glanced at Si Yan, silently assessing his strength.

Although Si Yan's aura appeared steady, in the eyes of Wang Xiangyang, this War God whose ceiling is Foundation Martial 110, his cultivation, while commendable, was merely that—still not top-tier.

Thus, Wang Xiangyang did not take Si Yan's challenge seriously, his expression remaining calm.

Beside Wang Xiangyang stood a middle-aged man with the air of a strategist; he was the Cangzhou Army's strategist, Xun You.

"Xiangyang, Si Yan must not be underestimated; in the Da Qian dynasty his fame is great, and recently he has fought in succession the three senior generals of the Wu Province Yellow Turbans, and must not be underestimated."

His gaze deep, he softly said to Wang Xiangyang.

Wang Xiangyang heard this, merely nodded slightly, without speaking.

Wang Xiangyang was uninterested, but Sun Wukong beside him was eager to try.

Seeing this, Xun You gave a slight nod, gesturing slightly to Sun Wukong beside him.

Sun Wukong, by nature an impatient officer, upon hearing Si Yan's sparring invitation, became somewhat eager to try.

"Haha, I've long heard General Si Yan; his battles left the Wu Province Yellow Turbans unable to raise their heads."

"Since General Si Yan has such refined interest, I, Old Sun, will accompany you for a few moves!"

Having obtained Xun You's approval, he immediately leapt out, unable to wait, and laughed heartily.

(End of chapter)