Chapter 248: The Marquis's Attitude

Lulansi had already prepared to sleep, but he did not expect such a major event to occur in the middle of the night.

He leaned against the head of the bed, holding the request for aid sent by Keruien, his expression calm and unruffled, as if he were accustomed to such things.

The letter was certainly genuine; this Regiment Commander wrote several every year, Lulansi had long since recognized the other's handwriting, and the markings on the Letter Bird also proved it could not be a forgery.

"Hmm."

He sighed and looked at Weijinsi, who was sitting on a chair nearby, "What plan do you have?"

Weijinsi stated the thoughts he had just had.

"I intend to issue a War Order to the other nobles to gather troops to support Jushi City and retake Chishan Town."

Weijinsi was ambitious: "If there is an opportunity, we can even retake Kaxier Town, or even push further south!"

"Oh, right, Father."

He glanced at Luoning and said, "I cannot go to the front line for this campaign, so I intend to have Luoning represent our Wushan Family and serve as the commander for this operation."

Lulansi's brow furrowed imperceptibly when he heard this, and then he looked at Tolu and Kabier in the room.

"What are your thoughts on this?"

The two looked at each other, and Kabier spoke first.

"Marquis, the Bolante Bandit Group's sudden attack and defeat of the Fifth Knight Order this time is somewhat strange. I suggest writing a letter immediately to have Keruien explain the battle situation clearly so that we can adopt appropriate countermeasures."

He paused and continued: "However, regardless of anything else, the Wushan Territory must definitely teach the enemy a profound lesson this time!"

Tolu nodded in agreement: "My Lord, my view is the same as Kabier's. If we do not teach the Bolante Bandit Group a lesson, they will continue to expand northward."

Lulansi nodded slightly.

This war could only be avoided if Wushan Castle took the initiative to sign a ceasefire agreement with the Bolante Bandit Group and abandoned Chishan Town.

But if they really did that, how would the various lords below view Wushan Castle?

To sue for peace without even fighting, and to sue for peace with a low-class lot like a bandit group, that would be too devoid of dignity.

This war could not be avoided.

"Write a letter to Keruien now, telling him to explain the battle situation clearly, as well as whether the other side has any intention of continuing to invade Jushi City."

Lulansi issued the order: "As for the rest, just handle it according to Weijinsi's wishes."

As he spoke, he waved his hand, signaling everyone to withdraw, "Luoning, you stay behind."

Weijinsi, Kabier, and the others rose and left the bedroom; as they left, they all silently glanced at Luoning, wondering what the Marquis would discuss with him.

After leaving the bedroom, Weijinsi began to make arrangements.

He first had the liaison officer Carolina write a letter to be sent overnight by Letter Bird to Jushi City to inquire about the specific situation there.

On the other hand, he had Tolu draw some Knight Squads from the First Knight Order to prepare to support Keruien first, preventing the half-regiment there from being unable to withstand the pressure and suffering an accident.

Besides that, since they had decided to attack, the supplies previously supporting Chishan Town would certainly not be enough; the Administrator and the Financial Officer had to coordinate personnel to prepare supplies as soon as possible.

Weijinsi himself discussed the content of the War Order with Kabier.

Over these years, in the face of wars initiated by the Black Gold Brotherhood and the Bolante Bandit Group, although Weijinsi was not good at battlefield command, his initial mobilization was still commendable.

Watching the backs of the busy crowd as they left, Buleidun clenched his fists; it was a pity his strength was too weak, otherwise he could also go to the battlefield.

"Mother, will Brother Luoning agree to go to the battlefield?"

Daianni turned back to look at Lulansi's room, "Perhaps?"

She only knew that Lulansi held Luoning in high regard; if he considered the latter's safety, he might not necessarily agree to let Luoning go to the battlefield.

In the bedroom, only Lulansi and Luoning remained.

"Weijinsi said to let you represent the Wushan Family and serve as the commander for this war; how are you considering it?"

Luoning had also been thinking about this question.

For the war call issued by Weijinsi, the various nobles of the Wushan Territory would basically respond if they had no reasonable excuse; even if they did not send knights and soldiers, they would contribute money, grain, and other supplies.

As the Viscount of Wubei Territory, Luoning was also in this category.

"Although Wubei Territory is in a state of waiting to be rebuilt, as a member of the Wushan Family, I will still do my best to contribute."

Luoning said: "However, the task of commander still needs to be considered carefully; after all, I have never been on a battlefield and lack experience. If I command blindly, I fear I will bring disaster to the troops."

Lulansi nodded.

Although serving as commander of the coalition forces had no direct monetary reward, there were quite a few benefits.

If nothing else, as long as the campaigns you command achieve victory, you will gain significant prestige.

The larger the campaign, the higher the prestige.

Prestige is a good thing, especially for an emerging lord like Luoning whose territory is still in its initial stages; a widespread reputation can attract more talent for him and increase cohesion.

"That you can recognize your own shortcomings and not be blinded by the desire for power makes me very gratified."

The Marquis recalled when he had Weijinsi serve as the commander for the battle to wipe out the resistance forces within the territory; the equally inexperienced Weijinsi had not been modest.

As a result, there were quite a few twists and turns in that battle, giving that group the opportunity to escape into the northern woodlands, which led to the later wildling tribes.

"Actually, I do not hope for you to participate in this battle, or rather, even if you participate, serving as a supply transport officer in the rear would be enough."

Perhaps he was old, or perhaps he subconsciously linked Luoning with his eldest son.

Geleimusi, on whom he had pinned high hopes, had died on the battlefield, and he did not want Luoning to follow in his footsteps.

Lulansi said: "The battlefield is treacherous, and the composition of the Bolante Bandit Group is relatively complex, so one must be even more careful in responding."

Luoning was very concerned about the words "composition is complex."

In fact, he had long been suspicious of the so-called bandit groups and the Brotherhood; how could forces that had been wiped out by the Wushan Territory develop so quickly?

"Grandfather, are you saying that the Bolante Bandit Group is supported by someone behind the scenes?"

Luoning simply asked the doubt in his heart: "Is it the Count of Moonlight Valley?"

Lulansi was somewhat surprised; he did not expect Luoning to associate it with this level, and he could not help but feel even more gratified in his heart.

"You are much sharper than your father; he has clashed with the Bolante Bandit Group several times and never thought of this point."

He changed the subject: "However, this is only my guess; there is currently no concrete evidence to prove this matter."

Such things must naturally be done in secret.

Publicly supporting a bandit group to invade the territory of other nobles is not permitted by the laws of the Kingdom; once Wushan Castle catches them in the act and reports it to Wangdu, even if Hesusu is the brother of His Majesty, he must be prepared to be held accountable and sanctioned.

"Is the Black Gold Brotherhood being supported by Vila?"

Lulansi was silent for a moment, and only after Along while did he slowly speak: "Perhaps."

Looking at it this way, Lulansi was still clear on the background of these two forces, but he was already in his twilight years and lacked the energy to deal with this matter.

Although the two border areas were in a state of turmoil, most of the Wushan Territory was peaceful, which was acceptable to Lulansi.

Let's just treat the southeast and southwest directions as training grounds and play along with them.

It is just unclear whether the Bolante Bandit Group's strong incursion this time will end with them just occupying Chishan Town, or if they have a greater scheme?

Lulansi put away his thoughts, "If you do not want to go to the battlefield, I will arrange for you to be responsible for logistics. If you want to go to the front lines to be baptized by the flames of war, then as the representative of the Wushan Family, you will naturally be the commander, though I will arrange for people to assist you from the side."

"There is still some time between mobilization and departure; go back and think it over carefully."

Although a qualified family heir needs to be baptized by the flames of war, Lulansi was not in a rush.

To him, Chishan Town could be lost, and even Jushi Territory could be abandoned, as long as most of the Wushan Territory remained peaceful.

Now, Luoning and Buleidun both possessed extraordinary aptitude, especially Luoning, who was both meticulous and capable.

As long as the Wushan Family is given some time and they are allowed to grow, these lost territories will eventually be taken back.

However, Lulansi still left the final choice for all of this to Luoning, letting him choose the path he wanted to take.

"I will consider it carefully."

Luoning said, standing up to leave the bedroom. (End of chapter)