Chapter 232: He holds the annals of a thousand autumns in his palm, and five thousand years within his breast!

Zhou Cheng finally fully comprehended the "Wind and Cloud Transformations," and let out a deep breath.

The Young Protector's choice to march north and strike directly at Huanglong Mansion was a masterstroke.

No!

It wasn't a masterstroke—it was!

The opponent had set the board, and the others had already prepared a sumptuous feast, joyfully inviting him into the trap.

But unexpectedly!

The Young Protector simply slashed his sword through the chessboard, splitting it in two.

He started a brand-new game.

You want me to make a choice!

Then let's see how you choose.

Zhou Cheng couldn't help but clap and laugh, bowing deeply to the current "Yu Ke":

"The Young Protector's military strategy is unmatched in the world!"

"Truly, he holds the annals of a thousand autumns in his palm, and a million troops in his breast."

Dou Gu also stroked his beard, a smile on his lips.

If the Lu Army truly marches north, pressing toward Beifeng, the situation will become extraordinarily complex.

First!

The capital, seemingly a "hot potato," will be temporarily abandoned; the Lu Army will concentrate its forces, joining the previous two hundred thousand troops, to launch a joint assault on Beifeng.

This move will undoubtedly shock all four states, forcing them to reassess the situation.

However!

The problems that follow are equally thorny: if Beifeng falls or becomes locked in a grueling war with the Lu Army, the force that once balanced Qianyuan will be severely weakened.

In that case, Qianyuan may seize the opportunity to take Chaoling and further strengthen its power.

And how will Han and Chu respond to Qianyuan's expansion?

On the other hand, if the Lu Army successfully captures Beifeng and unifies the north, their momentum southward will be unstoppable.

Then how will Qianyuan position itself?

And if Beifeng can hold its northern territories and resist the Lu Army's advance, the entire war situation will settle into a delicate balance, intensifying the rivalry among the four states.

The choice of whether to hold or abandon the capital has suddenly become complex!

Take Chaoling!

Then you become the target of all four states, an eyesore and a thorn in their sides.

Don't take Chaoling!

Yet the capital's geographical and strategic value makes it impossible to abandon.

But whichever state takes the capital will threaten the other three for the next decade, making stable development impossible.

The Young Protector's move has utterly overturned the existing board, leaving everyone stunned.

He has shattered the delicate balance among the four states in an extraordinary way, plunging the situation into even greater uncertainty!

Yet!

There is another, even more terrifying possibility: Beifeng's surrender.

If Beifeng truly chooses to surrender, the entire world's balance will undergo a cataclysmic shift.

As an undeniable force, Beifeng's surrender will directly alter the power dynamics and strategic deployments among the four states.

Dou Gu smiled faintly; he knew that what worried them most right now was still Beifeng!

The one who understands you best is always your enemy.

For fifteen years, the Lu Army and the northern people have been united as one, fueled by national hatred and personal vengeance.

Beifeng, as a neighbor, knows well how the north has developed over these years—it is no longer the northern region that Daqing once controlled.

Now!

The Young Protector, far away on Mount Zhongnan, has taken up arms once more!

A complete, unified Lu Army has once again ridden across both banks of the Yellow River, pressing against Beifeng's Five Provinces and Six Prefectures!

Who in Beifeng dares not tremble?

Even women and children in Beifeng—do they still dare sleep soundly?

Beifeng's fifteen-year nightmare will return.

How will Tuoba Shu Yi choose now?

Dou Gu smiled lightly; tomorrow's Beifeng court will surely be in chaos!

Yu Ke continued to think.

No matter how things unfold, one must first master the grand strategy.

The details that follow, he trusted this "Lu Young Protector" would handle better than he could.

What did he possess?

Leverage your strengths!

Yu Ke's gaze fell again on the two characters: "Great Governance."

The rise and fall of ancient dynasties all followed inherent patterns and traces.

Studying history reveals the cycles of prosperity and decline!

Yu Ke himself knew he had his own "limits."

Planning from within the tent, deciding victory a thousand miles away—he was no match for "Lu Chen."

Stabilizing the state, comforting the people, supplying provisions, ensuring unbroken supply lines—he was no match for Liu Wen.

Commanding a million troops, winning every battle, capturing every fortress—he was no match for Empress Wu Ying.

And then!

Gong Sun Pingxi, Gong Sun Zhongshu, Yu Wen Yan—wasn't each one a true "hero"? Wasn't each one a hero of the age?

Yu Ke was not discouraged or dejected because of this.

For he had!

A brilliant, radiant five thousand years within his breast.

Countless civil and military ministers, countless talents, seemed to roll toward him like a great wheel, gathering behind him!

A man may be small, but standing on the shoulders of giants, his vision is no longer limited!

He sees the grand tide of the world with eyes far beyond ordinary mortals.

Yu Ke slowly picked up his brush, his hand steady.

After this "balance" conflict in the "Kunxu Realm."

A brief "peace" would emerge.

Next!

The northern region where Lu Chen resides, after this capital affair, will formally establish its status as a legitimate power—and become a vital base for Lu Chen's future development.

The next ten years will be decisive.

During these ten years, the competition among the four states will no longer be limited to battlefield swordplay, but will deepen into economic, military, and population growth.

Whoever gains advantage in these areas will secure the upper hand in the coming great war.

Ten years from now!

That unprecedented great war will utterly reshape the "Kunxu Realm."

At that time, the four states will pour out all their strength, uniting the world's power.

It will be the decisive battle to end all strife and achieve unification of the world.

"When the four states fall, the four seas become one!"

At this moment, Yu Ke suddenly recalled a phrase from his simulation, echoing in his mind:

"Unify the mountains and rivers, shatter the void with martial might!"

In this instant, Yu Ke felt as if his heart resonated with Lu Chen's.

Yu Ke picked up his brush and chose a fresh, blank sheet of paper; his gaze grew intensely focused and profound.

As he dipped his brush and wrote:

"Focus on the people's livelihood!"

Four characters leapt onto the page, each one heavy with weight, as if bearing a thousand catties.

Dou Gu, Zhou Cheng, and the others blinked in surprise.

Zhou Cheng was moved, softly reading aloud: "Focus on the people's livelihood!"

Zhou Jinyu also froze: Focus on the people's livelihood!

She had never imagined that in this place of imperial power and intrigue—in the Taihe Hall where the Daqing Emperor worshipped his ancestors—someone would write "Focus on the people's livelihood!"

It was almost absurd!

Beneath the candlelight!

Zhou Jinyu slowly looked over; before this steady Young Protector, she saw no trace of jest.

His face was solemn, utterly serious; the Emperor's death, the encirclement by four states—on his face, only calm.

At this moment!

His expression was grave, as if facing the greatest matter in all the world.

Yu Ke did not stop writing, and continued:

If it benefits the people, there is no need to follow ancient ways; if it serves the matter, there is no need to adhere to old customs.

Heaven's mandate need not be feared; the laws of our ancestors need not be followed!

Liu Wen also stared intently at the characters above.

The interpretation of this passage is: if it benefits the people, there is no need to emulate the institutions of the ancients; if it aids success, there is no need to follow outdated customs.

The combined meaning of these two sentences!

The people are heaven!

Yu Ke nodded slightly.

To achieve great order, the people must come first!

The opening makes the intent clear!

PS: End this simulation immediately; what follows is accelerated simulation.

(End of chapter)