Chapter 627: Panic

"Next, it is time to take Leling and Pingyang City." After agreeing with Ma Han on the matter of training troops, Zhao Xu's thoughts returned to the war in the south.

Just as Ma Han had said, with Pingyuan City captured, the remaining two cities would no longer be a problem.

After all, Chang Wei and his men already had experience in attacking cities defended by firearm-equipped troops.

Thinking of this, he sent an order to Chang Wei, telling Chang Wei to take action against the other two cities.

At the same time, news of the crushing defeat at Pingyuan City reached Lu City.

Upon learning the situation of the battle at Pingyuan City from the mouths of the soldiers who had fled back, Han Zheng sat down dejectedly, silent for a long time.

"Your Majesty, Pingyuan cannot be held, and Leling and Yangping naturally cannot be held either. I believe that rather than waiting for Yan Wang's troops to annihilate the soldiers in the two cities, it is better to let them withdraw to Qi early to preserve our strength."

"Use the Jin River as a natural barrier, rely on the cities to the south to defend against Yan Wang, and at the same time build forts along the Yellow River ferry crossings to prevent Yan Wang's troops from ferrying south," said Wang Zi'an.

Since the founding of Qi, he had been willing to humble himself to serve as Prime Minister.

Within Qi, apart from Han Zheng, he held the greatest power.

Behind Wang Zi'an was Wang Xie, who was now the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War.

Upon learning that Pingyuan City had fallen, he had come together with Wang Zi'an, and he had told Wang Zi'an his thoughts while on the road.

Wang Zi'an's meaning was, in fact, his own meaning.

In truth, ever since the founding of Qi, he had advocated for voluntarily abandoning the three cities on the northern side.

After all, these three cities bordered Yan Wang's territory, and spending a large amount of manpower and resources to defend them would only drain the national strength of Qi.

And for Yan Wang, taking these three cities would be as easy as turning over one's hand.

It was only because Han Zheng had obtained the support of Dongying that the Han Family Army was equipped with a large number of firearms.

Therefore, he had believed that holding the three cities was not a problem, and that they could even rely on the three cities to continuously harass Yan Wang's territory and eventually annihilate Yan Wang.

Understanding the process by which Yan Wang's troops had attacked Pingyuan City, a chill ran down Han Zheng's back.

He had originally thought that by relying on the advantage of defending the city, even if they failed, they could still heavily damage Yan Wang's troops.

But the fact was that Yan Wang's troops had established their own advantage before attacking the city, destroying their own advantage.

Pingyuan City's defenses were the highest among the three cities.

If it could be easily taken, there was no need to speak of the other two cities.

Painfully pinching the bridge of his nose, he said: "The Prime Minister's words are very true. Immediately order the troops in Pingyang City and Leling City to withdraw entirely to the south bank of the Jin River, and rely on the cities on the south bank to defend against Yan Wang's troops."

Having decided this matter, he ordered the court dismissed, kept Wang Zi'an and Wang Xie behind alone, and had someone invite Sato Masahisa over.

Sitting on the Dragon Throne, Han Zheng looked toward the three of them, sighed, and said: "I never expected Yan Wang's troops to be so capable in battle. From now on, we truly cannot underestimate the enemy again. As for how to defend against Yan Wang next, I wonder what high insights the three of you have."

Wang Xie said: "Your Majesty, there is actually no need to worry. The Xie Family, Southern Liang, and Wu have all signed the contract. They will not sit idly by and watch Qi suffer an attack from Yan Wang. Now we should summon them to come to Lu City,"

"to discuss together the methods to deal with Yan Wang."

Han Zheng nodded, feeling slightly at ease in his heart.

That's right, he was not currently one Qi fighting against Yan Wang; behind him were countries established by other powerful clans.

Since the offensive and defensive alliance had already been established, he should not let his Qi face Yan Wang alone.

Next, he cast his gaze toward Sato Masahisa.

The union of the powerful clans was certainly a good thing, but he knew very well that if they lagged too far behind Yan Wang in firearms, even if these clans merged into one place, they might not necessarily be Yan Wang's match.

Therefore, whether they could keep the countries they had established depended crucially on the role of Dongying.

Sato Masahisa also looked toward Han Zheng; he knew what Han Zheng wanted to say.

With a light chuckle, he said: "Your Majesty need not panic. I have just received news that the craftsmen from Dongying have already arrived at Qingcheng."

"However, there should have been over five hundred craftsmen in this batch, but because they encountered an attack by the Black Shark Sea Bandits, there are now only a little over one hundred. Of course, this is enough to help you improve your techniques for casting firearms."

Upon hearing this, Han Zheng was suddenly beaming with joy.

Wang Zi'an and Wang Xie were also invigorated.

This defeat at Pingyuan City had left them with the deepest impression of Yan Wang's firearms.

Whether it was Yan Wang's muskets or artillery, both were more than a notch better than theirs.

Although Dongying's firearms also seemed to be inferior to Yan Wang's.

But at the very least, they had gotten rid of the matchlocks and raised their muskets up a grade.

Moreover, with the arrival of this batch of Dongying craftsmen, perhaps their artillery could also be improved.

"Dongying is truly the savior of our Qi." If not for Wang Zi'an being there, he would have even wanted to pour a cup of tea for Sato Masahisa himself.

Sato Masahisa enjoyed the gazes of Han Zheng and Wang Zi'an.

He continued: "Besides this, they also brought a message from the Great General. In order to contain Yan Wang, we in Dongying will immediately create a major incident. If this matter succeeds, it will bring huge trouble to Yan Wang, and Yan Wang's days will be very difficult from now on."

"Oh?" Han Zheng's heart was suddenly as if scratched by a cat, "What exactly is this matter?"

Sato Masahisa shook his head, "I am not clear on the specifics, but you may just wait and see."

Wang Zi'an, Wang Xie, and Han Zheng exchanged glances and nodded slightly.