Chapter 1290: First Volume, Chapter 1290: We Thought of the Same Thing

First Volume, Chapter 1290: We Thought of the Same Thing

After calming Chen Huai, Qin Feng no longer hesitated and immediately began transforming Anyuan County.

"Chen Huai, from now on, I will take charge of Anyuan County for a while; once it is sufficiently fortified, you will resume your post as County Magistrate."

Previously, Chen Huai had despised Qin Feng, but after being persuaded by him, he now worshipped Qin Feng utterly.

At this moment, whatever Qin Feng said, he would agree without hesitation.

After all, people like Chen Huai are single-minded: they hate completely, and they love completely.

"By the way, you've served as County Magistrate here for so many years—you must know this place inside out. Tell me, how should Anyuan County be best defended?"

Chen Huai spoke without reservation: "Anyuan County was never built as a strategic military hub."

"After all, to the south lies the heartland of Shedynasty; there's no reason for Shedynasty to build a fortress that would constrain itself, so Anyuan County's City Wall and MilitaryEquipment are significantly weaker than those of other counties."

Qin Feng understood this well.

After all, the main gateway to the Northern Border has always been Biancheng, with Beixi County lying behind it.

Anyuan County sits at the southernmost edge of the Northern Border; once the Northern Border falls, Anyuan County's existence becomes meaningless, so Shedynasty naturally never invested much effort into building this County.

Therefore, to turn Anyuan County into a fortress, massive construction will be required, inevitably consuming vast manpower and resources.

Yet to protect the Northern Border, this cost is worth it.

Under Qin Feng's nod, Chen Huai continued: "Although Anyuan County's City Defense is slightly weak, its population is the largest in the entire Northern Border."

"Whether it's starving refugees heading north or civilians relocating south, all must pass through Anyuan County; many have simply settled here permanently, and over time, the county now holds nearly one hundred thousand people."

"These civilians are scattered across all parts of Anyuan County; when war comes, they have nowhere to hide and can only flee north to escape the fighting."

Qin Feng nodded, not particularly concerned about this.

After all, once fighting begins, the people of Anyuan County can simply flee north; the Northern Border now has ample funds and can absorb an entire county's refugees without strain.

Moreover, Anyuan County's wealthy population is a tremendous advantage for Qin Feng.

When large-scale construction begins, the Tianji Camp's craftsmen alone won't be enough—Qin Feng can directly hire local civilians from Anyuan County to join the renovation project.

Chen Huai pondered, then continued: "To the south of Anyuan County lies an unobstructed plain stretching a hundred Li, directly facing Dingtao County."

"I believe that if the imperial court sends a large army to attack the Northern Border, it will station troops in Dingtao County."

Hearing this, Qin Feng's lips curled slightly upward, and his gaze toward Chen Huai held appreciation.

He thought: Chen Huai isn't as incompetent as he appears; at least his analysis of the situation is accurate.

Long ago, when Qin Feng began preparing his fallback plan, he had studied the Northern Border in exhaustive detail.

If the Di invade, their primary target will inevitably be Biancheng and Beixi County.

Conversely, if the imperial court sends a large army, their primary target will be Anyuan County, and they will station troops in Dingtao County.

In short, Anyuan County and Dingtao County face each other across the plain and will become the two most critical counties in the coming war between Qin Feng and the Liang Emperor.

Moreover, according to intelligence brought back by the Brocade Clothing Division, craftsmen have already begun entering Dingtao County in batches.

No need to guess—the Liang Emperor is clearly planning to expand and reinforce Dingtao County, turning it into a forward stronghold to clash with Qin Feng here.

Thinking of this, Qin Feng couldn't help shaking his head with a bitter smile.

His own military thinking had been fully adopted by the Liang Emperor; the former sovereign and minister had thought of the same thing.

Qin Feng rubbed his chin, lost in thought.

"The hundred-Li plain between Anyuan County and Dingtao County will be the main battlefield and will bear at least seventy percent of the military pressure."

"Besides the front line, the Liang Emperor will certainly dispatch Light Cavalry Corps to infiltrate and launch stealth attacks on the Northern Border from multiple directions."

"But none of that matters—the front line is paramount; as long as Anyuan County holds firm, everything else can be managed."

"Chen Huai, move quickly—deploy all county officers to recruit and mobilize civilian laborers across the county to join the construction of Anyuan County."

"Fighting the imperial army is not like fighting the Di."

"The Di face endless steppes and rely on Cavalry and high mobility; within Shedynasty's borders, warfare centers on city sieges and defenses."

"Whoever's City is more solid will hold the advantage."

Although Chen Huai was reluctant to oppose the Liang Emperor, for the sake of the Northern Border's people, he had no choice—he nodded firmly.

"Your Royal Highness may rest assured—I will not fail in my duty."

After watching Chen Huai depart, Qin Feng immediately summoned Zhao Zhenhai to his side.

"Zhao Zhenhai, return to Beixi County at once and send a vanguard force to secure Anyuan County."

Hearing this, Zhao Zhenhai was startled: "Your Royal Highness, do you mean the Liang Emperor will launch a surprise attack?"

Qin Feng smiled wryly: "We're on the brink of life-or-death conflict—anything is possible. To win, you must prevent disaster before it strikes."

Zhao Zhenhai's eyes lit up: "Then let's send a Light Cavalry Corps too—strike first to gain the upper hand!"

Qin Feng gestured for Zhao Zhenhai to calm down.

"Time is on our side; as long as the imperial army hasn't advanced, there's no need to rush—building up Anyuan County is the priority."

"If we launch a stealth attack on Dingtao County now, won't we force the imperial army to march here immediately?"

"Besides, the people of Shedynasty have endured multiple major wars and are already weary—they deserve a chance to rest."

Zhao Zhenhai couldn't help smiling bitterly: "Your Royal Highness still cares about the people of Shedynasty."

Qin Feng raised an eyebrow, annoyed: "What kind of talk is that? Don't forget—we are all subjects of Shedynasty, not just of the Northern Border. Don't forget your roots."

"Our resistance against His Majesty is merely a last resort."

"Only when our strength is great enough to make the Liang Emperor abandon all thoughts of attacking the Northern Border can peace be maintained."

Zhao Zhenhai immediately realized Qin Feng had no intention of Sword Pointing at the Capital or usurping the throne.

Zhao Zhenhai's emotions turned complex—he didn't know whether to admire Qin Feng or feel helpless.

Qin Feng offered no further explanation, only ordered Zhao Zhenhai to act immediately; the idea of usurping the throne and becoming the new emperor of Shedynasty had never crossed his mind.

If forced to that extreme, Qin Feng would only replace the Liang Emperor and install Li Yong on the throne.

Li Yong is Qin Feng's backup!