Chapter 879

First Volume, Chapter 879: The Layout of Shedynasty

Yet Jing Qianying looked at Li Zhang and found he showed not the slightest tension, as if the preceding turmoil meant nothing to him, as if the dead were merely an ordinary soldier, not a Main General.

Li Zhang dared to speak his true thoughts and act so casually only because the DaTang held only himself and Jing Qianying.

Had subordinates been present, Li Zhang would have reacted with extreme intensity—precisely because of "morale."

Even though Lü Ci was merely a tool to be used, far from a true "ally," the performance still had to be thorough, lest the Wild Emperor Party's heart be wounded.

"Fourth Miss, Lü Ci alone cannot sway the situation in Sangzhou and Zhuozhou."

"Even if Lü Ci were dead, and every Gate General or higher in the Wild Emperor Party were eliminated, it would not affect Brother Qin's Great Plan."

"As long as Sangzhou remains in our hands, we stand invincible."

"Regarding events on the Front Line, simply follow the normal procedures—go through the motions, pacify Lü Ci's Confidants and subordinates, then promote a Deputy General to replace him."

"But this enemy ambush has served as a warning to us."

"The enemy managed a Night Raid to decapitate our Main General—these must be the Elite Troops among Elite Troops. As the saying goes, caution ensures safety for ten thousand years; patrols and Garrison Command at Xiongying Ridge and its subordinate Camps must be strengthened."

"Also, for these days, Fourth Miss, do not leave Xiongying Ridge unless absolutely necessary. Though your martial skill is formidable, you remain extremely vulnerable against organized, disciplined Elite Troops."

Jing Qianying nodded, accepting all of Li Zhang's arrangements, yet the progress in Zhuozhou was simply too slow.

Since Lü Ci and Li Chou advanced into Zhuozhou, they have merely wandered along its borders, still failing to capture a single major town. If this continues, when will the Wild Emperor Party grow strong? When will I return to Beijing?

Li Zhang, ever perceptive, immediately sensed Jing Qianying's concern and smiled as he explained.

"Waging war is ultimately about morale—combat effectiveness, logistics, equipment quality—all serve only to bolster morale. The reason Lü Ci and Li Chou have made no progress is simple: morale is low, compounded by Siege Warfare, heavy casualties, and immediate retreat at the slightest resistance."

"At this rate, it will take five years, perhaps even ten, to seize Zhuozhou."

"Yet… this is precisely what Brother Qin desires."

"After all, capturing Zhuozhou is effortless for Brother Qin—he need not even deploy the Main Force. Merely reinforce Lü Ci and Li Chou's troops with Elite Troops, integrate them into each platoon, and under the leadership of seasoned veterans, morale will surge."

"But what then? The Di will surely negotiate with Shedynasty. Without justification, whatever we've taken must be returned."

Hearing Li Zhang's explanation, Jing Qianying instantly grasped the implication, her eyes flashing with insight.

"So Brother Qin does not intend to truly capture Zhuozhou?"

Li Zhang nodded, smiling faintly: "As long as Zhuozhou remains at war, pressure on the Di continues."

"Moreover, the overall situation is clear: Lü Ci's force lacks the strength to swallow Zhuozhou whole. Their tactics are purely Ambush and Attrition. Thus, the Di will not resort to Breaking the Cauldrons and Sinking the Boats by reinforcing Zhuozhou. A major war cannot erupt, and the Di are barred from pursuing a Political Settlement at the Negotiation Table with Shedynasty."

"Thus, pressure and consumption continue indefinitely."

In short, directly seizing Zhuozhou is a one-time gamble with uncertain outcomes, whereas this strategy of persistent harassment and Attrition—deliberately avoiding major battles—maximizes gains.

…

In the Central Plains Right Route Army Camp, Qin Tianhu held a Tea Cup, gently blowing away its steam. Since taking command of the Right Route Army, half a month had passed, and finally, Li Zheng had arrived.

Opposite him sat Li Zheng, over forty, corpulent, his vitality and spirit nowhere near that of the Wangdu Imperial Clan—he radiated an aura of decay.

Clearly, having ruled this land as a local emperor for too long, indulging in endless luxury, he had long since drained his body.

Yet now, facing Qin Tianhu, Li Zheng forced himself upright, feigning an "ambitious and capable" posture—unaware that no matter how hard he strained, it was merely a grotesque imitation, absurd to behold.

"Grand Commandant Qin, I'll cut to the chase: I will not surrender my military authority. If Grand Commandant Qin cares to wage a prolonged Internal War, then simply mobilize your troops."

Li Zheng's opening words laid bare his hostility. Qin Tianhu was not the least surprised by his defiance.

After all, Li Zheng had spent his lifetime consolidating power in the Central Plains—how could he willingly relinquish his authority and wealth?

Moreover, everyone knew Li Zheng's fate: if he surrendered his command, the best he could hope for was Soft Detention.

Qin Tianhu stared at his Tea Cup, expressionless: "Since the Duke has already prepared for the worst, there is no need for further words."

"Your personal journey here demonstrates sincerity. I shall instruct my subordinates to ensure your safe return—no covert obstacles will be placed in your path."

These words struck precisely at Li Zheng's deepest fear: being detained by Qin Tianhu.

Yet he could not avoid coming—Qin Tianhu had waited half a month, seeing no one but Li Zheng.

Li Zheng exhaled in relief, his hostile gaze softening.

He immediately shifted tone, smiling lightly: "No wonder you're Grand Commandant Qin—truly bold. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave?"

Qin Tianhu set down his Tea Cup, casually: "You've come all this way—why not stay and chat a while longer?"

"What is your view of the Jiangnan Lin Family?"

At this, Li Zheng grew instantly wary: "The Lin Family are traitors—worthy of death by all!"

Seeing Li Zheng answer so swiftly, Qin Tianhu's face broke into a profound smile: "The Lin Family will be crushed—this is the universal consensus, beyond dispute."

"In the past, with the support of the Central Plains Imperial Party, campaigns against the Lin Family were unstoppable."

"But now, the situation has changed. With you standing in the way, even if the court and realm are united in hatred and determined to crush the Lin Family, we cannot extend our hand."

"As long as the Lin Family remains, His Majesty cannot rest easy."

Even if Li Zheng were foolish, he understood the implication of Qin Tianhu's words.

The court wished to crush the Lin Family—but first, it must crush Li Zheng; otherwise, if Li Zheng allied with the Lin Family, the threat to the pacification army would be incalculable.