Chapter Ninety-Three: Formulating the Strategy

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As the generals listened to the young scout’s report, many thoughts stirred within them. When the Marquis of Wu’an inquired about strategy, they understood this was a routine military matter—the time to consolidate a plan had arrived.

A tall, imposing general rose and saluted the Marquis. “Commander,” he said, “though this matter seems minor, it cannot be neglected. It is like an irritating skin rash—wasting manpower to eliminate it, yet dangerous if left unattended. In my humble opinion, our foremost task should be to reclaim lost territory and expand our forces.”

The Marquis of Wu’an recognized this as Niu Ben, the right-wing commander. Despite his burly stature and fiery temper, judging him by appearance alone would be a grave mistake—only someone with keen strategic insight could hold such a high rank.

The Marquis nodded and then turned to the others.

At that moment, a general clad in golden armor stood, saluted, and said, “Commander, I concur with General Niu. However, we can simultaneously reclaim lost lands while bolstering our numbers. By actively fortifying these recovered areas, they become battle-ready, restraining the countless shrimp and crab soldiers of Dongting Lake. Then, we can form a defensive line encircling the entire lake. Once the fog dissipates, our forces may advance along the entire front, gradually wearing down the lake’s dragon demon.”

“A sound proposal,” remarked a silver-armored general as he rose and saluted. “Commander, this plan, however, will take too long and is unfavorable for our troops. We lack supply lines behind us and have already abandoned our ships; we are, in essence, fighting as an isolated force.”

Many nodded in agreement. After a pause, the silver-armored general continued, “Yet, here’s our thought: the Southern Continent is dominated by three forces—Dongting Lake, Tai Xuan Lake, and the Hill faction. Like lips and teeth, their fates are intertwined. If we besiege Dongting Lake, the other two will surely intervene. I believe that once we secure sufficient troops, we should establish a base amidst these three factions, severing their communications. Holding key routes and achieving self-sufficiency will allow us to wage a prolonged campaign here.”

Hearing this, the Marquis considered the proposal feasible. Since departing the capital, it was clear the royal court’s aim was to sideline his faction from Shengjing, hoping for their complete annihilation. Even if victorious, returning to Shengjing was impossible. They were likely plotting his demise. Thus, the silver-armored general’s plan seemed the surest path to survival.

As long as he held his ground here, the Southern Continent would remain intact, and with a formidable opponent engaged, that would reassure many.

The Marquis nodded to the silver-armored general and then looked to the others.

The silver-armored general saluted and sat. At that moment, a figure clad in golden fish-scale armor rose. The armor, crafted from interlocking metal scales, clinked melodiously with every movement. This commander of the central army was a masterful warrior, adept at targeting enemy leaders. His armor was specially made, not only for defense but also for ventilation. He stepped forward, saluted, and said to the Marquis—

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“Commander, though we could afford to take years on this, the Liang Dynasty is plagued by rebellions everywhere. This is the time for warriors like us to make our mark. The world shifts in an instant; if we lose our chance, we may lose control of our own fate.”

Seeing many deep in thought, the fish-scale armored general continued, “With Dongting Lake embroiled in turmoil, the other factions have focused their gaze there. We must seize this moment to swiftly reclaim territories where resistance is weak. We can rapidly capture Tai Xuan Lake and then consolidate lands outside Dongting Lake. We need not concern ourselves with Dongting Lake directly—just hold the defensive line.”

The others grasped his meaning immediately. This was precisely what the royal court dreaded most. If the Southern Continent fell under control of even one-third of the territory, the main army would be stranded here indefinitely. Even if the Marquis wished to return, the other officers would never consent.

Within the tent, some generals were eager to spring into action, others pondered the pros and cons, and some wore anxious expressions, struggling to decide.

The Marquis looked at this general with some surprise, sensing his thought process closely mirrored that of his fourth son, Wang Yuanfeng. He recalled sending this general years ago to guide his son—a task intended to steer Wang Yuanfeng—but it seemed the general had ended up guiding the Marquis himself.

Indeed, from his son’s perspective, the emperor was but a boss. If the boss dismissed you, simply find another, or better yet, become the boss yourself. So long as order and stability were maintained, it mattered little who held power.

The world belongs to all the people, not just one man.

Clearing his throat, the Marquis brought the generals back to attention. “The Dragon Lord of Dongting Lake is preoccupied with selecting a son-in-law and cannot focus on us for now. He surely knows of our movements but will not spread the news—in fact, he may even conceal it on our behalf.”

The generals nodded in understanding. The Dragon Lord’s aim was to consolidate power, gathering rebellious kings together. Though threatening, as long as his goal was achieved, it sufficed. If they were allowed to disperse this time, it would be difficult to assemble them again. The Dragon Lord might reclaim the rebel forces within three days. As for the imperial army, how much territory could be taken in three days? He likely felt no concern.

The Marquis’s deep understanding of the enemy was silently acknowledged by all.

He continued, “We shall proceed as planned—accelerate our march, order the troops to reclaim lost lands while restraining Dongting Lake’s forces. The army will rendezvous at the border between Tai Xuan Lake and Dongting Lake. Only then will we decide whether to defend or attack.”

The troops rose as one and replied, “Yes, Commander.”

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Meanwhile, on a small island in Dongting Lake, palaces stood clustered together. From afar, brightly colored banners and lanterns signaled a grand festival in preparation.

This island, called Divine Dragon Isle, had been renamed by the Dragon Lord of Dongting Lake. Its original name was lost to history. Situated near the underwater palace of Dongting, the Dragon Lord used it as a secondary residence to attract talented scholars, beauties, and noble families for amusement.

During such gatherings, the literati would praise one another, poets competed in rivalry and verse, often extolling the Dragon Lord. Through deliberate promotion and occasional displays of supernatural phenomena, his fame would grow. Eventually, shrines would be erected, solidifying faith in him.

At present, the rebel kings had been gradually herded to Divine Dragon Isle by the shrimp and crab soldiers. Their expressions varied—some wore dark, grim faces as if burdened with death; others rubbed their hands eagerly, ready for action, knowing the Dragon Lord’s power could grant great benefits.

Some were expressionless, lost in thought. After all, these rebel kings were not simple men; their interests were tangled and vast. None wished to entrust their fortunes to another.

The Dragon Lord, satisfied to see most of the rebel kings assembled, nodded approvingly. He glanced at an urgent dispatch in his hand containing news of the Marquis’s army, squeezing it tightly as he murmured, “Let you all dance a few more days.”