Chapter 315: Strategist, How Should We Fight? I Fully Support Your Plan!
When the Wuxi Duke arrived to greet the troops of the Dayue Empire, he was shocked. Why did they all have dark circles under their eyes and looked so listless? Yawning incessantly, they walked unsteadily. Some were even lying on the ground asleep.
The Wuxi Duke couldn’t help but doubt. Were these the valiant and skilled soldiers of the Dayue army? The invincible troops trained by the war god Gongsun Wudi? Was all that reputation just empty talk?
If that was the case, he’d rather not have their support. Worried, the Wuxi Duke asked, “General Gongsun, what’s going on with your troops?”
General Gongsun let out a deep sigh and said with a bitter smile, “Ah, Your Highness Wuxi Duke, it’s really hard to put into words! Along the way, we encountered ambushes and disruptions from that group of rat soldiers. We couldn’t sleep well, eat well, or even fight well! After all the hardships, we managed to reach here, but we’ve lost over thirty to forty thousand troops… Ah! Those damn rat soldiers!”
“I understand now. You’ve all been through a lot,” sympathized the Wuxi Duke. He himself had been harassed by those rat soldiers for over half a year. He couldn’t eradicate them no matter how hard he tried, and he couldn’t even find their traces. He understood Gongsun’s frustration the most.
“After this battle, I’m determined to exterminate them all and take revenge for this,” General Gongsun clenched his fist, full of resentment.
“I’m fully supportive! However, for now, the priority is to conquer Wu. It’s been tough on all the Dayue generals who have traveled so far! Rest for two days, and after that, we’ll unite our forces to break through the Phoenix Fortress and penetrate into the heart of the Central Plains!”
“Well said, I’ve been thinking the same!” General Gongsun proclaimed loudly.
The Wuxi Duke made way and gestured, “Generals, please enter. I’ve prepared good wine and food to entertain you!”
“You’re too kind, Your Highness Wuxi Duke. Please, after you!”
They entered the camp with laughter and chatter. The other Dayue soldiers set up camp nearby, starting fires and cooking, preparing to rest.
Meanwhile, Lin Beifan had also arrived at the Phoenix Fortress. The imperial generals and officials stationed here all lined up to welcome him. Leading the welcoming party was General Zhu Xingyu of the Western Garrison. Holding a second-grade official position, he was a prominent minister of the court, yet he showed great respect to Lin Beifan.
After all, Lin Beifan was undeniably the foremost figure in the court. As the Principal of the Imperial Academy, Prefect of the Capital, and a first-ranked official of the court, he was even a Duke. None of his achievements could be ignored.
“Finally, Mr. Lin is here after much anticipation!” General Zhu laughed heartily. “With Mr. Lin here, we will surely be able to defend the Phoenix Fortress and prevent the armies of the Wuxi and Dayue from advancing further!”
Lin Beifan smiled and said, “General Zhu, you’re too kind. You’re the seasoned general on the battlefield, with vast experience and exceptional capabilities in warfare. We’ll still rely on you for leading the troops. I’m just here to add a finishing touch!”
“Mr. Lin, you’re the truly courteous one!” General Zhu’s tone held a hint of dissatisfaction. “Among all the civil and military officials in the court, who can match your prowess in warfare? Whether it’s the battle at Hulao Pass or the battle at Songjiang, they were both incredibly splendid, leaving people amazed! If I were put in such a situation, I definitely couldn’t fight as brilliantly as you did!”
“That’s why, in terms of warfare, I salute you! I also hope that Mr. Lin won’t hesitate to share your strategic wisdom for dealing with the Great Yan Army and the Southern Jiang Army. Let’s drive back the Wuxi Army and the Dayue Army! Haha…”
“Agreed! Let’s work together to push back the Wuxi Army and the Dayue Army!” Lin Beifan smiled.
Afterwards, General Zhu led the group to host a feast in honor of Lin Beifan.
As they were halfway through, a soldier rushed in to report to General Zhu. The general turned to Lin Beifan with a sly expression and said, “Mr. Lin, there’s an exceptionally beautiful woman in purple clothes outside. She claims to be called Ziyue and is your confidante. She wishes to see you. Mr. Lin, what do you think?”
“A stunning woman in purple clothes?”
“A confidante?”
…
At once, everyone’s gaze turned towards Lin Beifan, filled with curiosity.
Lin Beifan felt a bit bewildered. Was Princess Ziyue here?
He coughed and said, “She is indeed a friend of mine. She’s come all this way to see me. I’ll go meet her first. Please, continue eating and drinking, don’t mind me.”
General Zhu loudly proclaimed, “Of course! Everyone, please continue enjoying the feast and don’t disturb Mr. Lin’s leisure!”
“Definitely won’t disturb!”
“It’s fine even if Mr. Lin doesn’t come back!”
…
Laughter filled the air, and Lin Beifan left somewhat speechless.
He leisurely made his way to the outside and indeed saw Princess Ziyue. As expected, she was dressed in purple attire with a purple veil covering her face. Although her face couldn’t be clearly seen, her graceful figure and charming demeanor left all the men around her stunned.
Lin Beifan approached and smiled, “Miss Ziyue, why have you come?”
Princess Ziyue walked up, her eyes shimmering like clear water, and gazed affectionately at Lin Beifan, “Sir, I… missed you.”
My goodness, she’s so bold right from the start, so alluring!
This woman is becoming bolder and more captivating by the day!
Does she really think I can’t do anything to her?
However, seeing the envious and jealous glances from the men around, Lin Beifan couldn’t help but secretly revel in his heart. It felt a bit exhilarating!
Although this woman was audacious, she was still giving him face.
“Miss Ziyue, come with me. Let’s talk inside the room.”
“Mr. Lin, please lead the way!”
The two gradually disappeared from sight.
However, rumors about Lin Beifan and Princess Ziyue quickly spread.
Entering the courtyard arranged by General Zhu for Lin Beifan, they walked into the study. Lin Beifan invited Princess Ziyue to sit down and said with a smile, “This isn’t the Lin residence. The conditions here are simple. Please don’t mind, Your Highness!”
“Why would I mind? Just being able to see the Military Advisor here fills me with joy!” Princess Ziyue removed the veil from her face, her smiling eyes fixed on Lin Beifan without wavering, as if she couldn’t get enough of looking at him.
Lin Beifan felt uneasy under her gaze, “Princess, that’s enough. Please, stop looking at me like that!”
“What look?” Princess Ziyue asked innocently.
“The look you have right now—joy mixed with fondness, fondness accompanied by anticipation, and that anticipation carries a hint of shyness, like the look of someone experiencing their first feelings of affection…”
Lin Beifan shook his head and tsked, “Princess, your seductive skills are becoming stronger and your allure even deeper.”
Princess Ziyue blinked, “Really? But I haven’t used any seductive techniques!”
Lin Beifan: “…”
Princess Ziyue burst into giggles, her eyes sparkling mischievously. “I know. It’s just that, Advisor, you seem to have been moved! In your heart, is there… a little bit of… liking for me?”
After speaking, she even playfully winked at Lin Beifan, radiating charm.
Lin Beifan blushed, “Princess, don’t make baseless claims. There’s nothing of that sort.”
Princess Ziyue leaned forward, her charming face playful as she blinked provocatively, “Really, nothing at all?”
Bashfully, Lin Beifan admitted, “It wasn’t there before, but now there’s just a tiny bit.”
“Really?” Princess Ziyue’s heart filled with joy. She leaned closer and inquired, “What do you like about me?”
“I like it when you’re a little farther away from me!”
Princess Ziyue: “…”
Her smile disappeared, and she gave Lin Beifan a stern look. “Military Advisor, you really don’t understand romance. Let’s get to the point!”
Lin Beifan agreed with a nod, “Princess, you’re absolutely right.”
Then, Princess Ziyue detailed the ambush and surprise attack on the Dayue army, reporting every detail to Lin Beifan.
After her report, she tilted her head slightly and looked at Lin Beifan, as if expecting praise.
Lin Beifan nodded in agreement, “Princess, you’ve done remarkably well! Despite the 800-mile journey, you managed to inflict losses of over thirty to forty thousand troops on the Dayue army. Their morale is low, and they can’t fight effectively. Truly impressive!”
Princess Ziyue’s laughter was unrestrained, “Thank you for your kind words, Advisor. If it weren’t for their heightened vigilance, it wouldn’t have been as easy to set up a trap. Otherwise, the losses might have doubled!”
…
…
Lin Beifan chuckled, “I’ve heard that this time, the Dayue’s War God, Gongsun Wudi, is leading the troops. He has fought for years, with more wins than losses. He’s experienced and extremely cautious, so achieving these results is already commendable.”
“However impressive he is, he can’t surpass the prowess of our Military Advisor!” Princess Ziyue admired, “I heard that previously, you led an army of 200,000 to withstand a force of 500,000 from the Southern Jiang Army! In just ten days, with less than 3,000 casualties, you defeated the Southern Jiang Army, capturing 300,000 soldiers and even apprehending the Prince of Southern Jiang and other offenders! Compared to your accomplishments, our achievements are hardly worth mentioning.”
Lin Beifan modestly shook his head.
“Advisor, I’m delighted you could come to the Phoenix Fortress. Because this time, we can finally fight side by side! Whether it’s the Dayue Army or the Wuxi Army, we will ensure they have no way out!”
Princess Ziyue was full of spirit, excited at the thought of joining forces with the Military Advisor to leave all their enemies behind. The day the Slanted Moon Dynasty is restored to power will undoubtedly become a renowned tale.
However, Lin Beifan shook his head, “Princess, you’re overly optimistic. They’ve joined forces with a million troops, and with superior numbers, it won’t be easy to win.”
“Perhaps others can’t, but I believe in the Military Advisor!” Princess Ziyue had full confidence in Lin Beifan.
After all, Lin Beifan’s military achievements were proven with real battles. In the past, facing an imminent invasion of 800,000 soldiers, he had taken command in crisis and, in a matter of days, defeated the Great Xia Army with only 300,000 troops, capturing their prince and 600,000 soldiers, leaving an indelible mark on history.
More recently, he led 200,000 troops to battle against the Southern Jiang Army in Songjiang. Again, in just a few days, he defeated the enemy and captured the Prince of Southern Jiang and 300,000 soldiers, further enhancing his reputation.
The prosperous state of the Slanted Moon Dynasty within a year, causing the Wuxi Army and the Dayue Army to be flustered, was also thanks to Lin Beifan’s guidance.
It could be said that Lin Beifan was unrivaled in military prowess!
The Dayue’s War God, Gongsun Wudi?
Hah!
He’s not even fit to shine the shoes for the Military Advisor!
The more Princess Ziyue thought, the more confidence she had. She exclaimed loudly, “Advisor, tell us how to fight, and I’ll fully support you!”
