Chapter 19: The troops are dispatched to Liu State
Liu Country.
"Your Majesty, our country borders Gu Country. After they recuperate, they will surely turn their attention to us!"
"Yes, Your Majesty, their intention is very clear. They will not rest until they occupy the Seven Kingdoms, and their next target is our Liu Country!"
"Your Majesty, let's quickly send troops to attack them before they fully recover!"
…The Liu Country's imperial court was in an uproar, with some supporting a preemptive attack and others advocating for closing the country off.
Liu Su, the monarch of Liu Country, was vexed by the endless arguments. His heart was already troubled, and his temper flared up instantly.
"All of you, silence!"
Suddenly, the fierce clamor ceased.
After a moment of silence, Liu Su spoke, "I called you here to discuss strategies, not to engage in meaningless arguments.
We don't have much time left. Think of a good strategy and a valid reason before speaking."
Upon hearing this, the officials furrowed their brows and began to ponder.
For a time, the imperial court was silent. After an unknown period, an official stepped forward to break the quiet.
"This humble subject has something to say!"
Liu Su glanced at him: "Speak!"
"This humble subject believes in a preemptive attack! The enemy has just finished attacking Gu Country, and Gu Country's national strength, as we all know, is at least mid-tier, if not superior. Liu Country's national strength is above Gu Country's, possessing an army of a million. This is precisely when the enemy is weak.
If Your Majesty leads the army, you will surely catch the enemy off guard. If we wait for them to recuperate, I fear we will fall into a bitter struggle! Even if we ultimately resist their attack, the other five countries are watching intently.
They will surely seize the opportunity to attack us when we are weak! Your Majesty, the initiative is ours; let us not miss this golden opportunity!"
Liu Su pondered, feeling that what the official said made sense. If they were to fall into a bitter struggle, the other five countries would definitely take advantage of their misfortune.
"Your Majesty, no!"
No sooner had the previous official finished speaking than someone immediately stepped out to refute him.
Liu Su paused: "What is your opinion?"
The official bowed: "This humble subject believes in non-aggression, to hold fast to our cities! From the intelligence reports, all of Gu Country's army was captured, indicating their combat power is overwhelmingly superior.
Although our Liu Country has a million strong army, we cannot achieve an overwhelming victory against Gu Country's seven hundred thousand army.
If we lead our army out, we might encounter unforeseen dangers. With the front lines stretched thin and the battle being in another country, our main supply camp would be vulnerable. If other countries take the opportunity to cause trouble, Liu Country will become the next Gu Country!"
"This…"
Liu Su hesitated, as what the official said was not without reason.
The first official, seeing his viewpoint refuted, immediately became indignant: "Nonsense! As long as our Liu Country signs a truce with the other five countries, we can ensure Liu Country has no worries about its rear!"
"You're the one talking nonsense, fantasizing!" The official, being insulted, immediately became enraged: "What kind of truce document is that? It's a piece of scrap paper! In times of peace, it might have some binding force, but in this current situation, it's merely a fig leaf to save face for each country!
If we truly listen to your misleading words, that would be the moment of life and death for our Liu Country! Historically, the Seven Kingdoms have fought bitterly over even small amounts of land and resources. When our Liu Country's main camp is vulnerable, other countries will surely tear off their masks! What are your intentions with such words!"
"You! You! You…"
The official was so angered that his face turned red, and for a moment, he couldn't catch his breath.
Liu Su's heart was also leaning towards defending the city at this point. Seeing no other suggestions, he made his decision: "Very well, my mind is made up. We will hold fast to our cities, as my beloved subject suggested."
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Seeing his opinion adopted, he was very pleased and cast a triumphant glance at the other official, which made the latter feel dizzy, and with a rush of blood, he collapsed.
Liu Su was somewhat startled but quickly reacted: "Come, have my beloved subject carried down for medical attention and good rest."
"This matter is settled. During this period, reinforce the city defenses and make thorough preparations. To prevent the enemy from besieging the city, gather large quantities of grain from the other five countries."
"Court dismissed!"
…Three days passed like this.
During this time, Jiang Fan had also fully recovered. Not only that, but a part of the seal on him had been lifted, and his strength had increased slightly.
He could now exert three ten-thousandths of his peak power, which was twice as much as before.
"My Lord, Gu Country has officially been brought under the Divine Court."
Zhuo Yuanming came to report the situation.
"Hmm, well done. Have there been any reports from the other six countries recently?"
Jiang Fan said indifferently.
"Due to your divine might, the other six countries dare not act rashly. Liu Country, which borders Gu Country, is heavily fortifying its defenses.
It appears they are preparing to hold fast to their cities. What do you think, should our next target bypass Liu Country to attack other countries, or should we directly send a large army to besiege and trap them within their city?"
Zhuo Yuanming asked.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Fan scoffed: "Holding fast to cities, if it were an ordinary war, would indeed be effective, but they do not know who they are truly fighting."
Zhuo Yuanming responded: "My Lord's divine might!"
"Never mind what they do. Leave half the army to manage Gu Country; the rest of the army will march with me to Liu Country!"
"As per your divine decree!"
Another two days passed in a flash.
Within two days, Jiang Fan led his army to besiege Liu Country.
On the city walls.
Liu Su looked at the army of only four hundred thousand and was very puzzled.
He had expected the enemy to attack them with full force, but they dared to challenge their million-strong army with only four hundred thousand troops? How dare they!
"My beloved subjects, what do you think the enemy's trick is?"
"This…"
The officials looked at each other, the result was beyond their expectations. They had thought the enemy would have at least two million troops, but now… "Your Majesty, could it just be the enemy's vanguard?"
They did not know that Gu Country's army had been annihilated by Jiang Fan alone. The current four hundred thousand troops were mostly Gu Country's original soldiers.
Jiang Fan was not afraid that they would dare to disobey orders; with him alone, who would dare to harbor ill intentions.
"Not without reason. Let's observe the situation first. It's not impossible that the enemy wants us to lower our guard, lure our army out to meet them, and then catch us off guard!"
Liu Su speculated… "My Lord, we have arrived at the city gates of Liu Country."
"First, send someone to call out. I will give them a chance to repent. If they surrender, they can preserve their lives."
Jiang Fan indicated. In truth, he had already guessed that the enemy would most likely not surrender, but it was customary to try diplomacy before resorting to force. He couldn't lose face, and it wouldn't take long. It could also show his benevolence.
Zhuo Yuanming, standing by, chimed in: "Yes! My God is benevolent!"
"Come, send troops to call out to Liu Country, praising the greatness of our God! Give them a chance to turn over a new leaf!"
And so, a person on horseback galloped to the city gates of Liu Country.
"Our God is benevolent. Seeing the endless internal strife among the Human Race, He has now personally descended to lead the Human Race into a new era. Gu Country has already embraced our God. If you sincerely surrender to the Divine Court, our God will forgive past transgressions. Unification is inevitable, and the Divine Court is bound by duty!"