Chapter 81 Bad News (2/2)

Thinking up to this point, Tong asked Lu Zhi.

”Master, in Luo Yang and nearby cities and counties, how many soldiers can the emperor or the grand commander rally in short amount of time?”

Lu Zhi stopped thinking and looked at Tong. He did not understand why Tong suddenly asked him about the imperial inside information, yet he answered him nonetheless.

”If it's an urgent mobilization within a month or two, He Jin, Zhu Jun, and Huangfu Song can have 20,000 to 50,000 men on each unit. But if they thoroughly plan the deployment beforehand and take more times, they can dispatch up to 200,000 soldiers. They can get more if they recruit more men from Chang An.”

”About those soldiers, are they conscripted militias or professional soldiers?”

”In the Capital, they don't conscript militias. All of them are trained soldiers. But if they are serious and those eunuchs don't get in the way, the emperor himself can gather up over 500,000 soldiers and militias with just an edict.”

The face of Tong lost all of its colors. The power of the royal capital was insane! Just relying on one city and nearby counties, they could round up 500,000 soldiers if they wanted to. Then what would happen if they were smart enough to form a crusading army that conscripted volunteers as they marched forward? Would not the number reach a million?

”If the emperor chose the latter option to gather half a million soldiers, how long will it take to deploy if they want to attack Julu?”

Lu Zhi stared at Tong in confusion. Why did he suddenly bring up this topic, and why would the new emperor attack Julu?

”The royal treasury is abundant with gold and treasures. The granaries are always filled up to the brim. If they are serious in taking this city down, three months will be enough to gather 200,000 elites, six months if they conscript more militias. Heck, if they are smart and take their times for a year, a million elites army is even possible. And from the capital to here, they will spend another two months of marching.”

Tong's heart skipped a beat. He thought that the fight with Guo Dian and his coalition forces were harsh. Comparing to the situation at hand, if he had to fight with Liu Ping and this massive army with his puny force, the last battle would be nothing but a joke.

'My dad in the history had 360,000 followers against half a million army. But I only have 20,000 soldiers right now. Will he launch an attack after the coronation right away? Will he order the nearby warlords to attack me? Fudge! Why does it feel like a déjà vu!?'

Tong's thought was in a mess because of the panic. He gazed into the distance as he lost in thought.

”Why do you ask me this? Why would the new emperor attack you? Did you steal his wife or something?”

Lu Zhi asked Tong which made him snapped out of his random thoughts.

Tong smiled at his master awkwardly as he answered.

”It's just a hunch, master. Just a hunch.”

”…”

Lu Zhi could tell by Tong's expression and his subtle movements, Tong was hiding something from him.

'It doesn't matter. He has his own worries. I have mine.'

Lu Zhi gave up trying to ask Tong about his motives. He was more worried about the fate of the Han Dynasty.

'I hope nothing would happen to this country. I truly hope for its peace and prosperity.'

…

…

The morning council meeting was over. Before Zhang Jiao could leave the hall, Tong stopped him.

”What's wrong, son?”

”Dad, I need your help.”

Zhang Jiao was delighted. Tong came to him and asked for his help. He was glad that there was something that Tong could not do and had to rely on him for once. He had been feeling inferior to his own son after the incident with the Yuan family. It was about time that he could act more like a father to Tong.

”Go ahead. Tell me your problem. I'll do what I can to help you.”

Tong nodded and started narrating his plan for the future of Ye City and Zhang He whom he had planted into Han Fu's rank as a mole.

”There you have it. I need your help from your underground society or something to infiltrate Ye City for both info and establishing the influence within the city. I need to know how Zhang He fares. Also, I need to know the status and activities of Ju Shou and Xin Ping. What position are they holding now and is there anything worthy to take notes of.”

The eyebrows of Zhang Jiao twitched. This brat thought too far ahead that Zhang Jiao could not keep up with Tong. Furthermore, the secret organization that he found was already been discovered. Thinking about its name, Zhang Jiao was embarrassed.

Still, he was capable of helping his son in this matter. This organization was designed by Hua Shi for expanding the influence in secret and gathering information as its core. Therefore, it was easy for him.

”Alright, I'll help you on this. But take care of yourself. I've been seeing you staggering back home lately. Don't push yourself too hard and be easy on your schedule. It's not like anyone is going to die if you don't work for a day. Take a break sometimes, understand?”

Tong nodded in earnest, yet he bid his father farewell and rushed to the outer city. He had to inspect the construction sites of the ”Wall-Marked” and ”Swing-Eleven” buildings and several factories he designed. They were crucial for the commercial development of this city and would be the role models for the other cities and counties under his control in the future.

Seeing that Tong did not listen to his advice, Zhang Jiao shook his head. Instead of getting angry for his eccentric son, he chuckled. Afterward, he followed his subordinates to his office. He, too, would never take a day off. Building an empire for every commoner was his dream, he swore that he would not lose to Tong's enthusiasm.