Chapter 532 - Chapter 532: Chapter 539: Better Safe Than Sorry (2/2)
At this point, Liu Xiu was still young and couldn’t completely solidify his own thoughts and stance. This had led to his current predicament. Although Liu Xiu was wary of Han Yu, he simply aspired to boost his own reputation so that he could keep Han Yu beneath him. He had no other ill intentions and planned to recall Han Yu after winning this battle. By then, everyone would respect his strength, his grip on power would also be more secure, and there would be no issue in having Han Yu return.
Meanwhile, in the tents stationed outside Yiyang Prefecture, Zhao Fan relished the consecutive victories, his skills in leading troops undeniably noteworthy. The previous failure was simply due to encountering a genius like Han Yu, resulting in such a devastating loss. Once Han Yu left, Liu Xiu’s army couldn’t hold up. Seizing the opportunity, Zhao Fan was determined to take Yiyang Prefecture in one fell swoop and fulfill the task assigned by the Prime Minister.
Zhang Meng, on the other hand, was not complacent about these two victories. They were just minor skirmishes; victory or defeat didn’t really count for much. The General had been suppressed by Han Yu for too long and hadn’t tasted victory in a while, which was why even minor skirmishes could bring him such delight. However, Zhang Meng couldn’t afford to be careless and had to be vigilant for any unexpected developments.
“What’s the situation over there? Has the person we planted by Liu Xiu’s side had any effect?”
“Report to Vice General Zhang, Liu Xiu trusts him greatly. Moreover, Han Yu’s prestige is too high, having already overshadowed Liu Xiu, the master. This has indeed led to some resentment in Liu Xiu’s heart. Add to that people like Yin Shi, who have their own selfish motives and do not wish for Han Yu’s return. The developments have been largely favourable. Liu Xiu has already expressed his stance, indicating that he won’t be recalling Han Yu for the time being. As long as we seize the opportunity, we will surely be able to take Yiyang City,” the subordinate reported.
“Good. Keep a close eye on the situation over there. Report back immediately at the slightest news, especially concerning Han Yu. There must be no oversight, or military law will be enforced!” Zhang Meng nodded with satisfaction and then instructed. At this stage, the chess game he was playing seemed primed for victory.
Seeing Zhang Meng like this, Zhao Fan sneered, “Now that things are already set, with many of our people embedded on Liu Xiu’s side, even if Han Yu returned, he wouldn’t have the miraculous ability to turn the tide. The Military Advisor is being overly cautious.”
Zhao Fan said this with no malice toward Zhang Meng, it was just what he truly thought, for thanks to Zhang Meng’s strategizing, he had turned defeat into victory and was about to complete the task given by the Prime Minister. Zhao Fan had complete trust in Zhang Meng.
“The General’s words are true, but the closer it gets to the end, the more careless we cannot afford to be. Only when the final outcome is settled can we claim victory. Moreover, Han Yu is no ordinary person. He must be very familiar with the situation in Yiyang Prefecture, yet he has been holding back, showing no reaction. Maybe he still has some tricks up his sleeve; it’s best for us to remain cautious.”
“Vice General Zhang has a point. I will leave everything in your hands.”