Chapter 448 - Chapter 448: Chapter 455: Eager to Try (2/2)

With so many people, statements flew back and forth, the argument becoming remarkably intense. It was only after listening for a while that Liu Xiu interjected to stop them: “Enough, stop arguing. I’ve already made my decision—we’ll accept this battle!”

Liu Xiu, addressing those who had insisted on retreating, said: “Although we’re currently at a disadvantage, that doesn’t mean we have no chance of victory. If it were so, I would not hesitate to lead a retreat, as senseless sacrifice is utterly pointless. But the situation is different now; victory or defeat is still uncertain, it’s just a matter of how much of a chance we have. If you didn’t have the courage to rise up and oppose the Imperial Court, why start in the first place? Just as that saying goes, if you lack the guts, you might as well go home and hold your child!”

When Liu Xiu said that, those who were in favor of retreat visibly reddened, hanging their heads in silence. After all, My Lord had made his decision, and their opposition would be ineffectual. Some others were, however, roused to a sense of spirited determination.

After speaking, Liu Xiu paused before continuing: “That’s all I want to say. If anyone dares utter another word lacking in spirit, that dampens everyone’s mood, or even wavers the soldiers’ morale, I, Liu Xiu, will not be lenient. The military law will be enforced!”

Liu Xiu’s words were followed by a report from outside: several people resembling enemy spies had been caught disseminating rumors in the camp to disintegrate soldier morale. Without questioning, Liu Xiu ordered them to be dragged out and beaten to death as a warning to others.

Seeing Liu Xiu take such decisive action, no one dared to speak any further of retreating. The tent was quiet for a moment—after all, Liu Xiu usually handled things gently, rarely resorting to such direct, violent methods like today, and often persuaded people with reason.

Liu Xiu acted in this way to intimidate everyone, as not only one or two people had earlier spoken of retreating and uttering those dejecting comments. In extreme situations, severe measures are necessary to suppress those with treacherous intent, to prevent chaos at critical moments.

Han Yu was very satisfied with Liu Xiu’s handling and attitude. With Liu Xiu’s firm support, he could command without concern, leading soldiers in the vanguard to fight.

“Alright, let’s not discuss the issue of whether to fight or not. I’ve already made that decision. Rather, let’s discuss how we should confront the enemy’s assault and defend Yiyang City,” Liu Xiu said, turning to Han Yu.

“Xiu Qi, you’re familiar with military tactics and have won several battles against the enemy. You’re the most experienced in this area. Tell us your thoughts,” Liu Xiu asked Han Yu first for his opinion and advice, admitting that he was not without concern about the enemy’s attack. It was seeing Han Yu so calm, as if the enemy’s imminent full-scale attack was nothing to worry about, that had influenced him to relax. At such a critical juncture, he put past doubts and grudges aside, and the two placed much trust in each other.

Han Yu had some ideas in mind, but tactics aimed at winning against greater numbers had to rely on the element of surprise. Among those present, he could not fully trust everyone, so he mentioned only a general idea, deliberately omitting some secrets, and even purposely floated some misleading thoughts. Yet, whatever secrets he had, he would definitely not conceal from Liu Xiu.