368 What Is It? (1/2)
Grand Commandant Fang Qingtian was once again feeling ill from the heavy snow these few days and was resting at home during the assembly today. The emperor had not planned to ask him over at all.
The Grand Commandant was only left with a few days. If such a matter had triggered his mood, he might not be able to take the stimulation.
The old man’s unique Ingenious Volition was a mythical cultivation method that saw through one’s heart but such a method shunned volatile emotions. The Old Grand Commandant had used Ingenious Volition again for Yang Botao’s case previously and while it did not look unusual then, he was actually still burdened with a heavy burden that sapped his vitality. If he were to be triggered again, it might not end well for him.
After all, Fu Baoguo was the sole remaining prized disciple of the Old Grand Commandant and was seen as his successor.
The Old Grand Commandant’s other disciples had all fallen in the battlefield, only to returned wrapped in horsehide. If he were to suddenly hear that Fu Baoguo was about to face the entire Empire of Dongxuan alongside the God of War, Han Sanhe’s effortful attack and was overcome with emotion, that would be adding fuel to Yutang’s fire.
”How goes the war?” the emperor asked. Leaving the court full of officials and left with only two to three people, His Majesty no longer put up a confident front.
His worry had floated to the surface.
”This war allows no room for optimism.” Leng Daoyin sucked in a deep breath before releasing a long, white wisp of a dragon.
The weather was simply too cold. Even when they were in a palace, the hall was too spacious.
”Yes, I know this war allows no optimism but why would Dongxuan pick such a time to launch an assault? There’s simply no certainty of a victory for them!” The emperor frowned.
”Was it simply because Han Sanhe was pressured to the point of insanity that caused this current situation?”
The emperor was rather indignant. ”I really can't imagine what the Dongxuan emperor is thinking. If he really can’t stand Han Sanhe, just get rid of him and his family! But no, he wants to let this old man lead an entire army out. It’s the dead of winter now! Snow and ice everywhere. Who leads troops at this time of the year?”
”Your Majesty is right. This is where we benefit more from nature compared to Dongxuan. Winter is a more suitable season for defense than to attack. It’s to our advantage.”
Leng Daoyin frowned thinking. ”This isn't an obvious advantage. Didn’t the east defense line just build a new fort? It might not withstand the continuous attack of an army. Yet, this is where the final victory or defeat of this war lies.”
”There is another issue. The eastern defense has only two hundred thousand soldiers.” His Majesty frowned. ”Fu Baoguo has only gone there for over a month. There isn’t adequate preparation; the foundation, which is far from stable, is also a huge problem.”
”The forage and ordnance isn’t the issue, nor is the salary.” Leng Daoyin sighed, ”Ultimately, our side holds the advantage of nature in this war. As long as the main marshal remains calm and doesn’t act recklessly, the most this war will be is... upsetting.”
As he spoke, he turned suddenly to face Qiu Jianhan. ”Old Qiu, what say you?”
Qiu Jianhan’s brows were locked in a deep frown as well as if he was in deep contemplation. In truth, he had barely heard Leng Daoyin’s words due to his concentration.
Leng Daoyin gave the distracted man a slight shove. ”Old thing, are you daydreaming?”
Qiu Jianhan suddenly came back to himself and said, ”That’s right. This is an issue. The empire cannot have another civil war.”
Both the emperor and Leng Daoyin were stunned.
Cannot have another civil war? Where did this come from?
We were discussing an external disaster, why did you come up with this out of nowhere?
What is this distracted old man thinking?
”What are you talking about? Enchanted and still mumbling about your dream last night?” Leng Daoyin frowned in irritation.
Qiu Jianhan blinked and his eyes refocused. ”Pardon?”
His Majesty smacked his forehead, looking like he had a headache.
Leng Daoyin was baffled, not expecting the old man to be so muddled.
What are you trying to do? How could you be so distracted during such an important internal discussion?
”We were speaking of the eastern warfare.” Leng Daoyin said weakly, ”You would do well to share at least a fart of a thought.”
That was the true nature of a rogue. Everyone knew he was teasing the old marshal about farting. Normally, the rogues would now argue and sooth the awkward atmosphere.
”What thoughts? What fart?” Qiu Jianhan was still dazed but he sat up at once and muttered his agreement, ”That’s right, that’s right. The fart should be released! It should!”
His Majesty, hearing such a mismatched reply, spat out the tea he had just drunk and coughed.
”I admit defeat.” Leng Daoyin said helplessly as he wiped his face clean of the tea spat by the emperor.
”I see, you were talking about the war with the Empire of Dongxuan.” Qiu Jianhan sighed. ”I understand. It is not a serious matter. With Fu Baoguo and plenty of room for warfare tactics, there will be some difficulties but it won’t shake the empire’s core. We can prepare backups and get ready to assist at any time. No worries there, none at all.”
His Majesty and Leng Daoyin exchanged looks of horror.
Not a serious matter? No worries? Then what was considered worrying?
How could it not shake the Empire's core? Any misstep would disarray the nation!