Chen Ping's Sword

Furthermore, selecting troops and training them daily.

With elite troops, ample provisions, fierce generals, and a wise commander, under such circumstances, the forces of Xingqing Prefecture expanded madly like an inflated ball.

The reason True Martial King Ji Changfeng rushed to attack Xingqing Prefecture was out of fear, worrying that if he waited another six months, there would be a colossal force beside him, enough to crush him with an army of a million.

What was peculiar was that this approach of breaking and creating everything anew was achieved under the extreme circumstances of Beizhou’s invasion.

He really couldn’t emulate it.

Nor did he dare to.

Once he gives it some thought, it’s possible that before taking any action, his own territory might already start disintegrating.

He had no choice but to attack.

In the end, if he fails, it would only be because his skills were lacking, not due to a flaw in the strategy.

Therefore, Mr. Yuantu’s strategy, though seemingly passive, was actually a form of non-action that achieves everything.

Indeed, it was a top-notch plan.

Chen Ping had to admit this point as well.

Mr. Yuantu’s strategy was quite akin to the historical phrase "Build high walls, accumulate grain widely, and slowly claim kingship" that he saw in his previous life.

Yan Beifei, after all, came here as an external force.

The local forces in Jiangnan have their own agendas, even if they are allies, they can’t act as one.

On the other hand, our system is superior, allowing for better cultivation of public force and development of livelihood. Every day, we become incrementally stronger.

By continuing to wait patiently like this, Yan Beifei would be pressured to engage in a decisive battle.

By then, whether it’s setting traps or defending the city, fighting will be smooth and enjoyable.

As long as we drag it out a bit, we wouldn’t even need to take action ourselves.

Our subordinate generals could exhaust Yan Beifei, leading him to defeat without actually losing.

Perhaps, the Great Li Court will call him back.

Moreover, the strategy has an additional clever use.

When Chen Ping conceals the sharpness of his forces, the various noble families in Jiangnan would be like frogs in warm water, not rushing to jump out, with some even hesitating and reconsidering.

By then, when the troops become formidable, we could use our momentum to overpower without much bloodshed, taking Jiangdong, Jiangnan, and 413 counties in the Southwest entirely.

Then, as we march north, neither Beizhou nor Nanli would likely be able to withstand this rising dragon.

’If it were in the End of Dharma Era of my past life, using this strategy wouldn’t be impossible. Forget about anything else, the system alone provides a vast advantage in contending for the world.

There were a few dynasties and armies that grew strong and seized the realm using this snowballing approach, seemingly cheating.’

’However, in this world, it won’t work. The longer the delay, the more likely unexpected changes will occur.’

The hidden secrets revealed in Trace Origin and Steal Fortune have shown Chen Ping that this world is vast, and the realm is far more than what’s before his eyes. He must also look to the skies above.

Simply "waiting" is easy to implement, but should a prehistoric giant crocodile appear, with a mere wave, his forces could be obliterated, all in the blink of an eye.

Mr. Yuantu wasn’t wrong in his advice, but due to his limited perspective, he couldn’t see certain things. This was a gap in information, and it couldn’t really be blamed.

"What’s the middling strategy?"

Chen Ping asked again, without revealing any emotions.

The middling strategy, you say? It’s temporarily withholding action against noble families and forming alliances with various factions while promising benefits.

The world is weary of Great Li, having suffered for a long time, and it has lost the people’s heart. Even local nobility have started rebellious movements, not to mention the rebel armies rising everywhere.

Under such circumstances, if King Ping lowers himself and raises the banner of righteousness, calling out from a high place, surely, responses from all directions would ensue.

Compared to a martial artist like Yan Beifei, who represents the Great Li Court...

King Ping is benevolent to the populace, governs with clarity, and holds a reputation for unparalleled righteousness and keeping promises.

Once the numerous forces are united, it will undoubtedly be easy to pacify the Southern Region, utterly isolating Yan Beifei.

By then, relying solely on the fifty thousand Imperial Forest Brave Cavalry facing King Ping’s million-strong army, how could he withstand a battle?"

Indeed, this is another excellent plan.

Everyone in the tent nodded repeatedly.

Cui Huchen and Cui Boyu, grandfather and grandson, exchanged glances, their breathing slightly heavier.

They too hailed from noble families.

If Chen Ping were to show leniency and yield some power to the noble families, indeed, the pressure to unify the realm would be greatly reduced.

The Cui Family had declared loyalty early, securing a first-mover advantage, which would confer considerable benefits.

The two aimed their gaze at Chen Ping. Seeing his unchanged expression, their hearts sank again.

They simultaneously recalled that children’s rhyme.

"Slay the Hu, enact Jun Tian, plant lotus in the fire."

King Ping likely wouldn’t agree to such measures.

Choosing this strategy may gain military strength but would lose the people’s support.

The gains and losses are both profound.

"That won’t do. Now, as for the inferior plan, feel free to share it."

Indeed, Chen Ping shook his head, not choosing this strategy.

Mr. Yuantu’s gaze darkened slightly.

He proposed this strategy with personal motives.

Revenge was one reason; overthrowing Great Li and slaying Ji Changshou to avenge the extermination of the Feng Family was a lifelong wish.

However, in the depths of night, he couldn’t help but reminisce about the lavish grandeur of the Feng Family’s past.

He even contemplated achieving meritorious service and restoring the Feng Family to comfort his ancestors’ spirits.

But if King Ping is determined to pursue Jun Tian and light taxation while suppressing noble families...

Then no matter how great his achievements, he would only have personal glory.

Living well in the latter half of life wouldn’t be difficult, but as for establishing a grand family, that’s wishful thinking.

It would be a self-destructive approach.

The inferior strategy involves bloodshed at every mountain pass. King Ping currently commands fifty thousand troops, with ample supplies and unity between the army and the people. It’s the prime time for using troops.

Troops can be divided into two routes: capturing maritime lands in the east while pressing down on Nanman in the west; cultivating fields and settling the people, strengthening the army through war..."

Speaking of the inferior plan, Mr. Yuantu seems somewhat resigned, yet also resolute.

He knows full well that what Chen Ping wants most to hear is precisely this strategy.

Yet he is extremely reluctant to articulate it.

However, as an advisor, having spotted a path to victory but not speaking of it, that wouldn’t be fulfilling his duty to his master.

This strategy’s strength lies in using pressure to subdue.

You could say that Chen Ping’s troops and provisions are plentiful, and no force in the Southern Region can rival them.

The most crucial aspect is that King Ping’s army generally has high morale and is willing to die.

Compared to other noble family armies and those rebel forces gathered from the countryside, including the Imperial Army... In terms of morale, they are on completely different levels.

Other soldiers are in it for provisions, languishing in indifference.

Here, the soldiers seem utterly captivated, fighting as if they fear nothing.

Such morale, after a few battles, transforming into hardened veterans.

The combat power they could exert, the mere thought of it is terrifying.

However, if this strategy is executed, the Southern lands would be covered in smoke, exhausting potential for warfare extensively, and if we were to enter Central Plains one day, it’s uncertain.

Competing with the North from the South is inherently challenging.

Further consumption of young and strong men would make striving for Central Plains increasingly difficult and ultimately exhausting when it comes to confronting the North.

One wonders if King Ping has thought of this point?

"Good, this is clearly the superior strategy; how is it the inferior strategy?"

Chen Ping laughed heartily and slapped the table as he stood.

"Mr. Yuantu indeed has great talent, we’ll proceed with this strategy.

Only through suffering the harsh cold can one savor the fragrance of plum blossoms.

Without forging a troop of battle-hardened warriors, how can we discuss competing in Central Plains, expelling barbaric foes, and establishing peace?"

With sharp eyes, Chen Ping ordered: "Cui Huchen."

"At your service, sir."

"Lead fifty thousand foot and cavalry troops, three days from now, march towards the Southwest, capture forts and towns, seize the wilderness settlements.

Sunx Yun, Han Wushang, you two will be vice generals, each leading two thousand elite cavalry along, Mr. Yuo Qiu will assist and pacify the populace."

"Under order."

"The rest of the generals will accompany me, leading two hundred thousand troops, crossing Qingjiang River, entering East Sea, to seek a decisive battle with Yan Beifei. Mr. Yuantu, you will join us and assist in military affairs."

"Under order."

The generals echoed their approval loudly.

Chen Ping nodded slightly, dismissing the generals, then set his gaze northward.

’This time, with the entire army mobilized, using battles to sustain battles, capturing towns and gathering people, accumulating boundless Fortune.

Of course, the primary goal is to accumulate bit by bit in response to the slaughter tribulation, filling the gaps in Tribulation Points and breaching Divine Martial.’

It’s imaginable that ahead lies a path of bloody battles...

This battle won’t be easy, with enemies surrounding on all sides, the pressure is tremendous.

Yet it aligns with his ambitions.

"Let the Tribulation Points come even more fiercely!"

Chen Ping’s eyes glinted with cold light.

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