Xianyang Palace, Epang Hall.

The air is filled with the fragrance of sandalwood, and on the sand table, the entire landscape unfolds before your eyes.

The wicked man stood before the sand table, his long sword pointing south.

His long military career had given him an ingrained understanding of terrain.

Every strategic point and every pass was like a chess piece in his eyes, waiting to be moved and the game planned.

"Your Majesty, please look," he said in a deep voice, "To destroy Nanyue, we must advance by both land and sea to achieve victory in one fell swoop."

Ying Zheng stared at the sand table.

It was a meticulously crafted three-dimensional topographic map, clearly depicting the mountains, rivers, cities, and fortresses within the territory of Nanyue.

Every city defense and every waterway was clearly marked.

"From the land route, Nanyue has three key points." The evil man pointed to several strategic locations. "Panyu is its capital, which is easy to defend and difficult to attack. We must take it."

"The Longmen Water Fortress controls the confluence of five waterways, making it a strategically vital location. As for the Leizhou Fortress, it is of paramount importance."

Why is Leizhou given such special attention?

"Because this place is closest to the Xianglin shipping route," the evil man explained. "By occupying Leizhou, we can sever the connection between Nanyue and overseas. Moreover, the terrain here is treacherous, easy to defend and difficult to attack. If Yiyu Song intends to hold out to the death, he will definitely deploy a large force here."

He then turned to the nautical chart: "As for the waterways, I have already commissioned the Mohist artisans to build one hundred new warships. These ships are not only equipped with repeating crossbows, but they can also navigate in shallow waters. Their hulls have been specially reinforced, so they are not afraid of encountering reefs."

"Most importantly..." he took out another set of blueprints, "these warships are equipped with the latest water-pumping mechanisms developed by the Mohist school. Not only are they fireproof, but they can also form a water curtain during battle to block the enemy's view."

"Hmm." Ying Zheng nodded, his gaze sharp. "What are your plans?"

"Your Majesty," the wicked man said confidently, "we will deploy the Nanyang Army by land, advancing from north to south, and take Panyu directly. This army is seasoned in battle and is best suited for a direct assault."

"At the same time, order the Jiujiang army to encircle them from the east, heading straight for the Longmen water fortress. They are skilled in naval warfare, which would be perfect for cutting off the waterways of Nanyue."

He moved his finger quickly across the map: "As for the navy, I plan to launch a three-pronged attack. The main fleet will break in from the front, coordinating with the army to besiege the city."

"Two flanking forces will then encircle the coastline from the east and west, respectively. In this way, all of South Vietnam's retreat routes will be cut off."

"You've thought things through thoroughly," Ying Zheng smiled faintly. "However, military strength alone may not be enough. The Southern Yue have cultivated their maritime power for many years, and their naval warfare tactics are extremely formidable. How will you deal with them?"

"Your Majesty is wise," the wicked man said solemnly. "I was well prepared. First, those new warships are specially designed. The hulls are lined with a layer of fine steel, so they are not afraid of reefs. Xianglihe also installed specially made sails on the ships, which can adjust the direction at any time, making them most suitable for navigating complex waters."

He paused, then continued, "Secondly, I have already sent people to plant spies throughout Nanyue. In the past six months, I have been fully aware of any disturbances in the ports. I have also thoroughly investigated Yiyu Song's military deployments."

"Most importantly..." he lowered his voice, "I've bribed many fishermen from Nanyue. These people have lived there for decades and know the waterways like the back of their hand. With them guiding us, we won't get lost. They've also provided the locations of many reefs and shoals that aren't marked on maps."

Ying Zheng seemed to be deep in thought. This was the extraordinary quality of the wicked man—planning before the battle even began, seemingly rough yet meticulous, thinking through every step with utmost care.

How many troops are needed?

"At least 100,000 elite troops are needed for the land forces," the wicked man said without hesitation. "Of these, 60,000 are the main force and 40,000 are auxiliary troops. The navy will require 30,000 sailors. These men have already been trained for three months and are familiar with the operation of the new warships. They are even proficient in using those Mohist mechanisms."

As he spoke, he took out a military register: "This is the troop deployment for each legion. The Nanyang army, which is mainly attacking Panyu, consists primarily of heavily armored soldiers. The Jiujiang army, which is attacking the Longmen water fortress, consists primarily of light infantry. As for the navy, I have specially selected five thousand sharpshooters to be responsible for operating repeating crossbows."

"You've certainly made thorough preparations," Ying Zheng nodded. "However, Yi Yusong is, after all, a powerful figure in the South China Sea. He'll definitely notice such a large-scale troop movement. If we then stubbornly hold our ground and refuse to engage, how will we break through?"

"Your Majesty is overthinking it," the wicked man sneered. "I've already spread the word that we're going to wipe out the pirates. Even if Yi Yusong discovers the military intelligence, he'll think we're just going to clear out the sea pirates. By the time he realizes what's happening, our army will already be at the city gates!"

He added, "Furthermore, I have prepared a secret weapon. Isn't the Water King most skilled in fire attacks? This time, I specially commissioned the Mohist artisans to develop a new type of fire oil. This oil not only burns fiercely but also adheres to the hull of ships. Let the Southern Yue also taste the bitterness of being attacked by fire!"

"Good!" Ying Zheng laughed. "It seems you're confident of victory. It's settled then; you're allowed to act as you see fit. However..."

His tone shifted: "I'll give you three months. If you can't conquer Nanyue, you don't need to come back to see me!"

"Your subject obeys!" The wicked man bowed respectfully. Although it was a military order, he was not afraid in the slightest. He had been planning this battle for a full six months. He had even rehearsed the details countless times to ensure that nothing would go wrong.

Upon leaving the main hall, the wicked man immediately summoned his generals.

"Pass down the order: command the Nanyang army to set off immediately. Have Uncle Qin deploy 60,000 elite troops, prioritizing their deployment with siege equipment," he ordered. "Tell him this is going to be a tough battle; make sure the soldiers are on their best!"

"Furthermore, have the Jiujiang army prepare as well. The supply routes on the eastern front must be kept open. Food and supplies must keep up!"

"As for the navy..." He gazed south, a cold glint in his eyes, "have them prepare the ships. The batch of kerosene that Zizhen developed must also be delivered. The entire army will depart within three days!"

The order spread like wildfire throughout the land. In an instant, military camps across the Qin Dynasty were abuzz with activity.

When the Nanyang army received the order, the autumn harvest was in full swing. But military orders are absolute, and they dared not delay for even a moment. Uncle Qin immediately selected elite troops and prepared weapons and provisions overnight.

The Jiujiang army was not to be outdone. This formidable force, skilled in both naval and military warfare, had long been eager to make its mark. Upon hearing that they were to fight against Nanyue, their morale soared.

As for the navy, they were even more eager to fight. The training these past few days had been for this battle. The new warships were fully equipped and ready to go, awaiting only the order.

All the officers and soldiers knew that this was a crucial battle for the Qin Dynasty to establish its maritime hegemony. They were not only to avenge their previous humiliations, but also to demonstrate the might of the Qin Dynasty!

The wicked man stood atop the city wall, gazing southwards.

He knew that Yi Yusong must also be making preparations there.

This powerful figure from Baiyue was no ordinary person; it would take some effort to take him down.

But so what?

The war drums of the Qin Dynasty will soon resound once again throughout the South China Sea!