Qin Che stood up and slowly said, "In war, the four things are: food and supplies, population, weapons, and morale."

"Everyone knows the principle that a second attempt will be less effective and a third will be exhausted. Moreover, we are the invaders with no legitimate reason for our campaign. If we suffer a defeat, the campaign will definitely be prolonged, and the personnel losses will not be replenished in a short period of time."

Song Gong analyzed, "We can transfer troops from Shabao and Xibao."

“I will consider this matter, but force is ultimately the last resort. Boiler City controls the fuel supply in the southwest region, and Purple Fortress controls the weapons supply chain and the lifeline of some factories. As Yun Kui said, if we take down these two cities, all the cities in the southwest region will voluntarily submit. Once Wu Ming and the others return from Purple Fortress, I will send them with the diplomatic team to persuade the major cities and groups in the southwest.”

"The commander is very thoughtful; he has considered everything from top to bottom, inside and out."

Qin Che smiled slightly. At this moment, Song Zhiming pushed open the door and entered, bowing slightly, and said, "Master, your secretary has arrived in Boiler City."

Qin Che said happily, "Oh, Li Mi and Ms. Lina have arrived, right?"

"Yes, besides these two, they also brought a guest."

"oh?"

Qin Che was taken aback. "Bring him in to see me."

Seeing this, Chunniang and Song Gong stepped back. A short while later, Lina and Li Mi, along with an acquaintance, came to Qin Che.

—Duan Wujiu.

He smiled and looked energetic. He had been traveling for the past two days and was covered in dust, but he showed no signs of fatigue. Li Mi and Lina were the same, but after seeing Qin Che, they seemed to have a lot to report.

"Greetings, Mr. Qin. Is this our first meeting?" Duan Wujiu greeted him.

Qin Che asked him to sit down, then looked at Li Mi and Lina and said, "Report anything to me later. I'll entertain the guests first. Li Mi, make some tea."

"Yes, sir."

Before long, the two were sitting on the office sofa, with a cup of hot tea in front of them. Duan Wujiu took a sip, but his posture was very steady.

Qin Che said, "Boss Duan has come all this way. Please speak frankly if you have anything to say."

He was actually quite curious. With Yuan Lin and Deng Xian dead, most of the Forest Group's territory had fallen into the hands of the Fu faction, leaving only the 'Duan faction' still barely surviving and putting up a stubborn resistance. Duan Wujiu coming to see him alone like this was definitely not a bad thing; on the contrary... it was a good thing.

To everyone's surprise, Duan Wujiu smiled slightly and went straight to the point: "The current Grand Chancellor of the Royal Court hopes to form a lasting alliance with Mr. Qin. I will hand over the group's authority, shares, and personnel to you. At the same time, the Royal Court has also ordered that Princess Qin be betrothed to you, making you related by marriage!"

"I wonder if... you would agree?"