“You don’t need to promise me anything,” Gongyang said with a stern face.

Tang Huan explained, "Trade will make me a lot of money and make me more respected. You have helped me a lot in this matter, so I can consider you a friend."

Gongyang heard Bai's lips curl up, revealing a charming smile.

"Is it an honor for me to be regarded as a friend by Lord Tang?"

Tang Huan waved her hand, ignoring Gongyang Tingbai's sudden allure.

Gongyang Tingbai slumped his shoulders somewhat dejectedly. "But do you think your participation in this war can bring about significant changes?"

On the northern battlefield, even the invincible Pang Conglong suffered a loss, and now the northern region is at its most powerful.

Most importantly, the people of the Northern Regions have even stronger desires than those of the people of Daqing.

They want land.

They want money.

This is due to their backward development, which determines that the people of the Northern Region are willing to pay any price for it.

But Daqing is different. Many people in Daqing have been corrupted by their past affluent and mundane lives and have gradually lost their fighting spirit.

"I can tell you the truth, I have never commanded troops, but when it comes to military strategy, I'm afraid there is no one in the world stronger than me."

A sense of pride welled up within me.

Gongyang Tingbai asked curiously, "Even Gongshan Liqun and Pang Conglong couldn't do it?"

Tang Huan laughed loudly, "Of course, if you don't believe me, I can show you what I'm good at. Talking about war on paper is what I'm best at."

Gongyang shook his head, expressing his doubt.

Tang Huan became interested, looked at Gongyang Tingbai, and then said to Qin Yuyang:

"Today I will show you two princesses my mastery of military strategy."

The group returned to the mansion in high spirits, and Tang Huan immediately instructed Li Daikui to retrieve the items.

"What is that?"

Gongyang Tingbai asked curiously.

Qin Yuyang pointed to the chair in front of her, gesturing for her to sit down. "It should be chess."

"Chess? What's that?"

"A casual and educational mini-game."

The two princesses took their seats one after the other, and Tang Huan sat opposite them.

Li Daikui quickly brought over a wooden box containing a leather board with a chessboard drawn on it, along with carved chess pieces.

"This is a little game that I invented for everyone to play. Let me first introduce the different functions of these pieces and briefly explain the rules..."

As a princess of the Northern Region, Gongyang Tingbai naturally understood the role of each chess piece very quickly, even faster than when Qin Yuyang first came into contact with chess.

After listening, she asked doubtfully, "There's military strategy hidden in this? Although I admit your little game sounds really interesting, with soldiers, chariots, generals, and horses, it looks like a real war, but I really don't believe it..."

Tang Huan extended a hand, inviting the other person to begin.

What seemed like a simple game of chess actually made Gongyang, who was listening to Bai, break out in a sweat.

In half an hour, she had lost three games in a row.

Although they lasted longer and longer in each game, they suffered a crushing defeat every time.

Tang Huan calmly rearranged the chessboard and smiled at the two people opposite him.

"There are some truly remarkable military strategies hidden within this game of chess. I happen to be in the mood today, so I'll chat with you two about it. I wouldn't bother telling anyone else; they're too stupid."

The game began. Tang Huan seemingly placed the pieces casually, while Gongyang Tingbai played with complete concentration.

"A feint to the east while attacking in the west is a very good tactic."

Tang Huan picked up a chess piece and placed it on the other side where Gongyang Tingbai hadn't noticed, thus capturing a piece.

"A feint attack on one side to attract the enemy's attention is actually a preparation for a surprise attack in another direction."

Gongyang was taken aback when he heard Bai speak. Although they were talking about chess, it really sounded like military strategy.

"A covert maneuver." Tang Huan smiled. "While the enemy is unaware, we secretly move and deploy our forces. Without their knowledge, we have already made all the preparations and are just waiting for the final blow."

Although it was just one game of chess after another, Tang Huan didn't utter a single word, yet Gongyang Tingbai pondered for a long time.

From feinting to attacking in the east while striking in the west, to secretly crossing the Chencang pass.

From luring the tiger away from the mountain to besieging Wei to rescue Zhao.

From waiting in comfort to feigning weakness to deliberately letting go.

The words contained so much meaning that Gongyang Tingbai couldn't help but recall the knowledge that Gongshan Liqun had once taught him.

The general's favorite thing to do was to discuss military strategy with people, especially with Gongyang Tingbai.

Having been exposed to it from a young age, Gongyang Tingbai has become quite familiar with military strategy.

However, much of what Tang Huan said at this moment was something that Gongyang Tingbai had never thought of.

"Let's stop here for today. I'm afraid if I keep playing, I won't be able to find anyone to play chess with in the future."

Tang Huan did not make any more moves, but on the chessboard, Gongyang's general, who was listening to Bai, was already in a dead end.

Tang Huan slowly stood up and said with emotion, "If we consider each piece on this chessboard as a soldier or an army, the threat they pose when they cooperate closely under various military strategies and tactics is enormous."

"Playing chess is like fighting a war; it's not just a battle of troop strength, but also..."

Tang Huan pointed to her head.

Gongyang listened to Bai calmly and said, "I lost."

In one afternoon, Gongyang Tingbai and Qin Yuyang worked together and lost nearly twenty games to Tang Huan.

The reason the two were able to continue so tirelessly was because of the words Tang Huan uttered.

Both princesses realized that seemingly simple words were actually military strategies.

"Hehe, you're already very smart. It's not that you lost to me in military strategy, it's just that I understand chess better than you."

Gongyang Tingbai showed no embarrassment in the face of Tang Huan's smile.

She said seriously, "I admit that you are indeed a remarkable person. I can hardly imagine that such a simple game could contain military strategy. You are right. Perhaps Gongshan Liqun and Pang Conglong are no match for you in terms of military strategy."

Tang Huan was not arrogant. "It's just theoretical. When it comes to actual combat, those two military geniuses are still more capable."

Gongyang Tingbai couldn't help but think about what it would be like for a person to possess countless riches, numerous properties, a sufficiently intelligent and outstanding mind, and many people willing to serve him.

What will the result be?

In chaotic times, such a person would gain many followers simply by rising up in rebellion, and could create his own era simply by declaring himself king.

But Tang Huan did not do that; he didn't even have the idea of ​​becoming emperor.

Gongyang listened to Bai Rubi speak seriously, "Wu Lanxi has made you the magistrate of Qihuai County for so many years, which is a real waste of talent. It's hard to imagine that you were ostracized and forced to leave the capital and come to such a remote place."

Tang Huan patted Gongyang Tingbai on the shoulder across the chessboard, "There are many things about me that you wouldn't believe."

Tang Huan left with a meaningful smile.