Furthermore, we've always talked about proactively attacking the Abyss, never truly considering that one day we, with our absolute military superiority, would actually have to defend. So, despite Mr. Lin's repeated requests to build fortifications along the entire line from Dawn City to the crater, completely fortifying it, we ultimately failed to do so."

Since Xia Junao had said so, Lin Hai naturally couldn't just sit there and listen. When your colleagues, especially those on the same level, publicly take the blame, claiming it's all their fault for not listening to your advice, it's best to speak up. Either they're just kicking someone when they're down—which, of course, means you truly don't want this colleague anymore—or you need to defend them and find other reasons...that way, everyone can work happily together from now on...

"Brother Jun Ao, there's no need to do this."

Lin Hai said quickly.

"The reality is that our construction capacity and resources are insufficient. Even if we wanted to fortify the entire area, we couldn't do it. If we were given another four years, we could completely seal off the entire Abyss with a solid defense line, but wouldn't that still be enough time?

Besides, even though we haven't been able to complete such a large-scale fortress, it doesn't mean we have no defense system at all. The fortifications based on the crater, from the signal jammers on the surface, trenches, barbed wire and bunkers, to the tunnel system that runs through the entire crater, are almost all built. They only need some reinforcement and they can be used."

"Your Majesty Lin Hai is right."

Long Qiu took over and continued:

"The fortifications of the entire crater are indeed almost complete. As for the remaining projects, I think the Ministry of Works can work overtime to continue the construction. As long as the frontline defenses are not breached, the Ministry of Works can continue to build the fortifications in the back while the battle is going on. In fact, there will be no delay.

What I, your old minister, and the generals, want to say is that our fortifications lack depth. This means we cannot retreat even a single step from the front lines, no matter what happens, no matter how many casualties we suffer! Even if the front lines are completely wiped out, we will not retreat to the second lines to defend, but will continuously replenish the front lines, no matter how many people die. Your Majesties, please be mentally prepared for this."

Xia Junao suddenly realized and smiled bitterly, "I know what Duke Yan is worried about. Please rest assured, you and the other generals, we were only shocked by the casualties today. This doesn't mean we are reluctant to send troops to the front lines. How to fight will still be determined by the division of labor among the generals. We will not interfere."

After Xia Junao finished speaking, Lin Hai said, "Yes, what Brother Junao means is what I mean, and it is also what His Majesty Chen Xu, His Highness Wei Mingyuan, and His Highness Xin Yuetu mean."

Having received the promise, Long Qiu did not look much more relaxed than before. He gritted his teeth and was about to say something when Cheng Guorong interrupted him.

"Duke Yan, let me explain this."

Compared with Long Qiu and several other generals, Cheng Guorong, as Lin Hai's most trusted and beloved general, naturally has to be more relaxed.

"Adding more troops to the defense line is inevitable. But we're veterans, and we know what it's like to throw our own soldiers, and even ourselves, into the meat grinder. As the saying goes, a general on the battlefield is subject to his own orders. Relying solely on two telegraph lines to control the battle situation in various places is simply too risky."

Lin Hai raised his eyebrows and asked, "Cheng Guorong, are you saying that the generals from all over the country might not be able to suppress it?"

"It's not that the generals might be unable to control the situation, but rather that the generals themselves might be the destabilizing factor. Principal, even five fingers are not the same length. If we were to fill the defense line with soldiers we don't know, anyone could do it for a short period of time. But if I were to constantly throw in younger students from the military department, especially those who have taken my classes and become good friends with me, into the defense line, and watch them leave without being able to wait for them to return... I think I can hold out at first, but I'm not sure how long I can hold out."

Lin Hai was speechless after hearing this.

Yes, if you just throw the unknown soldiers on the roster into the meat grinder and be a little ruthless, it seems that it will be over. For the emperor, whether it is the number of subjects or the casualties of soldiers, they are actually just a string of numbers. He can find out by just looking at the official documents before going to bed.

But if one day, I have to face the situation of putting Wang Liang, Lu You and even Shi Zhener in it, it is hard to say whether I can still remain calm...

The fact that he didn't collapse on the spot showed that he was a competent emperor - no one could be completely heartless.

"So what do you mean?"

"Your Majesties, please divide the garrisons among the various regions!"

Cheng Guorong spoke with great force:

"We have discussed this matter and believe that only if Your Majesties personally supervise the army and dispatch troops to various locations can this matter be stopped.

While the five His Majesties are all in Dawn City, whether it's consultation or improvisation, both are excellent methods, but this also means that when we besiege the Abyss from all sides, the garrison generals in at least three directions are actually making their own decisions. Given the situation we face, this is extremely dangerous.

For example, the main force launching the attack from the Great Chen Dynasty was actually the original Great Chen army, with the Qinghe army merely serving as a supporting force. However, Huang Zong is currently in command. Principal, if we really want to stuff a meat grinder with just a few people, it's fine. If we overload, Huang Zong will likely face difficulties. However, if His Majesty Chen Xu were in Jiankang, or even directly in charge of Nanping City, the situation would certainly be different.

Similarly, if His Majesty Xia Junao is in charge of Dawn City, His Highness Xin Yuetu can be in charge of Dongji Fort on the eastern front, and His Highness Wei Mingyuan can be in charge of Xining Fort on the western front, then there will be no worries in the four directions of east, west, south and north.

This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!