Chapter 720: The Emperor's Personal Expedition (Part 2) [Two-in-One]

The Miao River is one of the most important rivers in Northwest China.

The overall flow direction is from west to east.

Its branches are intricate and complex, while the main channel resembles a giant dragon about to take flight. The river meanders through Yanzhou and Ganzhou, acting as a natural barrier separating the two regions. The narrowest point of the Miao River is only a few dozen feet wide, while the widest point is over twenty miles wide.

The section between Yan and Gan lies between the upper and middle reaches of the river.

Before the flood season, the water flow is gentle.

Barring drought years, the Miaojiang River rises rapidly during the flood season, irrigating and nourishing the life on both banks. However, the river also becomes turbulent. This time of year coincides with the gradual melting of glaciers in the upper reaches of the Miaojiang River.

"...Based on the location where the Imperial Seal appeared last night, Zheng Qiao should be in Aoshan, Ganzhou, which is this place."

Chu Yao pointed to a spot slightly above the river on the map. This was a strategic location carefully chosen by the Dragon Slaying Bureau's allied forces. Their initial plan was to launch a strong attack before Zheng Qiao could react, establish a foothold, and then set up an offensive and defensive line, advancing step by step. Who knew that Zheng Qiao would personally lead the army from the outset, completely disrupting the allied forces' plans and putting pressure on them.

What kind of pressure?

As the attacking side, the Allied forces faced immense risks during the river crossing operation. Zheng Qiao could even take advantage of the moment when the army was not yet firmly established across the river—for example, when some troops had already landed while others were still crossing, creating a situation where the front and rear could not coordinate and support each other, the ranks and formations were in disarray, and the army had not yet gained a foothold. At this time, launching an attack would be known as "attacking while the army is halfway across the river."

If that were all, it would be fine.

The most troublesome thing is that Zheng Qiao possesses the Imperial Seal, and Ganzhou is still within his territory. His personal expedition could, to some extent, influence the flow of the Miao River, such as creating fog, strong winds, or making the already turbulent river even more difficult to navigate. Under these circumstances, a direct confrontation is simply not advisable. Therefore, Chu Yao slid his finger across the map, arriving at another location.

He suggested, "Our lord could volunteer to lead the attack to Alliance Leader Huang, allowing the main force of the alliance army to draw Zheng Qiao's main force away, while our troops march along the Miao River to this point, attack the city, land, and then advance around to the flank of Aoshan. We can then act according to the situation, and I believe Alliance Leader Huang will agree."

On the surface, it was a surprise attack deep behind enemy lines.

In reality, they were out of sight of the Allied forces and taking advantage of the situation to fish.

If we stay here, facing Zheng Qiao's main force, it's not a good situation to go into battle or not to go into battle. With so many eyes watching, how can we stand by and watch our allies play their trump cards?

Shen Tang frowned: "Huang Lie is unlikely to agree to let our troops be 'solo' along the way. He'll most likely find someone he doesn't like to follow. I wonder what this Alliance Leader Huang is up to..."

Ning Yan also thought of a rather crucial detail.

"This place probably won't work."

Chu Yao asked Ning Yan with his eyes.

She said seriously, "Xingning told me before that Zheng Qiao has never given up on finding the national seal and once suspected the lord, but gave up for various reasons. With such a big fuss last night, it's impossible that the lord didn't respond."

Shen Tang nodded: "There has indeed been unusual activity at the Imperial Seal."

Zheng Qiao's imperial seal was provoking her, and her imperial seal had a very volatile temper. Could she tolerate it? She wanted to roar back several times, but Shen Tang forcibly suppressed her. Otherwise, last night she would have seen the black dragon and the golden dragon facing off across the river.

Ning Yan was worried about this: "Last night, Zheng Qiao had probably confirmed the lord's identity. If the lord leaves from the main force and goes around to land, once he exceeds the maximum sensing range of the two national seals, Zheng Qiao will be able to detect the lord's movements."

Zheng Qiao might not know where Shen Tang went, but he certainly knew that Shen Tang had ill intentions and couldn't possibly be unprepared.

Ganzhou has a vast territory, but there are only a few strategically important locations. It's possible that Zheng Qiao might just be waiting for them to come to him.

At that time—

If our team encounters Zheng Qiao's main force, we're doomed.

Shen Tang nodded: "Like a lamb entering a tiger's den."

Chu Yao said with shame, "This matter was due to my lack of foresight."

Shen Tang waved his hand dismissively and said, "Who can really plan without missing a single detail? If that were the case, why would we be having this meeting? Wouldn't we be pooling our wisdom and efforts to identify and address any shortcomings? Wu Hui's plan is feasible, and Tu Nan's concerns are also valid."

Shen Tang rested her chin on one hand, while tapping the table with her other finger, making a rhythmic tapping sound. She glanced around at everyone in the tent and a thought popped into her head: "If we combine the two, it might confuse Zheng Qiao, and he probably won't be able to tell."

"How about we combine them?"

Shen Tang revealed a confident yet sly smile and chuckled, "Since Zheng Qiao can sense me through the Imperial Seal, all we need to do is ensure that the Imperial Seal remains within his sensing range. He doesn't know 'Shen Tang' as a person; he only recognizes the Imperial Seal."

Upon hearing this, her subordinates, familiar with Shen Tang's temperament, all wore expressions of awkward confusion. Shen Tang, who had been eagerly awaiting praise, suddenly fell silent: "No, what's with those expressions? I think my suggestion is brilliant, very deceptive, and might just be able to firmly attract Zheng Qiao's main force..."

Jiang Sheng cautiously probed.

"Does the lord intend to launch a surprise attack?"

His question was asked rather tactfully.

The question was actually asking Shen Tang if she planned to take a small, unconventional force and operate within the range of Guo Xi's perception.

Shen Tang retorted, "Otherwise? In war, surprise is more important than numbers! We're going to win with tactical ingenuity; what use are a lot of people?"

Jiang Sheng and the others resolutely objected: "No way!"

That's way too risky.

This is what you call "a lamb entering a tiger's mouth," isn't it?

However, Gu Chi was not among the advisors who expressed their opposition. He even gave an inappropriate laugh, which drew several pairs of eye rolls, including a death stare from Bai Su.

His smile froze, and he said in a low voice, "Gentlemen, you have probably misunderstood the lord's meaning, and the lord has also misunderstood your plans."

The two ideas are completely different.

They were actually able to communicate back and forth.

Gu Chi braced himself and acted as if he could read the mind of his lord, saying, "The lord's idea is to entrust the Imperial Seal to one of us to mislead Zheng Qiao's judgment, while he himself leads the troops ashore to circle around to the enemy's flank and contain them."

Shen Tang asked, confused, "Isn't that how you understand it?"

Everyone: "..."

As the ruler of the country, Shen Tang could hand over the imperial seal to a second person in two ways while she was still alive.

The first is **abdication**, where the old ruler loses control of the imperial seal during the abdication ceremony; the second is **entrustment**, where one or more ministers are appointed as temporary holders of the imperial seal. Shen Tang currently has no children and no recognized heir, leaving her with no one to entrust with the throne. However, she can exploit a loophole to designate herself as the target of the **entrustment**.

In this state, the Imperial Seal can be reclaimed by her at any time. Even if an outsider kills a minister, they cannot take the Imperial Seal unless they kill her as well. Shen Tang said matter-of-factly, "Anyway, there's no explicit rule saying it can't be done this way. In other words, as long as there are no clear regulations, it's possible to do it, right?"

Everyone: "..."

How could they, who were so conventional, have imagined that this could be done? The monarch entrusting his son to another emperor to designate himself as the one to be entrusted with the task... What kind of bored monarch would do something like this?

Shen Tang said earnestly, "We can give it a try."

She bet Zheng Qiao would never have imagined this move!

This is a truly unique idea of ​​hers.

Everyone: "..."

Okay, okay...

Then another question arises—

Who will be the unlucky one left behind?

Being kept behind is certainly a sign of the lord's trust, but it also means having to deal with the Dragon Slayer Alliance, which is mentally and physically exhausting. The lord's temper has been getting worse lately because of them, so if they stay behind, it will only cause more trouble.

Shen Tang's gaze swept among them one by one.

Those who were being scanned nervously swallowed hard.

Shen Tang couldn't make up her mind either.

It wasn't that she didn't have suitable candidates, but rather that her choice would lead to unfair treatment. As a master of impartiality, how could she make such a mistake? So she decided, "Let's draw lots."

They practically have "fairness and justice" written all over their faces.

Kang Shi's face turned ashen. Everyone present was shrewd; was there any need to guess who Shen Tang's most suitable candidate was?

Yes, he is the person Shen Tang likes best.

The so-called lottery was just a fig leaf.

With his luck, he's bound to win the lottery.

Therefore, this is no different from naming names.

Shen Tang used the pen holder as a divination stick container, and everyone drew lots.

Even though Kang Shi was the last to draw lots, only his lot had the words "Entrusted with the Orphan" written in red; everyone else's lots were blank. The result was truly predictable...

Kang Shi: "..."

Shen Tang held his hands in her own and solemnly entrusted him with the task: "Ji Shou, this important mission is now in your hands."

Kang Shi: "..."

Under the watchful eyes of his colleagues, he could only swallow his bitter pill and force a faint smile: "I will certainly live up to the lord's trust!"

Shen Tang was filled with relief upon hearing this.

He said "good" three times in a row.

Although the general direction has been set, there are still many problems in actual implementation, ranging from large-scale tasks like transporting grain and crossing rivers to smaller tasks like marching and camping. It's necessary to anticipate various unforeseen circumstances and then develop hypothetical contingency plans for these situations…

It can be said that it covers every detail, no matter how small.

This meeting went on for ages, with everyone talking at once.

Two hours later, the meeting came to an end.

Shen Tang rubbed her ears, which were ringing with auditory hallucinations, and drank half a glass of ice water to wake herself up, because there was still a "tough battle" ahead.

This meeting was all about ensuring that our side could cross the river independently. If Huang Lie obstructed us, all our assumptions would be in vain. Just thinking about Huang Lie made Shen Tang very unhappy. Even though Huang Lie's attitude was "indulgent" on the surface after she joined, Shen Tang could never feel any goodwill towards him.

The reason for this was that the battle of Luxia County made her impression of Huang Lie plummet to negative levels—Huang Lie came from the lower class, but how many innocent bones did he step on?

No one can say for sure.

Even if outsiders forget Huang Lie's stain because of his current success and prosperity, Shen Tang remembers it.

Unconsciously, I wandered to the temporary training ground while trying to relax.

The clanging of weapons clashing drew her attention.

On the training ground, the two clashed.

One man held a heavy hammer, and the other a long spear.

Unfortunately, Shen Tang still remembered both of them.

Both men rode ordinary warhorses and wore no martial armor, presumably because they had suppressed their martial energy beforehand. Their eyes met, and in the blink of an eye, they charged towards each other, their killing intent concealed in the clatter of hooves.

Ding ding ding—

Two warhorses clashed, their weapons locked.

Yang Ying wielded her gun with agility, yet maintained an unwavering, relentless momentum, skillfully employing the principle of using minimal force to overcome maximum force. In contrast, Lu Ji, wielding a heavy hammer, was less agile, but possessed the heroic spirit to overcome all obstacles with sheer strength.

"good!"

Facing the oncoming heavy hammer, Yang Ying instantly leaned back, then bent down to the side of his warhorse, controlling the reins with one hand, his waist and horse becoming one, completely concealing himself beside the horse. At the same time, he spurred the horse to gallop faster, and suddenly thrust out his spear.

Such a neat and skillful "hiding in the stirrup" requires real ability, and it drew cheers from the crowd.

Shen Tang said, "Wouldn't this be considered 'avoiding the hammer and hiding the stirrup'?"

Yang Ying focused her mind and was not disturbed by the outside world.

A flash of silver light, sharp and intimidating.

This forced Lu Ji to pull back and defend, and the two widened the distance between them again.

Shen Tang couldn't help but look at the loudest spectator, Yun Ce, the main cavalryman under Huang Lie. As a fellow expert with a spear, Yang Ying's performance aroused his rare competitive spirit. His eyes were fixed on the two on the field, his gaze bright.

The arcs created by the hammer and spear clashed and intertwined in the air, and as they tore through the air, a low roar of thunder seemed to be heard.

Although Yang Ying's training time was shorter than Lu Ji's, the two had agreed beforehand to refrain from using their bare hands, deciding the winner solely based on their physical skills. With similar talents, the two naturally fought to a standstill. They switched between defense and offense, their warhorses shifting positions accordingly, the sounds of hooves and neighing incessant.

"Take this!"

Yang Ying shouted loudly.

With a mighty thrust, the spear arced out, its shaft darting like a serpent close to the heavy hammer, its target Lu Ji's face. Lu Ji, naturally, was not to be outdone. He coordinated his waist and shoulders, channeling immense power into his arm, and slammed the heavy hammer into the shaft of the spear.

The attack ended in a draw.

As their moves became increasingly rapid, their figures blurred, eventually becoming too blurry for the naked eye to discern. The sparks flying became more and more intense, reminiscent of a dazzling display of fireworks. Only when their stamina began to wane did their pace slow down, but both were stubborn and unwilling to admit defeat, gritting their teeth and refusing to yield.

Until the very last time—

The hammer and the spear clashed once again.

Yang Ying was so shocked that her hand went numb and the spear slipped from her grasp.

Lu Ji's flushed face, still dripping with sweat, finally revealed a triumphant smile: "Shengmei, I won this time!"

Yang Ying rubbed her wrist.

"You win, you win, but you went way too far."

It's unclear how Lu Ji cultivated her strength, but it's astonishing. Yang Ying rarely wins against her in sparring matches, always losing due to insufficient stamina or being outmatched in strength. This shows that she's still too weak and needs to quickly address her shortcomings.

Lu Ji put away the heavy hammer and jumped off his horse.

She patted the warhorse's neck: "You've worked hard."

The two remained evenly matched, but their warhorses could not withstand the strain.

As he spoke, Lu Ji's gaze fell upon Shen Tang, and his heart skipped a beat. Suppressing his excitement, he stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Lu Ji greets my lord!"

Yang Ying also stepped forward to bow.

(_)

Today is April Fool's Day. I was planning to write a crossover bonus chapter, but alas, my clumsy hands shouldn't have thought so much. I also dyed my hair. I wanted a dark purple, but my stylist, Tony, dyed it a dark burgundy. Sob sob. The top of my head is shinier, making me feel like I'm wearing a 100,000-year-old spirit ring...

Yesterday, I saw in the comments section that someone asked what Zheng Qiao's courtesy name was... Oh, didn't I already write it down?

P.S.: Hiding in the stirrups is so cool! Your waist and arm strength are amazing (p≧w≦q)

PPS: My good buddy Erqian's new book was released with ten chapters on the first day, another blow to my clumsy fingers.

"The Little Chef of the Imperial College" - She doesn't want to study, she just wants to eat!

PPPS: There are still 47 spots left in the monthly ticket event on the Qidian Book Review section. If you have guaranteed monthly tickets, hurry up and participate to claim them. I hope you can open another one soon, so we don't waste the operating fund.

(End of this chapter)