The General's Aloof Persona Broken by Mind Reading

Lin Wan'er, a woman with the extraordinary ability of mind reading, accidentally stumbles into the world of the General's Manor. Xiao Yichen, a highly accomplished and handsome general, is ...

Chapter 81 Strategic Significance

In the aftermath of this thrilling battle on the plains, the forces led by Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er have undoubtedly left their mark on the strategic landscape of this land. The victory in this battle has an impact far exceeding the outcome of the battle itself. Like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, the ripples it creates are spreading outwards with unstoppable force, reshaping the delicate balance and interactions between various forces.

From a military strategic perspective, Xiao Yichen's feat of defeating a superior force with a smaller one undoubtedly boosted the morale and prestige of his own troops. Previously, Murong Xuan, with his superior military strength and past achievements, had maintained a relatively dominant position in this region, while surrounding forces, though resentful, mostly dared not speak out. Now, however, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er's army, through skillful use of strategy and unique tactics in direct confrontation, had utterly routed Murong Xuan's army. This result undoubtedly declared to all forces in the region that they were a force to be reckoned with, possessing the power to overturn the traditional power structure.

This victory bought Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er valuable strategic buffer space. Before Murong Xuan recovered, they could temporarily escape the direct military threat from this powerful force, allowing them to focus more energy and resources on their own development and expansion. For example, they had ample time to strengthen the camp's defenses, making their base even more impregnable. Digging deeper and wider moats around the camp, building higher and stronger walls, and setting up more traps and watchtowers—these improved defensive facilities would not only effectively resist external invasion but also provide their soldiers with a stronger sense of security, further enhancing the army's overall combat effectiveness.

Simultaneously, adjustments to military strategy became possible. Based on the lessons learned from this battle, they could comprehensively optimize and innovate the army's organization, training methods, and tactical applications. In terms of organization, combat teams were reorganized according to soldiers' performance and strengths in combat, making cooperation between teams more seamless and efficient. Regarding training methods, simulation exercises targeting specific tactics were increased, such as further improvements and expansions to the "poison bee ball" tactic, enabling soldiers to master and utilize such surprise attack tactics more proficiently. In terms of tactical applications, in-depth research was conducted on how to flexibly employ various tactical means under different terrains and enemy formations to achieve maximum victory with minimal cost.

On a political and strategic level, this victory brought Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er unprecedented political influence and diplomatic leverage. Those surrounding forces that had previously adopted a wait-and-see attitude or were forced to submit to Murong Xuan were now forced to reassess their relationship with them. For weaker forces, the rise of Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er undoubtedly provided a new option for political protection. They could use this opportunity to actively engage in diplomatic activities and establish close alliances with these forces. Through signing mutual assistance treaties, conducting trade, and engaging in cultural exchanges, a political power group centered on Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er could gradually form.

Within this political alliance, various factions can share resources and complement each other's strengths. For example, some factions possess abundant mineral resources but lack military protection, while Xiao Yichen's army can provide them with security in exchange for priority development rights to these mineral resources. Other factions excel in agricultural production and can provide ample food supplies, while Lin Wan'er can utilize her medical knowledge and skills to help them improve medical and sanitation conditions, raise public health levels, and thus promote further agricultural development. The establishment of this political alliance not only enhances Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er's influence on the regional political stage but also effectively isolates Murong Xuan, placing him at a greater disadvantage in future political maneuvering.

From an economic strategy perspective, this victory also opened new doors of economic development opportunities for Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er. Victory in war meant they could control more land and resources, and the development and utilization of these resources would provide a solid material foundation for their economic development. For example, the newly occupied land might contain fertile farmland, which they could organize farmers for large-scale reclamation and cultivation, increasing grain production and achieving self-sufficiency or even exporting food. It might also contain abundant mineral resources, such as iron and copper mines, which, through mining and smelting, could provide ample raw materials for weapons manufacturing and tool production, promoting the prosperity and development of handicrafts.

Furthermore, with the expansion of political influence and the reduction of military threats, trade will become more frequent and smoother. They can establish trade relations with more distant regions, promoting local specialties such as exquisite handicrafts and high-quality agricultural products to a wider market in exchange for scarce resources and wealth. Simultaneously, the prosperity of trade will drive the rise and development of commercial cities, establishing markets and towns at key transportation routes and strategic locations, attracting merchants from all over to trade, promoting the exchange and integration of commercial cultures, and further boosting the economic prosperity of the entire region.

However, they also clearly recognized that behind all these strategic opportunities lay numerous challenges and risks. Although Murong Xuan had temporarily suffered a setback, he would never accept defeat and would undoubtedly be secretly accumulating strength to plot revenge. The attitudes of the surrounding forces were not entirely consistent or stable; some forces might only be cooperating with them temporarily due to the situation, and could turn against them at any time once the situation changed. Moreover, how to rationally allocate resources, balance the interests of all parties, and avoid the emergence of internal conflicts during the process of economic development was also a difficult problem they needed to face.

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er knew that this battle on the plains was just an important milestone in a long journey. They had to use the vision and wisdom of strategists to carefully deal with every challenge and seize every opportunity in order to truly realize their ideals and ambitions on this ever-changing land and establish a new order of peace, prosperity and stability.

With their extraordinary wisdom and courage, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er successfully defeated Murong Xuan in the Battle of the Plains. News of their victory spread like wildfire. In an instant, their names became legendary tales, and their heroic deeds resounded throughout the vast land.

In the town's streets and alleys, people gathered together, excitedly discussing the thrilling battle. An old man exclaimed with great enthusiasm, "I heard that General Xiao Yichen and Miss Lin Wan'er faced Murong Xuan's massive army without any fear. They cleverly used the poisonous bee ball to instantly turn the tide of battle. Such wisdom is truly divine!" The surrounding listeners nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with admiration and respect.

"Yes, it is said that Murong Xuan was quite smug at the time, thinking that victory was in his grasp, but he did not expect to fall into General Xiao and Miss Lin's trap and end up fleeing in a sorry state." A young man continued, his words carrying a hint of satisfaction.

In the countryside fields, farmers put down their tools and discussed the great battle. "General Xiao and Miss Lin not only saved us from Murong Xuan's bullying, but also avenged us. They are our heroes!" a simple farmer exclaimed, his voice echoing across the fields.

As the news spread, more and more people became filled with longing and curiosity for Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er. Many ambitious individuals embarked on journeys towards their camp, hoping to join their ranks and serve them.

On the road leading to the camp, a large group of passionate young people from all over the country were marching forward. Some were skilled swordsmen, wielding swords and looking heroic; some were learned strategists, harboring ambitions to govern the country and bring peace to the people; and others were strong farmers and craftsmen, who brought their skills and were determined to contribute to the construction and development of the camp.

One of the young swordsmen in the group, named Su Ran, said to his companions with a determined look in his eyes, "I admire General Xiao and Miss Lin's heroic deeds. I have practiced martial arts since I was a child and have mastered many skills. Now I want to show my skills in this chaotic world. If I follow them, I will surely achieve great things."

An advisor named Li Xuan nodded in agreement: "General Xiao and Miss Lin are not only exceptional in martial arts, but their tactical arrangements also demonstrate their remarkable literary talent. I believe that under their leadership, we will surely bring peace and prosperity to this land."

When these ambitious individuals arrived at the camp, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er personally went out to greet them. Looking at these vibrant faces, Xiao Yichen was filled with emotion. He said loudly, "You have all come here despite the hardships, which shows your enthusiasm and determination. We welcome every friend who truly wants to protect this land to join our ranks."

Lin Wan'er said gently, "In this chaotic world, only by uniting as one can we resist foreign enemies and protect our homeland. Let us join hands and work together for a better future."

The new members quickly integrated into camp life. The warriors trained alongside the soldiers, passing on their martial arts skills and learning practical combat experience and teamwork from them. The strategists began devising strategic plans for the camp, analyzing the situation, studying the enemy's weaknesses, and providing Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er with many valuable suggestions. Farmers and craftsmen actively participated in the camp's construction and resource production, reclaiming wasteland, planting crops, and forging weapons and tools, enriching the camp's reserves and strengthening its defenses.

Many stories about Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er circulated in the camp. Once, a soldier was seriously wounded during training and was on the verge of death. Upon learning this, Lin Wan'er personally cared for him, staying by his side day and night. Using her superb medical skills, she searched far and wide for rare herbs, finally pulling the soldier back from the brink of death. After recovering, the soldier was deeply grateful to Lin Wan'er, telling everyone he met, "Miss Lin is not only a heroine on the battlefield, but also a kind-hearted living bodhisattva."

Xiao Yichen always shared the hardships with his soldiers. He personally participated in camp patrols and guard duty, eating coarse rations and sleeping in tents alongside them. Once, the camp was struck by a sudden flood. Disregarding the danger, Xiao Yichen led his soldiers in flood relief efforts. He battled the floodwaters for days and nights, directing his men to reinforce the dikes and evacuate civilians, ultimately successfully repelling the flood. The soldiers held Xiao Yichen in even higher esteem and affection, willing to go through fire and water for him and Lin Wan'er.

As Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er's heroic reputation spread further and further, they also attracted the attention of some other forces. Some originally neutral forces began to take the initiative to contact them, seeking opportunities for cooperation; while some forces that had colluded with Murong Xuan became wary of them and secretly plotted how to deal with them.

Faced with these circumstances, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er knew that the title of hero was both an honor and a responsibility. They had to be more cautious in dealing with various challenges and constantly strengthen their own power in order to truly protect their homeland and people in this chaotic world and continue to write their own heroic legend.

After fleeing the battlefield in a panic, Murong Xuan ran all the way until he was sure he was far away from Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er's pursuit, before ordering his men to set up camp and rest in a secluded valley. At this moment, he was exhausted, both physically and mentally, and his mind kept replaying the nightmarish scenes from the battlefield, filled with regret and resentment.

He sat alone in his tent, the flickering campfire illuminating his haggard and pained face. "How did I end up in such a desperate situation?" Murong Xuan murmured to himself, his voice filled with self-reproach. He began to carefully review the entire battle, trying to find the root cause of his defeat.

First, he realized his biggest mistake was underestimating the enemy. Before the campaign, he was blinded by his past victories, believing that his numerical superiority would easily defeat Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er. He failed to conduct thorough investigation and analysis of the enemy, completely underestimating their intelligence and courage. "I thought they were just desperate ants, but I never expected them to set such an ingenious trap," Murong Xuan lamented, pounding his thigh in regret.

Secondly, his neglect of intelligence work was also a major reason for the defeat. Before the battle, he was completely unaware that Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er had prepared a secret weapon like the poisonous bee ball. His spies had clearly failed in their duty, failing to pass on such crucial intelligence to him in time. "If I had known they had this treacherous plan earlier, I would have been prepared and would never have let them succeed." Murong Xuan frowned, his eyes revealing anger and helplessness.

Furthermore, his command during the battle was flawed in many ways. When Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er feigned retreat, he failed to remain calm, instead letting his desire for victory cloud his judgment, blindly ordering his soldiers to pursue, thus leading the army into the enemy's pre-set trap. "I should have been more cautious then, sending someone to probe their strength first, instead of rashly launching a full-scale attack," Murong Xuan sighed deeply, filled with regret for his reckless actions.

Murong Xuan knew full well that this defeat not only cost him a significant amount of troops and resources, but more seriously, it severely damaged his prestige and reputation. The empire he had painstakingly built on this land was now teetering on the brink of collapse. Those forces that had once been loyal to him were now likely observing the situation, and many had even begun to consider betraying him. Meanwhile, his enemies, such as Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er, would gain notoriety because of this victory, attracting more people to their ranks and thus continuously strengthening their power.

"Am I destined to be utterly defeated?" A surge of intense resentment welled up within Murong Xuan. He recalled his past glory, rising from an unknown junior officer to become a formidable ruler of this land. He had experienced countless battles and suffered numerous setbacks, but never had he been so utterly defeated as this time. "No, I refuse to accept this! I will rise again and make those who looked down on me pay the price!" Murong Xuan abruptly stood up, his eyes burning with the flames of revenge.

However, he also knew clearly that achieving revenge would not be easy. He first needed to rebuild a powerful army. This meant recruiting more soldiers, training them, and equipping them with superior weapons and gear. But now, fear gripped his territory, and the people's faith in him had been eroded, making recruitment extremely difficult. Moreover, manufacturing weapons and gear required vast sums of money and resources, and his finances were already strained by the war.

Besides the military, he also needed to rebuild his intelligence network. He couldn't allow similar intelligence failures to happen again. He decided to send his most capable subordinates to secretly infiltrate various locations to gather intelligence, especially regarding Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er's every move. Only with accurate intelligence could he formulate effective countermeasures.

In diplomacy, he needs to re-evaluate his relations with neighboring powers. He must try to repair relations with former allies and win their support; he must employ tactics to bring neutral forces into his camp; and he must seek opportunities to strike at and divide those forces that have already colluded with Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er.

Murong Xuan paced back and forth in his tent, pondering his future plans. He knew this would be a path fraught with hardship and challenges, but he had no other choice. He secretly vowed that no matter how great the difficulties, he would not give up and would reclaim the glory and status that belonged to him.

Just as Murong Xuan was immersed in his reflections and plans, a soldier entered the tent and reported that some wounded generals and soldiers were too badly injured to survive. Murong Xuan felt a pang of grief upon hearing this. He went to the wounded soldiers' side, and seeing their pained expressions, his heart was filled with remorse. "It's all my fault," Murong Xuan said softly. He ordered that every effort be made to treat the wounded, but he knew that for some of the most severely injured, death might already be inevitable.

That night, Murong Xuan spent in anguish and reflection. As the dawn's light bathed the valley, he stepped out of his tent, gazing into the distance, his resolve for revenge already firmly set in his heart. He would carry this resolve with him on the arduous journey of rebuilding his power and rising again. Whatever awaited him ahead, he would not back down, for he was Murong Xuan, the former overlord, the future avenger.