"We now have 15,000 troops, and we've also secured a lot of weapons and equipment. We're just waiting for your return."
Li Mu reported excitedly, as if he could already see the dawn of victory.
"Alright, then let's attack Jingzhou Prefecture tonight!"
Upon hearing this, the surrounding generals were stunned and looked at each other in bewilderment.
"Your Majesty, isn't this too fast?"
A general asked cautiously, his face full of worry.
"If we don't take Jingzhou soon, we'll be trapped here and die sooner or later."
Chen Qingwan spoke solemnly, then smiled mysteriously.
"And this time, I also brought back a secret weapon. Jingzhou Prefecture can't stop me!"
She patted the several large boxes behind her, which contained the explosives provided by Lu Yan.
As night fell, the city of Jingzhou was brightly lit.
Prefect Zhang Qi of Jingzhou sat upright at the head of the table.
Before him, several trusted advisors were sitting together, discussing something in hushed tones.
Since the news of the Empress's disappearance and the fall of the capital arrived.
Zhang Qi was restless day and night, unable to eat or sleep properly.
He knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
An opportunity for him to break free from the constraints of the court and establish himself as king.
After repeated persuasion from his trusted advisors, Zhang Qi finally made up his mind.
They embarked on the path of self-reliance.
His forces expanded from three thousand to ten thousand, giving him the air of a regional warlord.
"My lord, although the Imperial Guards are strong, they are currently surrounded by enemies and their foothold is not yet secure. This is the perfect opportunity for us to launch an attack!"
The trusted general clasped his hands in a fist and spoke, his words full of longing to achieve great deeds.
Another general echoed:
"My lord, our army is trapped in Tongzhou and our food supplies are running out."
"Why not take the initiative and strike before the Imperial Guards have established a firm foothold? Perhaps we can achieve great things!"
Zhang Qi was not moved by the generals' impassioned speech.
His brow furrowed, his fingers tapping lightly on the edge of the sand table, and he said in a deep voice:
"I have complete faith in the bravery of you generals."
"But now that the war is at a stalemate, what I am worried about is not the Imperial Guards, but the attitude of the imperial court."
His gaze was piercing as he surveyed the people in the tent, his voice low yet resolute:
"Liu An is currently drawing troops from across the country. Once he sets his sights on us..."
"Our army must not only send troops, but also provide money and food to support the imperial army."
"Although the court is corrupt, the Great Tong Dynasty is not yet dead. I, Zhang Qi, cannot easily give up my status as an official of the court."
Zhang Qi was not greedy for power, but rather had a long-term vision.
Revealing one's strength too early will only invite suspicion and suppression from various forces.
Everything we are doing now is about biding our time and accumulating strength.
Quietly waiting for the best opportunity to arrive.
His plans were going smoothly, but he didn't realize that danger was already creeping in.
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