Zhang Xinwang paced back and forth in his tent, unable to calm his anger, yet he had to admit that Chen Gong's words were true.
With Huai'an destroyed, the Zhang family's strength has been greatly diminished. At this time, if they were to rashly attack Qingzhou, it would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock.
Meanwhile, several powerful families in the north are eyeing us covetously, and if we are not careful, they will take advantage of our vulnerability.
He took a deep breath, trying to suppress his anger. He had to stay calm and rational.
He couldn't let hatred cloud his judgment; he had to consider the future of the Zhang family.
"Pass down the order: the entire army retreats! Return to Huai'an!"
Zhang Xinwang finally gave the order to retreat, his voice low and hoarse.
Upon hearing this, Chen Gong secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
However, before he could fully relax, Zhang Xinwang added:
"Before we leave, let's burn this city of Jingzhou to the ground! What I can't have, she can't have either!"
Chen Gong wanted to persuade him further, but looking into Zhang Xinwang's bloodshot eyes, he knew that further words would be of no use.
This general has been blinded by hatred.
A raging fire engulfed Jingzhou City, and the towering flames illuminated Zhang Xinwang's face and half the sky.
...
Upon returning to Qingzhou, Chen Qingwan fell asleep almost immediately, exhausted both physically and mentally from the days of travel and fighting.
When Chen Qingwan woke up, she felt sore all over, but the military situation was urgent and she could not afford to be negligent in the slightest.
After a quick wash, she immediately summoned the generals for a meeting.
"Generals, although Zhang Xinwang burned Jingzhou and withdrew his troops, this is merely a delaying tactic. He will surely return with renewed force!"
Chen Qingwan spoke firmly, her gaze sweeping over the crowd.
"Furthermore, several major families in the north are eyeing the Datong Dynasty covetously. We must act swiftly to stabilize the situation!"
Li Mu clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, this humble general is willing to lead the army to retake Jingzhou!"
Tiger Descending the Mountain also stepped forward to volunteer:
"Your Majesty, this humble general is willing to lead the Tiger Head Army to attack Liangzhou, to contain Zhang Xinwang, and to recruit new soldiers!"
Chen Qingwan nodded, having already made up her mind:
"Good! We'll split into two groups. General Li Mu will lead 50,000 troops straight to Jingzhou. We must retake Jingzhou as soon as possible!"
"General Xia Shan Hu led 30,000 Tiger Head Army soldiers to attack Liangzhou, to contain Zhang Xinwang's forces, and at the same time recruit new soldiers to expand the army to 100,000!"
The generals responded in unison, "As you command!"
Chen Qingwan knew that this battle was a matter of life and death for the Datong Dynasty, and that the slightest mistake would lead to total defeat.
To boost morale, she decided to personally visit the military camp and offer her condolences to the soldiers.
Upon arriving at the military camp, Chen Qingwan stepped down from the imperial carriage.
Looking at those young yet resolute faces, a warm feeling welled up inside me.
She walked up to the platform, looked around at the crowd, and said loudly:
"Soldiers! The Great Tong Dynasty is beset by internal and external troubles, and we are facing unprecedented challenges!"
"But I believe that as long as we unite as one and fight bravely, we will surely be able to defeat all enemies and revive the Great Tong Dynasty!"
"I know that you are all the bravest warriors of the Great Tong Dynasty! I am willing to live and die with you, and fight to the last drop of blood for the future of the Great Tong Dynasty!"
Chen Qingwan's impassioned speech ignited the passion in the hearts of the soldiers.
They raised their weapons high and shouted like a tidal wave:
"We swear to defend Datong to the death! We swear to be loyal to His Majesty to the death!"
Looking at the soldiers with high morale, Chen Qingwan felt full of confidence.
She believed that as long as these loyal and brave soldiers were available, the Datong Dynasty would surely be able to overcome the difficulties!
After leaving the military camp, Chen Qingwan's thoughts drifted to distant places.
She thought of Lu Yan, the man she both loved and hated.
She hadn't heard from him since they parted ways.
I wonder how he is now? Does he still remember her?
"Lu Yan..." Chen Qingwan murmured softly, a strange longing welling up in her heart.
She wondered if this battle would bring them together again.
Meanwhile, far away in Shannan Prefecture, Lu Yan was leisurely lying in a rocking chair.
He was engrossed in reading a copy of "Jin Ping Mei" that he had brought from Earth.
Li Kui stood to the side, holding a palm-leaf fan, fanning himself idly.
"Xiao Kui, you know, Ximen Qing is really something. With so many women, how can he manage?"
Lu Yan was engrossed in watching and casually asked a question.
Li Kui scratched his head sheepishly:
"Sir, I don't understand these things. I only know how to fight."
Lu Yan laughed heartily, put down his book, and stretched:
"Yeah, all you ever think about is war. But you get tired of it after a while."
"Don't you think we should find a place to relax and unwind?"
"Where would you like to go to relax, sir?"
Li Kui asked curiously.
Lu Yan narrowed his eyes, revealing a meaningful smile:
"I've heard that Java has beautiful scenery and lots of beautiful women. Shall we go check it out?"
Upon hearing this, Li Kui immediately perked up:
"Great! I've wanted to go to Java for ages! I've heard that all the women there are as beautiful as Princess Aisha!"
"Aisha?"
Lu Yan raised an eyebrow, the image of that exotic woman appearing in his mind.
"She's definitely a beauty. But I heard she's been getting quite close to Kim Hyun-myung lately."
Li Kui curled his lip: "That kid Jin Xuanming is all talk and no action. He's nowhere near as capable as our Night Owl!"
Lu Yan smiled but didn't say anything.
He knew in his heart that although Jin Xuanming was not as skilled in martial arts as him.
But when it comes to flirting, he admits he's no match for her.
"Sir, are you really going to Java?"
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