Yun Zhe's assessment of the situation was more pessimistic than Gao's. Yun Zhe was quite experienced in these kinds of situations. It was like going to an internet cafe with his roommates to play competitive games before he time-traveled. If they won, his roommates would definitely pay for everything that night; if they lost, they might have to split the internet and drink costs.
Even without Serena coming to Yun Zhe's side, Yun Zhe could clearly see what Serena was thinking through the letter.
However, what angered Yun Zhe was that Serena's letter was vague and ambiguous, and there was absolutely no basis for judging how the situation had developed.
Yun Zhe carefully put the letter away and sighed helplessly. He looked at the soldiers on the parade ground, whose ranks were still not very orderly, and a sense of weariness welled up in his heart.
"Sir, look, it's Cyrus returning from patrol. He's running here in such a hurry, he couldn't possibly..."
Yun Zhe was so overwhelmed that he didn't even have the strength to stop Gao from continuing.
Yun Zhe already knew Cyrus's plan. Their outpost at Herak village had detected a new cavalry force, which, if they weren't mistaken, should be Asini's troops. At the same time, they also made contact with cavalry near Gularburg, Marquis Kurman's Shadow Thorns.
After listening to Cyrus's story, Yun Zhe asked, "How far away are they from us?"
“The Shadow Thorns are near Gularburg, and Asini’s troops have apparently crossed the Ordorf Bridge.” Cyruston paused for a moment, then added, “Probably… crossed.”
Yun Zhe returned to his tent, spread out a map, and traced lines on it with a ruler for a long time before sighing, "Our reconnaissance range is twice that of a regular unit, so based on the meeting point you mentioned, it's clear that the other side has already crossed the Ordorf Bridge."
Yun Zhe tapped the palm of his other hand with a ruler. Clearly, some people were still vying for the so-called legitimate status, while others had already begun to pocket the real prize.
I wonder what those people still struggling in the capital will think when they hear this news.
"My lord, will they attack us?" Cyrus asked cautiously, noticing Yun Zhe's rather nervous expression.
Yun Zhe thought for a moment and shook his head. "Probably not. I even think we can swallow up the Lunlang family's territory in one fell swoop."
Gao and Cyrus exchanged a glance, both shocked. "My lord, if we annex all the land, won't we be closer to Asini's troops? Won't that be too dangerous?"
"Don't worry, the important thing is not to actually control that land, but to declare that the land has an owner. Moreover, as you know, there are actually not many people left on that land. It is estimated that for a long time to come, it will be part of the battlefield, and no one will want to go back to live there."
Yun Zhe's explanation only confused Gao and Cyrus more. If that's the case, then what's the point of having this enclave? Isn't this just inviting trouble?
"My lord, I still don't understand. We now have the Fort of Dorgnitz and this naturally formed defensive line, so there shouldn't be any danger. That area is all plains, and launching a rash attack would actually be disadvantageous for us. Don't you always say that terrain is extremely important for the disadvantaged? I really don't understand why we should go and take that land." Perhaps because he had been following Yun Zhe for a long time, Gao spoke much more directly.
"Land is a bargaining chip. Even a piece of land that nobody wants will become an important bargaining chip at the negotiating table in the future. Take it first, and we'll have more room to maneuver in both offense and defense. As for manpower, we don't need too many. Just maintain daily patrols to create the illusion that there are people around."
Unlike Gao, Cyrus did not hesitate after hearing this. He knew the importance of land. The Aruru people were crammed into a no-man's-land, which was why they had an overpopulation and had to rely on mercenaries for a living.
"My lord, I'll send troops over right away!" Cyrus immediately declared after hearing Yun Zhe's words. Yun Zhe waved his hand, "You and your mercenaries don't need to go. Send them instead." Yun Zhe pointed to the soldiers training in the distance.
Cyrus was a little confused. Had he said something wrong?
"The soldiers' formations are almost perfected; they can practice marching and setting up camp on the way. However, this means I'll have to leave again. I'll need your continued support regarding matters in the castle."
"My lord, you're going to..."
“My lord, I feel that the castle cannot do without you for the time being…” Gao said.
Yun Zhe waved his hand, "There's nothing major happening in the castle right now. Gao, you've done a great job with the soldiers' training and the refugees' shelter. As for the elves, I've already written a letter and left you some money."
"My lord, that's not what I meant."
Yun Zhe's eyes narrowed sharply, and his expression became tense.
Because Ellie is coming.
Although Jerok didn't cause Akdina any more trouble, and Yun Zhe explained to him that Akdina had saved him twice, he still told Ellie about Akdina's arrival there.
Moreover, Ellie is very likely to arrive today.
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