Following Zhou Jianjia's orders, the Great Zhou army launched a fierce attack on the border of the Great Wu like a storm.
Although the garrison at the border of Dawu was brave, it gradually became overwhelmed by the fierce attacks of the Da Zhou army.
On the battlefield, blood splattered everywhere, and corpses littered the land. The banners of Da Wu fluttered in the wind, seemingly telling the tragic story of the border region.
Standing on high ground, Zhou Jianjia looked down at the captured border and felt a vague sense of unease.
The wind howled, bringing a chill, and her mood, like the gloomy weather, grew increasingly heavy.
Turning to look at Li Guangyi, Zhou Jianjia asked in a deep voice, "It seems that Song Xuan was indeed unprepared. The border garrison is so small. What are your thoughts, old marshal?"
Li Guangyi stroked his beard and pondered, "Your Majesty, things have come to this point, there is no turning back. We should continue the attack on Da Wu and press on with our momentum."
Zhou Jianjia frowned slightly, "But I still have a doubt in my heart: is that kid Chen Zhennan stirring things up in the dark? So far, he hasn't paid any price."
Li Guangyi had long sensed something was amiss, but since the civil and military officials in the court were unusually united in their attitudes, he couldn't say much.
“Your Majesty, even if we have fallen into their trap, there is no way to explain it to Song Xuan. After so many days, Song Xuan must have noticed something was wrong, but Chen Zhennan’s plan has already succeeded, so we can only play along.”
Zhou Jianjia thought about it and realized that Li Guangyi was right. Things had come to this point, and they had no choice but to take a desperate gamble.
"Pass down the order: continue the advance!"
The army marched through the vast mountains and fields, the soldiers' footsteps thundering like lightning, but Zhou Jianjia's mood grew heavier and heavier.
In just three days, Zhou Jianjia's 200,000-strong army advanced in a fan shape for over a hundred miles, occupying a large part of Dawu's territory.
...
Upon learning of the fall of the border in the capital of Dawu, Song Xuan's face turned pale instantly. He hurriedly summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures.
"Your Majesty, the Great Zhou army has penetrated deep into our territory. We must organize a counterattack immediately," a minister said anxiously.
Seeing that no one in the court objected, Song Xuan immediately ordered, "Immediately mobilize all available troops to annihilate Zhou Jianjia's army. This stupid woman, let her die under the iron hooves of my Great Wu!"
While Da Wu was nervously deploying his troops, Chen Zhennan was secretly observing, and everything was under his control.
Song Xuan stood on the city wall of Dawu Capital, his brows furrowed, his gaze fixed on the unfolded map.
His finger moved slowly across the map, and with each place he passed, his expression darkened.
He has mobilized all the troops around the capital, preparing to march to the western battlefield to face Zhou Jianjia's army.
"Your Majesty, the army has been assembled and is ready to depart at any time."
Song Xuan nodded, but his heart was in turmoil. His actions were fraught with risk. Zhou Xiang remained inactive in the south, while the 300,000-strong army of the Great Yan outside Tianyang Pass was watching him like a hawk. He seemed to have become the target of everyone's attacks.
"Your Majesty, are we really going to do this? Wouldn't that leave the capital vulnerable?"
A resolute glint flashed in Song Xuan's eyes: "We have no choice. Zhou Jianjia's army has mobilized its entire force and has penetrated deep into our territory. We must annihilate them. As for Zhou Xiang and the Great Yan's army, we can only hope for their hesitation and delay."
"Pass down the order, the army shall set off immediately."
At a command, the army, like a long dragon, slowly advanced towards the western battlefield.
Song Xuan's army marched westward, but as time went on, military pay and provisions became increasingly scarce, and the soldiers' moods were as heavy and uneasy as a sky filled with dark clouds.
Three nights later, Song Xuan entered the inner palace, his heart filled with pent-up emotions like a flood, and he could only drown his sorrows in alcohol.
In the magnificent palace, he ordered several jugs of fine wine, intending to spend this boring time with the two beautiful palace maids.
The wine glasses clinked lightly, the crisp sound echoing in the quiet night. The palace maids giggled, as if temporarily dispelling Song Xuan's troubles.
However, just as the effects of the wine were building, a man slowly walked in, carrying a tray with two jugs of wine on it.
Song Xuan frowned. Who was this person who dared not kneel before him?
The man slowly sat down, his face hidden by a mask, his expression calm.
Song Xuan was furious and was about to reprimand the man when he saw the man reach out and tear off his mask, revealing a familiar yet shocking face: Chen Zhennan!
For a moment, Song Xuan's heart was in turmoil, and he was so shocked that he could hardly speak.
"Chen Zhennan? What are you doing here?"
Song Xuan's voice was filled with disbelief, and his face looked as if he had been struck by lightning as he stared blankly at Chen Zhennan.
"I've come simply to have a drink with you and, incidentally, to discuss the future of the Great Wu."
Chen Zhennan's voice was relaxed and natural, as if he were not an enemy of Song Xuan, but catching up with an old friend.
"You dare come to the palace in the middle of the night, Chen Zhennan? Aren't you afraid of death?"
Song Xuan's anger was like a volcano about to erupt, yet deep down he felt a sense of unease. Facing this former God of War of the Martial Kingdom, he felt a sense of awe.
Chen Zhennan sat opposite Song Xuan, a hint of amusement in his eyes. He gently swirled the wine in his glass and said calmly, "Song Xuan, your dream of becoming emperor has come to an end."
Song Xuan frowned sharply. "Chen Zhennan, what do you mean? Guards!"
Despite Song Xuan's shout, the guards outside did not come in; instead, the two palace maids slowly walked over.
Song Xuan stared wide-eyed as two palace maids walked up behind Chen Zhennan.
"You...you are Chen Zhennan's men!"
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