"Zhu Sheng, what is the situation with the Yanzhou campaign?"
Composing himself, Yang Hao looked at Zhu Sheng, who had been in charge of Yang Hao's secret intelligence agency since its inception.
Starting with thirty Jingzhou soldiers as the foundation of the spy network, over time, more and more soldiers were recruited into the secret organization, with their influence and eyes spreading across the land of Wu.
This was also the key reason why Yang Hao, along with Zhu Sheng, Chen Gong, and others under his command, could promptly analyze and understand the general trend of the world situation!
Yang Hao was currently very focused on the Yanzhou campaign, as it would determine the division of top powers within the kingdom of Wu.
Regarding Ji Shu's secret, only Yang Hao's side was fully aware of his true capabilities. Throughout Wu, from King Ji Fa to the common folk, everyone mistakenly believed that the Governor of Yizhou had gotten incredibly lucky.
Without shedding a single drop of blood, he had inexplicably taken control of the vast territory of Jingzhou.
No one knew that the bloody Jianmen Pass was the work of the Governor of Yizhou, Ji Shu, who had annihilated the entire sect, leaving behind only withered bones and empty skins, their flesh and blood completely gone!
Ji Shu had delved deep into the Wuling Mountains, claiming the secret treasures of the Soul Refining Hall for himself. In Yang Hao's eyes, in the Yanzhou campaign, Chen Taisheng and his Tiangang Sect were destined to be buried in Yanzhou.
To everyone else, the tense and perplexing Yanzhou campaign had already been decided. Everything was merely a grand illusion orchestrated by the Governor of Yizhou, Ji Shu!
"My lord, according to the intelligence from scouts and secret agents, Ji Shu has formed a military alliance with Ji Hu, and the final battle for Yanzhou is about to commence!"
Zhu Sheng said, fanning himself with a feather fan, his tone laced with worry.
"My lord, the Yanzhou campaign will most likely lean towards the imperial court and Yizhou. The Tiangang Sect, occupying three prefectures, resides in fertile lands, possesses abundant resources, and a large population. Their territory is vast."
"My lord, we should plan ahead. It would be wise to seize a significant fortune amidst this muddy water."
Chen Gong's expression remained somber. He stroked the Tiangang Sect's territory on the map with his right hand, his brow furrowed with concern.
Chen Gong's analysis was accurate. Yang Hao intently studied the map, his gaze sweeping over Qingzhou and Xuzhou.
Since the northern strategy was fully integrated, and the Yanzhou campaign had reached its decisive stage, they should immediately deploy troops and await the Jin forces' entry into Bingzhou, leading to the downfall of Wu.
"Zhu Sheng, Gong Tai, convey my orders!"
Yang Hao spoke decisively.
"Yes!"
The two bowed respectfully.
"Order Dan Xiongxin to lead fifty thousand troops and establish camp at the border where Jizhou, Yanzhou, and Qingzhou meet. After the Yanzhou campaign concludes, he is to swiftly dispatch troops to take Qingzhou and Xuzhou."
"Order Liao Hua to raise an army of fifty thousand and head to the border of the three prefectures to rendezvous with Dan Xiongxin!"
"Order Wu Yong to oversee the governance of Jizhou and Youzhou, and provide logistical support for Dan Xiongxin!"
"Order Cheng Yaojin to lead fifty thousand elite Tang cavalry, to rendezvous with Gao Shun and Zhou Yuji. Once the Jin army enters Bingzhou, he is to swiftly cut off the Jin army's retreat with Gao Shun. After the capital's conflict is settled, they are to annihilate the Jin forces in one fell swoop."
"Order Zhou Yuji to firmly hold the border of Liangzhou and strictly prevent any Jin reinforcements!"
"Order Zhu Sheng to oversee the governance of Liangzhou and Yongzhou, ensuring timely supply of provisions and fodder!"
"Order Lu Kang to lead forty thousand elite Eastern Wu soldiers and strictly guard the three prefectures of Yizhou!"
"Order Wan Mizhai to lead the alchemists and intensify the refining of Huiyuan Pills day and night, to meet the demands of the war effort!"
"Order Chen Gong to serve as the strategist, overseeing all troop adjustments and planning for this campaign!"
"You shall not fail!"
Yang Hao scanned Chen Gong and Zhu Sheng, his voice firm, a killing intent radiating from his gaze!
"We respectfully obey our lord's commands!"
The two received the order respectfully and bowed in unison!
As Yang Hao's orders were issued from the Liangzhou prefectural office, the entire northern region of Wu, excluding Bingzhou, across the four prefectural governments, was in an uproar. Numerous troops mobilized, and countless horses charged.
Yongzhou, Tianmen Pass.
"General Cheng, I will certainly fulfill my duty and protect the land of Yongzhou. I will stand with the prefecture until my last breath, shedding blood should I fall!"
Yu Jing's eyes were red as he roared towards the departing fifty thousand cavalry, his voice echoing across the desolate border.
"Damn it all! Yu Jing, you better guard Yongzhou well for old Cheng!"
Cheng Yaojin stood before his vast army and roared heroically at the sky.
"Tang cavalry, charge!"
The soldiers roared madly, their warhorses thundering, dust clouds billowing towards the heavens. This battle must be won, to achieve unparalleled merit for our lord!
Liangzhou, Beidi Prefecture.
The bleak and ancient Beidi Prefecture had already been revitalized with vigor. Thick and sturdy city walls had risen, soaring into the clouds.
"All soldiers, heed my command!"
Liao Hua stood atop the city wall, his voice resounding powerfully, instilling awe in the remnants of the Wuling Mountains.
"My lord's order is to advance eastward with the entire army starting today!"
Clang!
The three-pointed blade gleamed, and an imposing aura pierced the sky!
"All troops, prepare to march!"
"Battle! Battle! Battle!"
Fifty thousand elite Shu-Han soldiers roared towards the Wuling Mountains, the forests whistling and the mountains shaking!
"We wish General a victorious return!"
In Beidi Prefecture's city, one hundred thousand citizens spontaneously cheered for their diligent prefect!
With banners flying high and legions thunderous, under Liao Hua's command, they disappeared at the end of the Wuling Mountains!
Liangzhou Border.
"General Gao Shun, General Zhou Yuji, my lord's orders!"
A soldier shouted on horseback, his banner fluttering in the wind.
"Your subordinate is here!"
The two bowed respectfully.
"Order Zhou Yuji to firmly garrison the Liangzhou border and strictly prevent any Jin reinforcements!"
"Order General Gao Shun, upon the arrival of General Cheng Yaojin, and after the Jin forces enter Bingzhou, to swiftly cut off the Jin army's retreat with General Cheng Yaojin. After the capital's conflict is settled, they are to annihilate the Jin forces in one fell swoop."
The command was resolute, radiating a clear intent to kill!
"Your subordinate obeys!"
The two stated resolutely and bowed respectfully!
Youzhou Prefectural Office.
Within the city, blood stained the ground, the stench of death permeated the air, and smoke billowed everywhere. The newly acquired Youzhou was in a state of utter desolation!
As Dan Xiongxin's army swept through You and Ji Prefectures, various families and officials met their bloody ends. Decades of deeply entrenched tumors were uprooted, leading to rivers of blood!
Dan Xiongxin, mounted on his horse, sat on the prefect's throne, polishing his golden-topped Zao Yang spear. The dried bloodstains on the spear gleamed menacingly.
"Deputy, inform the entire army to execute all the rebels held in the prison, and then accompany me to the border of the three prefectures!"
Dan Xiongxin's eyes flashed with ferocity, his expression grim, and his murderous intent palpable!
"Your subordinate obeys!"
The deputy received the order respectfully and drew his sword.
With Dan Xiongxin's command, thousands of heads fell instantly. Throughout Youzhou, all sects and clans, big and small, submitted their loyalty, and Youzhou was completely subdued under Dan Xiongxin's blade!
Some time later.
Fifty thousand elite troops of Wadang, roaring towards the heavens, led by Dan Xiongxin, marched south towards the Central Plains.
Following Yang Hao's decree, within a month, the northern strategy had fully formed a 'trap the dog in a confined space' formation. Several legendary figures from across the ages awaited orders.
Over a hundred thousand troops were on high alert, awaiting the Jin army's entry into Bingzhou, and the pacification of Yanzhou!