Richest Man: Divine-Grade Reconstruct System Chapter 986 - 946: Contempt

This whole situation seemed to have no easy solution, primarily because the other party involved was a woman.

Furthermore, she was a woman of such captivating beauty.

To capture the attention of Prince You and to be the woman he favored, how could she possibly be ordinary?

Even if she lacked any true substance and was merely a decorative piece, her value in Prince You's eyes far surpassed ours.

Considering this, a collective, unspoken sigh went through the crowd, as if to say Prince You himself was merely human.

Indeed, even the mightiest heroes struggle to overcome the allure of beauty.

To blindly trust a woman's words on matters of national importance truly presented the world's greatest absurdity.

However, the fact that she held complete authority over military affairs made everyone accept even the most illogical circumstances.

And now, upon hearing Lin Yi's pronouncements, all eyes shifted towards Leng Yu. Yet, their expressions held little hope, leaning more towards eager anticipation of the unfolding drama.

Currently, they had long since relinquished any belief in Leng Yu possessing substantial insights. Frankly, with Dayou already under the control of others, their only recourse was to meekly adapt.

As long as a path to survival could be found, if the opposing forces truly launched an assault on the city, they could always seek refuge in Yan Country or Zhao Country.

Relying on their familial standing and the accumulated heritage of their lineages, thriving under the new emperor should not prove too difficult.

It was precisely for this reason that a profound silence descended upon each of them, their gazes fixed solely on Leng Yu, awaiting her continuation.

Leng Yu, clearly aware of their focused attention, chose to disregard their underlying thoughts.

Whether she was merely a pretty face or possessed genuine substance was a truth she knew best herself, not something to be determined by others.

Having fully grasped this realization, Leng Yu offered another bow to Lin Yi, her eyes sweeping across every minister present, paying particular attention to Minister Wu.

Her gaze settling upon Minister Wu, she declared in a clear, resonant voice:

"Just as Minister Wu articulated, our Capital City boasts a defending force of 200,000 troops, ample strength to repel lesser adversaries. Unless Yan and Zhao commit their entire nations to the assault, victory will remain beyond their grasp."

"Even if they mobilize their full national might, their chances of success are slim. We possess inherent topographical advantages, strategic positioning, and the unwavering support of our populace – these are the critical aspects we must leverage."

"

These words left everyone present momentarily dumbfounded, none having anticipated the woman would suddenly endorse Minister Wu's earlier assertions.

What could this possibly signify? Was she admitting her own inadequacy, retracting her previous statements, and seeking conciliation with Minister Wu? But how could such a thing be conceivable?

Even Minister Wu himself, let alone the others, was taken aback, his gaze towards Leng Yu filled with bewilderment as he rapidly considered the possibility. Perhaps Leng Yu was extending an olive branch his way.

If she were to genuinely seek his alliance, should he cultivate a closer relationship with her moving forward?

After all, she was the trusted confidante of Prince You; associating with her offered no potential drawbacks.

Yet, just as these thoughts began to form in his mind, and as all the ministers entertained similar notions, Leng Yu's voice resonated once more, this time directly contradicting Minister Wu's preceding statement:

"However, I must pose a question: Minister Wu, throughout this prolonged period of siege, has a single one of the ten cities fallen?"

This pointed question left Minister Wu and all others stunned, subsequently prompting them to shake their heads in resignation.

He had just meticulously explained that despite amassing considerable forces to assault these cities, setting aside feigned diversions, not one had been successfully captured.

But now, given Leng Yu's standing as Prince You's close confidante, her raising of such a query necessitated a re-explanation, even though prior answers had been provided:

"Indeed, no city has been conquered because our troop numbers are sufficient, with each city defended by nearly ten thousand soldiers. "

"Moreover, by utilizing the formidable defenses of the cities, coupled with natural advantages, strategic locations, and the populace's backing, they have gained virtually nothing. "

"In the span of nearly half a month, our casualties have been remarkably light."

Having stated this, Leng Yu offered a distinct nod before inquiring further:

"Very well, may I inquire, given our minimal losses, what of the opposing forces? Did their troops sustain heavy casualties during these prolonged sieges?"

Minister Wu responded with a chuckle, casually waving a dismissive hand. "The enemy are not fools; recognizing our formidable defenses, they likely refrained from relentless assaults. "

"Their current casualty count mirrors ours, approximately hundreds per city. In the grand theater of this war, such figures are almost negligible. "

"Naturally, the reason for this peculiar situation might stem from their intention to starve our cities into submission."

"Since antiquity, every engagement has its unique strategic considerations."

"Much like the present, understanding our substantial internal forces and robust garrisons, perhaps maintaining a steadfast defense is of paramount importance."

"General Leng may not yet be aware, but sometimes a battle, or indeed a siege, can persist for upwards of two years."