Richest Man: Divine-Grade Reconstruct System Chapter 991 - 951: A City Might Be Lost

Almost no one questions Leng Yu's pronouncements now, dismissing them as baseless fabrication. Instead, they have all come to accept his words as truth, understanding their gravity.

As Leng Yu himself stated, the Capital City indeed faces imminent danger. It's evident that without Leng Yu's sharp insight into the unfolding situation, they might have already dispatched aid, a move that would have been disastrous.

Had Prince Dayou not removed certain officials from their posts and sent them to their homes, those very individuals would have undoubtedly urged the Grand Generals to mobilize the army for an expedition. Such an action would have plunged the Dayou Kingdom into true peril.

Furthermore, the treacherous intentions of the Zhao Country are undeniable. While presenting a facade of peace, they have acted in secret, a complete violation of their alliance with Dayou, turning their backs on them entirely.

Their motives remain obscure. Without the support of the other six nations, can they truly coexist peacefully with Yan Country? Can they realistically expect to divide the world amongst themselves?

Such an outcome is utterly impossible. Without Dayou, a colossal war between Zhao Country and Yan Country would inevitably erupt, with Zhao Country emerging as the sole loser.

Consequently, the actions of the Sovereign of Zhao Country baffle everyone. They question his sanity, his decision-making process, wondering why such a choice was made.

Regardless of their reasoning, whether sound or flawed, the reality is now starkly apparent. Zhao Country has likely amassed a formidable army poised outside Shanhaiguan. This implies that if Leng Yu were to lead troops to relieve the ten cities, Shanhaiguan would face an intense engagement, potentially leading to the immediate destruction of the newly established Border Army Camp.

The reason Zhao Country has yet to assault Shanhaiguan remains a mystery. Despite Shanhaiguan's weakened state compared to its past glory, with minimal garrisons and virtually nonexistent defenses, making it an ideal target, why has Zhao Country hesitated?

What are they waiting for?

The answer, in part, lies in Lin Yi's earlier display of power, single-handedly repelling ten thousand cavalry. This feat has certainly instilled fear and deterred malicious intent.

More significantly, the retreat of the Yan Country's forces – perhaps the news has not disseminated rapidly enough. While they may not have known only a few days ago, it's highly probable they are now aware that Shanhaiguan has been reclaimed by Dayou.

It's clear they are hesitant to attack rashly, especially after the sheer terror instilled by the eyewitness accounts of Lin Yi's prowess. The exaggerated tales spun by those who witnessed the event have undoubtedly instilled deep fear.

These accounts have led ordinary people to believe that Shanhaiguan harbors a mysterious protector. Consequently, the Zhao forces are currently in a phase of cautious observation.

However, should they discover the true lack of troops and the vulnerabilities of Shanhaiguan, their calm demeanor will likely evaporate. At that point, they would undoubtedly launch an assault on its walls.

Gazing at Lin Yi, who had been observing the proceedings below until Leng Yu concluded his report, he finally spoke, his voice resonating with the assembled officials:

"I, too, concur with Leng Yu's assessment. These are likely the true circumstances; the Zhao Country forces are currently engaged in probing the defenses of Shanhaiguan and meticulously investigating our every move within the Capital City. Transmit my decree: mobilize the Hidden Guard for a thorough, city-wide search. I will tolerate no spies within the Capital City."

Upon hearing the order, Minister Wu promptly bowed in acknowledgment, grasping Lin Yi's intent to eradicate all Yan and Zhao spies from the Capital City, thereby maintaining a constant state of apprehension among them.

As for the deployment of our troops? Minister Wu hesitated to voice his thoughts, realizing that all his previous suggestions had been misguided. As the Minister of the Ministry of War, he should possess a superior understanding of military affairs and be more insightful than anyone.

Yet, it was painfully evident that he fell far short. This realization sparked a growing unease within him, fearing that King Dayou might perceive his inadequacy and consider his dismissal. Given Leng Yu's recent, undeniable display of talent, which far surpasses his own.

Despite the anxiety gnawing at him, he understood the necessity of diligently executing the tasks assigned by King Dayou. Therefore, he fervently hoped for further commands and assignments, believing that only by fully demonstrating his worth could he secure his position.

After Minister Wu had finalized all arrangements, Lin Yi spoke once more, his gaze shifting to Leng Yu.

"General Leng, how do you believe we should proceed? Should we dispatch reinforcements, or would it be wiser to remain steadfast in defending the Capital City and avoid direct engagement?"

In truth, as Lin Yi posed this question, a course of action was already forming in his mind. He was merely assessing Leng Yu’s competence, to gauge if she possessed any genuine strategic acumen.

This inquiry, however, was not to imply he wouldn't favor her if she lacked talent; rather, should her capabilities prove insufficient, he would personally undertake her tutelage.

After a moment of contemplation upon hearing his query, Leng Yu lifted her gaze, meeting Lin Yi’s eyes with a resolute expression. She spoke:

"Your Majesty, I do have a strategy in mind, though it entails a degree of risk. It is quite possible that implementing this plan may result in the loss of one or two cities."

She then hesitated for a beat, her gaze sweeping as if anticipating Lin Yi’s reaction or perhaps bracing for objections from the assembled ministers.

[To be continued...]