Richest Man: Divine-Grade Reconstruct System Chapter 992 - 952: Turning the Tables

As predicted, the revelation that the city might fall sent ripples of panic through the crowd, igniting a fervent discussion amongst the assembled officials.

"What do you mean, we might lose one or two cities? Is it even worth dispatching our troops then?"

"Perhaps defending the Capital City to the death is a better strategy. If they see we’re not reinforcing, they might just withdraw."

"Indeed, if we withhold our forces, they might be forced to return empty-handed, incurring no losses on our side."

"A cautious approach seems far safer than risking our assets."

"Let's not be hasty. Youngsters might possess passion, but decisions must be guided by the greater good. Losing even a single city, especially in the prosperous Jiangnan region, would be a devastating blow, impacting our grain supply for the following year."

"It's more than just next year's food shortage. Jiangnan's granaries provide sustenance for over half our nation. If those fall, we'll face a multi-year famine, a calamity of unimaginable proportions."

"Precisely. While General Leng's assessment is logical, caution remains paramount."

"The ministers are right. I concur that prudence is necessary. If the loss of a few cities causes grain prices to skyrocket, it will not only starve us but also inflict immense suffering upon the populace."

Amidst the ongoing debate, Leng Yu observed with a playful smirk, startlingly reminiscent of Lin Yi's own expressions. Lin Yi found himself in a state of bemused helplessness.

She seemed to have adopted his less-than-ideal mannerisms with remarkable efficiency. Every one of his subtle quirks was now being mirrored by her.

Lin Yi noted with a touch of bewilderment that Leng Yu now frequently sported that same roguish grin. She hadn't possessed such a demeanor when they first met. He wondered where on earth she had picked it up.

Despite his internal sense of resignation, he couldn't voice any true complaint. As for the ministers' clamoring, Lin Yi paid it little heed.

He was a man resolute in his convictions, and their words were unlikely to sway his predetermined course.

Especially now, with Leng Yu tasked with formulating a plan, he intended to prioritize her strategic insights, regardless of external opinions.

Even if her strategy deviated from his own initial thoughts, his decision had already been cemented in his heart.

In essence, even a brilliant plan from Leng Yu, if it clashed with his predetermined conclusion, would likely be dismissed.

Thus, as the ministers droned on, neither Leng Yu nor Lin Yi uttered a word, content to observe the scene unfold like an audience watching a play.

Slowly, the more seasoned ministers began to grasp the situation.

Noticing the shared, knowing smiles exchanged between Lin Yi and Leng Yu, they gradually quieted down, their minds racing as they tried to decipher the unspoken understanding between the two.

A peculiar observation solidified in their minds: the smiles of Lin Yi and Leng Yu were uncannily alike.

Once a respectful silence descended upon the hall, Lin Yi shifted his gaze back to Leng Yu. "If you have devised a strategy, General Leng, I implore you to share it. We are here to deliberate, and all contributions are welcome. The final decision will be made in due course."

"However, let every individual feel empowered to voice their ideas. Only through such open discourse can we hope to uncover the most effective solution!"

"This applies not only to you, General Leng, but to everyone present. Your insights are invaluable."

Upon hearing Lin Yi's invitation, Leng Yu offered a respectful salute. She then addressed the assembled officials, "Your Majesty, my proposed strategy may involve the temporary loss of one or two cities. However, if successful, the ensuing benefits will vastly overshadow the cost of those territorial concessions."

"I have noted the ministers' concerns regarding the potential detriments and significant losses associated with ceding territory. Yet, I assure you, the rewards of my plan promise to eclipse such perceived drawbacks."

This bold assertion left everyone bewildered, each straining to comprehend how any strategy could possibly justify the sacrifice of vital cities, let alone the critical granaries within them.

All eyes fixed on Leng Yu, a silent plea for her to elaborate.

Sensing the collective anticipation, Leng Yu decided to dispense with further suspense and stated plainly,

"My strategy is aptly named 'Drawing Fuel from the Fire.' The enemy has deployed their main force, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, as a lure, while heavily fortifying their rear to spring an ambush. Why shouldn't we turn their own tactics against them?"

"The forces they've stationed in the south are nothing more than a feint, a carefully constructed illusion. We should disregard them entirely, as if they do not exist."

"They will not dare to launch a full-scale assault. Should they attempt it, they will face crippling losses."

"Therefore, my recommendation is to ignore their southern contingent.

Instead, our focus should be directed towards the territory of Zhao Country that lies beyond Shanhaiguan Pass.

We have intel suggesting they may have amassed substantial forces there, anticipating our southward march, poised to exploit any vulnerability."

If that is the approach, then why not devise a counter-strategy? We ought to assemble our 200,000-strong army and bolster our numbers by an additional 300,000 from the garrisons in neighboring cities. We can feign an advance towards the south.

Nevertheless, our forces would not proceed southward; instead, they would take a less obvious route directly toward Shanhaiguan.

This bold suggestion caught everyone off guard, Lin Yi included.

Yet, what set Lin Yi apart was not mere surprise at Leng Yu’s unconventional strategy.

[To be continued...]

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