Human Clan Defender-Chapter 555 -s 281-282 Minister Shen Changqing Comes By Order (2 in 1 - Please Vote for Monthly Ticket)_4

"The remnants of the Great Zhou army have retreated to hold Zhou Pass. Moreover, our scouts report that Great Zhou has been reinforcing Zhou Pass’s defenses these past few days. The troops stationed there now number no less than a million," Yan Jing said in a heavy tone. "To ascertain the exact count, further probing is required."

Gu Xuanji nodded, then turned his gaze to Ran An and another person. "I remember that the reinforcements from Great Liang and Dayue are outside Luo’an Prefecture. Could the two of you relay orders and have them cooperate with Great Qin in assaulting Zhou Pass?"

Ran An shook his head lightly. "Military matters are best left to military personnel. That is beyond my purview. I fear I must disappoint Emperor Qin!"

Zhou Pass was clearly a tough nut to crack. He could not possibly involve the men of Great Liang in this affair. One misstep and the casualties would be too great. It was enough that he himself had fallen into this predicament; there was no need to drag others down with him.

Following Ran An’s response, the other person gave a similar answer. "As for Dayue, our position is much like that of Great Liang. Although I belong to the Demon-Subduing Division, I also hold little sway in military affairs. If Emperor Qin truly seeks assistance from Dayue, perhaps a letter would be appropriate. I trust it would yield results."

"Speed is of the essence in warfare. Waiting so long would only allow Zhou Pass to strengthen its defenses even further," Gu Xuanji remarked coolly.

He had not expected the representatives of Great Liang and Dayue to genuinely cooperate in the siege of Zhou Pass; his inquiry was merely to casually assess their stances. It appeared now that although Great Liang and Dayue were allies with Great Qin, they preferred to watch the tigers fight from a safe distance. In light of this, some anger simmered within Gu Xuanji, yet he did not dwell on it. Watching the tigers fight from a mountaintop was fine. Being the mantis stalking the cicada was also acceptable. The real question was whether those two powers truly possessed the ability to handle the aftermath.

After testing the stances of Great Liang and Dayue, Gu Xuanji’s expression turned more solemn.

"Yan Jing, Wei Yang!"

"Your servant is here!" Yan Jing replied. He and the middle-aged man beside him rose to their feet simultaneously.

"Aside from leading the Azure Dragon Army and the Flying Phoenix Army, you will each take an additional 800,000 troops. Assault Zhou Pass from the left and right flanks. I require you to capture the targeted passes before noon tomorrow!"

"Your servant obeys the decree!"

"Furthermore—" Gu Xuanji turned to look at Ran An and Pei Feng, the expert from Dayue. "Ran An, you shall coordinate with Yan Jing in the attack. Yan Jing will lead, and you will act as his deputy. Pei Feng, you shall assist Wei Yang. Wei Yang will lead, and you will act as his deputy. Although you are from Great Liang and Dayue, now that you have joined the ranks of Great Qin’s army, I will treat you all equally. If anyone dares to flee in the face of battle or disobeys orders, thereby causing severe losses for our army, they should not blame me for enforcing martial law!"

His words were stern, sparing no regard for their dignity.

Upon hearing this, Ran An and Pei Feng’s hearts jolted, and they too rose to their feet. "If it is Emperor Qin’s command, how dare we not obey!"

"Good!" Gu Xuanji nodded in satisfaction and swiftly continued issuing orders. "As for the main gate of Zhou Pass, I shall lead the troops to assault it personally."

"Your Majesty must not!"

"Your Majesty, your person is as precious as ten thousand gold! To personally lead the assault on Zhou Pass is too risky. If anything were to go awry, it could unsettle the hearts of the people. Would it not be better for someone else to lead the assault on Zhou Pass while Your Majesty commands from Heavenly Gate Pass?"

No sooner had these words been spoken than many others voiced their objections.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xuanji’s expression turned cold. "Since I have personally led this expedition, there is no reason for me to remain at the rear. If word of that were to spread, it would only invite ridicule. No more discussion is needed. I will lead the troops to attack the main gate of Zhou Pass. Any dissent will be treated as disobedience of orders!"

With these words, those who sought to dissuade him fell silent. To argue further might bring upon them the crime of beheading. Taking such a risk was decidedly unnecessary.

When the tent fell deathly silent, a soft yet clear voice drifted in from outside. "Your servant Shen Changqing has arrived by command, seeking an audience with Your Majesty!"