Immortal Fairies Always Have Designs on Me-Chapter 966 - 403: "Lu Jin’an of Wandao Sect Has Been Awaiting You All!

In the month of July, summer solstice had arrived.

In the northern part of Nanjiang State, the Longjiang River flowed turbulently to the east, dividing the region into north and south.

Not long ago, the Qin Army not only marched north to capture significant cities such as West Huang City in the West Capital, but also achieved consecutive victories on the eastern front, completely taking over regions like Shang, Jing, and Tong, bringing half of the realm under genuine control.

Moreover, even the remnants of the Northern Army led by Chang Shi were forced to retreat north of the Longjiang River.

Although the Qin Army was high in morale, no amount of spirit could withstand the exhaustion of an extended campaign. Therefore, upon approaching Longjiang, Dongfang Xinglan ordered the army to camp and rest on site.

Within the Qin King Camp, Dongfang Xinglan had not closed her eyes for several nights.

To the soldiers, conquering the enemy and occupying land was enough, but as the Qin King, she had much more to consider.

The vast and growing Qin Army under her command wasn't a mere band of looters to capture one place after another. Integrating, settling, building cities, and propagating... these were all matters she had to address.

If she did not consider these, then regardless of the Qin Army's current momentum, it would eventually edge towards collapse.

Of course, Dongfang Xinglan handled the overarching direction, while the specific implementations were handled by her subordinates; after all, those people weren't there to idle around.

After dealing with the mountainous pile of affairs, Dongfang Xinglan stood up, stretched lazily, and turned to the map hanging on the wall, frowning slightly.

Though the eastern part of the Dynasty was quite distant from her current location, news of the Shenmiao Dynasty breaching Yunhu Pass and threatening Eastern Capital Luo'an had already spread far and wide. She had sent a message to Shengjing, yet Dongfang Xinghe refused without hesitation.

She couldn't quite understand Dongfang Xinghe's reasons for outright rejection, as it would damage his prestige. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

At the very least, he could have delayed without approval...

This move by Dongfang Xinghe truly exceeded Dongfang Xinglan's expectations, yet she naturally did not miss this opportunity. Not only did she conduct public opinion propaganda, but she also dispatched hundreds of thousands of troops eastward, although they were blocked by the court's Northern Army, preventing entrance to the eastern region.

This actually suited her intentions, as this way she could minimize the negative impact should foreign invaders continue the northern advance after entering the pass.

However...

Why hasn't Lu Jin'an sent a message yet?

According to the original plan, after Lu Jin'an led the Shenmiao Dynasty to control Luo'an, Dongfang Xinghe would be forced to cede territory, leading to a loss of public morale.

But... wasn't the Shenmiao Dynasty's advance rather slow?

Moreover, the Northern Army's movements were somewhat odd, and the Longjiang Defense Line could be described as a mess, with even the Northern Navy scarcely seen...

Even if the Northern Army's morale was low, their middle and northern sections hadn't been hit; they shouldn't be this disorganized.

As she pondered, Hong Ying's voice called from outside the tent: "Your Highness, I have matters to discuss."

"Come in," Dongfang Xinglan said, turning to look at Hong Ying as he entered: "What, have the men already grown restless with just less than three days of rest, wanting to cross the river?"

"Your Highness is perceptive," Hong Ying nodded: "The generals all believe they've rested enough and want to seize the opportunity to conquer Longjiang's natural barrier in one strike."

Dongfang Xinglan smiled, "Bring them all in."

In a short while, a dozen or so civil servants and military generals entered the tent. Though not all of Dongfang Xinglan's core staff, it was a temporary team assembled for the northward crossing.

Seated at the head, Dongfang Xinglan scanned the group and spoke, "Share your thoughts."

"Your Highness, the Mangzhong season has passed not long ago. The North is harvesting wheat while the South is planting rice. I believe that crossing the river northward now would not only allow us to seize northern granaries but also further sap the Northern Army's morale. Should we enter winter, most soldiers might struggle with the northern climate, potentially suffering losses instead."

"Lord Wang is correct. This subordinate also believes that we should seize the moment before the Northern Army's Longjiang Defense Line is completed and cross the river in one decisive move. Otherwise, once the Northern Army prepares, with them upstream and us downstream, the battle would be difficult."

"Your Highness, having observed celestial phenomena last night, tomorrow afternoon's south wind will blow north, making it a prime opportunity for attack!"

"Your Highness, I've also received a confidential letter from a friend: Emperor Chengtian dispatched the State Preceptor personally leading the massive army eastward, reportedly numbering not less than two million. Hence, the court's middle section must be vacant. Their defense line on the Longjiang North Shore..."

"What did you say?" Dongfang Xinglan suddenly interrupted the official, leaning forward slightly: "Not less than two million? Although the Shenmiao Dynasty's attack to breach Yunhu Pass isn't a small matter, advancing north towards Eastern Capital Luo'an should leave stationed troops in the rear... Is it reasonable for the court to ignore Longjiang while deploying two million troops for a campaign?"

"Well…" The official hesitated briefly before continuing: "Your Highness, to be frank, this friend of mine is a fellow Advanced Scholar from their examination year and currently serves as the Vice Minister of the Cabinet's Ministry of Rites. It's unlikely they'd deceive me..."

Dongfang Xinglan frowned slightly, a figure of Lu Jin'an suddenly flashed in her mind. Could the court's ostentatiousness be related to him?

Was his identity exposed?

But, he is the Saint Heir of the World's No.1 Immortal Sect Wandao Sect, who would dare move against him?

However, if he's in the Eastern Dynasty where spiritual power cannot be used...

This thought crossed Dongfang Xinglan's mind, and she tightened her hands, a trace of worry showing in her expression.

Why is his message so slow this time?

"Your Highness..."

"All of you, leave now," Dongfang Xinglan ordered: "I have my own considerations for this matter."

The civil servants and military generals exchanged glances and withdrew in silence.

Hong Ying looked at Dongfang Xinglan with concern: "Your Highness, you..."