Qin Zhao woke up and felt sore all over. She kicked Qi Yan Su Luo angrily!
"Didn't you say you wouldn't touch me?"
Qi Yan Su Luo rubbed his leg where she had kicked him and said, "You were talking in your sleep, begging me to do you."
Qin Zhao didn't believe him. "If you want to make up nonsense, go ahead."
"If you understand, that's good."
After they tidied up, Cong Han came in and told them to move the bed behind the screen. He said, "Your Highness, the military officers are waiting outside."
Qin Zhao said, "Have them come back in half an hour."
Cong Han didn't understand why Her Highness was ready but wanted to keep them waiting for so long, but he did as she asked.
When the military officers heard Cong Han deliver the message, their faces turned black as the bottom of a pot. The entire tent filled with a murderous aura!
Huo Jun came in after Qi Yan Su Luo left.
Qin Zhao was sitting in the main seat, eating the breakfast Cong Han had brought - a small sesame pancake and a plate of donkey meat.
As Huo Jun approached, she asked, "Why did you make them wait?"
"They already don't want to take orders from you. Doing this will only increase tensions between you."
Qin Zhao tore off a piece of pancake and handed it to Huo Jun. "Do you want some?"
Huo Jun took it.
Qin Zhao had her sit across the small table.
After Huo Jun sat down, Qin Zhao said, "It doesn't matter if the Northwestern Army doesn't listen to me, as long as they listen to you."
Qin Zhao wanted to help Huo Jun become the Breaking Star General, so she had to give her chances to lead troops!
Upon hearing this, Huo Jun asked, "What does Your Highness mean?"
She had dreamed since childhood of going to battle like her father, and this opportunity was right before her eyes. She was extremely excited.
Qin Zhao said, "Later when I propose a plan to lead troops, you oppose me.
Those officers don't want to obey or like me, so they'll definitely choose to support someone opposing me like you."
Huo Jun solemnly said, "Thank you, Your Highness!"
"Thank me for what?"
"Thank you for the opportunity."
"Hmm, I look forward to your performance on the battlefield."
"I definitely won't let down Your Highness's expectations!"
Half an hour later, the military officers entered the tent.
The leader, Yuan Deyi, had thick bandages wrapped around his hands. Seeing Qin Zhao, his fingers ached slightly.
His eyes harbored resentment.
The military officers bowed to Qin Zhao. "Greetings, Imperial Princess."
Seeing they did not kneel, Qin Zhao said, "When you see Us, you should kneel."
The military officers looked at each other. After over ten years on the northwestern border, they had long since discarded imperial authority.
Why would they kneel to a mere imperial princess?
But they were surprised to see Yuan Deyi respectfully kneel down and bow to Qin Zhao!
They had no choice but to reluctantly kneel as well.
Qin Zhao slowly drank her tea, deliberately making loud slurping sounds.
Everyone's anger grew exponentially, filling the entire tent with murderous intent!
Even Huo Jun sweated a little for Qin Zhao.
After Qin Zhao finished her tea, she decided she had provoked them enough and said, "Rise."
The military officers' faces were extremely ugly as they stood up.
Qin Zhao ignored them and asked, "Report the recent enemy movements."
Hearing her casual tone, they were certain this imperial princess knew nothing about marching troops or waging war - she was just here to cause trouble!
Huaihua Commandant Zhou Mingzhi said, "The Chi Rong and Jihus have split their troops into two routes, stationed at Yunzhong City and Cangxi City.
They have prepared battering rams, siege hammers, siege ladders and other equipment, ready to attack the cities at any time."
Qin Zhao asked, "Do you have any countermeasures?"
Zhou Mingzhi continued speaking as representative: "In response, Your Highness, we discussed meeting them head-on!
Our food reserves are low, and the people in the cities don't have the means to supply the troops.
As for the resources Your Highness brought, they can only feed the Northwestern Army's hundred thousand soldiers for half a month.
So we believe the Northwestern Army is not suited for a protracted war."
Qin Zhao pointed at Yuan Deyi. "You speak."
He said, "This subordinate agrees with Commandant Zhou's words."
Qin Zhao bluntly said, "Nonsense. Don't waste my time."
Yuan Deyi's mouth twitched but he said no more.
Qin Zhao said, "I disagree. If you could really win, you wouldn't have lost three cities already.
The Northwestern Army's combat effectiveness is lacking and you shouldn't meet the enemy head-on - just focus on defense.
As for supplies, our reserves are low but the enemy came across the desert and can't carry much either.
Relatively speaking, we have the advantage.
So defense is the better choice."
Lin Kui disagreeably said, "How can Your Highness say the Northwestern Army is useless?!
The Northwestern Army guarded the border for over ten years; do we only deserve such an evaluation?"
Qin Zhao: "You were only able to guard the border because Great Yue's national power was strong before, so foreign enemies didn't dare invade. Do you really think it's because the Northwestern Army is amazing?
I think your brain doesn't work well and you should see a doctor."
Lin Kui's face darkened with fury, as if wanting to immediately draw his blade and kill Qin Zhao!
Captain Wang Feng tugged at his sleeve to stop him making a scene.
But Lin Kui couldn't swallow this insult. Just as he was about to start a fight, a deep male voice suddenly rang out in the tent: "Your Highness, I think Commandant Zhou analyzed this very well.
We should confront the Chi Rong head-on, but I also agree the Northwestern Army's combat effectiveness needs improvement.
However, to improve their quality in all areas, they need to gain practical combat experience."
The military officers immediately echoed support:
"General Huo is right!"
"General Huo truly has unique insight, befitting his reputation as the Ever-Victorious General!"
"The Northwestern Army's strength is great, they just need more training."
Bang! Qin Zhao slapped the table and stood up, berating them: "Insolence!
Are you the commander or am I?
Since when do you get to teach me how to wage war?!"
The others didn't dare make a sound in the face of Qin Zhao's imposing manner.
The atmosphere in the tent froze over!
After some time, Qin Zhao asked: "Huo Chengjin, if I give you a chance, can you guarantee victory?"
Huo Jun shook her head. "No, this subordinate has limited abilities. I just proposed this plan, but someone more capable should execute it."
With her refusal, the earlier supporters became restless. Lin Kui raised his voice: "General Huo can definitely do it!
General Huo is the Asura King - he can definitely route the enemy!"
The others signaled each other to start loudly praising Huo Jun and strongly recommended her to lead the troops into battle!
Seeing her goal achieved, Qin Zhao said, "Since you've all adamantly recommended her, I'll give you a chance.
But if Huo Chengjin loses, you'll all have to obey my orders from now on!"
They loudly swore compliance.
In the afternoon, Qin Zhao was reading a book to pass the time when suddenly an enormous sound rang out!
Cong Han entered the tent and told Qin Zhao: "Your Highness, the Chi Rong Army is attacking the city!"
Qin Zhao put her book down and left the great tent, heading for the city wall. Soldiers rushed past her toward the same destination.
When Qin Zhao ascended the city wall, she saw Huo Jun discussing something with Yuan Deyi and the others.
As she approached, Huo Jun briefly bowed and asked: "Why has Your Highness come here? It's dangerous."
Qin Zhao said, "Of course I came to enjoy the show!"
