Thinking about this, Xiahou Qin’s heart was almost bleeding. He had long realized that Dajue Temple was not simple, so he had relocated the population of Jinbi Village to Dragon River Village in advance, thinking that if he lost a defensive line, at worst, he could retreat.
No one would have thought that the Earth-digging Realm would battle during the day and march in the water, and that Dajue Temple would have such miraculous ans. Losing two villages isn’t a big deal—the key was that he witnessed firsthand the thods of the leader Yan Xin in Jinbi Village, controlling over fifty thousand from the Earth-digging Realm and also managing to get the populations of the two villages under control. There’s no need to wonder about it—Dajue Temple would surely spare no effort in various ans of recruiting or brainwashing these people, possibly coercing them to serve under Dajue Temple.
Among the fifty thousand from the Earth-digging Realm, thirty thousand were transferred from other villages in Jiangxia, while nearly twenty thousand were locals from Jinbi and Dragon River Villages. The current eleven thousand population of the two villages, are basically family mbers of those twenty thousand people.
The remaining thirty thousand from the other villages are not to be ntioned now, but just consider the twenty thousand from Jinbi and Dragon River Villages. Their families being controlled, coupled with those bhikkhus possessing such mysterious and deceitful skills, seducing them to join Dajue Temple, even fighting wars for them, is almost too easy.
Following this train of thought, what would happen to the mindset of the remaining thirty thousand from other villages upon seeing the situation in Jinbi and Dragon River Villages towards Dajue Temple?
Thinking of this, Xiahou Qin looked up at Jiang Yuanlong, his expression growing increasingly grave.
Though Xiahou Qin didn’t speak these words out loud, Jiang Yuanlong, with his thoughtful nature, had already realized this when he heard the entire process of Jinbi Village’s fall. At this mont, his expression was much graver than that of Xiahou Qin.
"I know, no need to remind . I’ve been sending three urgent ssages daily urging Chui Mountain and Bashang Towns. The reinforcents we discussed at the end of last month should arrive by the 18th, but they still haven’t. Forget the other Six Towns, but Chui Mountain and Bashang are right beside us, yet they dare to delay until now!"
Bam!
Jiang Yuanlong, with a sowhat angry visage, sat back in his chair and struck the table forcefully.
"If the Seven Towns dare to continue dragging their feet, we’d really have to follow the Army Chief’s words and give way to Dajue Temple. Better them than us. They all want Jiangxia to stand in the front, dreaming!"
Upon hearing Jiang Yuanlong’s words, the people below all nodded heavily, their eyes full of anger towards the other Seven Towns.
Thud, thud, thud...
Suddenly, an urgent ssenger rushed in from outside the door.
"Report, My Lord, there’s a ssage from the Town Chief!"
At the news of a ssage from the Town Chief, everyone in the room imdiately perked up. Jiang Yuanlong straightened up, took the letter from the ssenger, opened it, and a hint of excitent appeared on his face.
"The Town Chief has ordered us to continue guarding Hongguan. He has issued an ultimatum to the Seven Towns. If reinforcents from even one town do not arrive by the 20th, we will withdraw, and he will personally negotiate with Dajue Temple."
Everyone in the room, including Xiahou Qin, was visibly shaken, and their faces showed a satisfied expression as they began to speak:
"That’s how it should be!"
"Knowing that Dajue Temple is involved with deceitful monsters, the Seven Towns still dawdle, hoping Jiangxia will stand at the front, dreaming."
"Exactly, if the Seven Towns don’t co to help, then it’s better to talk peace with Dajue Temple. Hongguan Village is just north of Chui Mountain Town. I’d like to see if Chui Mountain panics!"
"Jinbi and Dragon River, and with Hongguan included, it’s just three villages—better to give them up than let the Seven Towns profit, those treacherous dogs, hmph!"
.........
Hearing these words, Jiang Yuanlong glanced down at the Jiangxia Territory Map on the desk. His initially excited expression slightly froze.
Giving up territory is like cutting flesh; besides, he, Jiang Yuanlong, as the Deputy Army Chief of Hongguan Camp, wouldn’t abandon it lightly if there was the slightest hope.
"Personal future is minor; Jiangxia’s interests are major. If the Seven Towns truly have no sha, I can only follow the Town Chief’s orders."
The system in Moao Nine Towns is quite similar; under each lord are the Army Chief and the Town Chief leading political affairs, and Jiangxia is no exception.
Jiang Yuanlong’s position as Deputy Army Chief ans he is supposed to follow the orders of Army Chief Xiahou Zhang. However, because Xiahou Zhang is currently recuperating in the Town, the army is temporarily managed by Town Chief Jiang Xinfan, which is why he sent the ssage.
"Xiahou Qin, you should stay in Hongguan Camp to recover. With the Town Chief’s ultimatum, the reinforcents from the Seven Towns will arrive by the day after tomorrow at the latest, and then you can join the battle!"
Upon hearing this, Xiahou Qin’s face showed a touch of gratitude. Bowing to Jiang Yuanlong, he said earnestly, "I will never forget your kindness, My Lord!"
Losing Jinbi and Dragon River in just a day was undoubtedly grounds for punishnt at the Town upon returning. Jiang Yuanlong was clearly giving him a chance to redeem himself.
"Hongguan cannot be lost, and if it must be, it should be Jiangxia’s decision to cede it to Dajue Temple. Since they can fight during the day, deploy scouts along the east segnt to watch closely. If there’s any movent, report it to imdiately. Conquering two villages in one day—Dajue Temple is indeed impressive. I want to see if those bald bhikkhus dare to attack Hongguan, hmph!"
"Understood!"
With Jiang Yuanlong’s cold snort, the commanders below imdiately responded in unison.
Upon hearing Jiang Yuanlong’s final words, not a trace of fear appeared on their faces; instead, they beca filled with fighting spirit.
It appeared Xiahou Qin also thought of sothing, his dejection slowly fading. He clenched his fists, adding a touch of fighting intent to his gaze.
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