Hearing this, the Liang Emperor nodded.
"Good. You will lead an army of 1,200,000 n to Great Zhou. Ensure you arrive before Great Qin captures the Great Zhou Capital. Great Zhou has colluded with Demon Evil; all involved are deserving of death. How could Great Liang sit idly by?"
"This servant obeys the order!"
Beiming Wang turned and left.
The Liang Emperor watched his departing figure and then withdrew his gaze. Great Liang was intervening at this juncture, and it was highly probable Dayue would do likewise. No one had expected Great Qin to approach the Great Zhou Capital so swiftly. Given the circumstances, there was absolutely no reason to remain a bystander. Getting involved was inevitable.
——
Just as Great Liang dispatched troops to Great Zhou, as Emperor Zhou had surmised, Dayue also sent its army towards Great Zhou.
One could say, Great Qin’s offensive had thoroughly enticed both powers.
Great Zhou possessed profound foundations. Even if they couldn’t completely annex it, simply taking a portion would enhance their national strength.
Conversely, if Great Qin were allowed to annex Great Zhou, then even if Great Liang and Dayue joined forces later, they might not be a match for them.
Within Great Zhou’s territory, the three-pronged army of Great Qin continued their sieges.
However, the deeper they pushed, the weaker Great Zhou’s defenses beca.
Within a stately mansion in Xiong City, the generals from the other two armies had all gathered.
"What are our current casualty numbers?" Gu Xuanji asked the two n, his voice grave.
After his words, Yan Jing cupped his fists and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, our army has suffered no more than 50,000 casualties to date."
"Our army’s losses are similar," Wei Yang nodded in agreent.
One hundred thousand casualties. This loss was much lower than he had anticipated. Including his own front, the total casualties were just under 200,000. To take several prefectures of Great Zhou with fewer than 200,000 casualties... if news of these military achievents were to spread, it would be utterly astounding. However, he was well aware that Great Qin could achieve such feats purely because Great Zhou’s resistance had weakened. Aside from the initial battle at Zhou Pass where a Great Demon appeared, no other powerful experts had intervened in the subsequent battles. Thus, Great Qin had been able to advance virtually unopposed.
"Latest reports indicate that Great Liang and Dayue have entered Great Zhou territory. It seems they intend to claim a share of the spoils," Gu Xuanji changed the subject.
Upon hearing this, Yan Jing’s gaze turned cold.
"We’ve toiled to conquer the majority of this territory, and now they want to co and share the spoils? That’s utterly preposterous!"
"Your Majesty, should we dispatch troops to intercept them?" Wei Yang said gravely.
To this, Gu Xuanji responded with a faint smile, his eyes falling upon Ran An and Pei Feng.
The two n currently maintained an air of detached composure, seemingly oblivious to both the conversation and the gazes directed their way.
After a mont, Gu Xuanji withdrew his gaze.
"Great Liang and Dayue have always been allies of Great Qin. Since they are willing to co and offer support, why would I refuse them? There’s no need to send troops to block them. If they wish to co, let them co directly!"
"Your Majesty—"
"Say no more. All of you, make your preparations. In three days, we will formally advance on the Great Zhou Capital. You are all dismissed. Defender Shen, please remain for a mont."
"We take our leave, Your Majesty!" Yan Jing and the others could only rise and depart.
Ran An and Pei Feng also bowed deeply, then turned and left.
In the spacious area, only two or three people remained.
Looking at Shen Changqing, whom he had asked to stay, and Dongfang Zhao, who had stayed of his own accord, Gu Xuanji’s smile vanished, his expression turning solemn.
"There’s sothing amiss with Great Zhou. The battle at the Great Zhou Capital in three days might involve unforeseeable developnts. If truly earth-shattering events unfold, prioritizing your own survival will be paramount."
As he said this, he looked at Dongfang Zhao.
"Defender Dongfang, your duty is not to protect my safety. Rather, if any unexpected event occurs, you are to cooperate with Defender Shen to ensure his escape first."
"Your Majesty..." Shen Changqing furrowed his brow, sowhat perplexed by Gu Xuanji’s decision.
Before he could finish, Gu Xuanji raised his hand, cutting him off.
"Among Great Qin’s new generation, your strength is paramount. Both my ti and his are limited. If you can withdraw safely, it will preserve Great Qin’s strength to the fullest extent."
——
PS: Two extra Chapters today!
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