447 Losing All Face (1/2)

”Keming, what's your opinion?”

Ouyang Shuo placed down the letter and looked toward Du Ruhui, expressionless.

In the truth, the fall of Tianshuang County surprised Ouyang Shuo; it also infuriated him. This loss was too huge. The extent of the loss was something that even Baiqi and Du Ruhui probably did not understand.

On the surface, because the Lord of Tianshuang County was Song Jia's brother, the fall of county made him lose face.

Ouyang Shuo could imagine that some would laugh at Shanhai City after this battle.

A few days ago, Ouyang Shuo had just discussed with his father-in-law about the post-battle situation. Who knew that a few days later, he would receive a slap to his face. The humiliation from within was not something an outsider could imagine.

Arrogance would lead to defeat.

In the end, this loss stemmed from Ouyang Shuo underestimating South Alliance.

Black Snake had reported to Ouyang Shuo that South Alliance was making some weird moves, but it did not raise Ouyang Shuo’s suspicions. In his view, such a scattered regional alliance could not do anything.

In truth, the powers of South Alliance were much stronger than Ouyang Shuo had imagined. Evidently, the alliance leader was not a total scrub, and he had his methods too.

Baiqi and the others were NPCs after all, so they could not completely understand the players’ motives. However, Ouyang Shuo was different, as the number one Lord in the China region, he should not have acted so arrogant.

The consecutive victories had really clouded his mind.

Before this, Ouyang Shuo had thought that taking down Zhaoqing was just a matter of time. He did not expect South Alliance to actually have such courage and strategic foresight.

He was too careless!

Tianshuang County was a hugely important territory in his plans. It was not because of any special properties, but because he could control the Lord of the county.

Hence in his plans, Tianshuang County had a similar role to Mulan territory. He planned to merge it into the Shanhai City system. With that, Shanhai City would gain one more teleportation point in Lingnan Province.

After all, compared to real life, the in game map was ten times larger.

This meant that if one wanted to rule a territory effectively, they had to make use of teleportation formations.

If not, solely one trip around the Lingnan Province would take one to two months.

Tianshuang County was at the center of the future Lingnan Province. Unfortunately, he failed to protect this core. This loss was not something that one could measure in gold.

Despite the self blame and anger, Ouyang Shuo remained calm on the surface.

During this period of time, his cultivation had improved.

Du Ruhui was unable to see any signs from the words or expression of the Lord. As an official, he needed to understand and think like his Lord. However, in this case, he did not know what Ouyang Shuo was thinking.

Whether the Lord would choose to fight or retreat, he could not see a decision.

”I feel that we should gather up our troops.”

In the end, Du Ruhui chose to describe his own opinion. After receiving the letter, he had made contact with Zhao Kuo. Combining the information in the letter with the intel from the Military Intelligence Division, they made a battle simulation.

Ouyang Shuo remained unmoved.

”On the battlefield, we will move the 2nd division and the 4th division of the Tiger Legion and seven divisions to prepare for a final battle. Meanwhile, we will arrange two squadrons out to attack Jade Buddha County from the sea. It’s the brain of South Alliance. The moment it falls, South Alliance will fall into chaos. The moment the alliance grows disorderly, the time for the final battle will arrive.”

Du Ruhui was in charge of strategic planning, while specific battle commands were left to the commander-in-chief.

Ouyang Shuo nodded; Du Ruhui had described his intentions accurately.

He had to grab back the face he had lost.

The only way now was to show his strength in battle.

If Shanhai City chose to retreat, the drop in morale would allow the enemy to see a weak point.

The moment they exposed a level of weakness to their enemies, they would face more problems that just alliances like South Alliance in the future.

The pack of wolves in Yanhuang Alliance definitely would not give up such an opportunity. In such a scenario, Shanhai City would have to face enemies from all four sides.

They needed to fight, and they needed to act fast as well.

”Sneak attack Jade Buddha County. Apart from the two squadrons, send out the Divine Martial Guards. We must take down the county before they notice. Apart from that, immediately gather the Guards Division and send them to assist the troops on the main battlefield.”

Ouyang Shuo did not just agree with his plan, he even upped the stakes. In this battle, Shanhai City could be considered to have gone all out, as Ouyang Shuo even threw out all his trump cards.

The entire Shanhai City only had its city protection division left to defend them.

Luckily, they had totally cleaned out the Lianzhou Prefecture. Enemies could not use teleportation formations to directly enter the Lianzhou Basin.

If not, with just one legion, they could take down Shanhai City.

”Yes, my Lord!”

Du Ruhui knew of the importance of this battle; he nodded solemnly.

”On the side of the Divine Martial Guards, we need to send a military advisor. Keming, do you have anyone in mind?”

Wang Feng was a really strong general, but in terms of strategy, he was truly lacking. Asking him to lead an army, Ouyang Shuo would not feel at ease.

Especially a sneak attack, where any sort of situation could occur; they needed a commander that could adapt.

Originally, Ouyang Shuo personally leading them would be the best choice. However, the philosophers debate had started, so many people had swarmed into the city.

It was not appropriate for him to leave in this situation.

Apart from Ouyang Shuo, Du Ruhui was also a suitable choice.