Liu Zhuo was actually a capable commander. Historically, he had been the one to defeat Li Quan's Northern Army. However, his policy of holding the line also conflicted with Bai Xiaowen's interests. Even if Vladimir had not taken action against him, Bai Xiaowen would have found a way to transfer him away from Huai East. He simply would have used gentler methods.
Sigrdrifa said, "Master, how should we handle Liu Zhuo's sudden death?"
Bai Xiaowen said, "As soon as I received the news in Lin'an Prefecture, I immediately ordered Shi Miyuan to make preparations on two fronts. Within three days, the new Huai East Military Commissioner, Zhao Fan, will take office. I've also obtained the Huai East Army's troop-transfer documents and command tally."
After a pause, Bai Xiaowen continued, "Liu Zhuo's sudden death is actually an opportunity. The enemy's spies will certainly hear about this news as well. If we spread word that we're withdrawing our troops and awaiting orders, the enemy will definitely come to seize Tongzhou. We can then wait for them in a state of rest, strike them unprepared, and kill their leader in one fell swoop."
Bai Xiaowen explained the details of carrying out this plan to the Four Heavenly Kings, especially Abaddon and Sigrdrifa.
In the future, when he conquered and managed multiple planar worlds, Bai Xiaowen would be hard-pressed to handle everything personally. Therefore, he needed to quickly cultivate the Four Heavenly Kings' abilities as war decision-makers.
The Four Heavenly Kings' efforts to accumulate strength over the past few days had satisfied Bai Xiaowen for the most part, aside from Vladimir's rash actions.
This was because the Four Heavenly Kings had only just gained human intelligence, and their experience in handling matters was still lacking. After some tempering, they would certainly be able to