Conversely, if he helped Zhao Cheng win, then under the New Nation's current system, he would indeed be heavily employed and gain great authority. But in the end, he would still be a subject, unlike a king or marquis.
After all, in essence, Zhao Cheng as he was now was merely a king. The Southern Wasteland alone was not enough for him to proclaim himself emperor...
Having thought this through, Cao Zheng's expression immediately turned stern, and not the slightest hesitation remained in his heart.
With his temperament, if he could become a ruler, he naturally would not choose to become a subject.
His earlier thought of surrendering had merely arisen out of necessity—those who understood the times were the true heroes.
Now, Heaven's Mandate rested on a single thought of his. Naturally, he would see who offered more.
Though countless thoughts ran through his mind, hardly any time had passed in reality. The few subordinates attending Cao Zheng only saw their general stare silently at the battlefield for a moment before his expression sharpened and he barked, "Cao Yi!"
"Your general is here!"
At once, a commander dropped to one knee.
"You will lead the Right Fifth Battalion. Use two battalions openly and have three lie in ambush. Deliberately leave them a path, but do not truly let them through. Your purpose is to delay them."
"If the enemy retreats, you retreat as well. If the enemy advances, you advance too. Make Zhao's bandit think he might be able to break through from your side!"
"Zhao's bandits have emerged from the Chain Mountains at this moment. They must be planning a surprise attack. Under such circumstances, even if he knows it is a trap, he cannot easily give up."
"I have already sent word to the commander-in-chief. If we