"What do you mean, sir?" Qian Renxue asked.
"The only people in this world capable of worrying the Pope of Spirit Hall are those few. What she wants is not land, but heads." He paused, his tone remaining calm. "The focus of defending the pass should not be outside it. Spirit Hall's army has come from afar, and its momentum is at its peak. As the saying goes, the first push is strongest, the second weaker, and the third exhausted. Bibi Dong is human, and humans make mistakes. She is proud and cannot tolerate the slightest defiance. The longer Jialing Pass holds, the more anxious she will become. And when people grow anxious, they are prone to mistakes."
The great hall fell silent once more.
Only after a long while did someone come back to their senses and hastily echo his agreement.
After pondering for a moment, Qian Renxue nodded. "I will remember your advice, sir."
He turned to the officials and began assigning duties.
After court adjourned, Qian Renxue did not leave in a hurry. She waited until everyone had dispersed before exiting through a side door and ordering an attendant to summon Zhou Qiubai.
About the time it took for an incense stick to burn, Zhou Qiubai sauntered into the side hall.
Walking up to Qian Renxue, Zhou Qiubai cupped his hands. "Your Majesty summoned me?"
Qian Renxue waved her hand. "There are no outsiders here."
Seeing this, Zhou Qiubai pulled over a chair and sat down. "Judging by your expression, this is no small matter."
"Grandfather sent word. Bibi Dong is personally leading an army toward Heaven Dou."
Zhou Qiubai took the letter, glanced over it, and showed no change in expression.
"She moved earlier than I expected."
Even so, Spirit Hall would certainly need time to