All the generals present looked at Fang Yun in bewilderment. They had never heard of anything like this before, but it was certainly an effective method. If Fang Shouye had not been one of Fang Yun's men, Fang Yun could easily have stripped him of real authority by establishing this Temporary Military Affairs Office and making him its deputy.
Fang Shouye had not expected Fang Yun to devise such an ingenious plan in so little time either. This nephew of mine really is full of schemes. Thank goodness I'm not his enemy, or he would have toyed me to death long ago.
Some generals who leaned toward the Qing Kingdom found themselves nursing headaches. Once the Military Affairs Office was established, it would command Xiang Prefecture's troops rather than the military governor.
Fang Yun was in no hurry. He sat in the Military Governor's Office and discussed the entire affair with the generals.
"What a shame. That old bastard Qu Che let the opportunity slip away. He must be severely punished!"
"Leave rewards and punishments until the end. Our main concern now is dealing with the aftermath. How should we help the civilians who were plundered, and how should we strike back? Those are our foremost priorities!"
"Exactly. How can we soldiers of Xiang Prefecture sit and wait for death? Besides, they invaded through Ding County in Taihe Prefecture. You all remember what happened in Ding County a few days ago, don't you?"
"So that was it. A few days ago, villages in Ding County and Fengzhou fought over water and land, leading to armed clashes. The Qing Army massed troops at the border, then withdrew. We thought the matter was over. Who knew they would wheel around and strike again?"
"Whoever came up with this move must be a