Hu Xiaotian nodded. Zhuge Guanqi had a remarkably accurate grasp of the situation.
Zhuge Guanqi said, "If Great Yong opened its borders at a time like this and took in refugees from Great Kang, what do you think would happen?"
Hu Xiaotian considered it. "The people of Great Kang would stream into Great Yong without end, and Great Yong's burden would multiply."
Zhuge Guanqi said, "The people are a nation's foundation. With Great Kang's people gone, it might seem for now that its burden had lightened and been shifted entirely onto Great Yong. But over time, Great Kang would become a tree without roots, water without a source. With its present strength, Great Yong could easily support Great Kang's tens of millions of people. By winning them over with virtue, it could make them willingly become its subjects, and they would inevitably influence their families in turn. If the families of Great Kang's soldiers all fled to Great Yong, would those soldiers still have the heart to oppose it? Once war broke out, what sort of situation would that create? My lord, do you think they would take up arms against their own kin?"
Hu Xiaotian inwardly drew a sharp breath. Fortunately, Zhuge Guanqi had not chosen to serve Great Yong. Had Great Yong gained his services, Great Kang would probably have fallen before long.
Zhuge Guanqi said, "After this battle, Xue Daohong may try to retake the Eastern Luo Granary at any cost. But the opposition within Great Yong's court cannot be underestimated either. He may not necessarily get his wish."
Hu Xiaotian said, "Are we just supposed to keep waiting?"
Zhuge Guanqi said, "Great Yong has vast lands, abundant resources, and a wealth of talented people. Two military defeats may bring them to their senses and make them