"If we allow the momentum of the ten princes encircling the capital to build, I fear all three thousand regional lords under heaven will rebel. Then there will be no room left to turn things around!"
"Though I, Hu Ze, wish to slay the rebels, I also hope to earn the trust of everyone at court and face no interference. Follow my plan, and the realm can be pacified in five years. Refuse, and even a million soldiers will be powerless!"
Speaking through Hu Ze, Li Chen needed only a few simple sentences to make the powerful figures of every faction abandon their plans to meddle in military affairs and interfere with his strategy.
Li Chen understood the minds of the court's various factions with great precision. Most still hoped someone would step forward, shoulder the burden, and take responsibility for confronting the rebel armies across the realm. They themselves remained cautious and timid, concerned only with the safety of the Capital Region.
That was where their lives, fortunes, and the revenues of their estates lay.
The benefits of Li Chen's earlier decision not to encroach upon control of the War Dragon Army, leaving them room to act, now became apparent. With this battle-hardened army famed throughout the realm in place, the Capital Region's safety was still reasonably assured. Even if Hu Ze was allowed to take the offensive, they would still have room to maneuver.
Thus, the Plain Hill Army was able to set out without a hitch.
In just a few days, military supplies, authority, official appointments, and every other form of support were all in place. Hu Ze's Avatar even received a royally commissioned banner, granting him temporary control over local military and civil affairs, with the power to decide life and death.
He immediately led the