After the route King Zhou's forces would take was published in the newspaper, scouts within Great Shang swiftly carried the news by fast horse to the main Zhou Army led by Ji Fa and Jiang Ziya.
"Father Chancellor, what is King Zhou trying to achieve? According to the intelligence our infiltrators sent back, he truly is leading the expedition himself. He has already broken camp and set out for Sishui Pass. It seems he really intends to reinforce Lu Xiong, retake Sishui Pass outright, and capture General Nangong. But why publish his entire marching route and strategic deployment in the newspaper? Isn't that the same as handing us his military secrets?"
Jiang Ziya stroked his beard, looking as though everything lay firmly within his grasp. "King Zhou does have a few schemes up his sleeve. What a deeply calculated move. He deliberately published his marching route. On the surface, it looks like arrogance, as though he holds everyone beneath his notice, but there are several layers to his plotting."
"Please enlighten me, Father Chancellor." Ji Fa cupped his hands, displaying none of a sovereign's lofty airs. In truth, he could hardly put on airs before an immortal anyway.
Jiang Ziya paused, then said, "First, it is to bolster his momentum. Lu Xiong suffered a crushing defeat at Sishui Pass. The Shang Army has just lost a battle, and morale is low. Publishing his marching route may seem absurd, but it also demonstrates confidence. At least some people will believe that everything remains within King Zhou's grasp. Since he has published his military deployment, he must be confident of returning in complete victory. It can also lift the spirits of the soldiers at the front."
"Second, it is to make us underestimate the enemy. Your Majesty, what did you think when