He Guicai and Xu Sanzhong couldn't help but look surprised.
They knew that Mr. Xia was knowledgeable and skilled in magic, but what we were talking about now was a military issue after all, and it was related to the princess's vital interests. What good suggestions could an alchemist make
Xia Fan did not answer immediately.
He first asked, "People in the city... what are you going to do?"
"Master Xia, there is no need to worry too much," Xu Sanchong replied, "It won't take long for Shenzhou's reinforcements to arrive in Jinxia. It can be as soon as one day or as late as two days. By then, whether the enemy is advancing or retreating, they will not pay attention. Let’s focus on robbing the people. For Jinxia City, one day’s loss will not hurt our bones.”
"Cities will not remember, but people have memories." Xia Fan said calmly, "In this way, the image of Her Royal Highness will be annihilated by everyone, and she will be no different from the government or the Privy Council."
"Image?" He Guicai coughed twice, "Master Xia, we are talking about military deployment and response plans..."
"I really don't understand combat command, but there is no pure war in this world - any military operation is an extension of politics. Why we fight is the core that must be clear. If we forget this core, we are just fighting for the sake of war. An army that fights often cannot go very far.”
"Of course we are fighting for Her Royal Highness—"
"You are talking about personal goals," Xia Fan interrupted, "and I am talking about the army as a whole. Your Highness, Princess, do you want to preserve these three thousand people, or do you want to truly get a brand new Jinxia City?"
Ning Wanjun blinked, "You want me to enter the city to resist the enemy and eliminate them in the city instead of waiting for the Shenzhou Army to come for reinforcements?"
"Exactly."
"Sure enough, your ideas are always different." Ning Wanjun raised the corner of her mouth, "But these few words alone cannot convince me. You have to explain in more detail - why my image annihilates everyone and takes on a new look. What does Jinxia City mean?"
"Let me give you an example. There once was a place..." Xia Fan took a breath, "In just a few decades, the rulers changed three times."
"Three dynasties have alternated for decades... Is there such a place on the mainland?" He Guicai questioned.
"Quiet!" Ning Wanjun glanced at the staff officer, "Listen to him."
"Frequent changes in rulers have brought huge turmoil. There are robbers, bandits, and new enemies everywhere. They have all done the same things, such as recruiting troops, collecting taxes, and developing a place. But in the end, only the last The first session was successful." Xia Fan paused as he said this, "It's hard to say how strong they were at the beginning, and even overall it was quite inferior compared to the previous two sessions. But they have grown in just a few years. Here, we will wipe out all the robbers and bandits just because these people promised this to the local people."
"Then what?" Ning Wanjun asked enthusiastically.
"There is no more. They have soldiers, taxes, and the full support of the local people. Other rulers and enemies are simply unable to compete with them, and they quickly faded from people's sight."
"Why?" Mo Yun asked puzzled, "Robbers and bandits can't threaten the people in the town, right? It's more like businessmen coming and going to thank them."
"Because people have seen the changes." Xia Fan smiled, "Actually, most people are not fools. Although the previous two rulers had different equipment, armor, and titles, in people's eyes, the two have no essence. Difference. Only the third term brought a fresh change. They kept their word, and they would do what they promised. So people realized that this army was different from the previous two They are completely different. It is self-evident which side has stronger execution ability and looks more like a ruler, so it is more proactive in supporting them. Even during a certain period, they could borrow a large amount of food with just a piece of white paper. Because The people know that this loan will not be deliberately delayed, but will definitely be rewarded."
Ning Wanjun felt relaxed and happy, "Is this the image you mentioned before?"
"Yes, if you can do something that the government cannot or will not do, it will definitely give everyone a new impression. This impression can not only be inherited, but also spread. As I mentioned before , the city will not remember, but people have memories. After you change everyone's ideas, you will get a brand new Jinxia City."
Xia Fan spread his hands, "When the people of Jinxia realize that Her Royal Highness the Princess will not treat them as nothing and will not abandon them at a critical moment, but is willing to face powerful enemies in order to protect everyone, no matter how Shenzhou's officials change in the future, You also have real control over the city.”
After Ning Wanjun was silent for a long time, she slowly laughed, "So war is an extension of politics... Xu Sanzhong, give me an order to get everyone ready for battle."
"Your Highness!" He Guicai wanted to dissuade him, but the princess raised her hand to stop him.
"Actually, without what Xia Fan said, I would be more inclined to take the initiative." Ning Wanjun said bluntly, "According to normal circumstances, the Shenzhou garrison can arrive in one day, but what if they don't arrive? Don't forget that Jinxia City is a Linhai Fort, once all four walls are lost, how long will it take for Mu Shou to capture Jinxia? Half a year? One year? This also means that the progress of both the Saltworks and the Privy Council will be greatly delayed."
"Not to mention that we reached an alliance with the Evil Horse Country not long ago. When they sent their envoys and found out that Jinxia has been occupied by their mortal enemies, is there any chance that this alliance can be fulfilled?"
"I don't think it's the best policy to give up the initiative and rely solely on the Shenzhou Army to rush to rescue at the first time. I would rather take risks than put my hope in others."
Ning Wanjun looked around the lobby, "Finally, if I sit back and watch others suffer for my own purposes, what is the difference between me and my brothers' biological mothers? Jinxia City is my territory, and the people of Jinxia are also mine. Do the people under your rule still have doubts about this?"
Mo Yun showed a happy smile.
"Princess please give the order!"
Everyone clasped their fists and lowered their heads.
"Commander He, please formulate a feasible plan according to the plan of proactive attack. We must act quickly. We must act before the enemy has completely entered the city." The princess said quickly, "Eunuch Li, please check the supplies in the villa. He Mi Mian, set up a reception camp outside the West City Gate so that people fleeing Jinxia can take shelter here temporarily."
Finally, she turned to Xia Fan, "Since the enemy is the Dongsheng Kingdom, it is very likely that they will invade with Qi Sensers. I need your help and that of the Privy Council."
"Does this need to be said?" Xia Fan responded, "Of course I will help you to the end."
Rumble, rumble——————
At this moment, a series of thunder rolled across the sky, followed by an extremely dull buzzing sound, as if the air was slightly shaking.