Chapter 747: Marching on Shouchun

For those below the aristocratic class, the power of the great families seemed invincible. However, for those above this class, the intricate web of connections that these families relied on was full of holes. Although powerful, they were bloated and riddled with weak points.

Fa Zheng's arrogance left the noble families of Runan fully aware that he had no interest in communicating with them. He brazenly declared his intention to go challenge Yuan Shu, leaving the Runan families speechless. His overbearing attitude silenced any objections they might have had.

"Disperse," said Zhou Xun, sighing as he looked at his peers after watching Fa Zheng and Gan Ning depart. "Close your doors and wait for the outcome. We are no longer in a position to interfere. Whether General Yuan wins or this Chancellor Fa prevails, we can only hide and bide our time."

"Ah, youthful success," Zhao Yi said with a bitter smile. "I fear General Yuan won’t make it back in time. The Zhao family is doomed."

"Let’s hope that Zhou Gongjin can perform a miracle, or we truly have no way to recover," Chen Chuang said with bitterness. "Disperse, everyone. When the elder from the Chen family wrote to us, we all hesitated and thought long and hard."

Yuzhou had long been a hub of culture and scholarship, home to both large and small influential families. Yet, upon witnessing Fa Zheng’s swift capture of Runan, they all felt an overwhelming sense of despair, realizing the situation was beyond saving.

"Close your doors and wait for news. If Yuan Shu arrives, we may have a chance to fight. If not, we have no choice but to surrender." Zhao Yi’s face was grim as he turned and left slowly, knowing that the Zhao family’s closeness to Yuan Shu would spell their downfall.

After Fa Zheng and Gan Ning left, the families of Runan exchanged helpless glances before silently dispersing. Fa Zheng’s arrogance had already made everything clear. Whether it was youthful ambition or sheer disregard for others, Fa Zheng now had the strength to back his claims. Even if he marched openly to Shouchun to flaunt his power, there was no one in Runan capable of stopping him. The once-proud families could do nothing but wait for the inevitable outcome.

When Fa Zheng and Gan Ning arrived at the military camp, Mi Fang and Xu Sheng were leading their troops in training. For them, the current situation was uncertain, and they could be called to battle at any moment. All the soldiers needed to be kept in peak condition—hard work now could mean the difference between life and death later.

"Greetings, Military Advisor Fa, General Gan," Mi Fang and Xu Sheng saluted as soon as they saw Fa Zheng and Gan Ning.

Like Gan Ning, who had developed a deep respect for Fa Zheng’s abilities, Mi Fang and Xu Sheng had also witnessed Fa Zheng’s incredible strategic acumen during their campaign. They dared not show the slightest disrespect.

"How’s the training going?" Fa Zheng asked as he glanced at the soldiers. The army had been advancing relentlessly, rarely stopping along the way, but the soldiers were well-fed with the best rations available—meals with both meat and vegetables.

Following the principle of using whatever resources they could find, Fa Zheng had been opening the grain stores wherever they went, both to win over the people's support and to ensure that his troops were well-nourished. After all, maintaining this level of intense warfare without proper sustenance would inevitably lead to problems.

In truth, Fa Zheng had launched this campaign without bringing any supplies, relying entirely on provisions seized from the enemy. Like Xuzhou, Yuzhou produced an abundance of grain, and its granaries were well-stocked. As long as they could take a city, there was no issue of logistics. Fa Zheng had ordered his troops to carry only three days' worth of dry rations before setting out.

"The troops are ready and can move out at any time," Xu Sheng reported, stepping forward with a solemn expression. "The navy is also in position."

"The navy is ready?" Fa Zheng turned to Gan Ning. "When did they get into position?"

"It’s just the Huai River, not the Yangtze," Gan Ning laughed. "Yuan Shu hasn’t fortified it much. Small sailboats are enough to cross. The river pirates here have already submitted to me, pledging their loyalty. The fleet is ready."

"Good, that's settled. Zifang, you will guard the city. Unless I personally return, do not open the gates for anyone, no matter who it is," Fa Zheng instructed, nodding in approval. He knew that to Gan Ning, who had sailed even the open seas, the Huai River was merely a small stream. There was no cause for concern.

"Understood," Mi Fang replied with a bow.

Though Mi Fang might have been reluctant to lead soldiers in direct combat, he was confident in his ability to hold a city. He knew his troops well and understood that as long as he stood firm, they would not abandon him. With this certainty and the strong walls of Runan, Mi Fang believed that as long as he remained cautious, his forces could hold out until Fa Zheng returned.

"Wen Xiang, you will assist in defending the city. Stay vigilant," Fa Zheng said, turning to Xu Sheng.

"Understood," Xu Sheng responded, bowing his head. "Where are General Gan and the Military Advisor headed?"

"To Shouchun. Only by going there will Yuan Shu realize that his rule is nothing more than a crumbling tower," Fa Zheng said with a confident smile, exuding the pride of a young man as well as the assurance of a master strategist.

"How many troops will General Gan take to Shouchun?" Xu Sheng asked.

"Take all the cavalry and a few infantrymen—three to five thousand will be enough," Fa Zheng replied, answering for Gan Ning. "We’re just going to show off; there’s no need for a large army."

"Isn’t that too dangerous?" Xu Sheng asked, his brow furrowing in concern.

"We’ll appear right next to Yuan Shu’s seat of power. Do you think they’ll believe we have so few men? If they have any sense, they won’t risk guessing that we’re undermanned," Fa Zheng said with a light laugh. "Feign strength where there is weakness, and weakness where there is strength. We’ll toy with them and see if they dare to engage."

Fa Zheng spoke casually, but Xu Sheng knew their forces were spread thin. If they had fifty thousand men, Fa Zheng would have led thirty thousand to Shouchun, not the small force he was taking now.

"Please be careful, General, Military Advisor," Xu Sheng said, thinking through all the possibilities but ultimately settling on this final piece of advice.

"Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing, and Zhou Gongjin knows his part as well. It’s all about timing now—our scouts must reach the enemy’s communications outposts just as our own forces move in," Fa Zheng said calmly, confident in his strategy. If he weren’t, he would never have proposed it.

"Prepare the troops. Transfer all the cavalry to Xingba, along with three hundred scouts. Supplement the rest with elite veterans," Fa Zheng ordered, taking command.

Soon, the drums of the camp sounded, and the soldiers quickly assembled. After the incense burned down, the camp was silent, waiting for Fa Zheng’s orders.

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