Mang Mountain
The Prince of Han was taken aback by the Hanzhong army's initial setback, their grand plan disrupted by those Kongming lanterns.
Though unwilling, he had no choice but to retreat to Mang Mountain to preserve his strength.
Despite having inside help within the Northern Army, Han Congsheng's ferocity was undeniable. The contingent he personally led inflicted heavy casualties on the Hanzhong army, nearly preventing their escape.
Mang Mountain was an imperial tomb, but the defending forces were no match for them. Moreover, they had reservations, and the Hanzhong army quickly secured the Mang Mountain area.
Upon hearing that the Sage had replaced Han Congsheng with Feng Qirui as the main general, Xiao Changgong's strategists sarcastically remarked, "A foolish ruler without strategy, Heaven aids our Lord."
Changing generals on the battlefield is a major military taboo, especially since Han Congsheng had commanded the Northern Army for years, with many of his confidantes within its ranks. Feng Qirui might not find it easy to work with them.
"Xiao Che, that brat, is not worth worrying about," someone quickly chimed in.
"Although that man lacks virtue, he is cunning. Our army has suffered significant casualties this time, so our Lord must not let his guard down."
"Though our Lord occupies Mang Mountain, reinforcements have not yet arrived. Xiao Che, while he may be wary of the ancestral tomb and temporarily refrains from attacking the mountain, we are also trapped here, and the situation is not optimistic."
...
The two factions argued incessantly, but Wang Fan, seated at the head of the table, remained silent.
Xiao Changgong’s gaze fell upon Wang Fan; it was thanks to him that the Hanzhong army had managed to escape the Northern Army's pursuit.
"Young Master Wang, what are your insightful suggestions?" Xiao Changgong asked.
"I wish to ask, Your Highness, what was your purpose in leaving Hanzhong?" Wang Fan replied.
At these words, the room fell silent.
"Young Master Wang, please speak your mind directly," Xiao Changgong said. Though accustomed to flattery, he was not unreceptive to advice.
"The terrain of Mang Mountain is indeed advantageous to Your Highness, but what you seek is the empire, not the Mang Mountain region. Although the previous plan was ruined, it is not without opportunities to try again."
"Try again?" one person scoffed. "On the battlefield, opportunities vanish in an instant. Xiao Che's army is stationed thirty li from our encampment, blockading the road to the capital like an iron bucket. How can we try again?"
Wang Fan, unangered, fanned himself and said, "Sir, have you heard of 'Besiege Wei to rescue Zhao'? The Northern Army has changed generals on the battlefield, and its morale is scattered. This is precisely the opportune moment for subversion, and with Advisor Hu present, it will surely yield twice the result with half the effort."
Most importantly, his father was in the Northern Army. The most dangerous place was the safest.
If the Northern Army counterattacked the capital, Xiao Che would inevitably withdraw his troops to reinforce it. Once Prince Han's reinforcements arrived, they could seize the opportunity and attack the capital amidst the chaos.
Prince Han clapped his hands. "This plan is brilliant! Young Master, you truly live up to being the next family head."
The Wang family was the foremost among the five great clans. The head of the Wang family would eventually lead the five clans. Without considerable mettle, how could he command the respect of the other families?
"Your Highness is too kind. I will handle the Northern Army, but the key issue is when Your Highness's reinforcements will arrive."
"At the latest, five days; at the earliest, three," Prince Han replied.
"That is perfect. It will also take the Northern Army two to three days to stabilize," Wang Fan said calmly.
It was best for things to be chaotic. Only in chaos could those people know who the true master of the empire was.
Continuous warfare would lead to an endless flow of wealth to the five great clans, ensuring their eternal prosperity.
...
Yu Mingyue was reclining on a chaise lounge, eating grapes. Chi Dan entered from outside. "Miss, a letter from the Princess."
During these days of confinement, several letters arrived at Mingyue Garden daily. Cui Shi turned a blind eye to them.
She was trapped at home and had no money to hire people to do her bidding; she could not cause any trouble.
After wiping her hands with a handkerchief, Yu Mingyue took the letter. "Sister Lingyi wasn't at Mount Qian performing Buddhist rites for the Grand Princess? She has returned to the capital?"