My Cultivation Starting from Archery

"Commander, what should we do next?"

The Deputy General asked, "Our own supplies in Da Qi still need twenty more days to arrive. Regarding the gap..."

"Let's retreat."

Zhong Wuxin said, "Leave two tenths of the troops to defend. If they can hold, they hold; if not, they retreat. The rest will pull back two hundred miles in advance to Jing'an Prefecture to regroup and wait for the supply recovery. This task is yours. I must personally go to Sword Gate Canyon to meet with Ji."

"You needn't worry. This battle is merely increasing our costs, and even if we can't defeat the Sheng Dynasty quickly, as long as Liang Jinian is here, and the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book is with us, the right time, place, and people are still on our side."

Because this is a signal!

A scholar blessed by the immortals stabilizes the foundation in Ming State, which is akin to announcing to the whole world that the Sheng Dynasty's time is running out. Those who want to rebel, are hesitant about rebelling, or have already rebelled, let them all go crazy together!

In less than half a year, the Sheng Dynasty's interior will be completely plunged into chaos.

Then, the Northern Barbarians, Dongqing, and Nan Xu Country will swarm in, each getting a substantial share of the spoils. The Cao Family, which has occupied the Central Plains for hundreds of years, should also give up their position.

A battle for national fortune!

This is a true battle for national fortune!

...

Capital City.

Longevity Palace.

"Dong An, haha~"

From atop the Dragon Chair.

Emperor Longqing, holding a battle report, his lips curving into a strange arc with a smile, said, "Dong An, Dong An~ Who among you still remembers? He was the Martial Arts Top Scholar appointed by me. His betrothal was also granted by me. Even a few years ago when his son had an incurable disease, it was I who personally found the treasure medicine to cure him. And yet, for a Heavenly Book he has never even seen, he turned around and stabbed me in the back. Interesting, really very interesting!"

Many officials in red robes knelt as one, including the Chief Minister Yan Liang. All of them pressed their heads against the ground, no one daring to raise their heads for another look.

Only in a corner, on a wheelchair, sat a scholar with a calm face.

When His Majesty is truly angry, he doesn't shout or scream; he speaks with a smile, just like now.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"

"The army has long since set out to quell the rebellion. I believe that within half a year, the situation in Ming State can definitely be stabilized!"

Anyone whose trusted aide betrays them, especially causing such a significant impact, would probably find it hard to accept.

"Where is Sun Xiangzong?!"

Emperor Longqing swung the wide sleeves of his Taoist robe to rest on the sides of the Dragon Chair, "Ever since I approved his expansion of the army, he has disappeared. With such a major incident occurring, shouldn't he return personally? Fang Qingyun, don't feign ignorance; I'm specifically asking you."

"In response to Your Majesty."

Fang Qingyun spoke, "I too do not know, I too was left in the Capital City."

"Where he went, what he did, there must be some rough explanation, right?"

Emperor Longqing slightly narrowed his eyes, "Did he go somewhere to heal? He can tell me; he is my brother. Wouldn't I help him? Why waste his effort alone?"

"Your Majesty, I truly do not know."

Fang Qingyun sighed, "The old man is not willing to tell me everything."

"Haha~ alright, let him be then."

Emperor Longqing did not continue to inquire, "Fang Qingyun, tell me, how will the situation in Ming State develop next? Oh, Chen Aiqing is also involved, he's your junior. He died in there, don't you feel heartbroken?"

"To die in battle is the fate of the Eight Camps; there's nothing to grieve about,"

Fang Qingyun said leisurely, "Moreover, further battle reports have not yet come back. Maybe it's not so bad."

"Oh?"

Emperor Longqing's mouth twitched into a smile, "What, can the remaining twenty thousand men still create a miracle for me?"

"Who knows."

Fang Qingyun concealed his deep anxiety, "Until the dust settles, anything is possible."

This, in fact, was his prayer.

"Fine, I'll only give Lu Ji, Jiang Yuanbo three months' time. If they cannot resolve it within three months,"

Emperor Longqing suddenly stood up, "I will take the field myself."

...

Golden Spring Manor.

After trekking for over two months, the soldiers of the Reserve Camp finally had a day to breathe.

Immediately, a new problem arose: where to go next.

"General Zhao has sent a letter!"

Yu Song, looking at the intelligence, said excitedly, "He says if we attack from both front and rear, devour the small enemy force to the west, we can definitely take Wutong Prefecture. Hold out for another two months, and reinforcements are sure to arrive!"

"It's too late. General Zhao and his troops have wandered too long, giving the enemy ample time to react. In a few more days at most, the Qi Country army from the Northwest will descend to the south."

Chen Sansi threw cold water on the plan, "Going there now would definitely lead to a clash."

"What?"

"General Chen, are you playing with us?!"

Xie Sishu glared and said, "Brothers risked their lives fighting from Yingzui Mountain to Golden Spring Manor, and now you tell us we're not going to Wutong Prefecture?"

Chen Sansi countered, "I only said we were coming to Golden Spring Manor. When did I say we were going to meet General Zhao?"

Everyone fell silent.

"Cough, cough, cough..."

The severely wounded Yu Song wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, "Quiet! General Chen, then tell us, where do we go next? If we can't go to Wutong Prefecture, why not stay here and defend the city? There's still food and supplies in Golden Spring Manor. If we mobilize the citizens to defend the city as well, perhaps we can hold out for a while. We can instead make General Zhao come to us, couldn't we?"

"Yes!"

Yan Changqing followed, "Mobilize the citizens! We've been into the city several days without committing a single offense against the civilians, our reputation is excellent! Especially Brother Chen's reputation. When we entered Golden Spring Manor yesterday, many civilians came out to see, wanting to see which one was the Chen Sansi from Du He. Brother Chen, if you speak, you can definitely mobilize many citizens."

Chen Sansi said, "We lack High Realm Martial Artists, even Vice Admiral Yu is injured. If a Profound Image Realm arrives, how would we cope?"

"This won't work, that won't work,"

Xie Sishu asked, "Then what are you suggesting, General Chen? We surely can't just sit here and wait to die."

"Of course not, so..."

Chen Sansi slapped his hand on the east side of the map, "Cross the Hongze River again!"

Cross the Hongze River three times!