Zhang San, please behave yourself!
Chapter 612 - 568: I, Zhang San, Take Over the Military, Who Agrees, Who Objects?

Chapter 612: Chapter 568: I, Zhang San, Take Over the Military, Who Agrees, Who Objects?

Suddenly, a formidable figure descended from the sky, directly asking who Zhang San was, startling him.

However, the other party seemed to realize the misunderstanding as well, given their attire it was clear they were Tujue, so they immediately explained, "I am under the command of Xing Luohou Khan, specially here to deliver a secret letter to Mister Zhang San."

Upon hearing this, Zhang San relaxed, walked over to receive the letter handed to him by the messenger, and asked, "Xing Luohou is far beyond Longwang Road to the north, why did they dispatch you to deliver a letter? Has something significant happened?"

"My Khan instructed me to inform Mister Zhang San that Sharlobi Khan has already given the order. Soon, Tujue will gather eight Khans and forces from all over the steppes to launch a full-scale attack on Great Sui. At that time, our forces will split into five routes; you must be well-prepared!"

Zhang San smiled slightly upon hearing this and said, "In fact, Sharlobi’s plan has been within our expectations, and we have even begun preparations for the impending war against Tujue."

Although, in reality, everyone had only been concerned and never so certain, but at this moment, no one exposed Zhang San’s lie.

After all, they knew that if someone traveled thousands of miles to bring you a message that could save your life, the value of this favor was immeasurable.

Conversely, if you had already been aware and prepared for this situation, even though they had come from afar, it would merely be seen as a kind gesture.

The difference in gratitude owed would naturally mean a different response from Zhang San to Xing Luohou in the future.

The Tujue powerhouse nodded, cupped his hands towards Zhang San, and said, "Since that’s the case, I will take my leave now."

Then, Zhang San added, "Hold on. When you go back, tell Xing Luohou that I will report his act of sending the letter to Kaihuang. Kaihuang will also find a way to give you more benefits, so that you can live a better life outside Longwang Road."

The Tujue powerhouse rushed to thank Zhang San, indicating that Xing Luohou Khan had ordered them to only feign an attack, pretending to invade Great Sui to block Sharlobi’s claims, but they would not actually attack Great Sui.

After the Tujue powerhouse had left, Changsun Bubai actually hadn’t recovered from the grief of losing his son.

He glanced at Zhang San and asked, "Are we really prepared?"

Zhang San pursed his lips and said, "Of course not! But how could we let the Tujue know that? We must make them believe we’re ready and just waiting for Sharlobi to come and meet his doom!"

Changsun Bubai then caught on.

Zhang San observed Changsun Bubai’s expression, realizing that Changsun Bubai’s condition was actually very poor at the moment.

This poor state led directly to the possibility that there might be some issues in the upcoming preparations for the war against Tujue.

Sure enough, after escorting Changsun Bubai and the body of Changsun Xiu back to the Lingwu Army...

It wasn’t long before Changsun Bubai fell ill.

Even though Changsun Bubai didn’t feel much for Changsun Xiu, not even recognizing his own son despite many encounters over the years...

He was still his own flesh and blood.

It’s a painful ordeal when a white-haired person sends off one with black hair, especially without having had a chance for a father and son to recognize each other; Changsun Bubai was naturally heartbroken.

And as Changsun Bubai fell ill, an issue arose.

Who would be in charge within the Lingwu Army now?

Though numerous seasoned veterans were eager to step up, anyone sensible knew whose spot it was.

At that moment, within the central army tent, the position of Military Envoy remained vacant, while the Deputy General stood by, surveying the gathered officers.

"Gentlemen, the Military Envoy is gravely ill, but the army cannot be without a leader for even a day, so we need to choose someone to temporarily assume the Military Envoy’s duties. Let’s speak freely on this matter."

Immediately, some of the older generals stood up.

"I’m not one to covet power, but with Tujue looming in the north, the situation is perilous. We need a seasoned and cautious person to handle military affairs. Though I am old, I am still willing to pour out the last of my fervor for our Lingwu Army!"

Many who were on good terms with this old general applauded.

Then, a middle-aged military officer stood up.

Upon seeing this man step forward, many furrowed their brows.

This man was transferred from the Shuofang Army to support the Lingwu Army last year. It was said to be support, but in reality, he was a mole sent by Mei Fei.

He stirred up trouble in the army, and there was hardly any officer in the Lingwu Army who got along with him.

In fact, it was suspected that many of the Lingwu Army’s secrets were being sent to the Shuofang Army by him.

Seeing him stand up now, many showed their displeasure openly.

"I think..."

Just as he was about to speak, Zhang San suddenly stepped forward and took his seat in the Military Envoy’s position.

"As Military Envoy Changsun is critically ill, the army needs someone to take charge. So now, I, Zhang San, will take command of the entire army. Who agrees, and who objects?"

Though the old general who had stepped forward was displeased, he didn’t say anything, especially since a thorn had just made his presence known.

As expected, the middle-aged general stared at Zhang San angrily and shouted, "How long have you been with the Lingwu Army? What gives you the right to dare sit in the Military Envoy’s place..."

Spurt—

Without wasting words, Zhang San directly took out a Mo Blade from the Gluttonous Bag and slashed at the other man.

Who the hell would dare to start a fight inside the central army tent!?

But Zhang San dared, and he indeed made his move.

Following the sudden slash, the middle-aged general had no chance to defend himself.

Of course, even if he had been prepared, he might not have withstood Zhang San’s strike.

The result was a deep gash across his chest from Zhang San’s blade, leaving a massive wound.

For a moment, bright red splattered everywhere.

Zhang San waved his hand, saying, "This general is wounded, someone take him away for treatment. Since he’s unable to lead his troops for now, all his soldiers are to be temporarily commanded by Bai Dushu. If anyone disobeys, they will be dealt with by military law!"

"Yes!"

In the camp, none of the officers dared utter a word of dissent!

Damn it, cutting down a man just like that!

The Lingwu Army is turning into the Lingwu Club!

Seeing everyone bowing their heads and not daring to meet his gaze, Zhang San knew he had effectively intimidated them and continued, "Just now, through my informants in the Tujue territory, I received reliable intelligence. Soon, Tujue will gather a large army to attack the Great Sui. They will split into five directions to launch their assault. On Longyun Path and Jin River Path, we will face the main force of the Tujue... even..."

"The Jin River Path might not even encounter the main force of Tujue, but our Longyun Path will be the focus of their large army."

Upon hearing this, some officers were excited about the impending battle, while others became anxious knowing they would face the main Tujue forces.

"After all, Mei Fei’s unauthorized attack on Tujue gave them a perfect pretext for war. So now that Tujue will march under the banner of avenging themselves against the Great Sui, they will surely target Longyun Path, where Mei Fei is stationed."

Hearing this, reminders of Mei Fei provoked ire among many.

Zhang San knew that in times like these, it was vital to stand united.

Not to mention that the current situation provided an excellent pretext courtesy of Mei Fei himself.

Even without Mei Fei, Zhang San would have had to devise a scheme to place the blame on him.

Only then could there be sufficient unity within the ranks!

As long as he united everyone against an external enemy, they would not feel that his demands were too harsh.

"Since the impending war was provoked by Mei Fei, it’s obvious that he’s not suitable for a major command role..."

At this point, many began to sense something was amiss.

Zhang San went on to say, "Although Mei Fei is the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Longyun Path, once the war begins, I fear the entire Lingwu Army will have to obey his orders. But as an utterly incompetent man, if we follow his commands, our Lingwu Army will surely perish under the iron hooves of the Tujue and Mei Fei’s stupidity!"

"So, I’d like to ask everyone present, who is willing to take orders from Mei Fei?"

Everyone shook their heads, unwilling.

It’s not just that the Lingwu Army and the Shuofang Army don’t get along—it’s that Mei Fei’s command abilities are indeed questionable.

"Very well, if that’s the case, Deputy General, write a memorial now. On behalf of the entire Lingwu Army, let all officers sign it to state that the Lingwu Army will not follow Mei Fei’s command in this battle. I will then send this jointly-signed memorial directly to the emperor through the Red Level channel!"

Everyone knew that edge-land memorials sent via the Red Level channel were no small matter.

If Zhang San indeed dared to do this, then signing it was not a big deal.

Moreover, everyone was signing it.

Soon, everyone had signed their names. Zhang San compiled the memorial, the letter from Xing Luohou, and his plan to counter the Tujue, and sent it all together.

Sending things anyway, might as well send more.

After dispatching the documents, Zhang San began arranging the Lingwu Army’s operations.

"This battle against the Tujue is unpredictable, fierce, and difficult to judge! The first thing I hope for is that everyone survives! Hence, to fight this battle, relying solely on ourselves is insufficient."

"Changsun Wugen, heed my command. Take some men and deliver a message to the Shuofang Army, inform them of the impending Tujue invasion, and have the Shuofang Army position themselves near the Great Wall in coordination with our Lingwu Army to fortify defenses! The defense zones have already been planned, just prepare for battle according to the established zones!"

"Orders received!"

"Changsun Wudiao, since you’ve been to Jin River Path before, take some men there now. Inform Wang Junwu about this matter, then go see Old General Yuchi together and prepare. If Jin River Path can withstand the Tujue invasion, then consider sending troops to support us on Longyun Path."

"Orders received!"

"Hei... *cough*... Li! Go immediately to the Ying Zhao clan’s territory and inform them that the Tujue, concerned about the power of the Calamity Position we obtained with the Ying Zhao clan during the Disaster Descending God event, plan to strike at us! Task the Ying Zhao clan with scouting duties, to keep sending us Tujue intelligence, and prepare to engage Tujue in battle at any moment!"

"Orders received!"

"Changsun Wuji! I know about you! Stop pretending now. You’ll be the commander for this defense against the Tujue, with Li Xuanmin, Bai Dushu, and the Deputy General assisting you!"

At these words, Changsun Wuji just grinned.

Zhang San glared, and Changsun Wuji immediately bowed and said, "Orders received."

The officers were somewhat shocked; everyone knew Changsun Wuji was a playboy, so why was Zhang San entrusting the defense against the Tujue to him?

If he’s defending against the Tujue, what will you do?

Zhang San continued, "As long as we can withstand the Tujue onslaught and they fail to breach our lines, then I’ll deal with the other four invading forces. If we succeed, we win this war! After all, the weather is getting colder, and if we stop the Tujue, their advance will be hampered by winter’s chill, and they’ll have no choice but to retreat!"

"Now, the entire army is to prepare for battle!"