The Ugly Empress by Yun Guo Shi Fei / 丑娘娘 by 云

Ch48 - Fate conspires against people

Feng Ming never imagined that Zhao Lu was a clingy sort of person. Zhao Lu always had an indifferent attitude and his conduct was also quite cold. Yet, these past two days, Zhao Lu often came over just to see Feng Ming.

Feng Ming though maybe it was because Zhao Lu felt the pressure of his imminent departure to the battlefields. After all, if given a choice, Feng Ming himself also didn’t want Zhao Lu to go. But in this entire Feng country, there was no one else Feng Ming could unconditionally trust other than Zhao Lu.

Even though Zhao Lu was unexpectedly being clingy, he still didn’t talk very much and didn’t show any of his feelings. He was still cold as he was before, so Feng Ming didn’t think too much about it. Only Zhao Lu himself knew the reason behind his restlessness : Feng and Xue countries had always been leading up to war, and now the day of the final battle would finally arrive.

As Feng Ming and his ministers were discussing strategies for sending troops, everyone wanted to know Minister Lu’s opinions as well 

Lu Shichen said, “This servant is only an ignorant scholar, only knows civil matters like how to calm the people of the country. Regarding war and soldiers, this servant seeks to learn from Marquis Zhulu.”

Zhao Lu was looking at the map seemingly in deep thought. But internally, he was struggling; every word he was about to say gave him great pain and suffering.

Because the steps that he’d taken all of his life, every one of them was meticulously designed to deceive Feng Ming and to eventually bring victory for Xue Junliang.

Zhao Lu said, “Xue Country’s army is very well trained and strong, moreover, now that Emperor Xue had conquered Teng Country’s army, they could not be considered lightly. On the surface, it does seem like we are at a disadvantageous position… But, Teng Country was conquered and King Teng is now in prison, people’s hearts might not be quite harmonious. Taking advantage of this, maybe we can start by attacking Teng Country’s territory, breaking through their weak borders and occupying their land. After that, we can turn to attack Xue Country from two sides.”

Everyone nodded in agreement to Zhao Lu’s suggestions.

Lu Shichen said, “It is indeed a good strategy, but Teng Country is quite far, I’m afraid our army would be too exhausted after the journey. How can we easily conquer Teng country?”

Zhao Lu said, “The situation in Teng Country is not yet peaceful and secure. We can send some people to spread rumors among the Teng people, saying that Emperor Xue intends to kill Marquis Tengnan and holds a grudge against the people of Teng for killing the Empress. And hence, Emperor Xue wants to eliminate the whole Teng Country as revenge. This way, Teng people will be too afraid and anxious, and will not be thinking of going to war. In this situation, then I would lead an army of ten thousand light cavalry and disrupt the morale of the army in Teng, paving the way for us; making them surrender and open their gates.”

Everyone once again nodded in agreement to Zhao Lu’s suggestion, it was indeed a very good one. Feng Ming also agreed. If they occupied Teng Country’s lands first, Feng Country’s soldiers wouldn’t have to worry about food and water, and wouldn’t have to set up a new camp either. Then Feng and Teng could attack Xue country from both sides. Xue Country is in between the two countries. It would be difficult for Xue Junliang to defend an attack from two sides. 

Lu Shichen said, “The plan is excellent, but I’m afraid Emperor Xue might send troops to intercept Marquis Zhulu’s escape route. If the escape route is broken wouldn’t our army be depleted?”

Feng Ming said, “Then we can create a false alarm by attacking the Xue borders from the front. This will distract Xue Junliang enough so Marquis Zhulu can safely arrive at Teng Country.”