War! War!

Liu Rengui truly lived up to his potential as a future Prime Minister of the Great Tang. Although he didn't initially understand how to write a combat plan, through his own exploration and Gao Yuan's guidance...

In less than ten days, a complete combat plan was produced.

From troop deployment and offensive directions to logistical requirements and post-war administration, it could be said that every detail was covered.

Although Gao Yuan had always had the final say in military matters, Zhao Xiyao was both surprised and delighted when such a plan was placed before her.

She was delighted by Gao Yuan's respect for her; after all, she was technically the highest-ranking person in the Diannan Circuit.

However, she was also very sad, because a campaign of this scale meant that Gao Yuan would have to go out on an expedition again.

Even if he didn't charge into battle on the front lines, Gao Yuan, as the commander-in-chief, had to be stationed at the front.

Unlike the unhappiness of the three women—Zhao Xiyao, Zheng Wan, and Song Yao—Mu Qing was overjoyed in her heart.

Gao Yuan going on an expedition meant she could once again rightfully follow him and enjoy their world as a duo.

Unfortunately, her happiness didn't last long. During dinner, Gao Yuan said something that made her unhappy.

"Guchang County has only recently been pacified. It's currently a mixed bag of people, and it's inevitable that there are some petty criminals;"

"So Qingqing, don't follow me on this expedition. Stay in Guchang to protect the safety of our home."

There was now another resentful woman in the house.

In the following days, the women began to frantically squeeze 'learning knowledge' out of Gao Yuan.

With such academic pressure, no amount of nourishment could make up for it; Gao Yuan visibly looked a bit haggard.

On a morning half a month later, watching Gao Yuan's back as he climbed onto his horse and fled, the four women held hands and comforted each other.

"Don't worry, our army is strong and well-equipped now; he will surely be safe."

"Right, right, right. With Xia Luqi following him, he'll definitely be fine."

"I really don't know how many more years of this kind of life we have to endure."

"Alright, alright, let's hurry back to work. Getting the logistics ready for our Husband is the real priority."

The various armies had already set out according to plan, so Gao Yuan only brought Xia Luqi and a hundred Personal Guards.

Galloping all the way on horseback, the group reached the starting point of this expedition—Luang Namtha—in less than ten days.

Gao Yuan's goal this time was Vientiane, so it was most appropriate to place the main offensive direction here.

As for East Pass, with Wen Pin leading the Third Division and two divisions of the Xuanjia Army, conducting a feint was more than enough.

Gao Yuan entered the government office of Luang Namtha, where Liu Rengui and Huo Jun were already waiting with a group of military officers lined up on both sides.

Seeing Gao Yuan stride in, everyone immediately saluted.

"This humble general greets the Commander!"

Gao Yuan passed through the crowd and sat down at the head seat.

"At ease, everyone. Please sit."

Once everyone was seated, Gao Yuan spoke to inquire.

"Zhengze, report on the recent situation."

"Yes!"

Liu Rengui took out a small notebook and began to report the recently gathered intelligence.

"The King of Lan Xang recently wiped out over a dozen noble families, absorbing nearly fifteen thousand of their private soldiers and death warriors, who are now training in Vientiane;"

"The number of garrison troops in Sichuan Copper and Meng Wei remains unchanged, still three thousand each, and they are scattered in various places."

Gao Yuan nodded with satisfaction.

"Since everyone has been itching for a fight for a long time, it's time for us to make a move;"

"Everyone, go back and rest well. The day after tomorrow, cook at the third watch and set out at the fifth watch. Attack Sichuan Copper and Meng Wei according to the plan;"

"Everyone, take note: you must move fast. Do not procrastinate under any circumstances; delays lead to complications."

Everyone stood up and cupped their fists.

"This humble general obeys your command!"

After everyone left, Gao Yuan sent an order to Wen Pin, letting him decide his actions as he saw fit.

The goal was not how much territory to seize, but to stall and eliminate as many potential reinforcements from the Thanh Hoa direction as possible.

Khon Kham had expected Gao Yuan to take the opportunity to take a bite out of him, but he never expected it to come so quickly and so fiercely.

In less than ten short days, reports of defeat arrived one after another from Sichuan Copper and Meng Wei.

In both places, except for the prefectural cities, almost all other county towns had been lost, and more than half of the troops had been lost.

At this moment, he felt extremely fortunate that he still had a powerful fresh force in his hands.

The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. Khon Kham slapped the armrest of his throne.

"I have long wanted to avenge my past humiliation. Since Gao Yuan has come again this time, we shall give them a lesson;"

"Appoint Nam Khao Pan Phao as the commander-in-chief, leading twenty thousand troops on an expedition to wipe out the Qian Army."

"Yes!"

Nam Khao Pan Phao had also been eager to fight the Qian Army when he heard the news. His experience of being captured back then had made him the target of his colleagues' ridicule even now.

Seeing his uncle about to withdraw, Khon Kham quickly called him back and added,

"The Han people have a saying: 'It is better to cut off one finger than to injure ten.' Uncle, you should lead the troops to rescue one place first; do not split the forces."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. I understand."

"That Gao Yuan is cunning and treacherous, and Xia Luqi is exceptionally brave. Uncle, do not be careless!"

In Nam Khao Pan Phao's view, Khon Kham was purely overthinking it. He had twenty thousand elites; he could win simply by pushing straight through.

In the face of absolute strength, all schemes and intrigues were nothing but clouds.

"Oh? Reinforcements are here? They came quite fast!"

Upon receiving this news, Gao Yuan revealed a smile of a successful scheme.

"Pass down the order: the whole army is to retreat to the east. Send a message to Liu Rengui to have him get ready."

"Yes!"

The men had been fighting easy and pleasant crushing matches these past few days and were truly stifled.

Hearing that the Lan Xang reinforcements had arrived, everyone was also incredibly excited.

Nam Khao Pan Phao arrived at Sichuan Copper City with his army and heard that Gao Yuan had retreated three days ago. He couldn't help but feel smug.

"Hahaha, I knew these Han people were all bullies who fear the strong. Seeing my great army approach, they ran faster than rabbits. Order the whole army to pursue to the east!"

A vice-general quickly tried to dissuade him upon seeing this.

"Great General, the weather is hot now, and the army is already exhausted. Why don't we rest for two days?"

"Yes, Great General. Those Han people are full of tricks. Could this be..."

Nam Khao Pan Phao glared with his bull-like eyes and gave each of the two men who spoke a whip lash.

"The King sent us here to wipe out the enemy. While the enemy is still rampaging in our country, you dare talk nonsense about resting;"

"Someone, drag these two lazy fellows down and give them twenty heavy strokes."

With this, even if someone felt something was wrong in their heart, they didn't dare speak up.

After entering July, the weather on the Indochina Peninsula became increasingly hot. Gao Yuan hid by day and moved by night, traveling only twenty-odd li a day.

Meanwhile, Nam Khao Pan Phao behind him urged his soldiers to walk more than thirty li every day.

No one dared to care if someone couldn't hold on and collapsed from heatstroke by the roadside. Previously, someone who kindly tried to help a comrade was beheaded on the charge of delaying military operations.

After five days of pursuit, the Lan Xang army finally caught up with Gao Yuan.

Seeing the two armies were less than five li apart, the scouts of both sides had already fought several skirmishes.

What surprised Nam Khao Pan Phao was that when Gao Yuan saw him catch up, he actually turned and ran.

Seeing the banners and grain abandoned all over the ground, the Lan Xang soldiers were too lazy to pursue and started collecting spoils everywhere.

Nam Khao Pan Phao saw this scene and intended to stop it, but then he thought carefully about it again.

"Anyway, those Qian troops can't escape. It's fine to get some spoils first to boost morale."

The main road was littered with spoils: pots, pans, and even dried meat.

The Lan Xang people picked them up while showing off, and even started trading on the spot.

In the end, even some laborers rushed up to join the looting of spoils.

The several-li-long mountain path was covered with figures, a scene of great bustle.

Everyone's face was filled with joy, not even caring about the scorching sun gradually rising overhead.

They tossed about for nearly four hours. The Lan Xang people were all satisfied, and only then did they feel parched and famished.

Just as they wanted to find a shady spot to eat and drink their fill, a sudden change occurred.