New events

This spring, half of the Great Qian's territory was embroiled in war. The land lay barren and the population was displaced; it was foreseeable that the post-war landscape would be a scene of ruins.

The decline of a once-powerful dynasty seemed inevitable, unless a great talent like Junior Guardian Yu or Grand Secretary Zhang emerged to save the situation from the brink of collapse.

Diannan Circuit and Zhongnan Circuit were peaceful and harmonious. The commoners' enthusiasm for reclaiming wasteland was incredibly high. According to the estimates of Zhao Xiyao and the others, they could save at least three hundred thousand dan of grain this year, provided there were no major natural or man-made disasters.

As the saying goes, the tree wants to be still but the wind won't stop. Just as the spring plowing had ended across all regions and everyone hadn't even had a chance to catch their breath, a change arrived.

One day at the end of March, just as Gao Yuan had picked up his bowl to eat lunch, a military report arrived.

Toungoo had massed troops at the border. Just like Gao Yuan, Khmer naturally made its response.

The Khmer King, Suryavarman, forcibly conscripted young men from across the country, stationing nearly eighty thousand troops in Khorat, Si Thep, and Khukhan Surin—the three areas where the three countries met. He put on a posture of being willing to fight to the bitter end even if it meant ruin, signaling a 'if you dare attack me, I'll stop living my life just to take you down' attitude.

Maha Thihathura, the ruler of Toungoo, was not afraid of strong enemies, but he was unwilling to fight to the death with Khmer. Consequently, he naturally turned his gaze toward Zhongnan Circuit.

Gao Yuan looked at the intelligence and let out a disdainful sneer.

"So these toungoo people have taken us for soft targets, have they? Zhongye, introduce our troop situation to everyone."

Wen Pin stood up, cupped his hands in greeting to the group, and then began his introduction.

"Our army currently has four divisions of the Xuanjia Army stationed in Zhongnan Circuit, totaling ten thousand men, scattered for defense in various Locations. Commander Liu and General Xia lead the Second Division and Third Division of the Beiwei Army, stationed in Vientiane."

"On the second line, there are also three divisions of General Huo Jun's Xuanjia Army stationed along the Luang Namtha and Son La line, ready to reinforce the first line of operations as needed."

"If looking solely at numbers, we only have fifteen thousand men on the first line, which is indeed a bit low. It's no wonder the toungoo people look down on us."

"However, our army is well-equipped and well-trained. With Commander Liu coordinating from the center and General Xia leading the charge, it should be no problem to block the Toungoo offensive."

Song Yong stroked his beard and nodded, though he added with some regret,

"It seems this battle will be more alarming than dangerous. It's just a pity that we don't know how many of the seedlings we just planted will be trampled and ruined this time."

Mu Sheng also chimed in,

"Indeed, the grain from Zhongnan Circuit is a major guarantee for our food reserves this year!"

Wu Xu, who was sitting to one side, had a completely indifferent expression.

"As long as we win, we'll make the toungoo people compensate us double for whatever losses we suffer."

This girl had read many past military reports and battle accounts recently. She was incredibly impressed by Gao Yuan's ability to win battles and his knack for reaping benefits afterward, which often made Gao Yuan feel as if little stars were floating around him.

"Hahaha, Wu Xu understands my thoughts best!"

After Gao Yuan finished laughing, his expression turned solemn.

"Since we're going to fight, we must make the enemy hurt, make them afraid, and make them pay a heavy price. Therefore, I intend to..."

"No!"

Gao Yuan's words were cut off halfway by four sharp, feminine rebukes. Turning his head, he saw it was indeed those four.

Zhao Xiyao stood up and walked to Gao Yuan's side. She glanced at Zheng Wan and Song Yao before saying in a delicate voice,

"Those two are pregnant. At a time like this, you cannot leave Guchang County under any circumstances."

Gao Yuan looked at the two blushing women with pleasant surprise. Just as he was about to change his mind, a system prompt arrived.

"S-Rank Series Event 'Struggle for Hegemony' Phase 3: 'In the Name of the Father' triggered:"

"The Host is about to become a father. Such joyful news should be celebrated grandly. What good news could surpass a great victory?"

"Event Objective: The Host must personally lead troops to crush all enemies who dare to invade;"

"Event Reward: The rating for the S-Rank Series Event 'Struggle for Hegemony' will increase by two sub-grades;"

"If more than five thousand enemy troops are captured on this basis, an extra b-rank lottery card will be rewarded. If more than ten thousand are captured, an A-rank lottery card will be rewarded, with a maximum reward of three A-rank lottery cards."

Well, now he had to go even if he didn't want to. A series event rating and three A-rank lottery cards—Gao Yuan wanted them very much.

His mind whirled quickly as he came up with a reason.

"As the saying goes, know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. We are bound to have a war with Toungoo in the future. This is our first clash with them, so I must go personally."

"But..."

Gao Yuan didn't let the woman continue, gently taking her soft, delicate hand.

"Your husband is the ever-victorious General of Huaihua of the Great Qian. How can I hide in a cozy nest all day? Trust me, alright?"

Zhao Xiyao looked at Gao Yuan's determined eyes and finally relented.

"Then you must promise me that you won't put yourself in danger no matter what. We are all waiting for you to come back."

Gao Yuan felt the woman's words were a bit of a bad omen. In TV dramas and novels, whenever this line was said, it usually ended in tragedy.

"Amitabha, God bless, let the bad omens be void and the good ones come true!"

After comforting himself internally, Gao Yuan began to issue orders.

"Order the Military Governor's Guard and the First Division to stop their rest. They will set out with me in two days. Move one thousand men each from the West City and Menge Xuanjia Army to station in Location."

"During my absence, all military affairs will be handled by Wen Pin, with Mu Sheng assisting him."

Seeing that Zhao Xiyao had already nodded, the others found it hard to object. They rose, accepted the orders, and went down to prepare.

Gao Yuan's guard had expanded several times and had now grown to one hundred and fifty men.

Though the numbers were few, they were the only elite cavalry force under his command.

The south lacked horse-breeding grounds, and he had put in a lot of effort just to maintain these warhorses.

With the expedition imminent, Gao Yuan took the time to accompany the women at home, especially the two pregnant ones.

Then he discovered that his main wife's desire to 'study' had surged significantly.

He understood well that although Zhao Xiyao appeared delicate, she was actually quite competitive.

With the other two women in the house pregnant, she didn't want to fall behind.

Gao Yuan smiled and pulled the woman, whose face was written with unhappiness, into his arms.

"Don't be anxious, we should just let nature take its course. Besides, now that they are pregnant, all the affairs will fall onto your shoulders alone."

"If you get pregnant too, what will happen to the government affairs?"

The woman knew Gao Yuan had a point, but she was still unhappy, whimpering in his arms.

"At... at worst, I'll just hand the government affairs to Wu Xu. she is so capable..."

Gao Yuan thought of the actions of the Empress from his original world and decisively shook his head.

"Wu Xu—her temperament isn't suited for holding too much power yet."

"Her temperament is indeed a bit cold, but it's already much better than before."

"Let's cultivate her slowly. In the future, she might become your right-hand woman."

Compared to Wu Xu, Zheng Wan and Song Yao's abilities to handle government affairs were still somewhat lacking.

It was just that Gao Yuan really didn't have enough manpower right now, so he could only force them into the roles.

After spending two good days with the women at home, on the morning of the third day, Gao Yuan donned his battle robes and armor, mounted his warhorse, and left Guchang County.

The soldiers of the First Division had already assembled, quietly waiting for their commander.

To provide rapid reinforcement this time, Gao Yuan had mobilized a large number of pack horses as transportation for the soldiers.

Each man rode one horse, while another carried armor and weapons, and a third carried dry rations and water.

Although the speed was certainly not as fast as pure warhorses, it was still faster than walking.

Scanning the surroundings and seeing the high spirits of the soldiers, Gao Yuan nodded with satisfaction.

"Set out!"

Everyone mounted their horses and left the camp.

On the city wall, five women stood watching the departing army, their eyes filled with worry.