The hegemon of the Southwest

If Nanzhou's power could be considered a rapidly rising upstart in the Southwest, then the true hegemon of this region was Toungoo.

After conquering Pegu and Arakan, Toungoo's sphere of influence had expanded to the Indian Ocean.

To the west, it shared a direct border with the powerful Mughal Empire, and to the south, it was adjacent to Ayutthaya.

The entire country possessed over thirty prefectures, with a population exceeding one million households and over six million people.

Its military was even more formidable, boasting over 150,000 standing troops, which could be expanded to a scale of 200,000 to 300,000 at any time if needed.

Several core prefectures within Toungoo were grain-producing regions, ensuring more than sufficient grain and military equipment.

The ruler, Maha Thihathura, was a man of great ambition and means; he had been campaigning in all directions since his ascension.

In just five or six short years, he had successively conquered countries such as Tripura, Manipur, and Cachar.

Combined with the recently conquered Arakan and Pegu, five nations had already fallen beneath their iron hooves.

They even vaguely possessed the strength to contend with powerful nations like the Mughals.

Previously, Gao Yuan had been able to thrive, which in a sense was related to Toungoo being occupied with the war on the western front.

Now that the western front war had ended and Toungoo had its hands free, the surrounding nations could not help but tremble in fear.

Even major powers like Ayutthaya and Khmer had to expand their armies to deal with the Toungoo army that could arrive at any moment.

In Lan Xang, Khon Kham was also burning with anxiety.

Having had its population plundered several times by Gao Yuan, Lan Xang's strength was greatly diminished, with vast areas of land lying fallow due to a lack of farmers.

Most importantly, the loss of population had created a massive vacancy in the source of soldiers.

The standoff with Tonkin in Thanh Hoa had lasted so long that both sides were gritting their teeth and persevering.

Both sides lacked a fresh force capable of breaking the balance, and neither could produce one.

It wasn't that neither side had thought of a truce, but as soon as one side retreated even slightly, the other would tacitly press forward.

It truly felt like they were stuck in a situation they couldn't quit.

It was at this time that Gao Yuan, enjoying his leisure in Dehong City, received a secret letter.

The secret letter was sent by Liu Rengui, and the plan was simple: to take advantage of the current situation and reap a profit.

However, the target for this exploitation was no longer Lan Xang, but Tonkin.

“Currently, the two sides are in a standoff with their forces concentrated in the Thanh Hoa area; defenses in the East Pass and Cao Bang directions have slackened.

Therefore, This humble general judges that we can find a gap between the two Locations to break through. I hope the Lord will dispatch the First Division to come.”

Although the combat effectiveness of the City Defense Forces had greatly increased after several major battles and equipment upgrades,

it was still more prudent to deploy the First Division for this kind of mission.

After careful consideration, Gao Yuan decided to trust Liu Rengui and immediately began writing the military order.

After finishing, he personally rode to the military camp and explained the task to Xia Luqi.

“Bang Jie, remember to remind Zhengze to know when to stop. Do not penetrate too deeply alone, and do not bring trouble upon ourselves.”

Gao Yuan was worried both that Liu Rengui would be overly ambitious and advance too far into enemy territory, and that he would overdo it and cause the Tonkin people to snap.

If their losses were too great, Wu Quan would inevitably choose to negotiate peace directly with Lan Xang and then turn his spearhead toward him.

Xia Luqi noted Gao Yuan's words, took the command token, and tucked it away.

“Understood, This humble general has noted it. Does the Lord have any other words to bring to General Liu?”

“Nothing else. Go on. When you return, I'll make up the New Year's celebration for everyone—wine and meat will be in full supply!”

Hearing that wine would be in full supply, Xia Luqi left with a silly grin.

Sitting alone in the commanders tent, listening to the clamor of preparations starting outside, Gao Yuan suddenly felt a small sense of loss.

He had practiced martial arts so hard; was he only going to be able to sit at home and issue orders like this in the future?

Sighing, Gao Yuan left the military camp and returned to Dehong City.

Dehong City originally claimed to be the largest city on the border, but it only had a population of about twenty thousand; in terms of scale, it wasn't even as large as a lower-tier county in the Central Plains.

Now, after nearly three years of migration and immigration, along with the reclamation of nearby fertile land, the population was growing.

Not counting the surrounding villages and towns, Dehong City's population had now exceeded thirty thousand.

The original scale of the city was becoming a bit crowded, and Mu Sheng had suggested expanding the city walls.

Gao Yuan, however, felt it was unnecessary for the time being; it would suffice to plan some towns near the city.

As for city defense, if others really managed to fight their way to Dehong one day, then they would basically be not far from defeat and ruin anyway.

However, not expanding the city walls didn't mean not improving the defenses. Gao Yuan had planned a pass to block the way on every major road leading in various directions.

The scale wasn't large, but being able to station a hundred or so people was enough.

While this side had entered New Year mode, on the other side was the Toungoo capital, Toungoo City.

After accepting the homage and congratulations of the nobles and ministers, Maha Thihathura returned to his study.

Someone immediately brought him various pieces of the latest intelligence.

With a quick glance, Maha Thihathura showed a contemptuous expression.

“A bunch of things that don't know whether they're coming or going, actually thinking they can block my Toungoo army.”

As he spoke, he pulled a rope, and a huge map unfurled from top to bottom.

His eyes flashed with a sharp light as he scanned the trusted ministers around him.

“Tell me, everyone, where should we conquer next?”

A short but very sturdy middle-aged man took a step forward.

“Your Majesty, This humble general believes that among the surrounding areas, Lan Xang is the weakest; we should conquer Lan Xang first.”

Another middle-aged man with dark skin but a slightly more refined appearance raised an objection.

“To destroy Lan Xang, a secondary army is enough. This subject believes we should first go south to eliminate Ayutthaya.”

“I think what Bayi says is reasonable. The lands of Ayutthaya and Khmer are more fertile, and the population is denser.”

“Conquering these two countries would be most beneficial for our Toungoo.”

A group of people, carrying powerful self-confidence, discussed which country to destroy first.

It seemed that no matter which country they conquered, it was as simple as a snap of the fingers for them.

Maha Thihathura also had such confidence, but he had always been vaguely worried.

His gaze would occasionally stop on one place.

“Should I nip the hidden danger in the bud after all?”

In the end, however, his confidence gained the upper hand. Some upstart, some 'invincible' force—it was all just mediocre.

He firmly believed that in the face of absolute strength, everything was but a passing cloud. For his Toungoo, who to destroy first and who to destroy later was entirely up to his own will.

Though confident to the point of arrogance, Maha Thihathura still chose to follow the popular opinion.

“Since you all think so, then our next targets are Ayutthaya and Khmer.”

Khon Kham didn't know he had just escaped a disaster; he was currently looking at a secret letter with wild joy.

A trusted aide nearby was puzzled.

“I wonder what matter has made the Ruler so delighted?”

Khon Kham thought about it and decided to tell the truth.

“Our ally has sent a letter saying they plan to send troops to launch a surprise attack on Cao Bang and the East Pass.”

“Ruler, this Gao Yuan is an insidious and cunning person. We must be careful and on guard to prevent him from making a feint in the east while attacking in the west.”

Khon Kham, however, was quite confident. He waved his hand and stated a heart-wrenching fact.

“Chuantong and Mengwei have already been robbed by him countless times. What's left there to attract him?”

The aides suddenly understood, but also felt very sad. When had their Lan Xang fallen to the point where even bandits were too lazy to come and rob them?

Seeing everyone's sorrowful faces, Khon Kham decided to boost morale.

“Rest assured, everyone. Once we take Thanh Hoa, I will order the migration of the army and the people to those two places to restore their former prosperity.”

Only then did everyone feel a bit better, and they began to cheerfully flatter him again.

This feeling really made Khon Kham feel addicted.