22: The Art of Strategic Maneuvering: Understanding Contradictions and Determining Strategies (Part 1)

The victory at the Broken Bone Path ambush was like a stone thrown into stagnant water, creating quite a ripple among the Gray Dwarves factions.

The captured supplies bolstered the base's reserves, especially the ten carts of 【High-Quality Black Iron Ore】 and several intact Gray Dwarves heavy crossbows, which had an immediate effect on the research and equipment upgrades of Tiangong Workshop.

【Outpost Base No. 1 Resource Update】:

Minerals: Black Iron Ore (+200 units, High-Quality, can be used to forge Fine-grade equipment), Common Iron Ore (Abundant), Crude Energy Crystals (Moderate).

Equipment: Added Gray Dwarves Heavy Crossbows * 5 (Attack power 30-35, long range, slow reload, requires Strength attribute to meet standard), Gray Dwarves Standard Armor/Battle Axes * 20 sets (partially damaged, can be salvaged or equipped to secondary units like Murlocs after repair).

Special Items: 【Gray Dwarves Officer Rune Battle Axe (Blue)】 1 (currently used by Bronzebeard Stonehammer, replacing his previous Steel Battle Axe), 【Furnace Fortress Command Document Fragment】 1.

However, more important than the material gains was the Breakthrough in intelligence.

The information obtained from the captives and the document fragments clearly outlined the increasingly sharp contradictions between "Furnace Fortress" and "Blackrock Clan" within the Gray Dwarves.

"Furnace Fortress occupies the main vein and is strong in both troops and horses, yet they constantly exploit their kin, demanding without limit... The Blackrock Clan guards the old mine pits, lacking resources, harboring resentment yet daring to be angry but not speak..." Elwin reported the organized intelligence to Lin Zhou (via consciousness connection) and Bronzebeard Stonehammer. His eyes flashed with analytical light, "This situation perfectly aligns with the essence of the School of Diplomacy that my god once mentioned: 'Unite through benefit, rely on each other through adversity.'"

Although Bronzebeard Stonehammer was more accustomed to straightforward combat, he understood: "Does my god mean that we can win over that so-called Blackrock Clan and work together to deal with those arrogant black-skins from Furnace Fortress?"

"Exactly." Lin Zhou's oracle was calm and affirmative, "Furnace Fortress is powerful and is my current strong enemy. The Blackrock Clan is weak and has a rift with Furnace Fortress, making them an ally I can win over. The art of the School of Diplomacy lies in assessing the situation, discerning interests and harms, uniting the weak to resist the strong, and dividing and conquering."

He began to combine the essence of the School of Diplomacy's thought with the current situation, turning it into a concrete strategic analysis, and transmitted it to Elwin:

"Vertical Alliance: Unite with the Blackrock Clan to resist Furnace Fortress. We can provide them with what they desperately need—whether it is military support, technical sharing, or sharing external pressure, helping them break free from the control of Furnace Fortress, or even replace them. The benefit is: weakening the strong enemy, gaining a local ally, and gaining in-depth understanding of Gray Dwarves society and technology."

"Horizontal Alliance: There are no clear external strong reinforcements to 'ally' with for now, but we must be wary of other Examinees factions taking advantage of the situation. The Underground Gnomes have an ambiguous attitude; we can try to make contact, making them maintain neutrality or limit the restraint on Furnace Fortress; this is 'distant diplomacy'."

"Core: The key lies in making the Blackrock Clan realize that cooperating with us has more benefits than disadvantages, and is the best, or even only, choice to get out of their current predicament."

Elwin was stirred with excitement, feeling as if a new door had opened before him. This was no longer a simple military confrontation, but a higher-level contest that integrated diplomacy, strategy, and the gauging of hearts.

"my god is wise! However, how do we establish contact with the Blackrock Clan? They have been oppressed by Furnace Fortress for a long time, so they must be highly vigilant and harbor suspicions towards us 'outsiders'." Elwin raised the key question.

"Show them sincerity, and also show them might." Lin Zhou said, "We need to find a suitable opportunity and send someone eloquent who can represent our strength and sincerity to make contact. This trip carries significant risks and requires a careful plan."

The candidate was almost ready. Elwin himself had outstanding wisdom, grasped the Confucian concepts of "sincerity" and "trust," was well-versed in the military "momentum" and "strategy" of the School of Military, and as an Elf, had no direct historical grudges with the Gray Dwarves, making him the best candidate. However, he was the commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force and could not afford to be lost.

Bronzebeard Stonehammer volunteered: "my god, let me go! We are all dwarves, so we count as distant relatives at the very least; maybe it'll be easier to talk!"

Lin Zhou and Elwin both fell silent. Bronzebeard was brave and reliable, but his personality was straightforward; in diplomatic situations that required delicate handling, I fear...

Seeming to see their concerns, Bronzebeard patted his breastplate: "I know I have a hot temper, but I have a sense of proportion when it comes to big matters! I can take two clever clerks with me and let them speak for me! Besides," a flash of craftiness crossed his eyes, "sometimes, appearing rough and bold actually makes it easier for the other side to relax their vigilance, thinking we don't have that many hidden motives."

Lin Zhou's heart stirred. Bronzebeard's words secretly aligned with the techniques of "showing weakness" and "hiding one's clumsiness" in the School of Diplomacy. Perhaps this seemingly unsuitable candidate could actually have a miraculous effect?

"Approved." Lin Zhou finally decided, "Bronzebeard will be the chief envoy, and Elwin will select two of the most quick-witted clerks to accompany him. The primary task of this trip is to establish initial contact, express our goodwill and intention to unite, and probe the true attitude and needs of the Blackrock Clan. Safety first; if things cannot be done, withdraw immediately."

"Understood!" Bronzebeard Stonehammer replied loudly, his face showing an eager expression.

For the next half day, Elwin conducted emergency diplomatic training with the two selected Elf clerks (both had Intelligence and Wisdom attributes over 20, and had studied Law and diplomatic rhetoric), focusing on some basic rhetoric of the School of Diplomacy, how to gauge the other party's psychology, and how to show sincerity and strength while maintaining dignity.

At the same time, a "gift" was also being prepared. From the supplies captured in the ambush, five sets of intact Gray Dwarves warrior armor and five battle axes were selected, along with a small box (about 20 units) of the highest quality Black Iron Ore. These gifts were both practical and not overly expensive, so they would not appear too sycophantic, and could also hint that we possessed a certain level of strength (being able to defeat a Furnace Fortress patrol and capture equipment).

Just on the eve of the mission's departure, the Elf Ranger responsible for monitoring sent back urgent intelligence!

"Report! There are signs of large-scale troop movements from the direction of Furnace Fortress! Over two hundred Gray Dwarves warriors, led by an officer with a Rank of at least LV 25, are leaving Furnace Fortress, and the direction... is suspected to be pointing towards the valley where the Blackrock Clan resides!"

Lin Zhou, Elwin, and Bronzebeard all felt a chill in their hearts.

Furnace Fortress was acting so fast! Was it because the supply convoy was hijacked and they were taking their anger out on the Blackrock Clan? Or were they using the issue as an excuse to further suppress the Blackrock Clan?

"Plan change!" Lin Zhou decided immediately, "Bronzebeard, the mission departs immediately, target the Blackrock Clan valley! This is no longer a conventional diplomatic contact, but could be a 'timely help in a snowstorm'! You must make contact with the Blackrock Clan before the Furnace Fortress army arrives!"

Crisis is also an opportunity! If we could appear when the Blackrock Clan needed help the most, it would undoubtedly greatly increase the success rate of the alliance!

"Understood!" Bronzebeard Stonehammer realized the urgency and importance of the mission, and his expression became serious, "I will definitely get the job done!"

He immediately took two Elf clerks and ten Dwarf Rune Iron Guard as guards (both to show strength and ensure safety), carried the prepared gifts, left the base at top speed, and took a shortcut to the valley where the Blackrock Clan resided.

Elwin commanded the base to enter the highest state of readiness and dispatched more Rangers to closely monitor the movements of the Furnace Fortress army, as well as... other forces that might be attracted by this conflict.

Lin Zhou's consciousness split into two parts: one part closely followed the movements of the Furnace Fortress army, and the other followed Bronzebeard's mission, casting towards the valley that was about to become the center of the storm.

The chessboard of the School of Diplomacy had been laid out, and the first piece had already been placed.