A few days later, in Jiulong City of the White Dragon Dynasty, many experts gathered. Leading them was Old Master Li, who was responsible for the troop deployment and the overall commander of this expedition. He had already set up his command post within the city of Jiulong.
"Grandfather, according to the latest intelligence, the Nine Heavens Dynasty has already captured North and South Cities. Their next target is Jiulong City!" Li Guang stated, "I will personally lead the charge and seize the first merit."
"Things are not as simple as you think!" Old Master Li shook his head. He was quite experienced in warfare and understood its brutal nature better.
The various dynasties were not ordinary, possessing a large number of experts. If it came to a fight to the death, there would inevitably be immense casualties.
As they were conversing, Linglong and others arrived in the main hall.
Old Master Li immediately rose, "This old subject pays his respects to the Princess!"
"Lord Li, there is no need for such formality. You are the commander of this expedition, and you need not bow to me!"
Princess Linglong waved her hand, "However, regarding the matter of dealing with the Nine Heavens Dynasty, does Lord Li have a plan?"
"The Nine Heavens Dynasty has already captured two of our cities. It is expected that they will attack Jiulong City in a few days!"
Lord Li stated directly, "This old subject plans to engage them in a decisive battle outside Jiulong City!"
"Wouldn't that lead to heavy casualties!"
Princess Linglong frowned slightly. The Nine Heavens Dynasty had three hundred thousand cavalry. A direct confrontation would not be favorable for the White Dragon Dynasty.
"At this point, this is likely the only way!"
Lord Li sighed helplessly, "Does the Princess have a better solution?"
"North and South Cities are crucial strongholds!"
"Why don't we launch a surprise night attack tonight and recapture these two cities!" Linglong stated directly, "This will destabilize the morale of the Nine Heavens Dynasty's army, and it will not be difficult to break them apart afterwards!"
"What the Princess says is not without merit, but there are risks involved in doing so!" Lord Li hesitated.
"According to my planned deployment, there will be no mistakes!"
Linglong, clad in armor, exuded an air of heroism.
"The Princess is a seasoned warrior and undoubtedly understands warfare!"
Lord Li nodded, "Then, as the Princess suggested, we will launch a surprise night attack on North and South Cities tonight!"
"You will lead the many strong warriors of the Li family to attack South City, while I and the驸马 will enter North City!" Linglong added.
"Absolutely not!"
Lord Li shook his head, "Princess and the驸马 should wait in Jiulong City and not participate. Before setting out, I promised the Dragon Emperor that I would never let you come to harm!"
"Lord Li, there is no need to worry. The驸马 and I are not weak. There are few experts in the Nine Heavens Dynasty who can threaten us!"
"Even so, the Princess has a special status. Please obey my command!"
Lord Li spoke again. He knew very well that if Princess Linglong and Lu Fan were to meet with an accident this time, the Li family would not be able to bear the responsibility, and it could even lead to endless trouble.
The Li family was forced to go on this expedition due to Li Guang's fault. If this mistake were to be repeated, it would surely bring disaster.
"Lord Li, don't forget that I am also a seasoned warrior!"
Princess Linglong stated directly, "Defending our home and country is also my nature. I came out with you, so how can I do nothing."
"The defenses in Jiulong City are lax. If the Princess and the驸马 remain here, Jiulong City can be kept safe and sound!" Lord Li cupped his fists, "If both the Princess and the驸马 are absent, who will be left to guard Jiulong City?"
Princess Linglong paused. This made sense. However, she still wanted to personally participate in a surprise attack. Since Old Master Li had said so, it would be inappropriate for her to argue further.
On the entire battlefield, Old Master Li was the commanding officer. Although Linglong was a princess, she had to obey his orders, otherwise, it would be insubordination.
"Princess, rest assured. My Li family has an abundance of experts. Recapturing these two cities will not be difficult," Su Dan Novel Network.
Li Guang stated, "Furthermore, this time we will not only recapture the cities but also heavily cripple the Nine Heavens Dynasty, so that they will never dare to harbor ambitions again!"
Princess Linglong nodded slightly and could not say more.
After leaving the hall, Linglong and Lu Fan went to the city walls. On the walls, several generals were setting up formations to protect the entire Jiulong City.
"Our dynasty has already lost two cities. If Jiulong City is lost, many generals will surely lose their fighting spirit!" Princess Linglong stated directly, "Let us guard here. Tonight will ultimately be a sleepless night!"
"In wars between nations, it is ultimately the common people who suffer,"
Lu Fan sighed, "Is the Nine Heavens Dynasty very powerful? Why do they dare to invade the White Dragon Dynasty directly?"
"Under normal circumstances, the Nine Heavens Dynasty and the White Dragon Dynasty are of comparable strength. Unfortunately, the White Dragon Dynasty is not united internally, which has led to this series of problems," Linglong stated directly, "If all military power could be handed over to the royal family, this would not have happened."
"What do you mean?"
Lu Fan was somewhat surprised. He was not familiar with the inner workings of the dynasties, but he could clearly sense that the situation was not simple.
"In the White Dragon Dynasty, there are many feudal lords who divide the military power of the White Dragon Dynasty, as well as many noble families who engage in deceitful schemes in the common folk," Linglong said helplessly, "Otherwise, with the strength of the White Dragon Dynasty, the Nine Heavens Dynasty would not dare to be so presumptuous."
"So that's how it is!"
Lu Fan nodded slightly, seeming to understand. No wonder the Eighth Prince's Mansion had so much power. It turned out they had divided the royal family's influence. This was not a good thing for the entire royal family.
"Why doesn't the Dragon Emperor reclaim military power? This would strengthen the White Dragon Dynasty and also prevent internal strife!" Lu Fan asked.
"Easier said than done. Reclaiming military power is not that simple!"
Princess Linglong shook her head, "You may not be aware, but within the royal family, there are many feudal lords. If their power is challenged, rebellion is bound to occur. At that time, the entire dynasty will be plunged into war, and it may even be invaded by others."
"So even the royal family has many concerns."
Lu Fan sighed. He had initially thought the royal family was all-powerful and could do as they pleased within the White Dragon Dynasty, but it seemed things were not that simple.
As night deepened, many experts from the Li family left Jiulong City and headed towards North and South Cities, not daring to delay even for a moment. They set out with a resolve to fight to the death.
As the teams advanced, everyone felt an inexplicable pressure. War was cruel. Once war began, people would die, and no one would question this fact.
After the various teams departed, Jiulong City immediately entered a state of defense. This was their main base. As long as they could recapture the two cities, the army's morale would greatly increase.