Chapter 629: Supporting a Puppet
Ling Zhan’s sudden question left many present momentarily stunned.
"Not particularly impressive."
General Li shook his head and said with a smile, "Duke Assad is a level 110 Tier 4 powerhouse, but his level isn’t very high."
As he spoke.
General Li looked at Ling Zhan and asked, "Why? Do you have another idea? Feel free to share."
After spending this time getting to know Ling Zhan, even General Li had come to greatly value his opinions.
Whether or not they would be adopted, they would certainly be taken seriously.
"Reporting to the general, my previous suggestion was for us to directly take charge of the Blazing Heart Empire."
"Attacking Gewot City… or rather, rushing to its aid, presents a good opportunity for us."
"As for the trapped princess, we can support her ascension. As for Duke Assad and the other nobles and ministers, let’s forget about them."
"Given their nature, even if we help them repel the Ghost Army, Takamagahara will return sooner or later."
"So, we cannot withdraw."
"And we must not let Duke Assad ascend legitimately!"
Ling Zhan’s words were firm and decisive.
He truly had no interest in the Blazing Heart Empire’s territory.
This was also true for the legions of other nations.
As previously mentioned.
The terrain here was mostly barren deserts and highlands, with frequent volcanic eruptions.
Resources were extremely scarce.
Rather than expending effort to occupy this small kingdom, it would be better to seize some unclaimed land. That way, there would be no issues with public opinion, and the land would be more fertile.
Right now.
The reason for not withdrawing was the absolute need to prevent the Ghost Army’s resurgence.
If they drove them out and then withdrew, the enemy could return at any time. What then would be the point of this expedition by the allied legions?
Upon hearing Ling Zhan’s words.
Everyone was slightly taken aback.
This guy…
Really planned to support a puppet emperor!
However, as he said, if they repelled the Slaughtering God only to retreat, what would happen if he returned with an endless army of ghost slaves?
In fact…
Over the years, this had happened more than once.
However, because the previous king of the Blazing Heart Empire was a diligent and capable ruler, the allied legions felt reassured and provided timely assistance whenever the Blazing Heart Empire sought help.
As a result, this critically strategic region had been well-guarded for years.
But…
After the previous king’s death, the Blazing Heart Empire fell into disarray.
Due to public opinion pressures, the allied legions couldn’t deploy troops at will.
Eventually, when it was clear the Blazing Heart Empire was on the verge of collapse, the Fortress of a Hundred Ghosts finally stepped in with partial forces to garrison the empire.
Now.
Ling Zhan’s current expedition was a significant relief effort.
At this moment.
To solve the problem once and for all.
And with a trapped princess in Gewot City.
The solution became simple.
Support this princess’ ascension.
If she had the qualities of an empress, she could be helped to secure her footing here.
If not…
She could obediently serve as a puppet emperor.
When it came to the life and death of billions, Ling Zhan naturally wouldn’t show mercy.
He would do what needed to be done.
Regarding Ling Zhan’s suggestion.
Everyone present slowly nodded.
"I think it’s feasible…"
"Yes, Captain Ling’s proposal addresses a longstanding issue. This is a great opportunity."
"With the princess, the pressure of public opinion is eliminated."
"This approach works. A critical strategic area like this cannot be left in the hands of nobles and ministers who only know indulgence."
"Heh…"
"Those nobles and ministers, who only know infighting, would choose to flee rather than resist if they couldn’t hold the line!"
"According to my intel, several marquises, earls, and viscounts in the northern, southern, and central regions have already packed up and are preparing to leave the Blazing Heart Empire. Expecting them to guard this strategic area is impossible!"
"Yes, if the diligent and wise king were still alive, it would be different. But now that he’s gone, forget it…"
"…"
The reserve squad captains present all expressed agreement.
Though young, these squad captains were far from inexperienced.
They had the right to participate in discussions and provide input during meetings.
Let’s not forget…
These captains were all powerhouses in their nineties!
Just a few levels shy of reaching one hundred!
It was only a matter of time.
They were far from being ‘insignificant voices’.
Seeing so many people agree with Ling Zhan’s proposal, General Li and General Lost fell into deep thought.
Truth be told…
They couldn’t find any flaws in this plan.
Besides…
What if there was public opinion backlash?
Criticizing the allied legions for manipulating the throne? So what?
This land could not be lost!
"Alright! Let’s do it!"
"The mission for Gewot City has been revised!"
"Rescue the princess and repel the Ghost Army!"
"As for Duke Assad’s demands, reject them outright!"
General Li waved his hand decisively and made the call!
"Good!"
The reserve squad captains all smiled.
………
………
During the three-day rest period.
Ling Zhan continued reviewing battle reports.
Of course…
Physical training was not neglected either.
Notably…
Perhaps because Zhou Xue’er had grown accustomed to coming and going from Ling Zhan’s private villa, she brought him a meticulously prepared breakfast one morning, and Ling Zhan didn’t object to letting her in.
"Is it good?"
As usual.
Zhou Xue’er’s bright eyes sparkled as she watched Ling Zhan eat breakfast and read a book.
"It’s alright."
Ling Zhan nodded.
Zhou Xue’er silently took note.
She had learned how Ling Zhan evaluated food.
If he said it was good, it was truly delicious.
If he said it was alright, it was tasty but had minor flaws.
If he said it was average, it wasn’t good.
However, even if the food wasn’t good, Ling Zhan would calmly finish it without wasting a single bite.
Now that Ling Zhan rated her breakfast as ‘alright’…
Zhou Xue’er immediately realized it might have been slightly too sweet.
Ling Zhan was from the south, so she assumed he preferred lighter and sweeter flavors.
But that might not be accurate.
For lunch and dinner, he seemed to enjoy dishes like spicy stir-fried pork, boiled meat slices, and stir-fried kidneys.
For breakfast, he probably preferred noodles.
Alright…
Next time, she’d make noodles for him.
If her best friend Yelan found out how far Zhou Xue’er went for Ling Zhan, she’d probably be utterly shocked again.