above the galaxy

Chapter 642 Bait?

Qishan. Zhuliguan.

The bamboo is as green as jade, and when the sunlight shines down, it ripples like a blue sea with golden waves.

Prince Caesar was very anxious.

His staff was advising him not to rush.

“Your Highness, although there have been some misunderstandings, the overall national policy remains unchanged. Most importantly, the Lionheart King supports you.”

"The Empire still hopes to cooperate with stronger allies, so that it will have a chance to reap the fruits of victory. Without a doubt, Shen Wuxiang's side has the advantage of timing, location, and popular support. The one sitting in Fengming Palace is also a puppet of the Shen family. As long as Shen Wuxiang is willing, they can replace the Zhong family at any time."

"Yes, if it weren't for Philip's interference, we would have reached an agreement with the Qishan military long ago, and now we would be advancing side by side to reap the rewards of victory."

"We shouldn't be too hasty. According to intelligence from the country, Shen Wuxiang is not in a favorable position in the confrontation with the bandit army. They just lost Jinxiu City and the entire Yuhuo Army. When they can't hold on any longer, they will beg to cooperate with us."

"Being a step late could also be a step early; the timing of entering the game is extremely important."
-
Prince Caesar, holding a bottle of Richburg red wine from before the Star Age, lay sprawled on the sofa in a dark silk nightgown.

He looks very carefree, unrestrained, and unconventional.

In this respect, he is very much like his father, Richard the Lionheart.

If there were two naked women nearby, they would look exactly the same.
Of course, this is also the effect of his deliberate imitation.

Just as Zhong Tianque has been imitating his father Zhong Daolong, they think that if I become like you, then can that be the reason for your choice?
What they didn't know was that because people know each other too well, they all harbor some degree of self-loathing deep down, let alone someone imitating them.
As I kept imitating, I came to like this kind of life.

He also felt the joy of the Lionheart.

Prince Caesar took a swig of red wine, letting it drip from his lips down his bare chest, and said bitterly, "When Father asked for our opinions, Philip was playing along with me. I favored Shen Wuxiang, but he insisted that the Tang bandits had a chance to win. What makes them think they can win?"

"When I came to negotiate with Shen Wuxiang, he stabbed me in the back again, sending the entire Poseidon Fleet to support the bandit army, which devastated most of the North Sea Fleet."

"Because of this, Shen Wuxiang doesn't want to see me anymore. I can't go back until the cooperation agreement is reached."

“Without Father’s side, who knows what trouble Philip might cause? If he changes Father’s attitude, it’s uncertain whether we can even leave Qishan alive.”

“Your Highness, do not worry. What the Lionheart King needs is a bountiful harvest of war, which is why he is willing to ally with the Qishan Army. What can the bandit army offer? Without enough bargaining chips, they cannot sway the Lionheart King.”

"Furthermore, Philip committed a grave error and was forcibly summoned back by the Lionheart. According to news from the Summer Palace, he was placed under house arrest upon his return, and the Lionheart has not even seen him."

"The longer we wait, the more things can go wrong," Prince Caesar said. "We still need to finalize a cooperation plan with the Qishan Group as soon as possible. Ideally, I should be able to speak with Shen Wuxiang in person."

"Lancaster, does Shen Wuxiang still refuse to meet? Have his people accepted the generous gifts we prepared?"

Lancaster, the first chief of staff to Prince Caesar, spoke up: "Your Highness, we've bribed Shen Wuxiang's secretary. He's promised to speak on our behalf. I believe good news will arrive soon."

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

The head guard, Pugo, who was keeping watch outside, pushed open the door and came in, reporting, "Your Highness, someone from the Military Minister's residence has come to say that the Military Minister has invited you to dinner."

"Really?" Prince Caesar was taken aback for a moment, then overjoyed, and exclaimed, "Quickly prepare, I want to bathe and change."

The staff immediately sprang into action, and everyone wore a joyful smile.
-
Shen Wuxiang did not live in the Military Prime Minister's Mansion, but in a small courtyard next to Tingfeng Cliff.

There were only a few side dishes on the table: stir-fried wild boar with bamboo shoots, stir-fried eggs with sand onions, cabbage and tofu, and a three-delicacy meatball soup. The three delicacies refer to whitefish, silver eel, and river shrimp.

The wine is Xifeng from Laorentou, which is Shen Wuxiang's favorite wine.

However, after the Great Cataclysm on Earth, very few old wines remain in existence.

Although the empire later reopened the Xifeng Distillery, the new wine produced never had the same rich and mellow aroma as the aged wine.

Shen Wuxiang personally poured a cup of wine for Prince Caesar and said, "Come, try our Phoenix dish and see if it suits your taste. It's just home cooking, Your Highness is used to delicacies, so please don't find it offensive."

"You're too kind, Minister. It's my honor to have this meal with you," Prince Caesar said politely, holding his wine glass with both hands. "I'd like to offer you a toast."

As the Crown Prince of the Os Empire, he truly deserves to be called second only to the emperor.

Unfortunately, he still had to maintain a humble attitude in front of the powerful minister Shen Wuxiang.

Because he knew that the person in front of him was the nominal emperor of the Phoenix Empire.
The true shadow emperor.

He was a figure as powerful as his father, the Lionheart.

That's the position I've always dreamed of.

Shen Wuxiang picked up his wine glass, clinked glasses with Prince Caesar, and then drank the white wine in his glass in one gulp.

"Eat some food. You should eat something before drinking alcohol, otherwise it will harm your health."

"Thank you for your teachings, Military Minister. I will keep them in mind."

"You're too kind. The fact that we can sit at the same table and eat together proves that we're family."

Shen Wuxiang poured himself a bowl of three-delicacy soup and slurped it down.

Yes, very barbaric, very military.

Seeing that Shen Wuxiang was eating with relish, Prince Caesar no longer held back and joined in the feast.

Then I drank a bowl of three-delicacy soup and ate a bowl of millet rice.

This was the most comfortable meal he had eaten since arriving in Qishan.

After finishing his meal, Shen Wuxiang began to frequently raise his cup.

"I've been busy lately and have neglected Your Highness. This cup is for you."

"No, no, it's I who have disturbed the Minister of War's official duties." Prince Caesar quickly offered him a cup.

Shen Wuxiang put down his wine cup and looked at Caesar, saying, "Your Highness must also know that the bandit army has recently begun attacking Luo City. Luo City is a vital city for our Phoenix, and it is absolutely not to be lost."

"I understand the importance of Los Angeles, and I believe that under the command of the Military Minister, Los Angeles will be impregnable. Here, I wish the Military Minister a resounding victory and that the bandit army will suffer a crushing defeat."

"Thank you." Shen Wuxiang nodded and said with a smile, "To be honest, Luo City was just a bait."

Caesar looked surprised and asked, "A decoy?"

“Yes.” Shen Wuxiang toyed with the empty wine glass in his right hand and said with a firm expression, “We know that Luo City cannot be lost. The bandit army also knows the importance of Luo City to us.”

"Therefore, they will definitely do everything in their power to attack Los Angeles. Once they have committed all their main forces to Los Angeles, that will be our opportunity."

Prince Caesar's eyes lit up as he said, "I understand. The Prime Minister is luring the enemy deep into the empire's heartland. When they launch a full-scale attack on Luo City, you can surround them from all sides, not only annihilating their main force but also taking advantage of the situation to attack their rear and recapture the city."

"No wonder the military commander's side suffered repeated defeats and lost several cities. It turns out the military commander did this on purpose. He was playing a long game, aiming to eradicate the bandit army completely."

Prince Caesar grew increasingly excited as he spoke, giving Shen Wuxiang a thumbs-up and praising, "When it comes to military prowess, the General is a first-rate expert in the world. That Tang bandit, who hasn't even grown his hair yet, has recruited a bunch of shrimp soldiers and crab generals, and he dares to challenge the General?"

"The light of a firefly dares to compete with the sun and moon? It is truly overestimating its own abilities."

How did you say that sentence?

Self-reliance is the most terrifying thing.

Shen Wuxiang looked at the great intelligence in front of him and was quite satisfied with his attitude.

I only got started, but he filled in all the gaps and gaps. He even found a perfect excuse for our team's early 'disastrous defeat'.

For a fleeting moment, he even doubted whether that was truly what he was thinking.
We're luring the enemy deep into our territory.

First lure people in, then close the door and beat them.

Is there a problem? No problem.

"This is a core secret of our army. Please keep it a secret for us, Your Highness," Shen Wuxiang reminded him.

"Of course. I swear to God the Space, I will never reveal this information to the outside world."

Aether, the goddess of the heavens, rules over the sky and the stars.

This is one of the main gods worshipped by the Os Empire, and also the most revered god by the Os royal family.

Prince Caesar's willingness to swear an oath to the god of space already demonstrates considerable sincerity.

"I believe you," Shen Wuxiang said with a smile. "The character of the Aus royal family is well-known in Phoenix."

"Hehe, you flatter me, Prime Minister." Caesar laughed like a complete fool.

At the negotiating table, every word carries a price.

Shen Wuxiang deliberately exposed this 'secret' in order to increase his bargaining power.

If the Ottoman Empire perceives them as having suffered repeated defeats, then the price they offer will naturally be significantly reduced.

If we can make them firmly believe that all failures are part of a 'plan,' and that everything is under their control...
Then they'll climb up the pole like crazy.

Who doesn't crave victory?

Who wouldn't want to reap the rewards of victory?

“Prince Caesar has been in Qishan for quite some time now. I have seen the sincerity of the Os Empire in the prince, and King Lionheart is a friend I am very willing to associate with. Therefore, I think we can talk about cooperation.”

"Thank you for your trust in Os and me personally, General Caesar." Forcing down his joy, Caesar said with a smile, "Please don't hesitate to ask if there's anything I can do for you, General."

Shen Wuxiang picked up the wine pot and filled their cups. With a cold and serious expression, he said, "I will open the Danxia border. While we draw the main force of the bandits, the Os Empire can launch a surprise attack from behind."

Prince Caesar raised his wine glass and said solemnly, "I will certainly not disappoint the Minister of War."

"Pleasant to work with."

"Pleasant to work with."
-
Los Angeles.

Shen Anan led nearly 100,000 elite troops, including the First, Second, and Third Mech Regiments of the Undying Army, to support Luo City. Combined with the original 400,000 garrison troops of Luo City, the total strength of Luo City reached an astonishing number.

Moreover, the Undying Army is the direct descendant of the Shen family, and its soldiers are top-notch in terms of both skill and weaponry.

They can be described as the elite of the elite.

The Undying Legion has never disappointed. Whether in internal military competitions or in external wars, they are always the undefeated generals among the three legions.

Upon arriving in Luocheng, Shen Anan immediately convened a meeting of Luocheng's military and political leaders.

Once everyone had arrived, the General Staff Headquarters officially seized military control from General Jia Jun, the garrison commander.

The city's garrison general was considered the second most important figure in Luocheng, but he was somewhat intimidated by Shen An'nan, a high-ranking military official.

Jia Jun dared not show any dissatisfaction, and even bowed his head in public to declare: "All the soldiers of Luocheng will follow the General's lead. If there is any order to be given, we will not hesitate to die for it."

"Yes." Shen Anan nodded and said, "I'll have to trouble Jia Shoujun from now on."

He didn't care about Jia Jun's attitude.

If Jia Jun is willing to cooperate, then it's a win-win situation for everyone.

If Jia Jun doesn't cooperate, then someone else should take this position.

Three-legged toads are hard to find, but three-legged men are everywhere.
"It is our honor to serve the General," Jia Jun said with a smile. "We have been looking forward to General Lei day and night. With the General here, the people of Luocheng have a pillar of support."

Shen Anan waved his hand, reminding him, "Let's save these nice words for after we win the battle. The most urgent task is to defend the city and kill the enemy."

"Yes." Jia Jun's heart tightened, and he answered aloud.

It seems this general doesn't like flattery; I'll have to change my style.
"Where is City Lord Bi Qingqiu?"

"General, I'm here." Bi Qingqiu emerged from the crowd.

"Lord Bi, how are the supplies in the city? How is the morale of the people?"

"Reporting to the General, the city has ample supplies and the people are at peace," Bi Qingqiu said.

"Yes, as the city lord of Los Angeles, your first priority is to ensure the safety of the city. First, you must meet the basic needs of the people of Los Angeles, ensuring they don't lack food or clothing. Second, you must meet their spiritual needs, and energy, electricity, and internet access must be stable. Third, you should maintain everyone's daily life as much as possible; those who should work should work, and those who should study should study. Fighting is our business as soldiers."

"Yes. The supplies in Los Angeles are enough to supply the entire city's soldiers for one year and eight months. All energy, electricity, and network lines have been provided with backup lines. As for the basic living needs of the people, we have also done publicity and preparation work in advance. Workers are going to work, and students are going to school. Everyone is doing their job, so these bandits can't get into the city."

"Very good." Shen Anan was quite satisfied with Bi Qingqiu's attitude and said with a smile, "It's a good thing to have confidence. Nowadays, some people turn pale at the mention of bandits, as if they were all man-eating tigers."

"So what if it's a tiger? I refuse to believe it. Since I'm here in Luocheng, I'm going to be a tiger-slaying hero. This Tang bandit, I'll have a good go at him."

“Isn’t that right? That Tang bandit is a mere kid who hasn’t even grown a beard yet. How can he compare to the Great General? He’s not even worthy to carry the Great General’s shoes.” Bi Qingqiu praised repeatedly and said, “Great General, I have a favor to ask. I hope to serve as a vanguard under your command. Let me first meet that blond kid on your behalf.”

"Lord Bi's courage is commendable. However, the military and the government each have their own responsibilities. You should focus on ensuring everyone's logistical support. Rest assured, we will make sure those bandits never return this time."

Although Shen Anan felt that the old man was being a bit too enthusiastic, he just thought that he was eager to show off, and he had seen this kind of scene many times before.

"Yes, I will follow the General's arrangements," Bi Qingqiu said with a regretful expression.

It would be great if I could lead an army or pacify a clan, what a pity.
They failed to complete the mission assigned by those villains.

"Now, let's assign everyone's tasks. Jia Jun, you are the general guarding Luo City and are familiar with the situation both inside and outside the city, so you'll be my deputy commander."

"Yes, General." Jia Jun knew that he had been 'seized from power'.

Deputy Commander?
Who would obey his orders, given that he's just a lowly city garrison general?

However, every loss has its gain.

If I perform well by Shen Anan's side and catch his eye, then I will have the opportunity to advance further.
-
Fighter jets roared, and the massive shadows of starships loomed over the great city named after the ancient city of Blue Star.

After the Tang bandits issued the order for a 'full-scale attack,' the Fire Reaper Army began a fierce artillery bombardment of them.

Various types of shells flew silently or with long trails as they hurtled towards the Los Angeles rain shield, where they were struck and ignited.

Then, like fireworks, they burst into bloom in the night sky, a riot of colors.

Beautiful, yet tragic.

Technology changes lives, but it also destroys itself.

The barbarian soldiers were ready to go. Seeing his uncle Bogu riding on the Vajra Beast, Little Fatty couldn't help but feel a little itchy. He held the skull hammer in his hand and pleaded, "Brother, let me be the vanguard!"

Tang Fei stood in front of the virtual display screen, watching the battle situation in Luo City. He refused Xiao Pang's request and said, "I have a more important task to give you."

(End of this chapter)