It's better to conquer them than to command the steel torrent

Chapter 101: In ancient times, Hua Xiong was killed with a warm wine. Today,...

The Buda Palace is located halfway up the hill on the west bank of the Danube, overlooking the entire city.

Standing on the balcony, you can see the scene of the eastern suburbs of the city - flickering flames, and thin trails of light cutting through the night sky.

Apparently there was a continuous and fierce battle going on there.

Sigrid, feeling uneasy, stood on the balcony, gazing into the distance, her mind quite confused.

For someone like her who knows nothing about military affairs, the current war situation is extremely unbelievable.

Aren't there tens of thousands of troops stationed near Budapest? Why did the Ivan Rus people dare to launch such a brazen raid alone?
Moreover, according to the city defense commander, they cannot be annihilated in a short time, and now they can only be besieged.

Like Sigrid, many high-ranking Hungarian officials also felt uneasy.

It can be said that the risky move supported by Ivan Rus's hawkish generals was indeed effective, at least it severely intimidated the Hungarian upper class on a psychological level.

"Minister Loran left by car. He claimed he was going to inspect the factory in Jere." An attendant came to report.
"How could he escape at this moment? Coward!" Clara said with disgust.

Sigrid was also very angry. She said seriously, "I don't think such a person can fulfill his duties. Tell the Prime Minister that I suggest that someone else be chosen to take Loran's place."

At about this time, a man named Shang arrived, looking exhausted.

To be honest, his current image is very bad, his clothes are dirty, and he has the unique smell of gunpowder on the battlefield.

The smell of corpses is especially unbearable, making people feel uneasy and nauseous. This is probably a taboo engraved deep in human genes.

Seeing the group of people here staring at him nervously, Shang Ke said with a smile: "Calm down, I'm here to tell you good news."

"Are those Ivan Rus men a threat to the capital?" Sigrid asked.

"At noon, the enemy attempted to attack the city center and occupy several blocks to hold their ground. However, I led the Royal Guard to disrupt their actions and wiped out approximately a battalion of the enemy." Shang Ke briefly recounted the battle with a casual air, then added, "The enemy's main force is now surrounded at the airport. I estimate they will launch a night attack tonight."

"Thank God." Clara on the side breathed a sigh of relief and sighed subconsciously.

Shang Ke was a little unhappy and retorted humorously: "Really? God won't help you destroy your enemies."

Clara, feeling somewhat embarrassed, said shyly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Consultant, I should thank you."

"And the soldiers fighting on the front lines."

"Ohhh, thank you all."

Sigrid asked, "Mr. Advisor, how do you think things will develop next?"

To be honest, she was more inclined to believe Shang than the vague generals from the Ministry of Defense.

"Let me be honest. The Tisza River defense line cannot stop the enemy. It will take at least a week and at most a month... Well, everyone should prepare to defend Budapest." Shang Ke said seriously.

"If the Tisza Line can't stop the enemy, then we're afraid we won't be able to hold Budapest."

“The hope is indeed quite small.”

A question that has long troubled Sigrid has become increasingly acute—when the weak are facing a strong opponent, the hope of victory is very slim, so is there any point in resisting desperately?
How to make the decision has nothing to do with Shang Ke, it is not his concern.

"By the way, Clara, is the cake you gave me this morning still there?" he suddenly asked with a smile.

"Ah? It's been disposed of." Clara replied in surprise. Of course, she would never admit that she had eaten the cake herself.

"I want to eat something now." "But it's past mealtime."

Shank thought for a moment and then said shamelessly, "Just say Her Majesty the Queen suddenly wants to eat cake in the evening. This is a privilege she should have."

Cunning! Shameless! Never again!

Clara nodded reluctantly.

Sigrid, who was sitting diagonally in front of her, didn't care who wanted to eat the cake at all. She was once again troubled by a difficult decision.

Although she does not have much power, the monarch is still the monarch, and she still has an important say in whether to defend the capital.

"Ivan Rus's military power is constantly expanding. They now have five million or more soldiers, while we have a total population of only nine million." She felt deeply desperate.

At this moment, any practical words were meaningless, so Shank could only offer comfort: "Bohemia and Hunricane are in this storm together. Your Majesty, the dark days will eventually pass. Don't give up hope."

The empty chicken soup had some effect, and Sigrid's mood improved a little.

"I can't imagine my people being trampled by invaders... I wish my country could be as strong as yours." She spoke these words of longing in an indignant tone.

Shang Ke stared calmly into her emerald eyes, wanting to speak but hesitant. Finally, he spread his hands and said, "Then strive hard to recapture the lost territories and work hard to build the country. There's an idiom for you: 'Work hard and govern the country.'"

Sigrid nodded slightly and said nothing, burying this vision deep in her heart. She preferred to work quietly rather than make public commitments.

But now, all she can do is wait for her luck to improve.

Soon, someone brought in an exquisite porcelain plate and a piece of cream cheese cake.

Uh...isn't this portion too small?
After devouring it in two bites, a strange thought emerged in Shang Ke's mind - this operation seemed a little familiar? Warm wine and kill Hua Xiong belonged to it.

However, Guan Yu drank wine and killed Hua Xiong in no time, while he ate cake and spent a whole day to wipe out that team of Russian paratroopers.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but laugh a few times.

Puzzled, Clara asked curiously, "Mr. Counselor, why are you laughing?"

Shang Ke coughed dryly and said, "I thought of something interesting."

Having said that, he prepared to leave.

Sigrid nodded gently and said sincerely, "Major Shang, thank you for your selfless performance of your duties as an advisor. I will always remember your justice and bravery."

"Then... Your Majesty, please prepare a large medal for me."

"Yes, I will, and God bless you."

Shang Ke joked for a few words and then quickly left the Buda Palace.

The reinforcements are still on the way, so it's not time to pop the champagne and celebrate yet.

The fight of a trapped beast cannot be underestimated. God knows what kind of desperate counterattack the Ivan Ross airborne troops will launch. Shang firmly believes that we should prepare for the worst.

After returning to the reserve position of the Royal Guard, he immediately began to check the deployment of the position and ensure smooth communication with friendly forces.

Tonight is destined to be another sleepless night.

(End of this chapter)