I, Emperor Chongzhen, have extended the life of the Ming Dynasty by five hundred years.

The two argued endlessly, each sticking to their own version of events.

Zhu Youjian pondered silently. The Baoding defense line was important, but Juyong Pass was also important.

Both routes of the rebel army, no matter which one breaks through, will face the capital directly.

The most urgent task is to prevent Du Zhizhi from surrendering!

The easiest way would be to issue an imperial edict and order this bastard to his death.

However, doing so would inevitably cause panic among the soldiers on the front lines.

After all, Du Zhizhi hadn't surrendered yet, so why should he be put to death?

Wang Chengen sent this person because he had been loyal over the years, worked methodically, and was quite resourceful. He was considered a good talent among the eunuchs and could be given important responsibilities.

Who would have thought that he would surrender as soon as he arrived at the front line!

If an imperial edict were issued now to recall him to the capital, it would inevitably raise suspicions of changing commanders on the eve of battle.

In short, this person has already set off, and no matter what we do, it will be difficult!

"Li Ruolian, what do you say?"

Zhu Youjian glanced around and saw Li Ruolian standing silently to the side.

This man has been well-versed in military strategy since childhood. In the recent great battle, he commanded with composure and almost smashed Liu Fangliang into mincemeat.

According to the coal boss's law, professional tasks should be done by professionals.

When it comes to professional matters, laypeople should avoid interfering, otherwise, the consequences can be severe.

Immediately, everyone looked at Li Ruolian, especially He Fu, who was very nervous.

Liu Fangliang's army could launch a counterattack at any time. If the troops are withdrawn, Baoding will definitely not be able to hold out.

Li Ruolian looked at everyone and said, "Juyong Pass must be defended, but the defense line at Baoding cannot be relaxed either."

"Look, look, even the Marquis of Zhongyong agrees with dividing the troops!"

Zhao Yong couldn't wait any longer and quickly stepped forward to offer his support.

As the general in charge of suppressing the bandits, he naturally had to go to the battlefield and face Li Zicheng head-on!

He Fu, his face full of worry, said, "Liu Fangliang's troops have suffered a great loss and will surely reorganize their forces to launch a counterattack. If Baoding's forces are insufficient and it is breached, our deaths will be a minor matter; His Majesty's new policies will be impossible to implement. Even worse, the capital will be in grave danger!"

Li Ruolian waved her hand: "Prefect He, please don't misunderstand, that was not my intention!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yong immediately became anxious and asked, "Lord Zhongyong, you just said that Juyong Pass must be defended, everyone heard that!"

"But I also said that the safety net cannot be relaxed."

"Then let's split up!"

"We do need to divide our forces, but not in half."

"Then how should it be divided? Are we going to leave 60% to Baoding Prefecture?"

Li Ruolian shook her head again, then said, "One-tenth!"

"What? One-tenth?"

He Fu was greatly alarmed. "Leaving me 10% is worse than not leaving me at all!"

Li Ruolian nodded: "Perhaps, we don't even need 10%!"

"This, this..."

He Fu panicked and looked at Emperor Chongzhen, saying, "Your Majesty, Baoding Prefecture is the gateway to the capital. If..."

"Let Li Qing finish speaking first!"

Zhu Youjian raised his hand to interrupt, because he could see that Li Ruolian seemed to have no intention of fighting a conventional battle, but was preparing to launch a major attack on the rebel army.

Whether it's a big surprise or a major accident, let's hear the rest first.

Having received instructions, Li Ruolian continued, "The art of war says, 'Make the real appear fake, and the fake appear real.' In the current situation, if our army shows any weakness, it will be exploited by the rebel army."

"Although Liu Fangliang suffered heavy losses, his treacherous intentions remain undiminished, and his troops are still a fierce and valiant force that should not be underestimated. However, they must have some concerns at this moment: firstly, they have suffered a defeat and their morale has been dampened; secondly, their supplies have been burned; and thirdly, they are unclear about our army's movements."

"If our army leaves a large force to defend Baoding, Liu Fangliang may not dare to attack easily, but he will not give up his covetousness for Baoding. After all, Baoding is the gateway to the capital and its strategic location is extremely important. However, if our army leaves too few troops, we fear that he may take the opportunity to counterattack. If Baoding falls, the capital will be in danger."

"Therefore, I believe we should do the opposite."

Zhao Yong was completely confused and couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Zhongyong, I don't understand what you're saying. Just tell me what to do!"

"Openly repair the plank road while secretly crossing the Chencang pass!"

Li Ruolian pointed to the map and said, "We only need to leave a small number of troops in Baoding Prefecture to frequently harass the rebel army, preventing them from resting and making them dare not attack Baoding rashly. Each time we harass them, we only need to engage in a brief battle before retreating. In this way, we can ensure that the southern front is safe."

"The harassment is just a pretext; in reality, we are secretly mobilizing our main force to quickly reinforce Juyong Pass and focus all our efforts on dealing with Li Zicheng!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yong's eyes lit up; this idea was incredibly bold!

Admittedly, if the forces are divided to fight on two fronts, both sides will struggle.

If we follow this plan, we can focus all our efforts on dealing with Li Zicheng. By the time Liu Fangliang reacts, Li Zicheng may have already been wiped out. Then, when the army marches south, it won't be too late to deal with him!

He Fu frowned, pondering the same question.

This plan is indeed very clever, but the problem is that it is too risky.

If Liu Fangliang discovers this, the consequences will be unimaginable.

Zhu Youjian looked at everyone and asked, "Does anyone have a better plan?"

Everyone remained silent. Although Li Ruolian's plan to secretly advance was not perfect, it was the best option given the current situation.

Zhu Youjian nodded and said, "Since there are no objections, then it's settled!"

"Zhao Yong, immediately muster the troops and accompany me to Juyong Pass!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yong quickly said, "Your Majesty, we are sufficient to handle the front lines. You should return to the capital!"

He Fu also advised, "The capital still needs Your Majesty to take charge of the overall situation. We humbly request Your Majesty to return to the capital."

Zhu Youjian waved his hand and said, "Now that I've come out, how can I easily go back?"

"Emperor Taizu rose up in rebellion and overthrew the tyrannical Yuan Dynasty. Emperor Chengzu personally led five expeditions to the Mongolian steppes. Why can't I lead an expedition myself?"

"Doesn't Li Zicheng want to seize my empire? I'll fight him head-on and see if he has the ability!"

"A wise man does not stand under a crumbling wall. Your Majesty is the ruler of a nation; you must not act rashly!"

While advising him, He Fu thought to himself, "Don't forget, you have an ancestor who was captured and sent to the northern desert to herd sheep because of his personal expedition!"

Moreover, the place where your ancestor was captured was only a hundred miles away from Juyong Pass!

"My mind is made up; you need not say more!"

Zhu Youjian resolutely refused, then looked at Miao Gang: "You stay here and assist Minister He in defending the city!"

Miao Gang quickly bowed and said, "Your subject will certainly not fail in your mission!"

"Remember, your mission is harassment, not direct confrontation with the rebel army! Even if there's an advantage to be gained, don't act rashly. Liu Fangliang isn't stupid; he has a cunning strategist who might set a trap for you!"

"Your subject will remember this!"

Zhu Youjian looked at Li Ruolian: "Does Minister Li have anything to add?"

Li Ruolian said, "The army needs to withdraw in batches, otherwise, it will be detected by the rebels' spies."

"Not bad, Zhao Yong!"

"Your subject is here!"

"I will lead the Warriors Battalion ahead of you. You will disperse your troops and meet up with me at Juyong Pass."

Zhao Yong quickly said, "It would be safer for the Warriors Battalion to go ahead first, while His Majesty remains in command of the central army."

Zhu Youjian shook his head: "I must go first!"

Zhao Yong, puzzled, scratched his head and asked, "Why?"

"Do I need to explain to you how I do things? I'm acting on imperial orders!"

Zhu Youjian thought to himself, "If we're late, that bastard Du Zhizhi will surrender!"

Zhao Yong could only reply respectfully, "Your subject obeys the decree!"