Dream of the Red Chamber: Start by gaining Zhao Yun's martial prowess, and be ennobled in a sin

This wasn't just Ruan Xiaojiu's opinion; it was because the White Lotus Sect had been in a very favorable situation since capturing Xuzhou.

The army marched south, and the prefectures and counties along the way, including Suzhou, Lingbi, Fengyang, Linhuai, Xuyi, and Tianchang, surrendered without resistance. The 200,000 troops were routed and hardly fought any hard battles.

In other words, compared to their previous caution, the entire White Lotus Sect is now somewhat arrogant.

Having enjoyed the life of a general in the city, no one wanted to go back to the days of hiding from government troops in the reed marshes and eating cold bread in deserted villages and temples.

In fact, this is basically the case with all the rebel armies in history. Very few of them were willing to withdraw from the city after entering it, and instead struggle and fight hard in various places. Those who could do so were able to create a great cause!

Wu Shouyi spoke from the corner, his voice hoarse and cold:

"Now that we have captured Xuzhou, we have already shaken the world. If we also capture Jinling, and both the central capital and the secondary capital fall, then we will truly be awe-inspiring and renowned throughout the world."

"The brothers are all eager to accomplish something great. If we back down now, wouldn't that be like being afraid to risk our lives for something important? Besides, retreating now would probably alienate the people."

Ning Yuxi sighed inwardly. Looking at the faces of the people in the tent, she suddenly felt a sense of unfamiliarity.

These people are nothing but gamblers. They can no longer see the sacrifices of ordinary believers. Don't they think about how many people have died and how hard-won this situation is?

She composed herself and persisted:

"How could Jia Jing be compared to those mediocre generals and officers of the Zhu Han regime? His reputation was earned on the battlefield; in Liaodong and the Northwest, which battle wasn't a victory against overwhelming odds?"

"If we don't leave now, and fail to capture Jinling, we'll have to face his 30,000 iron cavalry. Under the clash of swords, there will be no chance of survival!"

Sun Tietou stood up abruptly, his hand on the long sword at his waist, and said solemnly:

"Why does the Holy Maiden keep boosting the morale of others like this? Know that our swords are no less effective!"

The crowd continued arguing, but Xu Hongru remained silent.

He sat behind the desk, listening to the conversations on both sides, his face as somber as an old piece of wood soaked in water.

After a while, he turned his gaze to Liu Zhixie.

"What's the strategist's opinion?"

The tent fell silent.

Everyone knows that Xu Hongru's most trusted advisor is this Dharma Protector.

Liu Zhixie did not answer immediately.

He stood before the map, his gaze fixed on the winding river between Jinling and Xuyi, and remained silent for a long time.

Then he slowly began to speak:

"I know Jia Jing's deeds; his reputation is not just empty boasting. His victories in Liaodong, the Northwest, the grasslands, the Hunye region, and the capital area—each one a testament to his genuine achievements!"

He paused, and the expressions of everyone in the tent changed slightly.

"However..." Liu Zhixie changed the subject, turning to look at Xu Hongru, and said:

"A messenger has already sent a letter from Sichuan and Shaanxi today, saying that an uprising is about to begin soon. Officials and gentry in Nanjing are also secretly contacting us, wanting to join our cause."

"Given this situation, if we can capture Nanjing within two days, its reserves will be enough to hold it for a year or two. By then, with war raging across the land, we'll have a great opportunity!"

Sun Tietou's eyes lit up, and he immediately replied:

"The strategist is right! Even if the Han Dynasty occupies Jinling, conquers the north from the south, and gains control of the world, it's not impossible for us to do the same!"

Everyone turned to look at Xu Hongru.

Xu Hongru did not respond immediately. He slowly stood up, walked to the map, placed his hands on the edge of the table, and looked from Nanjing to Xuyi, then to the direction of Sichuan and Shaanxi.

Why would he want to give up such a favorable situation? If he retreats now, his army of 200,000 will fall apart!

If they could capture Jinling, they would not only completely disrupt the fate of the Han Dynasty, but also lay the foundation for a hegemonic enterprise.

He's getting old, and how many more opportunities like this will he have in his life?

Even if we are unfortunately defeated, it doesn't seem too late to retreat then!

After weighing the options carefully, he felt that such a golden opportunity was worth taking the gamble on, no matter what.

Xu Hongru suddenly turned around, his gaze sharp as a knife, fixing on Sun Tietou's face, and asked in a deep voice:

"General Sun, can Nanjing really be taken within two days?"

Sun Tietou puffed out his chest, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, "If we cannot conquer this place, I will bring my head to you!"

"Alright! Let's give it our all!" Xu Hongru turned around and slammed his fist on the desk.

The muffled thud startled the candlelight, causing it to flicker violently and startling everyone in the tent.

Xu Hongru's face flushed red, his eyes burning like two balls of fire, and he said, word by word:

"Order all battalions to attack the city day and night without rest, starting immediately! General Sun, you will personally oversee the battle at the south gate!"

"General Ruan, deploy your naval forces to launch a feigned attack from the west on the river, thus diverting the troops on the city walls! Wu Shouyi..."

He looked at the dark figure in the corner and said in a low voice:

"You will lead the Black Flag Battalion to intensify your surveillance of Jia Jing, reporting three times a day without fail! Victory or defeat hinges on this!"

"Yes!" Sun Tietou, Ruan Xiaojiu, and Wu Shouyi responded in unison.

Liu Zhixie also cupped his hands and said:

"I will intensify my efforts to contact the gentry within the city. If they are willing to act as inside agents, the city will fall in no time."

Xu Hongru said in a deep voice:

"No matter what conditions they offer, agree to them first! Getting into the city is the top priority!"

Ning Yuxi, who had been standing to the side, remained silent until everyone had received their orders and were about to leave. Only then did she slowly stand up, walk to Xu Hongru, and whisper:

"Your Majesty, I have a request."

Xu Hongru looked at her and said, "Speak."

"I intend to lead the White Flag Battalion and a portion of the women and children of the Christian community eastward to Taihu Lake."

Her voice was calm, but there was no hint of yielding in her phoenix eyes as she slowly said:

"For no other reason than to leave a way out for the sect. If Your Majesty succeeds, I will offer my blessings from afar at Taihu Lake. If something unexpected happens, I will still be here to support Your Majesty and the brothers in the sect!"

Xu Hongru stared at her for a long time.

The tent was so quiet that only the crackling of the candlelight could be heard. After the loud bang, he slowly nodded, his voice so deep it seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth:

"Can!"

Ning Yuxi didn't say anything more. She curtsied, turned around, and walked out of the tent.

The moment the curtain was lifted, a morning breeze rushed in, causing the candlelight to flicker violently before slowly stabilizing.

Xu Hongru stood in front of the map, his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on Jinling!