The Prodigal Son

Majiahe.

Qin Yu led his troops to the vicinity of Majiahe yesterday.

To make the performance more convincing, Qin Yu deliberately hid some of his troops and ordered his men to set up traps and barricades along the banks of the Majia River.

Dong Liu leaned against a tree trunk, a blade of grass dangling from his mouth, and lazily asked Qin Yu, "You have so much confidence in Shen Jue, are you sure he can disrupt the enemy's left flank?"

"You still have some confidence, don't you?"

Qin Yu clicked his tongue and said, "He's a commander-in-chief, after all, with two ninth-realm experts by his side. I even sent him an imperial gold medal. If he still can't make a splash, then he truly deserves to die!"

He could come up with ways to disrupt the enemy army and cause a large number of deserters to appear in the enemy camp. Could Shen Jue not have thought of that?

If a large number of deserters appear on the enemy's left flank, the enemy's left flank commander will inevitably worry that the morale of his troops will be affected and that another large-scale desertion will occur. In that case, joining forces with the right flank will be the best option.

"On the battlefield, not everything goes as planned!"

Dong Liu shook his head and smiled, "What will you do if the enemy still divides their forces to attack?"

"What else can we do?"

Qin Yu said casually, "We can only hope that Shuimo Mountain can buy us some more time so that our plan can succeed, and then we can rush to their aid overnight..."

If the enemy is really this stubborn, it's probably the same no matter who leads them.

At that point, all we'll have left is to hold out to the death.

Dong Liu smiled calmly, secretly approving.

Putting everything else aside, this kid has a good attitude.

To become a commander on one's first battlefield experience is truly commendable, especially considering the mindset required.

A newborn calf is not afraid of a tiger!

However, this is still an oversimplification of the battlefield.

"Report..."

Just then, a scout rode up.

Seeing the scouts running towards him, Qin Yu couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation.

Hopefully, he'll bring back good news!

On his first day on the battlefield, a single decision could determine the life or death of countless people. To say he wasn't nervous would be a lie!

But he has to pretend!

If he doesn't have confidence, then the soldiers in the army will have even less confidence!

Under Qin Yu's expectant gaze, the scout strode forward and reported, "Your Majesty, we have learned that a large-scale riot broke out in the enemy's left flank camp last night, with many soldiers deserting. The enemy's left flank army is now converging on the right flank..."

"Very good!"

Qin Yu jumped up with joy, his heart pounding.

It must be Shen Jue who's causing trouble!

His biggest worry would be resolved as long as the enemy forces joined together and attacked from the Majiahe side!

Seeing the excited Qin Yu, Dong Liu smiled to himself.

This kid actually won his bet!

However, this doesn't count as gambling!

He did at least make some arrangements.

All I can say is that Shen Jue did not disappoint them.

After suppressing his excitement, Qin Yu ordered the scouts to investigate again.

Even after the scouts left, Qin Yu was still incredibly excited and wanted to roar to the heavens.

"Don't be too happy yet!"

Dong Liu poured cold water on him without any mercy.

"How so?"

Qin Yu looked over suspiciously.

Dong Liu stared at him with a half-smile. "Your water attack plan has basically succeeded, but don't you want to achieve even greater results?"

"Even greater results?" Qin Yu asked, somewhat puzzled. He racked his brains for a moment, then shamelessly asked, "Could you explain it more clearly?"

"Are you brain-dead?"

Dong Liu glared at him, annoyed. "Which side achieved greater results: the enemy merely passing through Lianghekou, or them setting up camp there?"

Ok?

Qin Yu was taken aback, then quickly realized, "You mean, I need to find a way to get the enemy to set up camp at Lianghekou?"

"You're not too stupid!"

Dong Liu nodded slightly, but said nothing more.

Having received Dong Liu's affirmation, Qin Yu couldn't help but ponder.

Yes!

The open terrain and water source at Lianghekou make it a suitable place for camping.

If we can control the enemy's marching speed so that they pass by Lianghekou just as it is getting late, they will definitely choose to set up camp there.

That way, their water attack plan can achieve the greatest results!

But since I am not the enemy's commander, how can I control the enemy's marching speed?

We can't just let Wu Chi lead his troops to delay the enemy from Shuimo Mountain, can we?

Sending out such a small force to delay the enemy is simply suicide!

Qin Yu racked his brains, going through the Thirty-Six Stratagems and similar ideas in his mind.

However, after thinking it over, he couldn't come up with a better solution.

"You should have a way, right?"

In the end, Qin Yu still sought advice from Dong Liu.

"A feint!"

Dong Liu gave a simple and straightforward answer.

Qin Yu asked instinctively, "What kind of feint?"

"Think for yourself!"

Dong Liu simply turned his head to the side.

Qin Yu frowned, a bitter smile creeping across his face.

Damn it!

With things so urgent, why are you still practicing on me?

A feint?

How to deploy a feint?

Qin Yu was so anxious that he scratched his head and wanted to ask Dong Liu again several times, but seeing Dong Liu's attitude, he had to shut up and keep thinking with his head down.

The wind howls and cranes cry, even the grass and trees seem like soldiers.

Or something else?

Qin Yu took out the map, stared intently at it, and racked his brains to recall the classic battles he was known for in his two lifetimes.

Dong Liu glanced at it out of the corner of his eye and secretly shook his head.

After all, this was his first time leading troops.

If they were seasoned generals, even if they couldn't think of a solution, they should be able to react quickly with just a little thought.

There are many ways to slow down the enemy's advance.

Just as Dong Liu was about to speak again to remind them, Qin Yu suddenly looked up and said, "If the enemy marches too fast when they pass Lianghekou, we should cross the river directly and advance, arousing their suspicion! If they are unaware of the situation, they will definitely slow down and send scouts to investigate further!"

"That's one way to do it!" Dong Liu nodded. "However, no method can guarantee success. Having several backup plans is always better!"

Listening to Dong Liu's advice, Qin Yu couldn't help but nudge him with his elbow, "The old man wants you to help him train me?"

"no."

Dong Liu vehemently denied it, saying, "It was just something I said offhand."

"Yeah, right!"

Qin Yu didn't believe it and asked curiously, "You, this drunken monk, have led troops before?"

He now realized that Dong Liu was not only there to protect him, but also to provide a safety net for him!

The old man really went to great lengths to train himself!

"none of your business!"

Dong Liu retorted irritably, "Instead of wasting time talking nonsense with me, you should think of backup strategies! With your skills, you can only deal with those lowly generals. If you encounter an old fox like your grandfather, you won't even know how you died!"

"..."

Qin Yu glanced at him speechlessly, but had to admit that the monk had a point.

Others may think you are a genius, but only you know your own true abilities.

Just now, if Dong Liu hadn't reminded him, he would have completely overlooked the enemy's marching speed!

Practice makes perfect!

Overthinking!

With that in mind, Qin Yu stopped bothering Dong Liu and sat down to the side to ponder...