In the Ming Dynasty, I became invincible simply by extracting memories!

The following morning, sunlight streamed into the main hall of the headquarters, where all the generals gathered to discuss the upcoming military operations. Sitting in the main seat, Yu Dayou looked slightly tired. He coughed a few times and slowly began to speak: "In the Battle of Dacheng, although our army fought valiantly to defend the city walls and repel the enemy's attack, we also suffered heavy casualties. Many soldiers shed their blood on the battlefield, which is truly regrettable." He paused, then continued to analyze the situation: "Although Young Master Shen led an elite squad to successfully infiltrate behind enemy lines and burn Wu Ping's camp's grain reserves, severely crippling their logistics, Wu Ping's main force was able to retreat by boat, preserving their strength. Now that they have retreated to the sea, they may regroup and attack again at any time. What is even more worrying is that the current situation is complex. Not only is Wu Ping eyeing us covetously, but Zhang Lian, Xu Chaoguang, and several other forces are also lurking in the surrounding area, intending to take advantage of our weakness. Faced with such a complex situation, I hope everyone will share their opinions and plan together."

As soon as Yu Dayou finished speaking, the hall erupted in lively discussion. Some were passionate, advocating that they should take advantage of the enemy's recent defeat and low morale to quickly organize troops for a pursuit and ensure the complete annihilation of Wu Ping's remaining forces to eliminate future threats. Others were cautious, believing that the current casualties of their army were too great and they urgently needed rest. They should hold the city, strengthen their defenses, and immediately report the military situation to the court, requesting reinforcements. It would be safer to wait for reinforcements to arrive and for their strength to be restored before making any further advances. Still other generals offered strategic plans, suggesting that they could use a divisive tactic, sending spies to spread rumors and sow discord among Wu Ping, Zhang Lian, Xu Chaoguang, and other factions. If they could make them distrust each other and even turn against each other, their army could be divided and weakened, allowing them to be defeated one by one.

Seeing the crowd arguing amongst themselves, their opinions divided and unable to reach a consensus, Yu Dayou shook his head slightly. He raised his hands, palms down, and gently pressed them together, signaling for silence. As the commotion subsided and everyone's attention returned to him, Yu Dayou turned to Shen Lian, who had been sitting silently beside him, and respectfully asked, "What the generals have said is all reasonable. I wonder what Mr. Shen's insights are? I hope you can enlighten me."

All the generals in the hall fell silent instantly, turning to look at Shen Lian with curiosity and a hint of inquiry in their eyes. In recent days, Shen Lian had come up with several ingenious strategies to defeat the enemy, which had already earned the generals' trust. They all wanted to hear what ideas this young master Shen would come up with.

Upon hearing this, Shen Lian slowly stood up, bowed to Yu Dayou, and calmly said, "The points raised by the generals just now certainly have their merits. However, upon closer examination, it's not hard to find some oversights. If we choose to press our advantage, although morale is currently high, once we enter the vast sea and engage Wu Ping's forces head-on, our army may not have an advantage in naval warfare experience and familiarity with the terrain. Instead, we are very likely to fall into the enemy's complex network of waterways or ambush traps, leading to a reversal of the battle. If we adopt a strategy of holding our ground and waiting for reinforcements, although it can preserve our current strength and defenses to the greatest extent, the people along the southeast coast cannot resist the bandits on their own. Every day we delay, the more..." The local people would have to endure another day of plunder and suffering. Moreover, not only is the situation in the southeast critical, but the northern border is also under fierce invasion by barbarians. The imperial court's military strength is stretched thin, and the pressure of war is immense. It is unlikely that enough troops can be dispatched south to provide support in the short term. As for the suggestion of sowing discord, its practical implementation is fraught with difficulties. Wu Ping, Zhang Lian, and others are long-standing bandit leaders who have always acted solely based on their own interests, lacking any sense of loyalty, righteousness, or moral constraints. If the imperial court wants to bribe them with money and official positions, it will be almost impossible to sway them without paying an extremely high price. Even if they are temporarily blinded by greed and feign submission, they are very likely to turn against the court later, rebelling again when the court lowers its guard. At that time, the imperial court will find it difficult to effectively control them.

After Shen Lian finished speaking, the officials and generals in the council hall fell into deep thought, many with solemn expressions on their faces. General Yu Dayou nodded repeatedly in agreement, then stepped forward, solemnly bowed to Shen Lian, and earnestly asked, "Mr. Shen's analysis is thorough and reasonable. In that case, in your opinion, what action should our army take next?"

"Commander Yu, in my opinion, our army should not rashly cross the sea to pursue them, nor should we simply stay in the city and wait for reinforcements."

As soon as he finished speaking, some of the generals in the hall couldn't help but show surprise, but they didn't interrupt him, waiting for him to continue. Shen Lian's gaze swept over everyone in the hall, and he slowly continued, "Although Wu Ping's main force has retreated to the sea, his base has long been established along the coast of Fujian and Guangdong. Now that his grain supplies have been burned and his troops are short of food, he will inevitably land and plunder in search of supplies. Pinghe County is located at the junction of Fujian and Guangdong. It can advance to connect Raoping and Zhanglian, or retreat to the nearby sea. It is mountainous and the roads are dangerous. It is also adjacent to Binhai and Zhao'an. It is the hiding place that Wu Ping has been building for many years, and it is also the most suitable place for him to settle down at present."

"If we seize Pinghe County first, control the key terrain, and cut off his landing route, we can trap Wu Ping at sea, preventing him from going ashore to resupply and leaving him nowhere to hide. Before long, his troops will fall into disarray without a fight. After occupying Pinghe County, we can rest and reorganize our troops while simultaneously deterring other bandits nearby. Whether Zhang Lian, Wu Ping, and others want to counterattack, or other forces want to take advantage of the situation, we can defend our positions and move freely."

"In that case, I will immediately dispatch elite troops to Pinghe County for long-term garrison duty." Yu Dayou slammed his hand on the table and said loudly without hesitation, his expression full of determination and courage.

"Hold your hand." Just then, Shen Lian suddenly raised his arm and stopped him in a deep voice.

"Why is that?" Yu Dayou was taken aback upon hearing this, a look of confusion on his face, and turned to look at Shen Lian.

"General, think carefully," Shen Lian said calmly but clearly, his eyes revealing a deep and thoughtful look, "that those who are eyeing Pinghe County and intending to seize it are probably far more than just Wu Ping's forces."

"Mr. Shen, what do you mean...?" Yu Dayou frowned slightly and leaned forward to ask.

"Zhang Lian," Shen Lian slowly walked to the center of the hall, his gaze falling on the detailed map hanging there. He pointed to one of the spots, "Based on the accurate intelligence we have, Zhang Lian's troops are probably also secretly planning to take advantage of the situation and seize Pinghe County."

Everyone was shocked by these words.

Shen Lian continued, "Zhang Lian is a notorious bandit in eastern Guangdong. He has gathered tens of thousands of men, occupied Sanrao Mountain, and declared himself king, calling himself 'Flying Dragon Kingdom.' Over the years, he has been constantly expanding his territory and has long coveted this strategically important location at the border of Fujian and Guangdong. Now that Wu Ping has just suffered a defeat and our army has also suffered heavy casualties, how could he miss this golden opportunity? If we rashly mobilize a large army to seize Pinghe County, Zhang Lian will definitely make his move in advance, and may even secretly contact Wu Ping to attack our army from both sides. At that time, we will be deep in enemy territory, with no reinforcements, and will instead find ourselves in a precarious situation where we cannot advance or retreat."

Upon hearing this, Yu Dayou suddenly understood, his brows furrowing even more deeply: "According to what you say, sir, how should we proceed to take Pinghe County before Zhang Lian does?"

Shen Lian lightly tapped the location of Pinghe County on the map with his fingertip and calmly said, "We don't need to send out a large army. We will only select a thousand or so elite troops, travel light, and take a detour through the night to Pinghe County, taking advantage of the situation to seize key points in the county. Meanwhile, the main army will remain here to guard Xuanzhong City, and we will only announce to the outside world that we are closing the city for rest and recuperation. Zhang Lian will definitely not make a move too early. By the time he realizes what's happening, we will have already established a firm foothold and controlled all the passes. If he tries to make a move then, it will be in vain."

"Excellent plan!" Yu Dayou exclaimed in approval, his weariness from the past few days vanishing considerably. "Let's proceed according to Mr. Shen's plan! I wonder if you would be willing to personally lead the team to seize Pinghe County?"

Shen Lian smiled slightly, cupped his hands and accepted the order: "Since I have offered this plan, I am naturally willing to lead the troops there. We will be able to take Pinghe County in a few days and wait for Commander Yu's reinforcements to arrive."

That afternoon, Shen Lian selected over a thousand elite infantrymen who had been through countless battles. Each of them carried three days' worth of dry rations, light weapons, and firearms. He left all the heavy armor and supplies in Xuanzhong City, Zhao'an. As dusk fell, they quietly left the city through the back gate and hurried along the hidden mountain paths toward Pinghe County.

Before setting off, Shen Lian had already ordered his men to scout ahead. He knew that the local garrison in Pinghe County numbered less than a thousand, and that the county magistrate, Li Du, had been feigning compliance with the bandits for many years and had no real determination to resist. Shen Lian led his troops on a whirlwind march through the night. Remembering Yu Dayou's instructions, they circled around to Leigongzhai outside the city and stayed there for half a day. By noon on the third day, they had arrived outside Pinghe County.

Shen Lian first stationed his troops in a grove of trees on the outskirts of the city, while he himself, along with Yi Dong and Yi Xia, dressed in civilian clothes, passed through the guards' checkpoints and entered the county town.

In the county town, Shen Lian carefully inquired with pedestrians on the street and finally found out the exact location of the county government office. He then went straight to the gate of the county government office.

Upon seeing this, the yamen runners on duty immediately stepped forward to block his path and asked gruffly, "Halt! What are you doing?"

Shen Lian calmly replied, "I have important matters to discuss with Magistrate Li, so I have come to pay my respects. Please inform him of my presence."

The yamen runner leaned lazily against the stone pillar by the door, waved his hand, and said in a drawn-out voice, "Want to see the magistrate? Sure, but you'll have to come back after 3 PM."

Shen Lian smiled slightly upon hearing this and asked in return, "Why is that?"

The constable slammed his fire-and-water stick on the ground, glared, and said in a stiff tone, "The magistrate has already given instructions that he needs to take a nap every day and will not receive any guests at this time."

Upon hearing this, Xia was about to step forward when Shen Lian pressed her shoulder and shook his head. He then spoke to the constable:

"not see?"

"not see!"

Shen Lian's expression remained unchanged; he simply said calmly, "If it's someone sent by General Yu, are you not going to see them either?"

"No—" The constable's words were cut short as he looked up at Shen Lian's smiling face. Despite the sweltering heat, a chill ran down his spine. "You...you just mentioned General Yu...could it be General Yu of Fujian?"

"Can you name a few more General Yus?" Shen Lian asked calmly.

"This, this...do you have any proof?" The constable's voice was trembling.

Shen Lian remained calm and took out a letter from his pocket and handed it over. The yamen runner took it with both hands and immediately saw the vermilion official seal of the General's Mansion on the envelope.

"Sir..." The constable hurriedly bowed, his face instantly plastered with a fawning smile. "I was blind and didn't recognize you, sir. I didn't know you had come from afar. I was very rude just now. I hope you will forgive me!"

Shen Lian did not answer, but only glanced at him quietly.

The constable wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, his smile growing even more respectful: "I'll go in and inform the magistrate immediately, and ask him to come out and greet you personally!"

"No need," Shen Lian's tone turned cold. "You lead the way, I'll go in to see him myself."

"This..." The constable's heart tightened suddenly, as if struck by something heavy. He thought to himself, "This is bad," and his mind raced, trying to come up with an excuse to get out of this. But when he looked up, he met Shen Lian's cold, emotionless eyes, and he trembled. All his hopes vanished, and he could only steel himself and say in a low, humble voice, "Please, please come with me."

Shen Lian remained expressionless, following closely behind the yamen runner, stepping over the high threshold and entering the county government office. The two passed through a dark entrance hall, turned a corner in a corridor, and arrived at a secluded courtyard.

As soon as they stepped into the courtyard, a burst of boisterous laughter and chatter hit them. Shen Lian glanced around and saw three constables sitting around a stone table in the courtyard, playing cards and shouting excitedly. One of them had just shouted out a "three of bamboo" when he suddenly caught sight of the constable who had led the way and Shen Lian and his companions behind him. He exclaimed "Eh?" and forgot to put down his cards, quickly standing up.

"Li San, it's not your turn to change shifts yet. What are you doing here?" The constable frowned, his tone sharp. He then pointed at Shen Lian and his group, his voice growing even more impatient. "And what are these people doing here? You're just letting outsiders in like this. I think you're not going to keep your job!"

Upon hearing this, Li San broke out in a cold sweat and frantically tried to signal to the man with his eyes and lips. But the man completely ignored him, his attention still fixed on Shen Lian. He waved his hand and shouted, "You lot, the magistrate isn't seeing any guests right now. Get out of here, get out of here!" After saying that, he ignored them and plopped back down on his stool, his gaze returning to the unfinished game of cards, as if the people in front of him were completely unimportant.

"Wang Li," Li San hurriedly said, "this is a man sent by General Yu Dayou."

Upon hearing this, the three people at the card table immediately straightened up as if they were bent springs.