Chapter 164 Actors From Both Sides Have Already Taken to the Stage

Duke Dai Jinglie was struggling to appease the lords in front of him. It had been two days since he received the news that the army behind the enemy had escaped the encirclement, but the situation had not improved as the Duke and Li Yi had imagined.

First, the key material warehouse in the rear was raided and burned, and now a bunch of lords' farms were attacked. The most annoying thing was that those damn serfs didn't know what was wrong with them and started to rebel one after another.

But when the army arrived, they only captured some stupid and foolish serfs. No matter what torture they used, they couldn't get any useful information from them. Those lords who reacted and suffered huge losses gathered in Gengxin City to ask the army to wipe out those damn serfs.

Duke Dai Jinglie sat in the big tent, facing a group of angry and dissatisfied lords, many of whom were related to him.

These people were nobles and wealthy people in the southern part of the Xingluo Empire, owning large tracts of land and countless wealth.

There is no doubt that these people are the rulers and pillars of the western part of the Xingluo Empire, responsible for providing important materials and taxes to Gengxin City and the front line.

But now, these nobles have become victims of the enemy's rear army and the serf rebellion.

They watched their homes, which they had worked hard for many years, being destroyed, and their originally honest and obedient serfs betrayed and rebelled.

The lords felt unprecedented fear and anger, blaming all this on Duke Dai Jinglie and General Li Yi, believing that the army had not fulfilled its responsibility to protect them.

The lords strongly demanded that Duke Dai Jinglie and General Li Yi immediately send troops to quell the rebellion, punish the traitors, and restore order.

Duke Dai Jinglie was also very distressed when he heard the complaints and demands of these lords.

The Duke knew that these lords were not unreasonable, and they did suffer heavy losses and injuries.

These lords did not really care about the situation in Gengxin City and the front line, they simply wanted to protect their own interests and status.

The lords gathered here just to force Gengxin City to send troops to maintain order.

Duke Dai Jinglie knew very well that if these lords continued to make trouble, it would not only affect the stability and security of Gengxin City and the front line, but also shake his authority and prestige in the western region.

The Duke must find a way to appease these lords and let them go back with peace of mind, while also ensuring that his army will not be dispersed and weakened to deal with the next wave of attacks that may be launched by the enemy's rear army.

Duke Dai Jinglie stood up and said in a calm and firm voice.

"Lords, I know that you have all suffered misfortune and pain, and I also feel sorry and sympathy for you."

"I also admit that General Li Yi and I have been negligent and made mistakes in dealing with the enemy's rear army, causing you harm. We promise to find out the relevant information about the scoundrels as soon as possible, catch them all in one fell swoop, and avenge you."

After barely dealing with those lords, Duke Dai Jinglie felt extremely tired. At this time, the front-line supply supply was already in chaos, and the logistics officers had to work in three shifts to handle logistics matters.

Whenever the planned supplies disappeared inexplicably, they had to re-plan the supply in the front and provide new demands to the rear again.

The four major corps had already shrunk their forces more cautiously because of the attack on Marquis Wang Jialie. In addition, the patrol team protecting the logistics troops was growing larger and larger, and the troops that Gengxin City could mobilize were slowly decreasing. Now the demands made by these lords would make the situation of Queqiu City's forces even worse.

Duke Dai Jinglie returned to his tent, took off his heavy armor and outer robe, and walked to a wooden table wearing only a simple underwear. On the table were an oil lamp and some documents.

Dai Jinglie picked up a document, which was the latest intelligence on the front line. He read it carefully, and his heart became heavier and heavier.

The document said that the war on the front line had fallen into a state of stalemate and consumption. The army of the Tiandou Empire continued to launch attacks and provocations, trying to break the defense line of the Xingluo Empire.

The army of the Xingluo Empire fought hard and counterattacked, trying to hold their positions, but because of the supply of logistics, the front line became more and more precarious.

Seeing this, Dai Jinglie couldn't help but worry about his cousin who was still fighting on the front line.

The document also said that the situation in the rear was even more critical. The activities of the enemy rear army and those serfs of the Tiandou Empire have spread across most of the main grain-producing areas in the south. They constantly harassed and attacked the territories of the surrounding Xingluo Empire lords.

These insects seemed to be waiting for an opportunity to break through and destroy the rule of the Xingluo Empire over the southern region in one fell swoop.

Duke Dai Jinglie felt powerless and helpless after reading the document.

Dai Jinglie knew that he was now facing a dilemma.

If the Duke transferred all his troops to the front and rear for support, then Gengxin City would become empty and powerless, unable to cope with the possible raids and harassment launched by the enemy rear army.

But if all his troops were left around Gengxin City for defense and clearing, then the front and rear would continue to erode, and the final result would be something no one wanted to see.

Duke Dai Jinglie didn't know what to do. He closed his eyes helplessly and took a deep breath. After a moment of silence, the Duke opened his eyes again and prepared to continue processing other documents.

He is the Duke of Xingluo Empire, the commander of Gengxin City, and the most trusted logistics officer of the front-line troops. He cannot be defeated by these difficulties.

In the palace of Xingluo Empire, a tense atmosphere shrouded.

Ministers and generals were discussing around the huge sand table, which was filled with chess pieces marking where attacks and serf rebellions had occurred. The situation was dangerous.

Their voices were sometimes low and sometimes passionate. Some advocated that Xingluo City send troops to suppress the rebellion, some advocated giving the lords the right to arm themselves, and some advocated that the troops that were still gathering be responsible for suppressing the rebellion.

They argued endlessly, but no one dared to look directly at the man on the throne.

Emperor Dai Yucheng sat on the throne with a solemn expression and said nothing. His eyes were deep and sharp, scanning every chess piece on the sand table.

Dai Yucheng tapped the armrest of the throne with his fingers, making a crisp sound. There was no expression on his face, but his heart was surging.

The war machine of the Xingluo Empire had already started to operate, but it encountered an unexpected problem.

In the main grain-producing area, a rebel army composed of serfs suddenly rose up. Under the banner of freedom and equality, they captured many towns and villages, burned large areas of crops and granaries, and cut off the food supply of the Xingluo Empire.

This sting was inserted into the key of the Xingluo Empire, putting Emperor Dai Yucheng in a dilemma.

If this force is ignored, it is likely to intensify in the course of the war and eventually become the last straw that crushes the empire.

However, if troops are sent to suppress it, it is still unknown whether the front line, which is already in danger, can hold on until then.

Moreover, the rebels are not a group of rabble. They have the help of those damn Tiandou Empire infiltration troops, who have rich combat experience and firm beliefs.

This force has widespread support and sympathy in the main grain-producing areas. They are good at guerrilla warfare and ambush warfare, and even know the internal situation of the Xingluo Empire.

Dai Yucheng's thoughts drifted far away, recalling his life journey.

How he had defeated his competitors step by step over the years, ascended to the throne, and became the emperor of the Xingluo Empire.

His heroic appearance in his youth, the sacrifices and choices he made for power, were all vivid in his mind. Pride, regret, determination and strength were intertwined.

Dai Yucheng understood that the key to his success today was to be ruthless, not only to his enemies but also to himself. He never feared any difficulties or challenges, and never backed down from any dangers or risks.

Since there was not enough time, he would use distance to exchange for time, directly abandon the front line of defense and shrink the troops to the solid Gengxin City.

Then he would use the land to exchange for time for the army to move, and during this time, the legions that had been prepared in the rear would deploy reconnaissance formations along the continent and sift through the entire main grain-producing area like a comb.

Finally, he would use Gengxin City as a felt and the army as a hammer to completely eliminate the annoying pests, and then he could fight to the death with the invading Tiandou Empire in the north of Gengxin City with the momentum of victory and the supply advantage of Gengxin City.

This was the plan that Dai Yucheng had formulated in his mind, a plan that was both bold and cruel.

Dai Yucheng knew that this plan would sacrifice many innocent people and loyal soldiers, and would also expose a large area of ​​the northern territory to the enemy's attack.

But as the emperor, Dai Yucheng knew that this plan was the only way to save the Xingluo Empire from danger. There was no time to consider morality and conscience, only to strive for victory and survival.

Dai Yucheng made up his mind and issued an order. He stood up and announced loudly

"I decided to abandon the front line of defense, shrink the troops to Gengxin City, and at the same time mobilize the army in the rear to wipe out the rebels in the main grain-producing areas, and then fight a decisive battle with the Tiandou Empire in the north of Gengxin City. This is my final decision and cannot be refuted!"

There was silence in the court, and all the ministers and generals were stunned.

No one knew why the emperor made such a shocking decision, and they didn't know what impact this decision would have on the situation.

The ministers had countless words to express, but they were all shocked by the emperor's sharp eyes like a sword.

Everyone knows that Dai Yucheng is an iron-blooded monarch who never allows anyone to question his authority and wisdom.

Ministers and generals could only bow their heads silently to show their obedience.

The order was delivered to generals in various places along with flying pigeons and running messengers across the vast territory of the Xingluo Empire.

Every general felt the majesty and determination of the imperial edict, as well as the crisis and sacrifice behind it.

The army of the Xingluo Empire slowly moved under the urging of the imperial edict. The army gathered in front of Gengxin City, and the army swept through the main grain-producing areas through the road network passing through the main grain-producing areas.

Although their marching speed was not fast, they had an unstoppable momentum. Their goal was to destroy all enemies.

And these messages were also sent to the camp of the enemy-behind-the-line army by the ubiquitous Qibao Liuli Sect intelligence network. This army was jointly dispatched by the Tiandou Empire Imperial Army of the Small Samsara Academy and the Qibao Liuli Sect.

The mission of the Behind Enemy Lines Corps is to sabotage and spy inside the Xing Luo Empire. Although the number of this army is small, they have superb combat skills and concealment capabilities.

They have been avoiding the regular army of the Xing Luo Empire and keeping in touch with the serf rebels, giving them support and guidance.

When the Corps received the news of the Xing Luo Empire's army's actions, it immediately held an emergency meeting to discuss the next course of action.

The captain first said, "This information was delivered to us a day late. Judging from the speed of the army's movement, from tonight to tomorrow morning, the large net composed of scouts and soul master scouts will sweep across our current location. Time is running out and we need to act now.”

The staff all agreed, but now they still have a question, where should they go?

Colin made a suggestion at this time, "I tend to go to where we came from, the western wilderness. The terrain there is complicated and we have just passed there and are familiar with the road conditions there, so we can easily get rid of the pursuers."

The liaison officer of Qibao Glazed Sect smiled and said, "I think it's not just that. You also want to use our army as bait to lure those legions away from the serf army that is dormant in place."

Colin admitted generously, "Yes, it is not just because of the consistent position of the Small Reincarnation Academy. At this time, we have not saved the manpower of an awakened serf army, which is to allow the Star Luo Empire to have a hundred or more in the future. Isn’t it in our interest to emancipate the serfs?”

The captain nodded and agreed with this statement. He said to everyone, "Then do what Colin said. Let's pack our bags immediately and prepare to set off. We want the Star Luo Empire to know that we are their nightmare, and we are Their death!"

The active exposure of the legions behind enemy lines was a carefully planned sacrifice.

This lone army behind enemy lines was unable to confront the Star Luo Empire's army head-on. The captain chose the best time. Just as the Star Luo Empire's legions were dispersed for reconnaissance, they suddenly appeared in front of the enemy and moved provocatively to the west. Run.

The soul master scouts quickly discovered their whereabouts and were surprised to see this force hiding in Tibet dare to challenge the Star Luo Empire's army.

The soul master scouts immediately released homing pigeons to convey this important news to the commanders of each legion. The homing pigeons were flying in the sky, like streaks of white lightning, flashing in the sunlight.

The Star Luo Empire's headquarters responded quickly. They ordered two heavy infantry legions to pursue and intercept the legions behind enemy lines. The other legions put away their reconnaissance formations and accelerated their assembly towards Gengxin City.

Li Yi believed that although it was not in line with His Majesty's expectations and they had fled into the western wilderness, they could be taken care of slowly as long as they trapped this army in the western wilderness.

The most important thing now is to prepare for the decisive battle that will follow, and we must not let down the emperor and those sacrifices in the northern territories.

On the frontline battlefield in the north of Gengxin City, beacon fire soared into the sky, swords flashed, and flesh and blood flew everywhere.

After the frontline general Dai Shiduo successfully implemented his strategy, he got rid of the Tiandou Empire's army and led the remaining forces to retreat safely to Gengxin City, the most important supply base in the rear.

Dai Shiduo knew that this retreat was only a temporary success and that the Tiandou Empire would not give up. They still had more troops and resources, and the army he led was not good at field battles.

All current intelligence information is negative, with the destruction of the legions behind enemy lines, difficulties in supplying supplies, and the intensification of the serf rebellion.

This made Dai Shiduo feel more and more anxious, and he quickly led his guards into the city to meet with his brother Dai Jinglie, the logistics commander.

As the iron cavalry passed by, the people in the city cast their eyes with admiration and gratitude, and the refugees outside the city cast their eyes with sorrow and fear. He saw all these.

Dai Shiduo couldn't help feeling sad. His retreat was equivalent to giving up a large area of ​​territory in the north of the Star Luo Empire. Now the Star Luo Empire was in a precarious situation.

He quickly walked towards a hall where the logistics headquarters was located, which was filled with various maps and documents, as well as several busy staff officers.

His clan brother Dai Jinglie was sitting behind a large table, holding a report in his hand and frowning. Dai Jinglie saw Dai Shiduo coming in and immediately stood up to greet him.

"Brother, you are finally back." Dai Jinglie said, "I heard that your ingenious strategies on the front line led the soldiers back safely. You are worthy of being the Lin'er of our Dai family."

"Brother Clan, thank you." Dai Shiduo said, "I just did my duty. I came here to discuss the next strategy with you. The intelligence I heard was all negative news."

"Yes, the situation is very bad." Dai Jinglie said, with a trace of worry on his face.

"The destruction of the legions behind enemy lines, the difficulties in supplying supplies, and the intensification of the serf rebels are all huge crises we are facing. But thanks to His Majesty's decision, we still have some time to prepare for the final decisive battle."

"So, brother, do you have any good suggestions?" Dai Shiduo asked.

"Come with me first, I'll take you to meet someone." Dai Jinglie said, he greeted his personal guards, and then led Dai Shiduo out of the hall.