Chapter 537: Strategy

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Initially, General Chen suspected that Qin Silongs killing of Chiliarch Yang wasnt a spontaneous act but rather a calculated plan.

The scenario unfolded as follows: upon initially hearing the news, Qin Silong learned that Deputy General Lin and Chiliarch Yang were a.s.signed to a.s.sa.s.sinate him and Su Ping. This decision likely stemmed from Deputy General Lin and Chiliarch Yangs failure in keeping the operation covert, resulting in the news leaking.

Despite being aware of this, Qin Silong kept silent, allowing rumors to circulate within the army. These rumors claimed that soldiers had been dispatched with the intention of plotting against Qin Silong and Su Ping. Allegedly, they planned to send 5,000 troops against the 15,000 rioters, with the goal of ensuring Qin Silong and Su Pings demise on the battlefield.

The rumors suggested that, owing to Su Bins transgressions against the Public House, both Qin Silong and Su Ping needed to be eliminated. Supposedly, this conspiracy was orchestrated by the Public House itself. The narrative painted the Public House as fearing that the duos rising influence within the army might pose a threat to its future interests, prompting them to preemptively eliminate the potential threat.

When Qin Silong a.s.sa.s.sinated Deputy General Lin and Chiliarch Yang, he deliberately feigned ignorance about Chiliarch Yangs true ident.i.ty. Furthermore, he purposefully disclosed these rumors, emphasizing his excitement and unwavering trust in Old General Chens character.

Qin Silongs strategy was shrewd. By making this incident widely known, even reaching the capital, he created a situation where attacking Qin Silong and Su Ping would inadvertently confirm the veracity of the rumors.

The potential damage to Qin Silongs reputation and the potential destabilization of the armys morale weighed heavily on Old General Chens mind.

An unstable army morale would jeopardize their ability to defend the border, leading to catastrophic consequences for the country. If the country fell, the fate of both their Public House and the royal family would be sealedthey would face extermination.

Considering the broader implications, Old General Chen had to prioritize the bigger picture. Qin Silongs victory in a significant battle, with a loss of only about a thousand soldiers and the extraordinary feat of capturing a castle without any casualties, had elevated him to a legendary status in the army.

Attacking such a mythical general seemed an ill-advised move.

Contemplating this dilemma, Old General Chen wrestled with his thoughts. Perhaps Qin Silong wasnt as terrifying as he appeared. It could all be a series of coincidences. Maybe Qin Silong was genuinely unaware of the inner workings.

Perhaps Deputy General Lins demise was indeed accidental. Killing Chiliarch Yang might have been an authoritative demonstration to maintain discipline within the armyeliminating a subordinate who overstepped boundaries.

With these considerations, Old General Chens expression gradually lightened. This interpretation seemed more logical, providing a sense of rea.s.surance.

He concluded that there wasnt concrete evidence to definitively link Su Bin to the Third Princes faction. Uncertainty lingered about whether Qin Silong and

Su Ping would stand against them.

With this reasoning, General Chen decided to allow Qin Silong and Su Ping to proceed first, opting to observe the armys reaction.

The question remained: Would they be promoted, or not?

If it turned out that Qin Silong and Su Ping harbored hidden agendas against them, Old General Chen believed it wouldnt be too late to eliminate them.

Little did he know that while Qin Silong might not have conceived such a strategy, Su Bin certainly did.

Qin Silong had adopted Su Bins approach in eliminating Deputy General Lin and Chiliarch Yang. Ultimately, Su Bin had even managed to subtly manipulate

General Chen.

This turn of events only intensified Qin Silongs admiration for Su Bin. It became apparent why Su Bin had earned a reputation as a mastermindhe possessed a strategic mind that allowed him to navigate paths less conventional..