Liu Xinyu and related personnel left the Zhang family in a hurry. This sudden news of defeat caught everyone off guard - it was too sudden.
Everyone in Dayang Group sat together again, and a non-formal shareholders' meeting began.
Bai Ye took the information about Yeyue Tower and made a detailed report:
"After the last prisoner-of-war exchange negotiations, our country began to rebuild its second line of defense.
Because the Kingdom of Jinyang has occupied Jianwu County, and the country has voluntarily abandoned Wuyang County in the northeast, which was heavily penetrated by the Kingdom of Jinyang, the second line of defense extends southward along the west side of Wuyang County, passing through
The east side of Guangling County extends to Xingchang County.
Because the north is occupied, Xingchang County protrudes into the occupied area of Jinyang Kingdom, facing attacks from the east and north, and is under great pressure.
From the map, the Kingdom of Qixia is like a piece of cake that has been bitten into, with a protruding point appearing on each side. However, because the north is bordered by the Kingdom of Zhoushan, the pressure is not great; in comparison, Xingchang County in the south is under the greatest pressure.
In terms of military deployment, Hussar General Wu Fanghai provided support in the center and led the country's main legions to guard the central part.
Xingchang County in the south became an elite soldier due to its victory in several wars.
Only the north, under the charge of Su Jianzhong, is the weakest defensive area; but this weakness is also relative, and General Su Jianzhong's talents are sufficient."
"This defeat occurred in the north. The Kingdom of Jinyang actually launched an attack in the north, which is least worthy of attention. The matter was more complicated, and the Jiuyang Sect was also involved.
Behind the northern defense line is Anling County.
According to the information we have received, the remnants of the Jiuyang Sect returned to Anling County, took refuge in the Kingdom of Jinyang, and instigated the rebellion of many families. They further instigated the rebellion of many of Su Jianzhong's guards, generals, and others.
The specific information is still under investigation.
And just at dawn today, Su Jianzhong was forcibly assassinated in the commander's camp. In the morning, the army of the Kingdom of Jinyang was dispatched. Most of the troops on the northern defense line raised their hands and surrendered, and the remaining ones were countless. Only less than one tenth was captured.
That is, less than 10,000 people escaped.
Now the Anling County defense line in the north has completely collapsed, and it is unable to build a new defense line."
Everyone gasped and looked at the map on the wall. Everyone felt the seriousness of the matter.
Zhang Hao also stood up and slowly scanned the map, analyzing the current situation:
(text map)
****Anling County*Wuyang County
Ninghe County*Guangling County*Jianwu County
*****Nanyang County*Xingchang County
Wuyang County and Jianwu County have long been invaded by the Kingdom of Jinyang; if Anling County in the north falls into the hands of the Kingdom of Jinyang again, the entire Qixia Kingdom will be semi-surrounded by the Kingdom of Jinyang.
And immediately after Anling County is Ninghe County.
This situation is extraordinary!
After a moment, Zhang Hao said loudly: "We must support the battle in Anling County! At least the battlefield must be set in Anling County, and we must not let the battlefield affect our Ninghe County!"
Bai Yutang stood up slowly: "I want to say a few words."
When they heard that the former headmaster of Jiuyang Sect wanted to 'say a few words', everyone immediately paid attention and saluted.
After a pause, Bai Yutang said slowly: "First of all, those of us who have left Jiuyang Sect will no longer use the name of Jiuyang Sect in the future. We will change our name to "Qingyang Villa". Our name in Dayang Group
Wait and make changes.
Secondly, everyone needs to pay attention to the south of Guangling County, which was originally the place of Jiuyang Sect. But now it has become a vacuum, and even left a lot of chaos. I think we have to guard against it.
Third, the main military forces of our Ninghe County and Dayang Group are in Xingchang County. If we transfer these forces back, it will inevitably have an impact on Xingchang County. Now Xingchang County is in danger. Unless we can give Xingchang County
Changjun replenished enough artillery.
Our current defense strength is already somewhat stretched. Especially the chaos in Anling County may have shaken more families that were not firm. Such a situation must be guarded against."
Bai Yutang sat down, and everyone started a heated discussion. Regarding the matter of Bai Yutang and others changing their names, everyone had nothing to do with it. It was very appropriate and should have been changed a long time ago. But regarding the two issues raised by Bai Yutang, everyone was confused.
disregard.
The Jiuyang Sect was originally the most important line of defense for the Qixia Kingdom, but after the Jiuyang Sect's betrayal, it was forcefully eradicated by the Qixia Kingdom, leaving a vacuum of power in this area.
Of course, it doesn't look fatal now, but it can't be ignored.
In addition, the northern defense force is insufficient.
Zhang Hao listened to everyone's discussion, and his expression gradually became firm. When everyone was almost finished discussing, Zhang Hao finally spoke: "Everyone, I have a suggestion, please help me refer to it."
After hearing Zhang Hao finally speak, everyone stopped discussing.
This was a brand new discussion. Zhang Hao and everyone discussed it very quickly, but what they discussed was an unprecedented decision. That evening, Zhang Hao and Feng Zhiling flew to the Imperial Capital together.
In the palace, at dusk, Zhang Hao and Liu Xinyu sat opposite each other, while Liu Xinyu quietly read the suggestions submitted by Zhang Hao. The suggestions were simple, but unprecedented:
Completely open up business and allow the industrial and commercial classes to obtain aristocratic status!
There were many detailed terms, but they were also clear and organized. Liu Xinyu looked at it for a long time, but her expression was a little hesitant. Zhang Hao's proposal almost completely broke the old social system and was subversive.
Liu Xinyu looked at it three times and carefully for more than an hour before finally looking up at Zhang Hao: "Your purpose... is too clear."
Zhang Hao nodded and admitted directly: "My purpose is actually very simple, that is... to save the country! And I think the current system of nobles, families and sects cannot save the country.
This time General Su Jianzhong was forcibly killed in the army, which is the best proof. This was a frontal killing, not an assassination! This matter is very bad and the impact is immeasurable."
Liu Xinyu sighed: "Then how do you prove that the rise of business can save the country?"
"I can't prove it for the time being! However, if the country of Qixia becomes a mercantile country, but other countries still suppress business, how do you think the merchants will choose, Your Highness?"
"But in a weak country, how can we make everyone trust us?"
"Who said we are weak!" Zhang Hao's voice was a little louder, but even more majestic, "We have artillery, explosives, we have Xinglin Hall, we have the Weapon Refining Guild, the Black Iron Guild. We still have millions of legions.
.
We also have veteran Wu Fanghai and support from the Country of Canglan. We also have a giant steel ship.
Your Highness, the Zhang family has recently developed a low-level artillery technology. Its power may not be comparable to current artillery, but its cost is extremely low. We can control it within the range of 10,000 low-grade spiritual stones; we can produce it in one day.
Thousands of artillery pieces, and tens of thousands of cannonballs.
At that time, we will use artillery to consume the enemy's army. Let's see who has more men or our artillery!"
"Oh? Is there really such artillery technology?"
"Yes, we named this kind of artillery mortar. Its barrel is made of ordinary black iron, and ordinary seals are added to the outside for reinforcement. The barrel is short and can fire very large shells with a firing range of more than three kilometers. It is completely
It can exceed the current artillery attack range of Jinyang Kingdom."
"Oh... Since we have this kind of artillery, we should quickly produce it. And this kind of artillery has nothing to do with industry and commerce, right?"
"It does matter!" Zhang Hao said firmly, "I proposed a strategy a long time ago called 'People's War'. Now that the Kingdom of Jinyang invades our country, it is equivalent to being surrounded by the people.
I divide the people into three types: ordinary people, the industrial and commercial class, and the aristocratic class.
The aristocratic class, including nobles, aristocratic families, sects, etc., goes without saying; they are the best at 'weighing the pros and cons', and most of them will seek refuge in the Kingdom of Jinyang.
Secondly, there are ordinary people. In the world of spiritual practice, ordinary people have little influence.
Finally, there is the industrial and commercial class, which is also the easiest class to win over. In fact, they will suffer the most when the Kingdom of Jinyang invades.
Ordinary people don't have much, and the aristocratic families are the ones that the Kingdom of Jinyang needs to win over, at least now, in order to split our country.
As for the industrial and commercial class, they have wealth but no social status and are not welcome in any country. Now they are the number one target for harvest by the Kingdom of Jinyang.
If we can give them hope and affirmation, then that is our power.
Industry and commerce have developed particularly rapidly in the past few hundred years and are very large.
Compared with traditional nobles, families, etc., industry and commerce need a breakthrough. As long as His Highness develops industry and commerce, as long as the Kingdom of Qixia wins one or two more wars led by industry and commerce, even the foreign industrial and commercial classes will be able to come closer.
.
Today's industrial and commercial class is seeking higher development. And this is also an opportunity before the country of Qixia!"
Liu Xinyu nodded slowly, but the look deep into Zhang Hao's eyes was filled with vigilance. "Your proposal is very good, and I will think about it seriously. But this matter is too important, so let me think about it for a few days.
You go back first."
Zhang Hao frowned slightly. Liu Xinyu's last words were full of a perfunctory tone. Oh, yes, he was too impatient. But he couldn't be impatient.
After Zhang Hao left, Liu Xinyu thought for a while, but called Su Ming and Xu Jie from the Industrial and Commercial Administration Bureau, as well as several core personnel such as the prime minister.
Liu Xinyu explained Zhang Hao's proposal, not wanting Xu Jie to be the first to object.
"Your Highness, this is a statement that is harmful to the country!" Xu Jie's voice was stern and unceremonious.
Liu Xinyu looked up at Xu Jie in surprise, with surprise in her eyes: "Xu Jie, I remember that you have a good relationship with Zhang Hao, right?"
"Yes." Xu Jie agreed without hesitation.
Liu Xinyu was even more surprised: "Then do you know that this suggestion was made by Zhang Hao?"
"Of course, what His Highness just said is very clear."
"You and Zhang Hao are very familiar with each other, have a good relationship, and have a close relationship. Is it really okay for you to oppose Zhang Hao's opinions like this?"
It’s no wonder that Liu Xinyu was confused, even Su Ming, Prime Minister Ouyang Si and others were also confused, puzzled and surprised. In the normal understanding of everyone, let alone friends, even political opponents rarely objected in a clear-cut manner, and most of them were tactful.
Express it.
Xu Jie, what are you going to do?
(Interest in this chapter: How many times were the parties stabbed in the back?)