Fighting a war in winter—is that an idea that ordinary people could come up with?
However, considering that this was a slave society, the nobles probably didn't even consider the lower-ranking soldiers as human beings.
Yin Shou only cared about winning or losing, so he didn't care how many soldiers were injured or killed during the march.
After a brief pause, Tang Yu remembered something else and asked in confusion.
"What exactly has Wen Zhong been doing during his ten-year campaign in the North Sea? What kind of war can last for ten years? Could it be that he is fighting against demons and monsters?"
"There are indeed demons and monsters in the North Sea. Only with the help of the four giant demon generals under Grand Tutor Wen can they barely resist them."
However, during these ten years, Chaoge's logistics and food supplies were simply insufficient, and the army even had difficulty farming to feed itself.
The fact that the stalemate has lasted for ten years suggests that both sides have some flaws in their combat tactics.
Looking back on the past few years, Yuan Shen felt somewhat emotional. Before regaining his memory, he felt that everything was just as it should be.
Now that his memories have returned, he has discovered that the world is engulfed in war.
While there may be reasons related to the workings of fate, the fact that all sides lacked military strategy and tactics was also a significant factor contributing to the protracted nature of the war and its frequent stalemates.
Just as Yuan Shen was lost in his memories, Tang Yu burst out laughing.
“Good idea, this is actually a good thing. With such a foolish opponent, our next confrontation will probably be much easier.”
"Chaoge has dispatched troops to quell the rebellion. Although we need to prepare in advance, judging from the current situation, this battle should be won quickly, perhaps without much intervention from us."
In the days that followed, Tang Yu and Yuan Shen went undercover in Chaoge, quietly waiting for Yin Shou's battle plan to be finalized.
Once the battle plan was finalized, they immediately rushed back to the south to make full preparations for the upcoming confrontation.
However, things took a turn for the worse than they expected.
After Yuan Shen inquired about the situation from various sources, he was clearly somewhat surprised!
"Madam, we were all wrong. Yin Shou's plan to conquer the south did not include the southern region at all."
The person he hated most was Ji Fa, after all, Ji Fa's sword had actually pierced his body, and if it weren't for Su Daji's help, he would have lost his life long ago.
Therefore, Yin Shou ultimately sent Deng Chanyu to attack Xiqi.
Tang Yu frowned slightly, and Yuan Shen then shared his opinion.
"Yin Shou's campaign against Xiqi was probably related to the Investiture of the Gods. Many people in Chaoge witnessed Jiang Ziya and Ji Fa leaving together that day."
Later, when you took the Investiture of the Gods, most people were unaware of it, so Yin Shou was certain that the Investiture of the Gods and Jiang Ziya were both in Xiqi.
He desperately wanted the Investiture of the Gods.
After listening to Yuan Shen's analysis, Tang Yu's eyes lit up, and the corners of her mouth turned up, revealing a sly smile.
“Good idea. Jiang Ziya has been imprisoned for so long, he must be feeling quite stifled. Why don’t we find him something to do?”
Yuan Shen was incredibly intelligent; he instantly guessed Tang Yu's thoughts, and a hint of interest flashed in his eyes.
“If Yu’er finds this interesting, then let’s go to Xiqi. We can see for ourselves what the so-called strongest force of the Yin Shang army is really like, and also lure out the person behind Shen Gongbao.”
"By releasing this 'fish,' there's a lot more to see in the future, and many truths may become clearer."
Having reached an agreement, the two immediately left Chaoge, using their magical abilities to transform into two streaks of light and return to the Southern Lands at top speed.
Then, they went straight to the courtyard where Jiang Ziya was imprisoned.
The courtyard was quiet and still, with only a few withered trees shivering in the cold wind.
Pushing open the tightly closed door, one could see Jiang Ziya sitting listlessly inside, looking haggard.
He was detained for more than a month. Although people brought him food and drink every day, no one talked to him. It was even more unbearable than being in prison.
He might have fellow inmates to talk to in his cell, but for over a month, he hadn't seen anyone, and no one responded when he tried to speak; it was as if the whole world had forgotten him.
If it weren't for the mental fortitude he had cultivated through meditation, he would have been driven mad long ago.
Upon seeing Tang Yu and Yuan Shen appear, Jiang Ziya's eyes lit up instantly. He no longer cared about his anger and was extremely excited.
"You two are finally here! If I stayed locked up for another few months, I'd go crazy."
What's the situation outside? Since you've come to see me, it means I'm still useful.
You stole the Investiture of the Gods, but it's useless. I told you, you can't make that decision..."
Once Jiang Ziya opened his mouth, he started muttering to himself incessantly, like a chatterbox who hadn't spoken in a long time.
Tang Yu couldn't stand it anymore and interrupted him.
"You're talking too much nonsense! I think you cultivators from Kunlun Mountain haven't grasped the crux of the problem at all."
As long as Heaven ceases to unleash divine punishment, the Investiture of the Gods is unnecessary; therefore, some matters must be discussed with Heaven.
Jiang Ziya was stunned for a moment, as if he hadn't expected Tang Yu to say such a thing, and then he couldn't help but laugh.
"Who can control the Heavenly Way? This idea is far too audacious, it's simply wishful thinking."
Tang Yu chuckled lightly, a smile tinged with confidence and cunning, before revealing her plan.
"As you probably know, Shen Gongbao has always coveted your Investiture of the Gods. Although he failed to seize it that day, given his personality, he would never give up."
"I need your cooperation to go to Xiqi and lure Shen Gongbao and his forces out. Once we deal with them, the last threat of divine retribution will be completely eliminated."
As soon as Tang Yu finished speaking, Jiang Ziya looked blank, clearly not understanding.
"What does this have to do with them? For me, the most urgent task is to find the next world leader."
"Fairy, where have you hidden the Investiture of the Gods? Please return it to me! This Investiture of the Gods is of utmost importance and must not fall into the wrong hands."
Tang Yu's lips curled into a slight smile, and her spiritual power instantly coiled around Jiang Ziya like a nimble silver snake.
"Old Jiang, I'm a civilized man. I always try to be polite first and then resort to force. Since you won't listen to my kind words, don't blame me for being impolite."
Even if you grew wings, you'd still have to come with me today!
[The opening scene of the first part of 523, a battle in the freezing cold, is visually grand, but from the moment I saw that shot, I knew it was illogical. He idolizes that thing so much, yet he has absolutely no knowledge of warfare!]
Chapter 11 Investiture of the Gods
After Tang Yu tied Jiang Ziya up, Yuan Shen stepped forward and spoke to Jiang Ziya.
"The revolution of Tang and Wu in the past was a just act that conformed to the principles of heaven and the will of the people."
At that time, King Jie of Xia was tyrannical and cruel, treating the people like ants and exploiting them wantonly, causing the common people to suffer, with corpses of the starving everywhere and the whole world in mourning.
With a compassionate heart and concern for all living beings, Tang of Shang rallied a righteous army, overthrowing the corrupt and decadent Xia Dynasty and establishing the Shang Dynasty.
With the establishment of the new dynasty, the people were able to recuperate and rebuild their lives, and the Shang dynasty thus won the support of all the people and became the common ruler of the world.
Therefore, it is evident that a true ruler, like Tang of Shang, should be able to understand the hardships of the people and lead them towards a peaceful life.
Yuan Shen narrowed his eyes slightly, a sharp glint flashing in them, and looked directly at Jiang Ziya.
"But now, can the Investiture of the Gods, which you cherish so much, ensure that the people have enough to eat and wear? Can it increase grain production and bring about a bumper harvest? Can it bring peace to the world and allow everyone to live and work in peace and contentment?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ziya was stunned. He opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a single word.
His eyes were filled with confusion and entanglement, as if he were having a fierce internal struggle. He seemed to understand but not quite, and many doubts lingered in his mind, making it difficult for him to sort them out for the time being.
Tang Yu and Yuan Shen had anticipated this, and they couldn't expect Jiang Ziya to immediately side with them.
After all, the Jiang Ziya before us is not exactly the same as the one who assisted King Wu of Zhou in achieving great things in history.
However, the two also understood that Jiang Ziya was inherently kind, but he had gotten stuck in the obsession that finding a universal ruler was the only way to save the world.
It can't be entirely blamed on him. All the cultivators in Kunlun Mountain hold this view, so it's unrealistic to expect him to wake up all at once.
Next, when Tang Yu and Yuan Shen brought Jiang Ziya to the vicinity of Xiqi,
Jiang Ziya finally couldn't help but ask the question that had been bothering him.
"Why did you bring the war to Xiqi? With your abilities, couldn't you have stayed in the south to fight it out?"
Upon hearing this, Tang Yu couldn't help but chuckle.
"My husband and I did indeed intend to stay in the south to fight against the Chaoge army and the forces behind Shen Gongbao."
But you fled Chaoge with Ji Fa that day, and King Yin Shou of Shang believed that you had taken the Investiture of the Gods to Xiqi.
Now, the army of Chaoge has marched towards Xiqi, ready to punish them. You've brought such great trouble upon Xiqi; shouldn't you take responsibility?
Jiang Ziya shook his head with a wry smile.
“Yin Shou is ruthless. Ji Fa almost killed him back then, so it’s normal for him to want revenge. I was just one of the factors. You can’t put all the blame on me.”
"Alright, there's some truth to your claim of being wronged."
Tang Yu blinked and changed the subject.
"However, old man Jiang, when divine retribution comes, the people suffer slowly; but when the Chaoge army attacks, they will start a massacre, and people will die much faster than they will starve to death."
You're telling me, can you just stand by and do nothing?
Besides dealing with Shen Gongbao's power, Tang Yu's idea was also to clean up the mess. She had already taken away the Investiture of the Gods, so she couldn't let the people of Xiqi be killed because of it!
"You're right, I do bear some responsibility for this."
Jiang Ziya sighed deeply.
"Then let's go see Ji Fa and discuss how to deal with the upcoming Chaoge army."
At this time, Ji Chang, the Marquis of Xibo, had passed away, and Ji Fa became the de facto ruler of Xiqi.
To resolve the crisis in Xiqi, forming an alliance with Ji Fa is the most urgent task.
Yuan Shen and Ji Fa had a previous relationship, so the three of them went to see Ji Fa without much trouble.
Ji Fa didn't trust Tang Yu and Jiang Ziya much. They only exchanged some simple information with each other, and Ji Fa preferred to talk to Yuan Shen alone about most things.
After all, the two of them practically grew up together in Chaoge.
At this time, the funeral of Ji Chang, the Marquis of Xibo, had just ended. An envoy from Chaoge arrogantly threatened Ji Fa at the funeral, demanding that he commit suicide to atone for his sins.
Ji Fa naturally wouldn't obediently give in, and upon seeing Yuan Shen, he even half-jokingly said...
"If I die, the people of Xiqi will lose their backbone and become a disorganized mess. Who will protect them then?"
Therefore, I have no choice but to live and lead the people of Xiqi in a full-scale resistance against this invasion.
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