A few days later, in Jiulong City of the White Dragon Dynasty, many experts gathered, led by Elder Li. He was in charge of this troop deployment and was the commander-in-chief of this expedition, already stationed within the city.
"Grandfather, according to intelligence, the Nine Heavens Dynasty has captured the North and South cities. The next target is Jiulong City!" Li Guang said, "I will personally go out to meet the enemy and secure first merit."
"Things are not as simple as you think!" Elder Li shook his head. Warfare was something he was quite familiar with, and he understood its cruelty even better.
Many dynasties were not ordinary, possessing a large number of experts. If it escalated into a fight to the death, there would inevitably be heavy casualties.
As they were conversing, Linglong and others arrived in the main hall.
Elder Li quickly rose, "This old subject pays respects to the Princess!"
"Master Li, there is no need for pleasantries. You are the commander-in-chief this time, and you do not need to salute me!"
Princess Linglong waved her hand, "However, regarding the Nine Heavens Dynasty, Master Li, do you have a plan?"
"The Nine Heavens Dynasty has already captured two of our cities. It is likely they will attack Jiulong City in a few days!"
Master Li stated directly, "This old subject plans to engage them in a decisive battle outside Jiulong City!"
"Wouldn't that result in heavy casualties!"
Princess Linglong frowned slightly. The Nine Heavens Dynasty had three hundred thousand cavalry. If they were to clash head-on, it would not be good for the White Dragon Dynasty.
"At this point, this might be the only way!"
Master Li said helplessly, "Does the Princess have a better method?"
"The North and South cities are crucial strongholds!"
"Why not launch a night raid tonight and recapture these two cities!" Linglong stated directly, "This will destabilize the Nine Heavens Dynasty's morale, and it will not be difficult to dismantle them afterward!"
"What the Princess says is not without merit, but there are also risks involved!" Master Li hesitated.
"According to my plan, there will be no mistakes!"
Linglong, clad in armor, exuded an air of heroism.
"The Princess is battle-hardened and undoubtedly understands warfare!"
Master Li nodded, "Then, as the Princess suggested, we will launch a night raid on the North and South cities tonight!"
"You will lead the many experts of the Li family to attack the South city. I will enter the North city with the驸马 (fù mǎ - prince consort)!" Linglong spoke again.
"Absolutely not!"
Master Li shook his head, "Princess, please wait in Jiulong City. You need not be involved. Before departing, I promised the Dragon Emperor that I would not let anything happen to you!"
"Master Li need not worry. The驸马 and I are not weak. Among the experts of the Nine Heavens Dynasty, there are not many who can threaten us!"
"Even so, the Princess has a special status. Please obey my command!"
Master Li spoke again. He was very clear that if Princess Linglong and Lu Fan were to be harmed this time, the Li family would not be able to bear the consequences and it would even lead to endless trouble.
The Li family was forced to go on this expedition because of Li Guang's actions. If this situation were to repeat itself, it would surely bring about unwarranted disaster.
"Master Li, do not forget that I am also battle-hardened!"
Princess Linglong stated directly, "Protecting the country is my nature. I came out with you, how can I do nothing."
"The defenses in Jiulong City are lax. With the Princess and the驸马 stationed here, Jiulong City can be kept absolutely safe!" Master Li clasped his hands, "If neither the Princess nor the驸马 are here, who will defend Jiulong City?"
Princess Linglong paused. This made sense. However, she still wanted to personally participate in such a surprise attack. But given that Elder Li had said this, if she insisted further, it would be inappropriate.
On the entire battlefield, Elder Li was the one in command. Although Linglong was a princess, she had to obey his orders, otherwise, it would be a dereliction of military duty.
"Princess, rest assured. My Li family has a plethora of experts. Recovering these two cities is not difficult," Su Dan Novel Network.
Li Guang spoke, "Moreover, this time we will not only recapture the cities but also heavily cripple the Nine Heavens Dynasty, so they never dare to harbor wolfish ambitions again!"
Princess Linglong nodded slightly, finding it difficult to say more.
After leaving the main hall, Linglong and Lu Fan came to the city walls. On the city walls, several generals were arranging formations to defend the entire Jiulong City.
"Our dynasty has already lost two cities. If Jiulong City is lost, many generals will surely lose their fighting spirit!" Princess Linglong stated directly, "Let us guard here. Tonight will ultimately be a sleepless night!"
"In wars between nations, it is ultimately the common people who suffer."
Lu Fan sighed, "Is the Nine Heavens Dynasty very powerful? Why do they dare to march directly into the White Dragon Dynasty?"
"Under normal circumstances, the Nine Heavens Dynasty and the White Dragon Dynasty are of comparable strength. Unfortunately, the White Dragon Dynasty is not united internally, which has led to this series of problems," Linglong stated directly, "If all military power could be handed over to the royal family, it would not have come to this."
"What do you mean by that?"
Lu Fan was somewhat surprised. He was not clear about the internal affairs of the dynasties, but he could clearly sense that things were not simple.
"In the White Dragon Dynasty, there are many feudal lords who divide the White Dragon Dynasty's military power, as well as many noble families who engage in deceitful practices in the countryside," Linglong said helplessly, "Otherwise, with the strength of the White Dragon Dynasty, the Nine Heavens Dynasty would not dare to be so presumptuous."
"So that's how it is!"
Lu Fan nodded slightly, seeming to understand. No wonder the Eight Princes' Manor had such great influence. It turned out that they had divided the royal family's power. In this way, it was not a good thing for the entire royal family.
"Why doesn't the Dragon Emperor reclaim military power? That would strengthen the White Dragon Dynasty and also prevent internal strife!" Lu Fan asked.
"Easier said than done. Reclaiming military power is not that simple!"
Princess Linglong shook her head, "You may not understand, but the royal family has many feudal lords. If their power is touched, rebellion will inevitably occur. At that time, the entire dynasty will enter a state of war, and it may even be invaded by others."
"So, even the royal family has many worries."
Lu Fan sighed. He had initially thought that the royal family was omnipotent and could do as it pleased within the White Dragon Dynasty, but now it seemed that things were not that simple.
As the night grew deep, many experts from the Li family left Jiulong City and marched towards the North and South cities, not daring to delay even in the slightest. This time, they set out with a resolve to die.
As the troops advanced, everyone felt an inexplicable pressure. War was cruel. Once it began, people would die, and no one would question this.
After the various troops departed, Jiulong City immediately entered a state of defense. This was their main base. As long as they could recapture the two cities, the army's morale would greatly increase.