Regarding resisting Beizhou, the thoughts should be the same.

"Apart from Ling Mountain Prefecture, there’s not much difference with the other two prefectures.

Liu Yuanchang from Heng Mountain Prefecture is originally a direct descendant of the Liu Family, always ambivalent, and maintains a lukewarm relationship with Beizhou. If the Beizhou side sends emissaries, he could be swayed in an instant.

As for Xie Lingfeng of Wen Mountain Prefecture, he is descended from a collateral line of the Xie Family and has longstanding disputes with the main line.

Some years ago, he was nearly killed by his own cousin in the fight for the position of Lord of Wen Mountain Prefecture.

Therefore, he harbors resentment toward the Xie Family and even toward Great Li...

If Beizhou cavalry were to cross the border, it’s already commendable if he doesn’t rally the populace to welcome the Royal Army with food and drink; expecting him to resist the Hu is basically impossible.

At most, he’d tightly guard his little patch of the Prefecture City, ignoring other county towns and routes.

Of course, if the Beizhou army shows enough regard, perhaps promising to preserve his official position, he might just switch allegiances."

At this point, Yuo Qiu paused, casting a complex glance at Chen Ping. Perhaps the only one truly and decisively resisting the Hu is the person in front of him.

He didn’t know whether to be comforted or saddened by this development.

"Besides this path through the Three Prefectures, in the Jiangnan Rebel Army, such as the East Celestial King, as well as the Greed Wolf Monarch and the Seven Fiends Army, moving forward, not only will they not join forces with the general to resist the Rushing Wolf Cavalry, but the general must also beware of their backstabbing.

The Azure Dragon Seal, in the hands of Beizhou, would be welcomed by all. In anyone else’s hands, it would become a target for all. This, I ask the general to see clearly."

"Indeed."

Chen Ping nodded in agreement.

Based on these past few days’ observations, despite the large-scale commotions those Rebel Armies have made, they lack follow-through.

They shouted themselves hoarse, but in the end, the dragon-slaying youth became the evil dragon itself.

Now, these three mighty Rebel Armies show signs of decay.

They haven’t even captured Jiangnan, barely holding some prefectures and counties, but already indulging in wanton pleasures.

Moreover, with lax military discipline, they exploit the common soldiers and civilians...

Under their rule, those at the bottom live day by day, seeing no hope in sight.

It’s no better than living under the oppressive Great Li Government.

At least under Great Li rule, hatred can be directed at the Government and the Court Families.

Once forced into joining the Rebel Army, they can’t even identify who their enemy is anymore.

Only resentment against the heavens remains.

These few Rebel Armies move tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of troops at a whim.

Their combat power is undoubtedly strong.

But to claim that they would become a main force against the Hu is wishful thinking.

Chen Ping is skeptical that if he were engaged in a bloody fight with the Beizhou Hu Cavalry, those Rebel Armies would not attack Beizhou but rather seize the opportunity to attack him.

The reason, of course, is to pinch the soft persimmon and to grab the Azure Dragon Seal.

At this point, Yuo Qiu’s tone became slightly heavy, "The most important point now is that the general, having effectively seized Xingqing Prefecture, lacks the mantle of righteousness.

Without legitimacy, his words carry no weight, how then can he gain the people’s allegiance?

With a mere decree from the Court, you wouldn’t even be able to retain your position as a Xuanwu Guard Captain.

Moreover, the Xuanwu Guard Captain is ultimately subject to the Government Office’s control and cannot act independently, unless..."

"Unless one raises the flag of rebellion." Chen Ping understood Yuo Qiu’s point.

He pondered for a moment, then continued, "If rebellion were the path, the first challenge would be facing the southward marching Imperial Army, as well as the Pei Family forces, and the Brocade Guard experts.

To expel the foreigners, one must first pacify internally. Only by holding Xingqing Prefecture can one confront Beizhou Hu Cavalry on the Caisi Wilderness. At that time, what course should the general take?"

"What suggestion do you have, sir, to let Xingqing Prefecture survive this tribulation?"

Hearing Yuo Qiu speak, Xingqing Prefecture seemed beset on all sides.

Indeed, his words had a striking impact.

"Why not imitate King Jinghai’s ancient wisdom.

Times have changed; with the Azure Dragon Seal in hand, the general most lacking is time...

Simply withdrawing into Youx Mountain, yielding the battlegrounds of Xingqing Prefecture, not openly declaring, only engaging in mobile warfare, slowly growing stronger, then counterattacking, could be a viable strategy."

"Guerrilla tactics?" Chen Ping shook his head, for others, Yuo Qiu’s strategy of "buffer for the crown, stockpile grain, concede territory for survival" might be suitable.

But for him, this approach was truly ill-fitting.

Retreating from Xingqing Prefecture into the deep mountains to engage in guerrilla warfare with Beizhou or even the Court’s forces might be safe, but...

But the land of Jiangnan would be utterly ravaged, countless lives lost, it’s conceivable that more than half the populace would perish.

Besides, if one aims to quickly enhance one’s cultivation to reach the Grandmaster Realm, or even higher, in the late stages, when cultivation becomes incrementally harder, one must rely on Innate Talent and Enlightenment, requiring immense Fortune.

If Jiangnan is laid to waste and its people decimated, where then would such great Fortune be found?

Where to gather the boundless Fortune of "letting the people live and work in peace and contentment"?

Through slaying a few soldiers, eliminating a few villains? How much Fortune could that possibly garner?

Tribulation is easily obtained.

Chen Ping felt that as long as he kept causing trouble, seeking tribulations, and overcoming them, he would amass Tribulation Points.

Though it’s a greater risk with potential disasters, it’s at least a viable method.

But Fortune, now that’s a troublesome affair.

To rapidly accumulate Fortune for protection, one must achieve great accomplishments and renown.

From previous sparse sources of Fortune, it’s evident:

Vitality is Fortune, death is void.

Creation is Fortune; destruction is not.

Order has Fortune; chaos certainly does not.

Fundamentally, it’s about safeguarding all living beings under the heavens, creating vitality, forming wondrous habitats — these are ways to accumulate Fortune.

So, what’s better than protecting a prefectural domain, then a national domain, than allowing commoners to live and work in peace, creating a prosperous era, bringing more and greater Fortune?

Therefore, Xingqing Prefecture must not be abandoned.

Guerrilla warfare? It’s not something considered, not ever in life.

Stand valiant with righteous troops, and face the enemy from all sides.

"Mr. Yuo, your words hold merit; the general understands. It has come to the general’s attention that Mr. Yuo is well-versed in classics and adept with governance strategies; now, in Xingqing Prefecture’s time of crisis, raising a hundred thousand troops, comforting millions of citizens—all require gold, silver, and grain. This task is entrusted to you, using every means to scour for supplies. The general wants to see no starvation within the domain of Xingqing Prefecture."

"Little Table, you follow Mr. Yuo, learn from his governance strategies. Your skills will serve greatly in the future." Chen Ping turned to look at a simple-dressed, mixed-emotioned youth nearby.

This was someone Chen Ping’s men found within the city.

When found, Little Table had altered appearance, disguised as a laborer, helping move dyed fabrics at a local shop, unaware even of Chen Ping’s return to the city.

"Yes, Seventh Brother." Little Table took a deep breath, walked to Yuo Qiu’s side, and bowed, "I hope sir will be generous with his guidance."

"Hall Master Tan, Hu Yong, accompany Mr. Yuo with the Xianzhen Camp. If any counterattack arises in the city, slay without mercy."

By dispatching an Innate Powerhouse alongside a thousand elite soldiers, originally disciples from the Martial Hall, they should suffice to suppress all big and small rebel families within the city.

Believing that no one dares to dissent anymore.

Cut swiftly through the tangle.

Chen Ping lacked time and patience to slowly address city matters.

He could only forcibly propel change, focusing first on people’s livelihood.

This is Fortune.

Assuming the position, one must govern; having Xingqing Prefecture under control, at least ensuring people won’t starve, no?

Whether anyone harbors resentment—who cares?

Yuo Qiu was momentarily stunned.

Then he understood clearly, knowing that Chen Ping didn’t adopt his suggestion, opting instead to rally provincial troops and battle external enemies from all sides.

Moreover, Yuo Qiu understood, from his words, a willingness to scrape all city resources of gold, silver, and grain—essentially tax the earth bare.

Regardless of mighty landlords or noble families, all would be conscripted.

This is like hoping the enemies aren’t numerous enough!

He cast a deeply respectful look at Chen Ping, feeling both helpless and impressed in his heart.

Perhaps it’s such grandeur that earned him the Azure Dragon Seal’s allegiance, shattering the so-called "Heaven’s Mandate."

Be it a worm or a dragon.

Just a battle, nothing more.

"By the General’s Order."

Yuo Qiu bowed deeply, a surge of killing intent appearing in his eyes.

If you aren’t afraid to die, why would I fear?

This world is already deteriorated; might as well go mad with you for once.

...

Originally, intending to elaborate on governance and military strategies, I ended up writing over seven thousand words and only sketched the outline—forget it, not writing this anymore, too verbose.

Glossing over; battle with strong foes tomorrow, slay the Pei Family and Brocade Guard.