"Your Highness, rest assured." After receiving full authorization from Daniel Davis, Xu Zhixing and Daniel Davis bowed in unison. In warfare, the worst thing is interference from above, which is why there's a saying, "A general in the field is not bound by orders from the emperor." Military strategies are ever-changing, and if every decision requires approval from higher-ups, victory is unlikely.
Xu Zhixing and Daniel Davis were unaware of Daniel Davis's military capabilities, so his decision not to interfere was the best choice.
Daniel Davis was well aware of his limitations in military strategy. Throughout history, countless battles have been lost due to reckless interference from those in power.
Of course, considering his immense personal strength and his mastery of Observation Haki, Daniel Davis could certainly lead battles if necessary. However, as the Tang King, it was inappropriate for him to personally lead campaigns. Moreover, his goal was to unify the world, and there would be many wars in the future. He couldn't possibly lead every battle after becoming emperor.
Besides, Li Mi was not a significant threat. Even without the changes Daniel Davis had brought, the forces in Luoyang under Wang Shichong's command were more than enough to defeat Li Mi. In the original story, Wang Shichong, with the help of Kou Zhong, managed to defeat Li Mi. Now, with Daniel Davis's support, the outcome was even more certain.
"As for Dou Jiande and Zhu Jie, we don't need to worry too much. We just need to hold our ground. Once we deal with the Wagang Army, we can focus on them." After delegating military authority, Xu Zhixing and Daniel Davis quickly analyzed the current situation facing Luoyang.
With the Song Clan's allegiance, the Great Tang had indeed become a thorn in the side of those vying for the throne. However, the only one actively taking action was Li Mi. Others either didn't share a border with the Great Tang or were waiting to see how things played out, hoping to benefit from others' conflicts.
Dou Jiande and Zhu Jie likely shared this mindset. Dou Jiande, once a heroic figure, claimed to rise against the Sui Dynasty for the sake of the people. He even said that if someone could bring peace to the world, he would willingly give up everything and live as a wealthy commoner. However, when Kou Zhong helped him against the Li Clan, Dou Jiande grew suspicious and was eventually captured.
As for Zhu Jie, among the rebel forces, he was the most despicable. Even Du Fuwei's Jianghuai Army, notorious for its brutality, paled in comparison to Zhu Jie's forces.
The Jianghuai Army was known for killing and looting, but they rarely wiped out entire villages. Zhu Jie's forces, on the other hand, massacred entire villages and were infamous for cannibalism.
Zhu Jie was an extremely cruel man. Initially an official of the Sui Dynasty, he quickly turned to banditry. Even after becoming one of the warlords, his forces remained lawless and chaotic.
In contrast, Du Fuwei's Jianghuai Army was slowly reforming, though progress was limited.
Zhu Jie's existence was one of the reasons Daniel Davis despised the Ci Hang Jing Zhai. Despite their claims of working for the good of the people, during the Five Barbarians and Sixteen Kingdoms period, when the Central Plains suffered greatly, the Ci Hang Jing Zhai was nowhere to be seen. Even now, with Zhu Jie's atrocities, the Ci Hang Jing Zhai remained silent.
Instead, they were busy targeting Kou Zhong, the Song Clan, and the Demon Sect. The Four Great Saints, Ning Daoqi, and even Fan Qinghui and Shi Feixuan personally intervened against them.
As for the Demon Sect, while the Ci Hang Jing Zhai claimed it was a disaster for the world, aside from a few skirmishes between Shi Feixuan and Wan Wan, they took no significant action against the Demon Sect. Most of the Demon Sect's plans were thwarted by the Twin Dragons, and many of its top experts were killed by them.
"Military Strategist Daniel Davis, there's something I feel I must say." After the discussion, as Xu Zhixing and Daniel Davis left the palace's side hall, Xu Zhixing suddenly stopped and looked at Daniel Davis.
"Please speak freely, Mr. Xu." Daniel Davis smiled warmly.
"His Highness trusts you deeply. I hope you do not betray that trust."
"Thank you for your advice, Mr. Xu. I will keep it in mind."
After exchanging a glance, the two parted ways. Both were intelligent individuals, and some things didn't need to be said explicitly. In this situation, it would have been unusual to send Daniel Davis to deal with Li Mi, given her background with the Wagang Army. Even Li Shimin wouldn't have been so magnanimous.
For example, when Li Shimin dealt with the Twin Dragons, he immediately transferred Li Jing, Qin Shubao, and others who had connections with the Twin Dragons. Daniel Davis was initially expected to avoid the conflict as well.
However, Daniel Davis refused, telling Daniel Davis that he trusted her. Even if she wanted to let Li Mi go, it wouldn't matter. Daniel Davis didn't care about Li Mi's life or death. For Li Mi, this war was a fight for survival. If he lost, even if he survived, he would never have a chance to rise again.
If he surrendered to the Li Clan, as in the original story, it would be even better. Given Li Mi's unwillingness to submit to others, he would either be killed by the Li Clan or eventually rebel against them.
"Call Bu Tianzhi over."
Upon returning to her residence, Daniel Davis immediately instructed her maid. With the Dugu Clan's support, the Giant Kun Gang, which had previously been backed by Xiang Yushan and Xiao Xian, had also pledged allegiance to the Great Tang and now fell under Daniel Davis's command.
Yun Yuzhen's methods were no match for Daniel Davis's, and her previous actions had alienated many in the Giant Kun Gang. With a few strategic moves, Daniel Davis dismantled the gang. Those skilled in mechanics, like Chen Laomou, were recruited by Lu Miaozi to work on machinery and weapons.
Another group, eager to make a name for themselves, was absorbed into Daniel Davis's army. The remaining members of the gang's intelligence network were merged into the Net of Heaven and Earth.
As for Yun Yuzhen, Daniel Davis arranged for her to live a life of luxury in Luoyang, where she, along with Dong Shuni and Rong Jiaojiao, became known as the "Three Beauties of Luoyang," mingling with the city's elite.
Luoyang was now home to many of the most beautiful women in the Great Tang, with nearly all the top beauties gathered there.
"Wang Bo, it seems he's still not giving up. Does he plan to use the He Shi Bi to make a comeback?"
Looking at the invitation in his hand, Daniel Davis couldn't help but feel amused. Due to the Ci Hang Jing Zhai's plan to select the emperor on behalf of Heaven, many factions had sent representatives to Luoyang, including Li Xiuning, Song Jingang, and Liu Heita. However, some factions, like Du Fuwei and Yuwen Huaji, likely believing they had no chance of obtaining the He Shi Bi, didn't send anyone.
Additionally, some individuals whose factions had nearly collapsed also came to Luoyang, hoping to use the He Shi Bi to rebuild their power. Among them, Wang Bo was the most active.
Wang Bo, the "Knower of the World," was the top expert of the Changbai Sect and the first to rebel against the Sui Dynasty. At the time, his movement was massive, and many notable figures, such as Li Zitong and Shen Faxing, were said to have served under him.
Unfortunately, Wang Bo was ambitious but lacked talent. His inability to tolerate others led many to leave him. As the first to rise against the Sui Dynasty, he became a primary target and suffered heavy losses, retreating to a remote area.
After Emperor Yang's death, Wang Bo tried to rise again, but with so many warlords emerging, he suffered another devastating defeat and declared his withdrawal from the struggle for power.
Now, it seemed he was unwilling to accept defeat. However, having publicly declared his withdrawal, going back on his word would only bring him shame. But if he could obtain the He Shi Bi, he could claim it was the will of Heaven, forcing him to act.
"The performance of Shang Xiufang, the number one talented woman in the world. This is worth seeing."
Originally, Daniel Davis had no interest in Wang Bo's banquet, but upon learning that Shang Xiufang would be performing, his curiosity was piqued. Even Shi Qingxuan, as talented as she was, hadn't earned the title of the number one talented woman.
"This place is really lively."
That evening, the Man Qing Tower was brightly lit. Arriving by carriage, Daniel Davis was warmly welcomed by Wang Bo. After all, this was Luoyang, Daniel Davis's territory. While Wang Bo might be influential in Changbai Mountain, here, Daniel Davis was in charge.
Wang Bo had spent a fortune to reserve the Man Qing Tower for the night. Originally owned by the Luoyang Gang, it now belonged to Daniel Davis.
As for the Luoyang Gang's former leader, Shangguan Long, he had been dealt with. Although Shangguan Long appeared to be part of the Demon Sect, he was actually a member of the Great Ming Cult from beyond the borders. Daniel Davis had no intention of sparing any members of the Great Ming Cult. By now, the cult's influence in Luoyang had been completely eradicated.
Although the Great Ming Cult's main figures were based beyond the borders, they had established numerous strongholds in the Central Plains, with Luoyang and Chang'an being the most significant. Even Chengdu had some presence, but Daniel Davis had tasked the Song Clan with handling that.
"I hope your luck with brothels holds today."
After entering the private room, Daniel Davis joked with the Twin Dragons, who had accompanied him. If something happened at the Man Qing Tower tonight, it would confirm the Twin Dragons' infamous "brothel luck."
"Brothel luck? What's that?"
Shan Wanjing, disguised as a man, immediately asked curiously. This time, Daniel Davis was accompanied by the Twin Dragons, Wan Wan, Dugu Feng, and Shan Wanjing. Song Yuzhi and Song Que had returned to the Song Clan.
"It means that every time we visit a brothel, something bad happens. Without fail."
The Twin Dragons' brothel luck wasn't something that started after they became famous. Even when they were street thugs, they had it, though back then, it usually just meant being chased by the brothel's guards. Now, it meant being pursued by assassins.
"Then let's see what happens today." Shan Wanjing nodded with a smile, seemingly looking forward to some excitement.
"Fortunately, Brother Ba left early, or today would have been even more chaotic."
Wang Bo's banquet had attracted a diverse crowd, including many from beyond the borders, such as Tuli from the Turks, who was here to chase after Ba Fenghan. Ba Fenghan had stolen Tuli's fiancée, earning him a place on Tuli's hit list. Although Tuli, living on the grasslands, might not have cared too much about the betrayal, Ba Fenghan's actions were a direct challenge to his authority, and he had to make Ba Fenghan pay.
Another possibility was that Tuli wanted to curry favor with Bi Xuan. Ba Fenghan had killed Bi Xuan's top disciple, and Bi Xuan had been sending people to hunt him down. Ba Fenghan had left Luoyang because his pursuers had arrived—Tuoba Yu and Chunyu Wei, along with the eighteen iron cavalry personally trained by Bi Xuan, were hot on his trail.
Ba Fenghan had come to the Central Plains primarily to escape them.
Among the three great grandmasters, none were loners. Each had a powerful faction backing them. Even Ning Daoqi, who didn't align with the main Taoist sects, had many Taoist followers.
"That's Fulin of Tuyuhun. It's said he's here to settle things with Qu Ao, but he'll be disappointed this time." Kou Zhong, whether through prior investigation or being informed, knew the origins of many of the guests in the private rooms.
For example, Song Jingang and Liu Heita.
Although the Twin Dragons had only met Liu Heita once, they had hit it off and formed a strong friendship. The same was true with Song Jingang.
When it came to making friends, the Twin Dragons always prioritized loyalty. Unfortunately, most of their friends only saw them for their usefulness.
For example, Li Shimin and Tuli certainly had some affection for the Twin Dragons, but if that affection conflicted with their interests, they would choose their interests without hesitation. Unlike the Twin Dragons, who would always choose loyalty.
The Twin Dragons had spared Li Shimin multiple times, but Li Shimin never hesitated to strike back. If not for their luck and martial prowess, they would have been in grave danger.
Of course, they had also made some true friends along the way, such as Ba Fenghan.
"You forgot to mention Li Xiuning."
Just as Kou Zhong was about to change the subject, Xu Ziling suddenly spoke up, causing Kou Zhong's expression to stiffen.
Song Yuzhi's appearance had gradually shifted Kou Zhong's affections toward her, but he hadn't forgotten Li Xiuning. This was something Xu Ziling couldn't stand.
When Daniel Davis and Song Que discussed the Song Clan's allegiance, they covered many topics, but marriage alliances were never mentioned. The reason was Kou Zhong and Song Yuzhi.
Song Que didn't want to sacrifice his daughter's happiness, something he had promised her. This was a rare consideration among aristocratic families, who typically wouldn't care about their daughters' feelings.
Daniel Davis also had no intention of separating Kou Zhong and Song Yuzhi. If the two had no feelings for each other, a marriage alliance would have been ideal. But now, it was unnecessary.
"Kou Zhong, Xu Ziling, is Ba Fenghan here? I've heard the three of you defeated Qu Ao. I, Fulin, would like to test your skills." Just as Wang Bo was about to speak, Fulin suddenly stood up.
(End of Chapter)
[Get +20 Extra Chapters On — P@tr3on "Mutter"]
[Every 50 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter Drop]
[Thanks for Reading!]