Ex-Wife is a Big Villainess
Chapter 762 - 374: The Dispute between the Two People_2

Chapter 762: Chapter 374: The Dispute between the Two People_2

Xiao Lingqiu took out a map and instructed the guards to hang it on the wall.

The woman spoke slowly, "The Fourth Prince will definitely come to attack this place, there’s no doubt about it. Especially with Lei Tian and his remnants seeking refuge with them—old grudges combined with new ones, they won’t let it rest."

"Wanyan Tianyou and Scorpion Lei Tian are different from those desert bandits; their combat abilities are exceptional. Under them are brave and well-trained soldiers; those petty tricks we used before won’t have much effect on him."

The woman pointed to several locations she had marked.

"But if we can buy more time to rapidly reorganize our current troops and form a makeshift army, we might have a chance to engage the enemy at these points."

"In particular, those desert bandits who often raid and plunder are quite adept at solo combat in the desert. If they are trained and regulated for a period, their performance won’t differ too much from that of regular troops. As for the animosity between them and the Heshan Tribe people, that’s actually easy to resolve."

"The tribesmen can be restrained by the Clan Leader’s orders, while the desert bandits, if given enough benefits, can temporarily set aside their past feuds. By facing a common enemy and experiencing a few life-and-death struggles, their hostility can gradually be resolved."

Xiao Lingqiu paused and said, "Of course, delaying time will require some strategies. For example, having the Heshan Tribe people conduct a large-scale migration..."

"That’s very difficult."

A high-ranking tribesman immediately rejected the plan, "Ms. Jiang, we Heshan Tribe people have lived here for generations. If we were to relocate, the consequences would be severe. Even if relocation becomes necessary, the young might be persuaded, but the elders..."

Xiao Lingqiu waved her hand dismissively, "It wouldn’t actually be relocation, just a façade to confuse the enemy."

"A façade?"

Lie Feng and the others looked puzzled.

Xiao Lingqiu explained, "This time, we defeated two major groups of desert bandits. As long as Wanyan Tianyou isn’t an idiot, he’ll know that the Heshan Tribe has people skilled in warfare. If we don’t make any moves, Wanyan Tianyou will undoubtedly suspect that we’re secretly training troops, which would be highly disadvantageous to him."

"Currently, Nanjin Country is fractured into pieces. For someone like him, who aims to seize the throne, consuming elite troops is not a wise choice, so he’ll certainly attack us sooner rather than later."

"But if we choose to relocate, Wanyan Tianyou will likely not rush to confront us."

"Because his primary goal is this region where the Heshan Tribe resides. The more people relocate, the weaker the apparent forces here. Then he’ll think that he can take over without exerting much effort, which aligns with his long-term plans."

"Of course, since it’s a relocation, it needs to appear genuine. It’s best to have some tribespeople truly move, and not inform them of the truth, so Wanyan Tianyou wouldn’t suspect..."

Listening to Xiao Lingqiu’s analysis, the crowd silently nodded.

It had to be said, this delay tactic indeed seemed feasible.

"Let’s proceed with this plan!"

Lie Feng decided without further thought, acting decisively.

In his heart, no matter how outrageous Xiao Lingqiu’s ideas might be, he supported them without hesitation.

...

Xiao Lingqiu returned to her room where Jiang Shouzhong was playing chess alone for self-amusement.

Jiang Shouzhong had originally been unfamiliar with the game of Go. During their journey to Zhenxuan Mountain, Qu Hongling and Yelü Miaomiao frequently played against each other, and over time, he picked it up as well.

"Come, I’ll play with you."

Xiao Lingqiu sat across from the chessboard and picked up a black stone.

"Is the meeting over?"

Jiang Shouzhong took a sip of tea and asked.

Xiao Lingqiu nodded slightly and recounted her plan, then spoke calmly, "As long as I can buy some more time, I’ll be able to train a decent army. By then, Wanyan Tianyou won’t stand a chance against me."

"Of course, as for the Heshan Tribe’s people, someone else needs to handle them. Yun Zhu would be the most suitable. As for Lie Feng, that simple-minded fool isn’t the right choice."

"Next, I’ll set a trap for him, force him out of the Clan Leader position, and let Yun Zhu take his place."

She shook her head and sighed, "Unfortunately, the circumstances are limiting, and my capabilities can’t be fully realized."

Jiang Shouzhong stared at her, "Convincing some tribespeople to relocate—do you really think Wanyan Tianyou will buy it?"

Before Xiao Lingqiu could answer, Jiang Shouzhong added, "According to your analysis, Wanyan Tianyou is violent by nature but meticulous in thinking. If he sends soldiers to attack those relocating tribespeople to test its validity, how will you protect them?"

Xiao Lingqiu placed a stone and replied casually, "No protection is necessary. I want Wanyan Tianyou to attack them; only then will the enemy believe."

Jiang Shouzhong was stunned.

He stared blankly at the beautiful face before him, his lips moving, "Are you saying... you’re planning to sacrifice those uninformed tribespeople?"

"Is there a problem?"

Xiao Lingqiu looked at him strangely.

Jiang Shouzhong took a deep breath, "Isn’t it somewhat..."

The man struggled to find the right words.

Noticing Jiang Shouzhong’s gaze, full of judgment as if looking at an executioner, Xiao Lingqiu grew irritated, "What kind of look is that!? Isn’t death in war a normal thing?"

Jiang Shouzhong’s voice grew hoarse, "But they... they’re just ordinary civilians."

"So what!?"

Xiao Lingqiu, accustomed to holding power, couldn’t comprehend Jiang Shouzhong’s "soft-heartedness."

In her eyes, sacrificing a few people for the greater good was entirely reasonable. War inevitably involved casualties, whether soldiers or civilians.

Using the lives of some tribespeople to ensure the survival of the entire tribe seemed to her nothing out of the ordinary.

Jiang Shouzhong remained silent.

He understood that Xiao Lingqiu was right.

And he wasn’t the type to be overly idealistic or naive. Still... he didn’t like this method.

In the past, when faced with enemies, he could be decisive and ruthless. It was, after all, a matter of his own survival.