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(Today's update is here ~)
The 366 chapter "Rugaard's decision"
(Two in One Chapter)
Everyone knows what "changing the guard" means.
For the Northwestern Army, their snobbishness covers half of the Nuling Province. They have been operating in the Northwest for 20 years. If they were to "switch" at this time, it would be tantamount to leaving their territory. If the tree had no roots, then it would only be a dead end.
Moreover, the Northwestern Army has not listened to any orders from the Empire for the past 20 years. It's only in name that they are still part of the Empire's army.
For the Northwestern Army's commander Rugaard, he also knows this is the Empire's final signal.
This is a matter of life and death. Either accept the Empire's command and wait for the Northern Army to be disintegrated by the Empire.
Or refuse the Empire's command. Presumably, the Empire is also prepared for this. As long as he refuses, then he will be charged with "disobeying military orders", "treason" and so on. What comes next is … … war.
In the past year, the Empire has been recruiting on a large scale. Du Wei has a hundred thousand troops in the Northwest. Governor Bohan is also actively preparing for war. The Empire even transferred a division of the Imperial City Guards to the West … … All of these are very obvious.
As for the Northwestern Army, there seems to be very little movement of troops.
Rugaard is also very clear in his heart. The only reason he was able to threaten the Empire before was because the Empire did not have the confidence to fight a civil war. For stability and to maintain peace on the surface, the Empire did not want to start a civil war.
But now, for some unknown reason, the young Regent actually made up his mind!
Rugaard is even more clear that once the Empire has made up their mind, even if they have to pay a certain price, they will still start a civil war. When the two sides compare in strength, the loser will be him. Whether it is in terms of population, military strength, war potential, etc., he is just a local warlord facing off against the Empire.
Now that "blackmail" had lost its effect, he had to make the smartest decision.
Northwestern Army, Watt Fortress, Northwestern Army General's Mansion.
The hall was silent. Rugaard was sitting at the highest position. Despite his short stature, his eyes were full of pressure, making the hearts of the generals in the hall feel heavy.
"Are none of you going to say anything?" Rugaard said coldly, "This is the moment of life and death! That brat Prince Regent of the Empire clearly wants our lives. Don't tell me that no one has any objections? "
The generals were silent, no one spoke. However, everyone was dissatisfied with Rugaard's decision.
Life and death? What should I have done earlier? For an entire year, the Empire had been dispatching troops. Everyone knew about this and had advised Rugaard to make a decision early. However, this general didn't do anything during this year. He sat there motionlessly, allowing the Empire to put a noose around his neck!
Now … now what else do we have!!
Many of the generals couldn't help but reveal their thoughts on their faces. Rugaard took note of this and slowly said, "I know that many people have their own thoughts right now, but now is not the time for internal strife. We need to be united … I think all of you know very well what our attitude towards the Empire has been all these years! Think about it. If we're really done for, the Empire won't forgive anyone here. The crime of treason is not something that can be forgiven. Since we want to live, then we need to work together. "
These words moved a lot of people. Immediately, some of them began to express their stance.
Some expressed that they can immediately send people to the prairie to find the tribes they have a secret relationship with and ask them to send troops to attack the Desa Province. First, they can create a "foreign invasion" situation to disrupt the situation in the Northwest. After that, the Northwest Army can use the excuse of "foreign invasion" to refuse to go to the North. They can even secretly help the prairie people and deal a heavy blow to the Duke of the Tulip Family!
Rugaard looked at the person who proposed this idea and sneered in his heart.
Prairie people? At this time, there's no need to count on the prairie people.
Rugaard also received the news from the prairie. Right now, the prairie tribes are in a mess, fighting each other and coveting the position of Prairie King. Moreover, that Saladin …. Rugaard only needed to think for a moment to guess that the person behind Saladin is Du Wei! The prairie people can't even take care of themselves right now, where would they find the time to send troops to help him?
What's more …. His son failed to kill Bai Hechou and completely fell out with the Snowy Mountain. Bai Hechou is the Shaman King, as long as he gives the order, which tribe in the prairie would dare to help him?
Sigh …. It's a pity that Cybuster missed such a good opportunity!! Bai Hechou is seriously injured, this kind of opportunity doesn't come by often!!
There are also some generals who suggested to immediately attack the Desa Province. With their advantage in numbers, they can focus their efforts on defeating Du Wei's army. Then they can seize the opportunity to occupy the Desa Province and rob the Duke of the Tulip Family's strategic reserves. After that, they can fight a war of attrition with the empire.
However, not many people agreed with this suggestion.
There are also some who believe that they should immediately mobilize their troops and take advantage of the fact that the empire hasn't made a move yet. Then they can attack the imperial capital at the fastest speed. As long as they can take down the imperial capital and destroy the royal family, then …. Once they occupy the capital and seize the nobles in the palace, all they need to do is send out a proclamation and it will spread across the continent.
If everything goes well, then the world will be ours! After destroying the Augustine Dynasty, Rugaard can become the emperor!
This plan is very bold and ambitious. It immediately gained the approval of many generals. Everyone began to think about the possibility of this plan.
From Watt Fortress to the Imperial Capital, it would only take seven days for the elite cavalry to arrive at the Imperial Capital if they traveled at a fast pace without any rest. Moreover, the empire's military strength is not enough. Previously, they sent two divisions to the North to reinforce the Tempest Legion. Then they sent another division to the East to monitor the situation. Therefore, the only thing left in the capital is a division of 20,000 soldiers. However, the Southern Legion has always been considered to be the weakest among the Empire's main forces. Thus, the Northwestern Army generally doesn't think highly of them.
It's only two divisions. With our strength, we can easily crush them!
As long as we can occupy the capital …. Then, what else is impossible?
Rugaard didn't speak at all. He just quietly listened to the discussion below.
He sneered in his heart.
He's very ambitious, but he's not blindly arrogant.
In fact, Rugaard had always been very clear about one thing. With his strength, he could threaten the Imperial Capital with 'war'. When the Imperial Capital was unwilling to engage in civil war, he naturally had the upper hand and could get whatever he wanted. However, if the Imperial Capital decided to go to war, then he would lose his greatest support.
With the strength of the Northwest Army, it's almost impossible to take down the capital in one go.
If it's a normal city, such as the capital of Nuling Province or even Du Wei's Loulan City, then there might be a chance.
But the capital?
Let's not even talk about running for seven days and seven nights. There might be resistance along the way …..
The capital is after all the most majestic city in the continent. The famous giant magic array and the magic cannons on the walls ….. These are not a joke.
Once the magic array is activated, then it's absolutely impossible to break through. He can only watch from outside the city. In the next few days, his army would be surrounded and torn to pieces by the armies that came from all over the country to protect the emperor.
Attacking the capital is not a smart choice. Moreover, the political significance of this matter is great, but the actual harvest is very small.
In the past, the capital has often deployed troops to the east to defend against the Northwest Army. But whether it's Rugaard or the capital, they all know that it's impossible to take down the capital with Rugaard's military strength.
The only thing the capital is afraid of is the possibility of the capital being besieged by the rebels. That would cause a huge panic and shake the prestige of the Empire.
Rugaard remained silent. None of the opinions of the generals below are satisfactory to him.
Rugaard doesn't have any aides or strategists under his command ….. Because he's very conceited. He believes that as the disciple of the Shaman King of the Snow Mountain, he has studied astronomy, geography, tactics, and strategy. Everything in the Northwest Army can be handled by his own wisdom.
Looking at the quarreling generals, Rugaard gradually lost his patience. Coughing loudly: "Enough!"
He stood up and looked at the generals with disappointment. These guys lack the ability to see the big picture ….. Well, except for one person.
Rugaard glanced at Guhua Duo. This calm and silent middle-aged man. This is Rugaard's most trusted general.
Although his martial skill isn't the best among the generals, and some even ridiculed him behind his back for not being brave enough. But this still can't shake Guhua Duo's position in Rugaard's heart.
"Guhua Duo, you stay here. The rest of you can disperse." Rugaard made a decision, but he still needs to stabilize the morale of the army. So he deliberately laughed a few times before turning to his subordinates: "Alright! Everyone, don't worry too much ….. Humph, that Regent is just a little kid! His father Augustine the 6th can't do anything to us, so why can't we take care of a little kid?! Humph ….. Everyone, don't worry. Don't look at how big of a ruckus he's making right now. He must be under a lot of pressure. I don't think he'll dare to fight. Even if he does, once he suffers losses, I'm afraid he won't be able to hold himself back. This kind of young man is always impatient and immature. As long as his spirit is broken, he will immediately soften. We've been in the Northwest for so many years, who have we been afraid of?! "
These words were said in a bold and straightforward manner. When the generals heard this, they couldn't help but have some confidence in their commander.
After everyone had left, Rugaard looked at Guhuatolo, who was standing below, with a faint trace of worry on his face.
"Alright, Guhua Duo, there's no one else here. Tell me your opinion. "
"Sir." This middle aged man looked at his commander and then asked a strange question: "Do you think we have a chance of winning this time?"
"… …" Rugaard stared at this most trusted subordinate of his and then said the truth: "Very small."
"I also think it's very small." Guhua Duo nodded. He bowed slightly and then said in a low voice: "All this time, it's not that the Empire can't beat us. It's just that the Empire doesn't dare to fight, doesn't want to fight, and can't make up their mind. But now, they've made up their mind and we've lost our support. Once the war starts, forgive me for being blunt ….. no matter what the process is, perhaps by relying on the bravery of the soldiers, or relying on your intelligence, we can achieve some victory, but ….. in the end, we will definitely lose. The only difference is whether we can hold on for a long time or a short time. That's all. "
"Then, what do you think?"
Guhua Duo shut his mouth, seemingly afraid to say anything.
"You say it, Guhua Duo. Since I left you here, I want to hear your true thoughts," Rugaard said coolly.
"Let's put aside the matter of victory and defeat," Guhua Duo shook his head: "I would like to ask you, general, what is your heart's desire? What is your ultimate goal? Is it to seize the Thorned Flower Family's empire? Seize the world? Seize the throne? Or do you just want to create a big ruckus? Or perhaps, you are willing to compromise in order to preserve your life? I feel that before making any choice, I need to know what your goal is, general. "
Rugaard's eyes were very serious: "Oh?"
"Of course. If you decide to seize the world and seize the Thorned Flower Family's empire, then I know it's impossible. But in order to repay your kindness, I will do my best until the day I die, even though I don't think it's possible. If your goal is just to create a big ruckus, then I think it's a good idea to lead the army to the east and surround the capital. Even if we lose in the end, we can still make a big ruckus and let the continent remember our name forever! If ….. you feel that you have to compromise in order to preserve your life, then I am willing to follow you to the end, even if you decide to throw the entire Northwest Army into the fire pit. "
Rugaard remained silent.
"You see, if you haven't thought it through, then how can I answer your question?" Guatoro sighed. Then he reached out his hand and picked up the military document on Rugaard's table. He tore it into pieces and knelt before Rugaard. "My lord, my life is yours. All these years, you knew my secret, but you kept me by your side. You trusted me and put me in an important position. Even if my colleagues have some opinions and ostracize me, your trust in me has never changed. I have nothing to repay you with, only my life. No matter what choice you make, I, Guhua Duo Luo, swear that I will stand by your side until my last breath. "
This steady middle-aged man actually had a hint of madness in his eyes at this moment. Smiling at Rugaard, he then stood up and walked out of the hall.
"My … … choice." Rugaard frowned and carefully thought for a moment.
Then he suddenly laughed out loud.
"Prince Son, if you want to play, then I, Redwater Duan, will accompany you in playing a big game!"
After saying that, he grabbed the pen on the table and quickly wrote down an official document. He loudly called for his bodyguards to come in, and then asked them to quickly send this document out.
This is an official document, and the content is very simple.
"Northwest Army Commander Rugaard receives the order to immediately prepare for a change of guard!"
He actually accepted the order to change the guard?!
•
After throwing away the pen, Rugaard strode into the inner hall and waved his men away. Then he directly entered the secret passage and went all the way down to the underground tunnel. As soon as he entered the underground tunnel, he could hear a beast-like roar coming from within. The roar was sharp and filled with despair and anger.
At the end of the tunnel, there was a square stone room. Rugaard was standing at the entrance. The moment he arrived at the entrance, he saw a black figure rushing towards him ferociously from inside the stone room.
Boom!
The figure slammed into the metal fence, causing the entire room to buzz. Then, the person inside had disheveled hair and his muscular body was covered in blood. It was unknown how many tiny wounds there were on his body. His face, under the bloodstains, was a pale but handsome face.
Cybuster, this is the Northwest Army's Major General Cybuster!
Cybuster's eyes were like that of a bloodthirsty beast. Both of his hands grabbed the iron bars and shook them violently, causing the bars to creak. The young general's mouth was no longer able to speak, all he could do was roar like a beast. There was no trace of clarity in his eyes, only the murderous intent of a wild beast.
Standing outside the door, Rugaard's eyes were filled with deep sorrow. Looking at his only son, Rugaard raised his hand as if to stroke his son's head ….
Suddenly, with a whoosh, a ball of fire shot out from his palm and hit Cybuster's head. Like a wounded beast, Cybuster let out a cry of pain and was sent flying backward. After rolling a few times on the ground, he finally got up. His eyes were filled with fear and he didn't dare to move forward. Lying on the ground, he stared at the door from afar.
"Poor son." Rugaard sighed: "You don't look like my son at all! You've turned into a beast! An inhumane beast …. I really should've killed you. "
Ever since his failed attempt to kill Bai Hechou and Pope, Cybuster was heavily injured by the "coincidental" awakening of "Aragon". Relying on his "perfect body", he barely managed to recover from his injuries and quickly escaped back to the Northwest Army.
But what kind of strength does an "awakened" Aragon possess? To be able to survive a single blow from him is already a miracle due to Cybuster's "perfect body". But this "perfect body" has a fatal flaw. If he overuses it, he'll lose his mind.
After barely recovering from his injuries and returning to the Northwest Army, the side effects of the "perfect body" immediately broke out. Moreover, because of the Aragon's injuries, the usage of the "perfect body" has exceeded the limits of any previous usage.
Cybuster went berserk this time. Even Rugaard's snow mountain spell couldn't calm him down.
He had turned into a wild beast filled with bloodlust and the desire to destroy!! Without a shred of humanity left in him, he's completely turned into a bloodthirsty beast!
Left with no choice, Rugaard could only lock his son up in this stone house. Using the snow mountain's witchcraft, he set up a formation around the house to prevent Cybuster from using his powerful dou qi and martial arts. Otherwise, how could a stone house contain a ninth level Cybuster?
At this moment, Cybuster has been locked up in this stone house for more than a year. Never seeing the light of day, all that's left is a beast-like howl.
The stone walls were scratched by his fingernails, leaving deep marks on them. All ten of his fingernails were lifted up, causing blood to flow out. Yet, it's as if he can't feel the pain at all.
Standing outside the door, Rugaard quietly watched his only son, his only flesh and blood.
Although his face is filled with hatred, his eyes are filled with deep sorrow.
(Today's update isn't much, I know.
Then I will announce something. Tomorrow, Thursday, I will explode. Of course, I can't say explode. I'm just going to pay everyone back what I owe.
I can't keep on owing, I must pay back what I owe. So, tomorrow's update will be much more!
Finally, as usual, I'll ask for votes ~)
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(To be continued, if you want to know the future, go to www.qidian.com, support the author, support the original reading!)
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