But for them naval soldiers, naturally the more warships deployed, the greater their chances of victory. If the emperor was generous… for them as commanders to decline further would be disobeying imperial orders.

“Why did Your Majesty choose Long Island here?” Jiang Huaisheng pointed with his right hand at Long Island’s location, respectfully asking Bai Qingyan.

Bai Qingyan turned to look at Wei Zhong, who understood… and walked out with small steps, having the guards invite people in.

The guards brought in five or six fishermen with sun-darkened skin and sturdy builds. These fishermen were very nervous upon seeing all the generals, but perhaps having been shocked once before by Bai Qingyan’s imperial identity, though nervous seeing so many generals now, they weren’t as panicked as when they first learned Bai Qingyan was the emperor, only appearing somewhat restrained.

All of them knew that the emperor had brought them here, hoping they could assist in this naval campaign to annihilate Dongyi. Among them were also fishermen who had been desperately protected by Prince Hancheng and brought back, so… if they could contribute to the battle to annihilate Dongyi, they were extremely excited and their blood boiled, carrying burning fighting spirit.

“These few are people I specifically invited from among the fishermen. They tell me… on the east side of Long Island’s small foothold, there are large hidden reefs in the sea. Those unfamiliar can’t detect them. Their small boats can pass through smoothly, but large warships might get stuck here! So… I believe, if the navy can thoroughly understand the maritime conditions here, this would be most suitable for us, Great Zhou!” Bai Qingyan looked at the naval generals. “These fishermen brothers usually fish here together. They say this place… being far from the coastline, fishermen from both countries fear encountering foreign navies and causing trouble, so very few go there. They often fish here and have never seen Dongyi fishermen. They’re willing to contribute to the great battle, willing to go to sea together with our Great Zhou navy!”

“Yes! We’re willing! This commoner’s life… was exchanged back by Prince Hancheng and the naval soldiers. Now that Your Majesty wants to annihilate Dongyi, this commoner is very willing to contribute!”

“This commoner is also willing!”

“This commoner is also willing!”

“This commoner has been fishing at Long Island for almost ten years. Others think it’s dangerous and won’t go… but for us poor common people, we still have to try. This way… going back and forth, we’ve become very familiar with it!”

The fishermen spoke one after another, expressing their strong desire to fight alongside the Great Zhou navy.

Bai Qingjue had been standing behind Bai Qingyan without speaking. He was very clear in his heart why eldest sister had given such precise timing for landing on Dongyi, even for capturing Guadu City. Counting the days according to Chen Qingsheng’s assurance, he and Xiao Ruojiang and Xiao Ruohai should have almost reached Guadu City by now.

Inside and outside coordination, to annihilate Dongyi at the fastest speed.

This time, eldest sister had no intention of winning over Dongyi’s people, but chose to directly destroy their naval forces, then directly take the imperial city.

Bai Qingjue was thinking that perhaps… eldest sister didn’t intend to incorporate Dongyi into Great Zhou’s territory either. Eldest sister should want to install a puppet emperor for Dongyi.

Just now, Bai Qingjue had encountered Bai Qingyan outside the naval camp when she returned from the fishing village. He hadn’t yet reported to Bai Qingyan about the detailed subsequent matters in Jinwan City, and had been keeping this on his mind.

“Since Your Majesty already has it figured out, then… we subjects will follow orders! This battle will annihilate Dongyi’s navy!” Liu Shucheng cupped his hands toward Bai Qingyan.

“For the detailed battle strategy in this area, General Liu Shucheng will probably need to depart ahead of time with these fishermen to thoroughly understand the terrain!” Bai Qingyan said to Liu Shucheng. “After General Liu leaves, I wonder which other general can lead troops?”

“Your Majesty… this is General Jiang Huaisheng!” Liu Shucheng hurriedly recommended to Bai Qingyan. “Your Majesty may not know, General Jiang Huaisheng was once our navy’s strategist. When Prince Hancheng came to the navy, he specifically asked about General Jiang Huaisheng. Learning that General Jiang Huaisheng had left the navy, he felt it was very regrettable! He believed that among us old naval commanders, only General Jiang Huaisheng could bear great responsibility! General Jiang Huaisheng also answered Your Majesty’s call this time, specifically returning to the navy to fight alongside Your Majesty to annihilate Dongyi!”

Jiang Huaisheng bowed to Bai Qingyan, not avoiding letting Bai Qingyan see that his left hand was missing.

“General Jiang Huaisheng, I’ve heard of you a long time ago!” Bai Qingyan nodded to Jiang Huaisheng, not doubting his abilities because of his missing left hand, saying, “Then, on the fifth of the tenth month, General Jiang Huaisheng will lead the navy to depart, with General Liu and General Jiang Huaisheng jointly commanding the navy!”

“Doesn’t Your Majesty think that since this subject’s left hand is gone, I probably can’t bear such great responsibility…” Jiang Huaisheng was very surprised that Bai Qingyan, clearly seeing he had no left hand, still appointed him as the main commander for this campaign.

“Commanders use this…” Bai Qingyan pointed to her forehead. “Moreover, having just heard General Jiang Huaisheng explain battle tactics, I trust General Jiang’s abilities! I’ve always trusted those I employ. Since Prince Hancheng trusted the general, I trust him too! The general need not belittle himself.”

Jiang Huaisheng’s lips moved, but Bai Qingyan gave him no room to speak, placing both hands on the sand table’s edge: “Since the deployment time is set, let’s each cooperate! The maritime area is entrusted to the navy, the rear to the Great Zhou army, and Dongyi… is entrusted to the Bai family army! Swift decisive victory!”

“Yes!”

In the commander’s tent, the generals responded with fervor, each with a spirit that could swallow mountains and rivers.

The naval generals and the Bai family army and Great Zhou army generals all knew that Bai Qingyan still had to return to Jinwan City tonight to handle the county magistrate’s matter, so they respectfully escorted Bai Qingyan to outside the naval camp.

“Bai family eldest sister! Your Majesty!” Lu Yuanpeng finally couldn’t hold back and called out to Bai Qingyan just before she was about to leave. Sima Ping didn’t have time to cover Lu Yuanpeng’s mouth, feeling utterly helpless.

Bai Qingyan turned back, looking at Lu Yuanpeng, who seemed to have grown a bit taller.

Bai Jinzhi also stood with hands behind her back, gripping the horsewhip in her hands tightly, looking at Lu Yuanpeng and Sima Ping.

Only then was he able to squeeze out from behind the generals, squeezing in front of Bai Qingyan, bowing respectfully and politely: “Your Majesty, this subject… this subject has something to say to Your Majesty privately!”

Lu Yuanpeng knew that going to Dongyi to find his sister was a private matter, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to request Bai Qingyan to let him go to Dongyi in front of everyone, so he said he wanted to speak privately.

Bai Qingyan nodded, saying to Cheng Yuanzhi and Cai Ziyuan: “Like this, let Lu Yuanpeng, Sima Ping, and Master Cai enter the city together. I happen to have some matters to ask Master Cai!”

Cai Ziyuan hurriedly responded in agreement.

“Yes!” Lu Yuanpeng quickly cupped his fists in agreement.

Seeing Bai Qingyan’s heroic bearing, cleanly and neatly leaping onto her horse, Lu Yuanpeng hurriedly ran to lead his horse, following behind the Bai family guards as they galloped toward Jinwan City.