Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather

Chapter 989: Chapter 695: Insufficient Troops

“As you wish!” Yang Zhenshan naturally had no objections.

Many Innate Martial Artists eventually retreat to the mountains and forests because they have experienced too much, seen through the mundane world, and finally seek only peace and further advancement in martial arts.

“By the way, there’s one more thing!” Lv Hua added, “Chen Hengchang over there is in contact with the Wuliang Royal Court, and they’re planning to simultaneously send troops to attack the New Dynasty!”

Yang Zhenshan raised an eyebrow, “When?”

“I’m not sure about the exact time, the contact between Chen Hengchang and Wu Tuo was facilitated by Ji Feiyu and Cui Liang. As far as I know, back then, it was the Divine Sun Sect that orchestrated the Wuliang Royal Court’s invasion of Beiyuan Town from behind the scenes.”

“The Divine Sun Sect’s Yan Junfei Mingyue stayed beside Duan Qifeng for a long time, and it was his instigation that led Duan Qifeng to initiate the war with the Wuliang Royal Court!”

“And the Wuliang Royal Court’s attack on Beiyuan Town was partly because of Wu Tuo’s desire to take Beiyuan Town, and also due to Cui Liang’s instigation.”

“Ultimately, Beiyuan Town suffered a great defeat, and Duan Qifeng became Fei Mingyue’s blood meal!”

Lv Hua said.

Yang Zhenshan was taken aback; this was something he truly wasn’t aware of. When Beiyuan Town was defeated, the Wuliang Royal Court’s army seized the opportunity and caused havoc in the northern part of Longyuan.

For this, Yang Zhenshan bore the blame, as many people in the court at the time impeached him for ineffective rescue efforts.

The specific circumstances of the battle in Beiyuan Town became murky due to Duan Qifeng’s death; even the Da Rong Court didn’t know the specific details, let alone himself.

It turned out that the Divine Sun Sect was involved in this, and Duan Qifeng actually died at the hands of Fei Mingyue.

“So, Chen Hengchang has already allied with Wu Tuo?” Yang Zhenshan asked.

Past events now held no significance, and he was more concerned about the present matters.

“Just colluding, according to my estimation, they should have reached an agreement to dispatch troops at the same time, likely next year!”

“It will be hard for Chen Hengchang to dispatch troops this year; he needs more time to solidify his control over Jiangnan and also needs more time to train his troops!”

Lv Hua explained.

The current warfare is different from the past. In the past, Yang Zhenshan had troops and supplies at Chongshan Town, and wars were fought nearby, so battles could be initiated immediately, requiring only ten days to half a month for preparation.

But now, all parties need to prepare more before starting wars.

The Da An New Dynasty needs to consider the stability of people’s livelihoods, transport provisions, and mobilize troops. The vast territory makes things less flexible than before.

The same goes for Chen Hengchang; his foundation is thin. Although he obtained a large amount of resources and wealth through confiscations, transforming these resources and wealth into combat power takes some time.

And the Wuliang Royal Court also has troubles, although Wu Tuo has revitalized the fractured court, many gaps still exist among them, requiring time for the factions to trust and cooperate as before.

However, if Chen Hengchang colludes with Wu Tuo, it surely presents a significant challenge for the Da An New Dynasty.

Yang Zhenshan pondered that they could not sit idly by nor passively wait to be attacked.

The best approach is to strike preemptively, but currently, the Da An New Dynasty does not seem to have the confidence for active engagement.

It seems that helping Yang Chengye in some way is necessary, best if they can get rid of a major issue first. Once one issue is resolved, whether it’s the Wuliang Royal Court or Chen Hengchang, the scenario for the Da An New Dynasty can stabilize, and the rest will only be a matter of time.

With this in mind, Yang Zhenshan sent someone to invite Yang Chengye over.

He wanted to introduce Lv Hua to Yang Chengye, while also hoping to assist Yang Chengye in resolving this major issue.

Yang Chengye was very busy; even with Yang Zhenshan’s summon, it took more than two hours before he returned to Jing’an Prefecture.

Once Yang Chengye sat down, Yang Zhenshan first introduced Lv Hua to him, then spoke about his arrangements and plans for the Secret Martial Guards and the Imperial Guard Department.

After listening, Yang Chengye nods, “Grandfather, with Mr. Lv’s assistance, I believe we can rebuild the Secret Martial Guards, but as for the Imperial Guard Department, can you dispatch more personnel for me?”

“What? Aren’t twenty bodyguards enough?” Yang Zhenshan asked, stroking his beard.

Yang Chengye chuckled, “How about three hundred strong archers?”

“…”

Yang Zhenshan was speechless for a moment; this boy really knows how to ask for more than he can chew.

What are the Yang family guards like? They are almost all half-step Innate and Innate Martial Artists. While they may not be proficient in gathering intelligence, they are definitely more than enough to defend the Imperial City.

Moreover, there is Ding Qiu, who is the most trusted person in Yang Zhenshan’s hands. How many years has Ding Qiu been following Yang Zhenshan?

A full thirty-eight years!

Do not be fooled by Ding Qiu’s seemingly insignificant appearance on Divine Wood Island; in Yang Zhenshan’s heart, Ding Qiu’s status is no less than that of Wu Zhan and Wu Zheng.

And Ding Qiu is capable as well; he’s been guarding the Yang family for years, seemingly inconsequential, but in reality, Ding Qiu is the most important assistant for Yang Zhenshan in the Yang family.

Li Chang and Wang Lei, along with other personal followers, often accompany Yang Zhenshan, but none hold as much importance as Ding Qiu.

Not to be harsh, but Li Chang, Wang Lei, and the other followers are just errand runners beside Yang Zhenshan, whereas Ding Qiu holds a commanding position.

The Yang family guards sound simple, but each of them is a martial arts master. Ding Qiu not only can handle them with ease but also keeps them disciplined and focused, which is not something that can be achieved with just a few words.