Chapter 481: General Lu’s intention, this is a top-level conspiracy!

Chapter 481: General Lu’s intention, this is a top-level conspiracy!

After hearing this, Gao Yao frowned slightly and began to think carefully. It didn't take long for him to understand the reason. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart: General Lu is quite smart. He actually came up with this way to protect himself and visit me smoothly.

"Haha, this General Lu is indeed quite clever. I think he is worried that he will die before he even steps into the southern border and meets me. So, Xiao He, you don't need to be so nervous. Let him come if he wants."

Gao Yao said this with a nonchalant look on his face. After all, in his eyes, even though the other party had played some tricks, it could not have any substantial impact on him.

Xiao He was not as relaxed and calm as Gao Yao. He said solemnly, "Prime Minister, this matter may not be as simple as we thought. Now is a time of trouble. The prince of Qin, General Lu, suddenly came to the southern border. Have you never thought deeply about why he came here this time?"

After Xiao He's reminder, Gao Yao's originally relaxed expression suddenly became serious, and he fell into a brief contemplation. After a moment, as if he had suddenly grasped some important clues, Gao Yao suddenly raised his head, frowned and asked: "What you mean is... Could it be that Wang Ben and his son intend to surrender?"

Xiao He nodded heavily and replied slowly: "In my opinion, this is probably the case."

After listening to Xiao He's words, Gao Yao also began to look serious, and then waved to the guards at the door.

"Go quickly and arrange for Lu Xianxing to be settled in the post station. Don't let people think that I am being disrespectful." Gao Yao gave the order directly.

"Yes," the soldier received the order and quickly turned around and left.

At this time, Xiao He still looked like he was thinking hard. Gao Yao frowned slightly, staring at the Hanzhong area on the map, and said thoughtfully: "Hanzhong has been a strategic location for military strategists since ancient times. Now our southern border is in a period of vigorous development, and now we have to send troops to attack the Peacock Kingdom. Although successfully seizing Hanzhong will be of great benefit to our army, this move will undoubtedly make me directly confront the various princes inside and outside the pass."

Xiao He nodded and said worriedly, "Yes, Prime Minister. Once Hanzhong is successfully captured by us, those princes will probably find it difficult to sit back and watch. They are very likely to take this opportunity to form a new coalition to fight against us. In this way, the situation will become more complicated and severe."

"I am naturally aware of this. However, this matter is not completely unmanageable. As long as Xianyang City has not fallen into the hands of others, the situation can be controlled in the short term. After all, no one dares to easily touch Xianyang, or they are afraid to act rashly. Because under such circumstances, once someone dares to occupy Xianyang first, he will inevitably become the target of everyone's attack and become the target of public criticism. If General Lu really comes to surrender, the role of Hanzhong, which was originally used as a buffer zone, will be completely gone."

Gao Yao was filled with worries at this time. According to his original idea, he needed to rest for three years to promote economic prosperity, strengthen military power, and focus on strengthening the navy.

Using Nanhai County, Minzhong and Kuaiji as a springboard for advancement, relying on the coastline, the infantry and navy worked closely together to launch coordinated operations. First, the army set out from Kuaiji, and along the way, it was unstoppable, successively conquering the six county towns of Donghui, Langya, Dongjiao, Qi County, Yangguan and Shanggu, and reaching the northern border. Then, it annexed the Liaodong Peninsula in one fell swoop.

Under this strategic layout, although the coastline was stretched, seemingly giving the enemy many weak points that were easy to attack, in fact, with the navy as a solid backing, Gao Yao could quickly assemble and deploy a large number of troops to participate in the battle in any county along the coast.

As long as the enemy dared to attack, he would fight without hesitation. Even without the blessing of black gunpowder, a complete and powerful logistics support system alone was enough to ensure victory. Because sufficient material supply and efficient transportation system can provide frontline soldiers with a steady stream of combat support, so that they can fight bravely without worries. In this way, the balance of victory and defeat of this war has already tilted towards Gao Yao.

But now if Wang Ben and Wang Li really surrender and Hanzhong falls into their hands, then Hanzhong will become a weak point for attack. This is like a game. The princes inside and outside the pass will consider one issue. If Hanzhong is in the hands of Wang Ben and Wang Li, then Hanzhong will not pose much threat. If left alone, it will be difficult for it to become a big force. Even Wang Ben himself may not be able to hold on for long.

But once they fall into Gao Yao's hands, the situation will be completely different. It will be like there is a tiger lurking by the pillow. These princes will naturally be unable to sleep. They will either feel at ease after taking Hanzhong or completely defeating Gao Yao.

But Gao Yao is in the same situation. It is one thing to put it in Wang Ben's hands, but Gao Yao will not want it to be in the hands of the princes. They will definitely try to take it back. Then Hanzhong will become a strategic point that will be constantly fought over. If Gao Yao fights on two fronts at this time, the southern border will face tremendous pressure. This is something Gao Yao does not want to happen.

"My Lord Prime Minister, I'm afraid this matter is far from being so simple! There is another crucial aspect, that is the will of the people! It is probably not easy to spread the word of surrender all the way. Although we don't know who came up with this plan, we have to admit that it is a brilliant conspiracy! Think about the father and son Wang Ben and Wang Li. They now not only represent themselves, but also symbolize the remaining members of the Qin royal family and even some loyal ministers and generals of Qin."

At this point, Xiao He paused for a moment, looked at the prime minister with a serious look, and then said: "They chose to surrender at this time, and they also publicized it so ostentatiously. Their purpose is obvious. They want to force you, the prime minister, to accept this surrender! If the prime minister flatly refuses at this moment, then all your efforts to support Prince Gao as the King of Qin will come to nothing, and even the reputation and prestige you have accumulated will be greatly damaged. The other party obviously saw this point, so they dared to force the prime minister to surrender so unscrupulously!"

Xiao He took a deep breath and continued to analyze: "The current situation is complicated and we may lose everything if we are not careful. Facing such a situation, Prime Minister, you must think carefully and weigh the pros and cons. Don't act on impulse!"