Realm of Power

His eyes glanced at the report that Li Yuehua left on the table. The young man frowned slightly. This was the report that Li Yuehua brought. It was naturally not a simple report for this woman who was still angry about her decision to bring it in person. It won't be any trouble! The young man rubbed his temples helplessly. The empire had just completed the battle against the Gangfei region. Compared with the empire's illustrious martial arts that silenced Central European Barrow, the agreement between the empire and another powerful empire, Istan, had brought huge gains to the empire.

At once, they took over thousands of miles of northern Congo, which was an enviable plain area. When the Congo Empire was at its most powerful, that area had a population of nearly 20 million people and hundreds of economically prosperous towns. , although after suffering the madness of the Istani, the remaining population was less than five million people , the city is badly damaged, but its foundation is still there. It is located close to the most prosperous southwest region of the empire. As long as it is done properly, it may not be impossible to return to its original heyday within three to five years. By then, the empire will be In addition to the northwest region, another vast and huge grain producing area can be obtained.

He picked up the report on the table and opened it. He took out the letter inside and took a look. The young man's cynical eyes suddenly turned cold. He threw the report on the table and the young man couldn't help but kicked the chair next to him. The sturdy nanmu armchair was kicked to pieces, and the bookcase next to the armchair was hit and the books on it fell to the floor.

"Your Majesty, what's wrong?"

The two captains of the Guards who were standing guard at the door thought something had happened in the room, and quickly pushed them aside and rushed in. They saw the young man standing in front of the window with a pale face, his figure upright, his black hair fluttering in the wind, and his eyes flashing with coldness. The light, the whole person is like a sharp sword that makes people dare not look directly at it,

"It's nothing. I just accidentally touched it with my hand and closed the door. I want to calm down alone."

The young man waved his hand, and the two Guard captains nodded quickly, respectfully exited the door, closed the door of the office, and stood straight at the door, as if nothing had happened. No one can become a Guard captain. Fool, you can tell from his actions just now. Your Majesty is holding back his anger, who dares to say anything?

The young man's face became calmer, and he rubbed his swollen temples. He glanced at the messy books at his feet and looked at the wooden chair that was broken by his kick. There was a hint of surprise on his face. When did he become so irritable? Yes, in war there are wins and losses. Naturally, he should take such a risk by withdrawing the main force of the empire from Gaul.

Two enemies who could not possibly join forces suddenly join forces to dig a trap. One pretends to be a frontal pull, and the other is a surprise attack hundreds of miles behind. If you put yourself in Salon's position, you can decisively order a retreat, which is already very good. The factors that led to this defeat were not only the lack of troops but also the fact that the opponent took advantage of the location deliberately and unintentionally. There was also the unexpected alliance between the four major rulers in the east and the remnants of Gaul. Although Salon was a little reckless, he was also a warrior general of the empire who had experienced hundreds of battles, and his performance this time was so brave that he barely died for his country. With a force of 10,000 to carry the Eastern Allied Forces and the remnants of Gaul, which totaled nearly 150,000 troops, it was quite good not to lose all of a sudden with only pants left.

But why? Huge doubts also echoed in the young man's mind. According to his understanding of the vicious woman Algernon Julia, that woman was very beautiful, but what she was best at was biting back her own people. This time, he didn't know what method to use to enter. It is no longer shocking to persuade the four major ruling powers in the east to join forces. It even has a feeling that is almost unrecognizable to young people. "That woman, what is the reason for the change? Unless there is something worthy of this woman's heart, what is it?" Woolen cloth!"

The young man was talking to himself, wanting to find the answer, but feeling that he lacked the most important clues at hand. He happened to see a Geography of Gaul at his feet. At this time, what could be better than a map to help people find out what they really want, young man Bending down, he picked up the Geography of Gaul at his feet. I gently stroked the book cover with my fingers. The delicate and smooth antelope leather has been carefully polished and frosted. It feels as comfortable as oily silk in the hand. It looks like a high-end product at first glance. From the subtle details of the leather full of history on the packaging, Judging from the cracks, it is at least an ancient artifact that is hundreds of years old.

The album inside also uses leather paper, with a light yellow texture, and a map carefully outlined with a blue pen. It is not half as exquisite as the map used by the Falcon Emperor, but it makes people more aware of the markers on the map. It was clear at a glance, and he casually turned to the location of the map inside. The young man's eyes reflected the general outline of the mountains in eastern Gaul.

The entire mountainous area of ​​eastern Gaul is like a huge inverted bowl. The vast mountain range of hundreds of miles is a natural barrier to the east. Only a narrow plain of about fifty or sixty miles in the middle of the mountainous area can serve as a habitat, which is similar to a mountain pass. The plain is the area where the four major ruling powers in the east are located.

The long and narrow terrain makes this small area look like the appendix of the empire. Strategically speaking, the strategic location of this mountainous plain is extremely important. Whoever can control it will be equivalent to controlling the route into Central Asia or Gaul. , after Gaul’s ambition to expand to the east encountered strong resistance from Central Asia on other routes, its desire to enter Central Asia from the mountainous plains became more and more urgent.

The Gallic Empire has used troops here many times, but with little effect. In addition to the terrain, it is also because this mountainous plain is used as a corridor. To the east is the Central Asian continent and to the west is the Obarro region. When being strongly attacked by the Gallic army, the people in the plains can easily escape into Central Asia along the corridor. The Gallic army occupying the plains inside the mountains will soon have to retreat due to lack of supplies. Such a seesaw. It lasted almost hundreds of years until eighty years ago.

Gaul, which had the advantage in military strength, planned to build a city in the mountains and plains. However, after the outline of the fortress was built, it was difficult to transport other living supplies.

The locals who are familiar with the mountains can use the complex mountains as cover to constantly harass the Gauls' transport troops. A city made of rocks is useless because the army cannot be stationed forever. Once the locals cut off the supply line, the soldiers stationed in the city will All we have to do is wait for death.

Finally, Gaul reached an agreement with the aboriginal people in the intermountain plains. The narrow intermountain basin was divided into four regions and became the eastern province of Gaul. After nominally surrendering to Gaul, Gaul also Acquiesced to the independent kingdom-like nature of the eastern mountainous region

After reviewing the mountain map, combined with the reports received. The young man roughly understood the situation in his mind. Looking at the horseshoe-shaped mountains and plains on the map, a sneer suddenly appeared at the corner of his mouth, "This woman has some insight. She knows that staying in the plains does not have enough troops and strength." resources, at best they can survive for a period of time, but if you can take possession of the terrain The situation is different in the mountainous plains. Using the mountainous terrain and the remaining tens of thousands of troops, there may be a chance to fight against the empire! The Eastern Allied Forces poured into the eastern provinces after the defeat of Salon, and as the occupied area became larger and larger, There will always be time when the Eastern Allied Forces' troops in the base camp are exhausted, and this woman's fangs will bite down when the time comes!"

Walking to the desk, the young man quickly wrote a letter, walked to the door and gave it to the guard on guard, saying, "Send the message back to Gaul Kyoto immediately! Tell Statunko that at least one person is needed to mobilize reinforcements from the southwest area." Month, in this month, he only needs to guard Gaul Kyoto!"

"Yes." The captain of the Guards took the order and left quickly.

"June is the most anticipated month." One hundred and seventy years ago, a Gallic poet who entered this long and narrow mountain basin for the first time uttered this emotion while walking staggeringly through the mountains. after. When you suddenly see a field of green wheat seedlings floating in the mountain wind like water waves in front of you, you will feel this way. In the high and cold mountains, the maturity period of wheat is more than half a month later than in the plains. At the beginning of the earing season, which is also the season when rain is most needed, a heavy rain swept across the beautiful mountain plains. The long-dried mountain wheat hungrily swallowed the rainwater, and the farmers with sad faces showed smiles. The large raindrops also hit Algernon Julia's frizzy window that was definitely not gorgeous, leaving a patch of The white water splash, just like in the depressing rainy season, always spreads an uneasy atmosphere.

A kitten whose fur was wet curled up at the foot of the closet in the room. With a pair of big crystal eyes open, it looked at the hostess in a black skirt taking the scroll from the long brown desk. He took out a quill pen and wrote on a piece of paper very carefully. What, that pretty face like a moon hook seems to be more melancholy than the rain outside. The rustling sound of writing is like the sound of raindrops outside moistening the air in the room. There is a sound of hooves of a fast horse galloping past the window. , can hear the high-pitched shouts coming from the window

"A great victory for the coalition forces. We have captured the province of Hassaste, and the army is marching towards Gaul Kyoto!" With such victory news, cheers came from the window at the same time. In recent times, the situation in the mountainous plains For people, it is definitely the most exciting and exciting During the movement, the sounds of great victories can be heard from the front line almost every day. Among these victory reports, they all say that the ferocious Falcon Emperor is being defeated, and the high-morale Eastern Allied Forces have won Gaul like a savior. A warm welcome from the Eastern Region

Perhaps because she felt that the sound outside the window was a bit noisy, Algernon Julia stood up, stopped the quill in her hand, walked to the open window and closed the window, her calm expression was not at all different from the cheers outside the window. related places,

"Miss Julia, I'm Ercas! Can I come in?" A young man's voice came from outside,

"Come in!" Algernon Julia folded the letter in her hand and placed it on the table. She stroked her wavy hair and brushed it on her shoulders. Because she was a hostage, she was now under semi-house arrest. Although The four ruling powers did not take coercive measures against her, but they also limited the scope of her activities. As a hostage, she was not allowed to have contact with the outside world. However, because the two families were in a joint relationship, she could write back, which could show that she still Live well,

This Erkas is the person who comes to pick up letters every two days. He comes from one of the three most prominent families in the city. It is said to be picking up letters, but it is more like surveillance. All letters will be opened by secret means. See After sealing it, Algernon Julia, who was once good at this, knew it well, but she still pretended to be grateful and said A young man wearing blue aristocratic clothing opened the door and walked in. He saluted Algernon Julia. His eyes paused on the letter on the table, with a slightly surprised expression on his face. In my mind, there have been fewer and fewer letters in the past few days. Last time there were six letters, but this time there were only two.

"Miss, is she in a bad mood recently?" Erkas asked cautiously

"Yes, it feels uncomfortable to be treated as a hostage!" Algernon Julia said with a smile on her pretty face. "But in such a sad rainy season, I can hear the victory of the coalition forces every day." It is also a very happy thing. After all, we are allies, and the victory of the coalition is our victory."

"The coalition forces have occupied four eastern provinces. It is less than a hundred miles away from the capital of Gaul. It is indeed a great victory like a dream! And all this must be thanks to the miss's plan! Who could have imagined that the famous Falcon There will be times when the emperor will be beaten like a lost dog. It is because our military strength is somewhat insufficient. After all, the place is getting bigger and bigger."

When he mentioned the victory of the coalition forces, Erkas's face immediately turned bright red with excitement. He had dark brown curly hair, and his tall nose revealed an alert and wise gaze. Wearing a crisp and well-fitting blue uniform on his young body, he looks like the energetic sun has just risen from the horizon.

"The coalition can recruit troops from the local areas! There are four provinces. How can they recruit more than 100,000 troops!" Even though Algernon Julia was sitting, her back was very straight. Her towering peach-shaped breasts, slender waist and fair and slender neck made Erka's eyes wide open when she stared at her.

"Don't mention recruiting soldiers, that won't work at all!" Erkas said with a look of anger on his face. "From the initial resistance to the rapid withdrawal of the Falcon Army, there was almost nothing left for us. Let's recruit soldiers. Those people Even if you ask us for food, you also know that now is the time when the wheat ears are dry. At this moment, no one has extra food, but the army has to fight, and it needs to be full to have the strength to fight. But those outside don't care at all. They are willing to sell food to the Falcon Army, so. . . ." Erkas's voice paused, and his expression of hesitation showed everything.

"Did you steal it?"

Algernon Julia's pretty face was slightly cold. The slender fingers clenched together, "Grab some", Erkas said unabashedly, as if it was a matter of course.

"Killed?" Algernon Julia asked again, her tone even heavier and colder.

"Execute some people who are unwilling to hand over food! I really don't understand how these people want food at the expense of their lives!" Erkas curled his lips.

"You... are stupid!" Algernon Julia's lips trembled, she suddenly stood up, her eyes were like ice as she looked at the astonished Alkas

"Take the letters and get out now!" Algernon Julia took a deep breath, threw the two letters on the table to Elkas, raised her hand and pointed to the door,

"Miss Julia, what's wrong with you?" Erkas's eyes were a little dazed. He didn't know why Julia was so angry. His face seemed to say, we are here to save you, how could they? I can’t even part with food!

"Get out!" If she continued talking, she was afraid that she would slap the young mountain man in the face.

She had predicted that the Eastern Allied Forces would take action against the Gaulish civilians in the occupied areas due to lack of food, but she did not expect it to be so soon. In just a few days, the Eastern Allied Forces were so eager to adopt the attitude of the occupiers. What a group of supportive people. Guys who can't get up, the four provinces, if they can be used well, may not have the ability to compete with the Falcon Empire, at least they can expand on a large scale in a short period of time, but I didn't expect that these are already in the mountains and plains. The mountain people who have lived for hundreds of years have long lost the ambition to expand outwards.

When Erkas left, she turned around with difficulty and breathed a sigh of relief, just like a gambler's justice at the moment before making a bet. These mountain people really do not deserve mercy!

The raindrops in the night hit the top of the military tent. In Algernonkaja's central military tent, the blazing bonfire was as bright as day. The generals were talking in twos and threes. They were called up in the middle of the night, but they didn't. People complained about this. Since the Falcon Army's blockade was broken in the mountains, Algernonkaja's 50,000 The army stopped advancing, and the generals could only watch helplessly as the Eastern Allied Forces entered the eastern provinces. According to the agreement, these areas belonged to the Eastern Allied Forces, and they were also sending troops. Why could the Eastern Allied Forces make a lot of money, but they could only make a lot of money? The whole army is very dissatisfied to be able to drink the night wind and cold rain in this mountainous area.

There were more and more people in the big tent, and it was a dark mass of heads. They were talking like flies. The huge military tent was crowded with people. No one knew what was going on, but there were ten guards standing on the left side of the military tent. It can be seen that something must happen tonight, and everyone who enters the big tent has an ominous premonition.

"I'm sorry to disturb your dreams!" Algernon Katja walked in from the gate of the military tent with a sullen face, waved to the officers who were discussing, and the murmuring voices immediately disappeared without a trace. In the silent tent, only Algernon Katja's footsteps could be heard.

"I know everyone has opinions. No one likes those arrogant mountain people, but in order to fight the enemy, we need to use them, and now, I can say that they are worthless!" Algernon Katja raised the two letters in his hand. The letters had never been opened. Under the confused eyes of everyone, Algernon Katja put the two letters on the brazier in the military tent to roast them, and words appeared on the cover of the letters.

"That's it!" There was silence and inhalation all around, and everyone clearly saw that it was two words "pick me up!"

Algernon Katja put down the two letters, suddenly drew his sword, and shouted "The whole army obeys the order, break camp tonight, and go straight to the mountain plain!" (To be continued..)