Chapter 29: The Newest Plan

Come, look.

This was the Empress Li’s intention. These simple four words left Song Zining pondering deeply—what exactly did she want to see? Digging deeper, what should be shown and what should not?

In this war over the floating land, what role would the Empress Li and her family play? The Empress clan and the powerful ministers were often adversaries at certain stages. News about Marshal Lin had been scarce since he left after the great whirlpool. Was he still safe? This time, the Imperial Guard Legion had dispatched a significant number of troops, indicating that the Longevity King had given his approval. Additionally, a high proportion of imperial family members were participating in the battle. The ability of the Right Chancellor to unite these disparate factions, balancing and coordinating, was truly commendable—so much so that it seemed almost suspicious.

As for Qian Ye and Song Zining, if they hadn’t come, the alternative would have been Gao Yi. Why Gao Yi? Qian Ye mentioned that the military was watching Zhao’s pit, but from another perspective, the deputy candidate was one of the current Emperor’s adult princes. And Lan Xin Cheng, who had generously provided military supplies, was truly a man of mystery—whose side was he on?

Lost in thought, Song Zining gradually became engrossed, his thoughts growing more intricate. In the midst of his contemplation, he suddenly felt as though a steel needle had pierced his brow, causing him to turn pale and involuntarily clutch his forehead.

Song Zining realized that he had unwittingly employed the Art of Divination. This was a common vice among diviners, an unconscious reaction.

However, during times of major battles, the Art of Divination often led to confusion. With numerous strong commanders and influential figures involved, and various external forces vying secretly, sometimes both diviners and those skilled in the Art disrupted each other. Without sufficient skill and preparation, how could one easily use the Art of Divination?

Song Zining, lost in a momentary daze, suffered a backlash, unsure of what he had encountered. He cautiously retracted his use of the Art and then recalled an old saying.

From ancient times, many diviners meet an early end.

On one hand, this referred to the perilous nature of the Art of Divination; on the other, it was a metaphor for the self-destructive tendencies of diviners. Those who mastered the Art invariably wanted to intervene in major events. Intelligent people who wielded such a powerful tool found it hard to remain passive.

Amidst the shifting tides, Song Zining sensed that the floating land was just the tip of the iceberg. How could the Li family remain indifferent to such a grand situation? Even if they had no intentions, countless forces would pressure them into action.

This was truly playing with fire.

When Song Zining looked up again, his eyes were calm, betraying no emotion. He turned to the person dressed as a retainer and asked, “So, where do you plan to watch from? Here or with Qian Ye?”

The retainer smiled, “Is there really a choice? Of course, with Qian Ye!”

Song Zining nodded, “True, anyone would want to see the Hall of Heroes. My cruiser, while rare, isn’t all that extraordinary.”

The retainer said, “I’ve heard that Qian Ye is quite a sight to behold!”

Song Zining opened his mouth, frowning at the retainer. It was clear that this person had used an excellent disguise, one that even most powerful individuals couldn’t see through. Song Zining had planned to feign ignorance and observe their intent without alerting them. But this person appeared utterly unreserved.

“Who are you, exactly?”

“You’re only asking now? You aren’t as sharp as they say, Seventh Prince!” The retainer rubbed their face, and their form began to change. Their hair grew slightly, turning into a short, ear-length bob. In moments, before Song Zining stood a petite, stunningly beautiful girl with short hair.

Seeing this almost magical disguise, Song Zining was taken aback. Recognizing her face, he exclaimed, “Nineteenth Princess?!”

The girl smiled, “I’m touched that you remember me.”

Song Zining composed himself and said, “Seven years ago, I met you briefly at the Royal Retreat. I could never forget.”

“When we met, I was only ten, and I looked very different. I’m surprised you recognized me. Then again, you diviners always have your mysterious ways, which can be quite irritating.”

Song Zining replied, “Both Her Majesty and the Li family are masters of the Art of Divination. The Nineteenth Princess should be cautious with her words in front of others.”

The Nineteenth Princess laughed, “It sounds like we’re very close!”

“I mean, I’m also an outsider.”

She waved her hand, “Never mind that. Anyway, I want to go to the Hall of Heroes. Also, get me a place next to Qian Ye. I’ve heard he’s even more handsome than Zhao Jundu. I must make the most of this opportunity to see him!”

Her excitement grew, her eagerness like a child about to receive a beloved toy.

Song Zining’s brow furrowed. He didn’t give her much face, staring intently at her. In the court, even a seven-year-old wasn’t entirely innocent. Her exaggerated behavior made it hard to challenge her.

Quickly running through his knowledge of the court, he found little information about the Nineteenth Princess. She came from an inconspicuous maternal lineage, and her mother was of lower rank in the harem. From a young age, she was attached to Empress Li and later showed talent in cultivation, gaining some status before the Emperor.

He was surprised that Empress Li had sent her here for the war. The law clearly forbade palace interference in state affairs, and even undivided princes had to follow proper procedures. What was the meaning of an imperial princess coming to the front line?

Every move by Empress Li carried deep meaning. Every word and command needed careful consideration.

Song Zining’s head ached, finding no clear path. The current Emperor rarely appeared in public, showing no favoritism towards his children, making their presence almost negligible. As the Nineteenth Princess was of imperial blood, he couldn’t divine her intentions further.

Resolving to accept the situation, Song Zining dismissed his concerns and called in his attendants to prepare a small boat. He and the Nineteenth Princess boarded and headed to the Hall of Heroes.

The small boat smoothly docked at the Hall of Heroes, and the Nineteenth Princess marveled at everything like a child in a garden.

Since the Hall of Heroes had been revealed, Qian Ye and Song Zining selected a loyal and reliable crew to fill various positions. Over a thousand craftsmen, gunners, crew members, and warriors were aboard, but the vast interior of the Hall still appeared spacious, even desolate.

Song Zining went to the command area in the head of the Earth Dragon. This space was far larger than the cruiser’s command room. Now, the Dragon Ship was well-equipped with planning, command, and operations areas, where officers from both the Imperial Military and Ningyuan Heavy Industries busied themselves.

Space fleet warfare required highly skilled officers, something the mercenary converts of Dark Flame couldn’t provide.

In the dedicated operations room, Qian Ye stood before a large map, studying its detailed annotations. The map was split in two: one half showing the initial battle plan, the other half Song Zining’s incomplete revision. Qian Ye compared the two, deeply analyzing the situation.

Both he and Song Zining, with their exceptional intuition, felt something was amiss, a bad omen indeed.

Song Zining knocked and, hearing a response, entered with the Nineteenth Princess. Qian Ye turned, his gaze sharpening slightly as it rested on the princess.

She shivered, feeling an inexplicable chill.

Song Zining said, “Qian Ye, this is the Nineteenth Princess, sent by Empress Li to observe the battle. She is one of us; be polite.”

Qian Ye exchanged a glance with Song Zining, nodded, and bowed slightly to the princess. Song Zining, seeking a title in the empire, needed to show respect, but Qian Ye had no such obligation.

The Nineteenth Princess paid little attention to formalities, her eyes gleaming as she gazed at Qian Ye, almost ready to pounce and bite him, ignoring Song Zining’s words entirely.

Surprised by her behavior, Qian Ye glanced at Song Zining, who subtly indicated to disregard her.

Song Zining then got to business, placing his briefcase on the table and opening it methodically, revealing several documents. After reviewing them, he handed them to Qian Ye and began annotating the map.

These documents contained the latest battle plan, with minor adjustments based on recent intelligence. They detailed the offensive routes, landing times, and support schedules from central and eastern forces.

After Qian Ye finished reviewing, Song Zining completed the map annotations.

He pointed to a small town on the other side of the floating land, “This is our new target. It’s closer to the central force but farther from the eastern. While more challenging, securing it will ease defensive organization. It’s less than a hundred kilometers from the original target. Though we won’t fully block the Night Empire’s retreat, our advantage in space will inflict heavy casualties on their forces.”

Qian Ye frowned, “Will many still escape?”

“Do you expect to annihilate every Night Empire soldier? That would provoke the Night Parliament into a desperate fight.”

“If we don’t aim for total annihilation, then this plan is feasible?”

Song Zining nodded, “Very feasible. With the Hall of Heroes, the Night Empire will focus on withdrawing as many troops as possible, not engaging us. Otherwise, losing more Duke-class ships would be catastrophic for them.”

Qian Ye discussed further details with Song Zining. The new plan was more practical, lowering overall risk while maintaining comparable results. The retreating enemy would be like migrating wildebeest, easy targets. How determined they’d be to resist remained uncertain.

This plan likely considered the Hall of Heroes and was crafted by the Right Chancellor. Though not as innovative as General Lin, it was solid and thorough. Still, Qian Ye’s uneasy feeling lingered.

Song Zining mused, “The plan, well, might face execution issues. Large-scale battles never go perfectly. But knowing the commanders, I don’t see immediate problems.”

Qian Ye agreed, “Let’s proceed.”

Song Zining suggested, “I’ll stay on the ground; you defend the Hall.”

“No. You guard the Hall!”

They argued, nearly forgetting the Nineteenth Princess, who interjected, “Isn’t ground defense more dangerous?”

Song Zining rolled his eyes; of course, it was! The Hall’s strength made it safer.

The Nineteenth Princess looked between Qian Ye and Song Zining, “You’re arguing over the ground position. You two must be close!”

Song Zining sighed, “It’s not about closeness, but suitability.”

“Suitability?” she asked, puzzled.

Song Zining realized she hadn’t been paying attention, fixated on Qian Ye. Could it be that the Nineteenth Princess was merely here for a battlefield visit?