As soon as Ethan Brooks said he wanted to leave that very night, Edward Foster naturally had no objections. For him, the sooner they left, the better. Although these few cannon fodder were only going to deliver a message to Liujin Kingdom, after all, sending his own men to their deaths was not something Edward Foster wanted to drag out.

"Good, truly worthy of being a soldier of my Xiangcheng Battalion. Leaving right now is fine." Edward Foster slapped Ethan Brooks excitedly.

In his heart, Ethan Brooks let out a cold snort. They were sending them to die, yet not even a hint of guilt in their eyes—this Edward Foster really was a piece of work.

Before leaving, Ethan Brooks did something the others couldn't understand: he found a sharp spear and deliberately left the spearhead behind. He had no other choice—without a dagger, he could only use this as a substitute. With his current strength, using a knife would be suicide.

……

"Lieutenant Captain Lee, you now command several hundred men. Don't act as rashly as you did when you were a company commander, rushing about with no sense of steadiness." The speaker was a man in his forties, dressed in a captain's uniform.

This so-called Captain Lee was panting and hurriedly said, "General Harris, I just heard something of utmost importance and must report it immediately. Please, General, make a decision..."

"What earth-shattering news?" Before the captain surnamed Han could speak, someone outside the tent answered.

"Mr. Reed..." As soon as the two recognized the man, they immediately stepped forward to salute.

This man was named George Reed, but he was not from the Xiangcheng Battalion. He was a civil official, but due to the war between Liujin Kingdom and Zheyun Kingdom, he was trapped in the Xiangcheng Battalion. Because George Reed and Captain Harris's father were old friends, he often came here to listen to the military developments of both armies.

Upon hearing George Reed's words, Captain Harris's expression immediately became awkward, and he glared fiercely at the Captain.

Chapter 007 Conflict

Seeing Captain Harris's expression, George Reed immediately understood what he was thinking. With a hearty laugh, he said, "Captain Harris, although I am not a member of the Xiangcheng Battalion, I can at least speak a few words for Zheyun Kingdom. Now that Zheyun faces a military disaster, how can we stand by and do nothing? Besides, your father David Harris is an old friend of mine. Speak freely, there is no need to hold back."

Captain Harris's expression did not ease at George Reed's words. To him, the frightening one was not George Reed, so he muttered, "But what if Commander Young..."

"Hmph, Emily Young has executed officers for speaking out without authorization. When I return, I will definitely report this to His Majesty. A commander who cannot tolerate his subordinates' opinions is by no means a qualified commander. To turn such a large Xiangcheng Battalion into his own personal fiefdom—this is absolutely not a good thing."

"If it weren't for his father relying on Sea King Daniel Young, with Emily Young's tendency to deceive His Majesty with words, how could he have become a commander? Back when his father was alive, he said that Emily Young was prone to exaggeration." George Reed seemed to recall the recently executed Franklin Reed, and his expression immediately turned grim.

If Ethan Brooks were here to hear George Reed's words, he would surely think that the armchair strategist Zhao Kuo had also transmigrated—this Emily Young was simply the Zheyun version of Zhao Kuo.

Seeing George Reed speak so bluntly, Captain Harris was so frightened that he immediately ordered two personal guards to stand at the entrance of the tent, then said to Captain Lee with annoyance, "Whatever it is, Mr. Reed is here too, so just say it."

Captain Lee quickly and nervously recounted everything Ethan Brooks had said. After hearing it, Captain Harris's expression changed instantly, and even the non-military George Reed sensed the gravity of the situation.

Seeing Captain Harris's face change repeatedly, George Reed immediately said, "Laisheng, this is no small matter. In a moment, I will go with you to see this Emily Young. I don't believe he can defy the heavens. Who would have thought that a mere camp soldier could have such rigorous thinking and insight, and such calm analysis. Laisheng, let's go see Commander Young now. Captain Lee, please bring the soldier who analyzed this matter. I need to meet him. For such talent to be buried in a mere army camp—this kind of person is truly a blessing for our Zheyun Kingdom."

Although a bit afraid for his life, Benjamin Harris still nodded, instructed Captain Lee to bring Ethan Brooks, and immediately followed George Hill to Emily Young's command tent.

……

Emily Young, pale-faced and beardless, with a hooked nose and a wandering gaze that made it impossible to tell what he was thinking. He listened to Benjamin Harris's words with a blank expression, glanced at George Reed beside him, and his face grew even uglier.

He shot George Reed a cold glare before slowly saying, "So you're saying the plan I set is idiotic? You, a mere refugee civil official, dare to comment on military affairs? Are you dissatisfied with my command? Since you don't understand, let me tell you: do you think I haven't considered this? All of Liujin Kingdom's troops are now stationed in narrow places and basins—I have confirmed this repeatedly, there is no falsehood. Besides, even if our army launches a surprise attack, it's only about five thousand men. The Liujin Kingdom's camps are stationed where there is absolutely no possibility of setting a fire. As long as our army drives the enemy into the basin and blocks the narrow valley entrance, we can immediately release water. As for how to block the valley entrance, I have my own methods—no need for you to worry. Also, Benjamin Harris, if not for the sake of Lady Harris, I would have you beheaded right now as a warning."