Dark Sand: My Players Are All Actors-Chapter 510 - 268: Limited Edition Cheat_2

This was indeed because Emperor Taizu of Sheng was extraordinarily gifted and had an unrivaled physique, but there was another very important reason— the differences in their military styles.

Generally speaking, Emperor Taizu employed troops in a somewhat reasonable manner, focusing on the long-term plan.

Since he rose from the ranks, his individual combat capability was certainly strong. However, as his power gradually expanded, he almost never led troops personally anymore but delegated the command to trusted generals like General Gu Yuan.

Later on, when he personally campaigned against the Northern Barbarians, it was because there was no suitable candidate available, and the battle was too crucial, which led him to decide to leave the Crown Prince to oversee the nation while he took the field himself.

But generally, Emperor Taizu emphasized momentum when deploying troops.

As when he annihilated the Northern Barbarians, after securing Shandong, he did not rashly attack the capital but decided against popular opinion to first maneuver and "clip the wings", eliminating all remaining hostile forces surrounding the capital, and then in one fell swoop, seized the capital and obliterated the Northern Barbarians.

Such tactics generally favored the overall situation; only when the situation was thoroughly under control would there ensue three days of relentless pursuit without removing armor.

However, such reckless behavior was not common for Emperor Taizu.

If not because this battle was crucial, requiring as much of the Jin population to be killed as possible, Emperor Taizu would not have taken to the field himself.

Although Emperor Taizu seemed very tough, his toughness was primarily displayed in the court. Moreover, he was particular about methods, still making sure to get enough rest every day.

That was also one reason why Emperor Taizu enjoyed longevity.

But for Emperor Taizong of Liang, tactics like "not removing armor for three days" and pursuing and attacking the enemy for three continuous days and nights were routine, almost every time he fought.

Perhaps for this reason, his health deteriorated in his middle age, and he died at the age of fifty-two.

It can only be said that among those who act tough, there are differences.

Some people’s toughness is a kind of brute force that, once unleashed, leads to unmatched prowess, but excessive use can easily lead to collapse; whereas others have a more enduring toughness, which may start slowly but its persistence can make court officials question their lives.

...

The capital’s gates were open, and the citizens lined the streets to welcome their emperor.

No matter how excited the people were, it was not enough to express their emotions.

He was simply a savior sent from heaven!

Previously, the entire capital had been in imminent danger, with its several hundred thousand residents at risk of becoming fish meat under the Jin’s knives, but Prince Yun’s arrival not only lifted the siege of the capital but also turned a potential humiliation at Jingping into a great victory at Jingping.

When the news of the great victory at Jingping reached them a few days ago, the citizens, hearing that the Jin forces had suffered heavy casualties, were overjoyed.

For several days, the capital had been brightly decorated and filled with jubilation.

And now that the emperor was returning from the campaign himself, he was bound to receive an enthusiastic reception and welcome from the people.

Upon returning to the imperial palace, Fan Cun issued several decrees in succession.

First, regarding those captured Jin soldiers, all Jins were to be beheaded publicly in the bustling areas of the capital in staged batches for the citizens to have their fill of the spectacle. For those troops conscripted by the Jin soldiers, finding ways to reform and train them for integration into the army was to be considered.

This also provided a good opportunity to deeply reform the entire military system of the Qi Dynasty.

Killing those who surrendered was said to be a bad omen, but Fan Cun did not care about that, and besides, hadn’t the Jin been killing those who surrendered? They were all die-hard elements who must be killed.

And besides, didn’t I spare some conscripted troops? That doesn’t count as killing those who surrendered.

Next, release the news that Emperor Yingzong of Qi disappeared amid the chaos of battle, and his whereabouts are unknown.

Actually, the Qi Army had found Emperor Yingzong’s corpse, but Fan Cun considered that if he really arranged a proper burial, since he was after all an emperor of the Qi Dynasty, it would require a grand ceremony.

Not good; he didn’t deserve it.

So, it’s easier to say that Emperor Yingzong disappeared amongst the chaos of battle, alive not seen, dead not found, and thus it can’t conclusively be declared that he is dead, so there is no need to handle the national mourning.

What? You say since he’s missing, we should search?

No problem, I have already sent the Western Army to search, but if they can’t find him, you can’t blame me.

Search for ten or eight years, by that time, probably no one will remember this matter.

Lastly, upon returning to the imperial palace, retrieving control of the Wude Bureau from Zhong Pingyuan’s hands and settling old scores began.

In the court, there were still many followers of both Emperor Qihui of Qi and Emperor Yingzong of Qi.

After all, such a large dynastic court couldn’t be overhauled all at once; it had to be done step by step. Previously, when Jin soldiers were at the gates, everything Emperor Taizu did was only to secure his grip over state affairs, removing those who were a hindrance.

But after this personal campaign, even more officials in need of elimination began to surface.

During this period, the news that the emperor was personally commanding the Western Army and confronting the Jin forces circulated among the high levels of the court.

And with the emperor not in court, many officials naturally began to have ideas.

Imagine, if in this battle, the Jin had won?

The emperor led his troops personally, resulting in a disastrous defeat and humiliation with the Western Army suffering heavy losses.

Then the Jin would inevitably follow up by wiping out all nearby forces loyal to the emperor and use that to justify demanding even more money.

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