Chapter 299: Ambitions

Chapter 299: Chapter 299: Ambitions

"Third Prince Hao?" A-Da asked in confusion.

"Yes, exactly. The Third Prince of the Hao family. I want to know, where was his body buried after his death?" Zhong Shan stared at A-Da and asked.

"The body? It wasn't buried," A-Da replied.

"Not buried?" Zhong Shan asked, puzzled.

"Hmm. At the time, during the hour of the boar (亥时), the Third Prince's life force was exhausted, and he died. The Jiao Dragon abandoned him and fled. After his body was inspected by everyone, it was taken by the princess," A-Da explained after thinking for a moment.

"With the princess?" Zhong Shan asked in surprise.

"Hmm. At that time, no one dared to contest with the princess. She said she wanted to take it back and have experts study the bloodline of the Third Prince. So, the body was preserved in ice and taken back. It might still be with the princess, or it could be with Tian Lao now," A-Da speculated.

"The princess asked Tian Lao to study it?" Zhong Shan frowned.

"That's what the princess said back then," A-Da confirmed.

Hearing A-Da's account, Zhong Shan slowly sat down, frowning and contemplating for a while. A-Da respectfully waited by his side.

After some thought, Zhong Shan said, "A-Da, I have a task for you."

"Please give the order, Master!" A-Da responded immediately.

"I'll write a letter. You must deliver it to the princess personally. She will instruct you on what to do next," Zhong Shan looked at A-Da and said.

"You want me to return to the Ancient Holy Capital?" A-Da asked in surprise.

"Yes, hurry to the Ancient Holy Capital. I'll write a letter for the princess. Don't worry about things here; there will be no issues with safety. I won't deploy troops until you return. I'll be waiting here in Wushuang City," Zhong Shan said seriously.

Looking at Zhong Shan, A-Da thought for a moment and then said, "Understood!"

The next day, A-Da disappeared from everyone's sight!

Zhong Shan was in no hurry to lay siege; instead, he sent a letter, personally delivered to the Great Xuan City, and placed on the desk of the King of Great Xuan.

The King of Great Xuan sat at his desk, reading and rereading the letter, with seven or eight strategists standing in front of him, discussing among themselves.

Gently placing Zhong Shan's letter down, the King of Great Xuan looked at the gathered strategists.

"You've all read the letter. What are your thoughts on Zhong Shan?" the King of Great Xuan asked slowly.

"Your Highness, considering Zhong Shan's actions over the years, he is a person of great strategy and composure, handling matters with exceptional wisdom and calmness. He is a rare talent, and Your Highness needs such a person," one of the strategists said.

"He handles matters smoothly and appropriately, possesses extraordinary wisdom, judges the situation accurately, and makes decisive decisions. Calling him a mere talent is an understatement. To lead a weak group and maneuver through the Grand Universe Empire's eight million soldiers, to attract divine wrath with an examination essay, to conquer the impregnable Wushuang City with just two thousand casualties—any other person would be incredibly proud of such achievements. But Zhong Shan treats them as if they are ordinary matters, as if nothing significant has happened. Such deep scheming is truly terrifying! This man is not a descendant of the Da Luo Dynasty's ministers, which means his ambitions must be immense. His heaven-defying achievements pale in comparison to his ambitions, far less, far less!" another strategist said.

"Yes, sir," Shui Wuhen responded, a hint of resignation in his voice.

"Commander, the other corps have already begun their attacks. Are we just going to remain idle?" Zhao Chuan interjected with a frown.

"The other corps? Tell me, how have they fared so far?" Zhongshan asked.

"In the past eight months, the forces targeting the Da Yu Empire have captured four of their cities. Qi Tian Marquis recently took his second city and is now consolidating his forces," Zhao Chuan explained.

"Oh? Qi Tian Marquis has already captured two cities? Impressive. How heavy were his losses?" Zhongshan inquired.

"He suffered greatly. It will take at least six months of recovery before he can resume his campaigns," Zhao Chuan replied.

"Such heavy losses? Hm, and what about those targeting the Da Guang Dynasty?" Zhongshan asked.

"They're facing difficulties. General Xiao Wang of the Da Guang Dynasty is a formidable opponent. Shui Jing managed to take two cities, Jin Chan took one, and other commanders captured three cities. However, shortly after, Xiao Wang recaptured two cities and breached two of our own Da Luo Dynasty's cities," Zhao Chuan explained.

"So, they captured six cities but lost four?" Zhongshan frowned.

"Yes," Zhao Chuan confirmed.

Glancing at Zhao Chuan, Zhongshan smiled faintly. "Rest assured, I'm waiting for something. Once it arrives, we will resume our campaigns. For now, intensify the training. The strength of our army lies in its soldiers."

"Yes!" The generals could only nod with resignation.

"Also, have you gathered all the information on the commanders defending the twelve cities of Linqi?" Zhongshan turned to Zhao Chuan.

"We've collected all that we can. For those we haven't, we're still sending people out," Zhao Chuan replied.

"Good, accelerate the collection process. Our army remains still for now, but once it moves, it will be unstoppable!" Zhongshan reassured the generals.

"Yes!" The generals nodded in agreement—

In the following days, the generals obediently continued training their troops while Zhongshan meticulously reviewed the gathered information. One day, during a break, Zhongshan called for Nian Youyou.

"What's this? Just remembering me now?" Nian Youyou pouted with an expression of mock hurt, her big watery eyes fixed on Zhongshan, resembling a resentful maiden.

Zhongshan rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. "Come, I'll show you something."

Nian Youyou looked puzzled. Why was Zhongshan suddenly seeking her out? What did he want to show her?

Before long, Zhongshan brought Nian Youyou to the square in front of the City Lord's mansion.

Upon arriving at the square, Nian Youyou's eyes widened in surprise.

Because, spread across the square, were all kinds of flowers in full bloom. Their myriad colors filled every corner.

They all shared a common name—roses!