Imperial warlords: Cannons are the only truth

Early the next morning.

Within Jinzhou territory—Jincheng City Defense Command Headquarters.

"Gentlemen, it has now been confirmed that the 159th Regiment, which was stationed at Wanjiakou yesterday, was completely defeated by the invading Youzhou army."

"The 201st Regiment, the 233rd Regiment, and Dong Ruijin's Independent Brigade, which went to support Wanjiakou, were also defeated by the Youzhou Army."

"Moreover, they were basically defeated without any chance to fight back."

"These photos in front of you are of the Youzhou army that entered Jinzhou."

"These photos were taken in my capacity as a journalist."

"They didn't stop us at all."

"Therefore, everyone can get a very clear view of the most authentic Youzhou army through these photos!"

Luo Dazhou, the chief of staff of the Jinzhou Army, pointed to the photos on the table and said to the officers attending the military conference, "Look at the spirit of the soldiers of the Youzhou Army. They exude confidence from the bottom of their bones!"

"At first glance, you can tell that this must be the most elite and ace unit of the Youzhou army."

"Chief of Staff, why have we never seen this kind of gun used by the Youzhou army before?"

"Could it be an extended version of a submachine gun?"

"My goodness! Look at their individual equipment—all of them are wearing steel helmets, and each one has a submachine gun!"

"This is ridiculous! This is even more impressive than the combined forces of five provinces..."

"A five-province coalition? Don't be ridiculous! Look at their tank platoon, and look at the artillery they're bringing into the city. You can tell at a glance that they're all high-end equipment. How can a five-province coalition compare to that?"

"Even the regular armies of foreigners aren't this good, are they?"

"I think these Youzhou soldiers in the photos are even more awesome than the foreign armies..."

Everyone was discussing the photos, each taking turns to speak.

"Alright, everyone, quiet down." Luo Dazhou slammed his hand on the table, looking at the officers who were nearly speechless with shock.

"That's the situation, that's how things are."

"How should we fight this battle? I'd like to hear the opinions of all the brigade commanders..."

"Fight? How can we fight like this? What are we going to do with a hook and a K..." Xu Maocai, the commander of the 91st Brigade of the Jinzhou Army, who always spoke his mind, raised the photo in his hand and pointed: "Look! These planes in the sky, I have never seen so many planes in my life."

"There's no way to fight this!"

"Can't fight? Commander Xu, what do you mean by that?" Li Hongyu, the brigade commander of the Jincheng Garrison Brigade stationed in Jincheng, questioned on the spot: "I want to know how you interpret the phrase 'can't fight at all'!"

"Give up resistance? Surrender outright?"

"No! Brigade Commander Li, if you put it that way, then things will be much easier."

Xu Maocai looked at the righteous Li Hongyu with disdain: "If Brigade Commander Li is willing to lead his troops to the front to face the Youzhou army, then we will go all out and fight to the end!"

"How about it?"

"Commander Xu, what do you mean by that? Who do you think you are? You think I'll just go ahead and lead the charge just because you tell me to?"

"The commander-in-chief made it very clear before he left that Chief of Staff Luo would be in full charge of Jinzhou affairs."

"What? Are you trying to overstep your authority and arrange the troops in place of Chief of Staff Luo? And you even want me to lead the charge? Are you even qualified?"

"Enough!" Luo Dazhou slammed his hand on the table, stopping the two who were about to continue their argument: "Is this the time for you to quarrel?"

"You're here for a military meeting, not to start a brawl!"

"What the hell is going on! Stop making a fuss!"

"You'll stop arguing when the Youzhou army's big planes fly overhead!"

"Brigadier Li, just say it straight—what do you mean?"

"Since you say that what Brigade Commander Xu said is wrong, then tell me your opinion!"

Li Hongyu stood up abruptly: "Chief of Staff, it is the duty of us soldiers to defend our homeland!"

"The commander-in-chief's order for us to remain in Jinzhou is a sign of his trust in us. If we allow the Youzhou army to invade our territory and do nothing, how can we explain ourselves to the commander-in-chief!"

"So what?" Luo Dazhou frowned and glanced sideways at Li Hongyu, who was spouting high-sounding rhetoric.

"So! Please give the order, Chief of Staff! We will all obey the Chief of Staff!"

"A soldier's duty is to obey orders. The Chief of Staff is now the highest military commander in Jinzhou. Your orders are the supreme command!"

"Good! Commander Li is indeed a man of principle." Luo Dazhou said solemnly, "In that case, let Commander Li lead his troops to repel the invading Youzhou army and set an example for us!"

"Huh? You really want me to go..................." Li Hongyu, who had been all serious, immediately underwent a complete reversal upon hearing this: "Chief of Staff, I..................."

"Commander Li, what are you up to now?"

"Didn't you just say you wanted to protect our homeland?" Luo Dazhou asked, his brows furrowed.

“Commander Xu objectively analyzed the situation and said that this battle was unwinnable. You were the first to stand up and sing a different tune.”

"What do you mean? You're not willing to set an example for everyone?"

"Chief of Staff, what I really mean is—at this point, there's no need to beat around the bush, is there?"

Li Hongyu then explained, "Brigade Commander Xu's words are incorrect!"

"What do you mean this war can't be fought!"

"Isn't that obvious...?"

"If you ask me, we should just be direct and vote!"

"It's not that we have failed the commander-in-chief's trust and expectations, but the disparity between us and the enemy is too great. To avoid unnecessary sacrifices, laying down our weapons and surrendering would be the wise thing to do."

"Holy crap... So that's what you mean?" Luo Dazhou rolled his eyes at Li Hongyu and then waved for him to sit down.

"Everyone's silent, is that what they all mean?"

"Brigade Commander Li's words hit the nail on the head. It's not that we don't want to resist, it's just that the disparity between us and the enemy is too great. Going up there would be like throwing ourselves away, so why bother?"

"We're all from the Great Qian Dynasty, there's no need for us to fight to the death."

"We also need to think about the people of Jinzhou. War will only cause hardship and suffering for the people of Jinzhou..."

"Yes! Yes! Yes! For the sake of the peaceful lives of the people of Jinzhou, we have no choice but to..."

"Alright, stop talking nonsense." Seeing everyone's attitude, Luo Dazhou said irritably, "Since no one has any objections, then this matter is settled."

"Immediately send a telegram to the Youzhou army—our army is willing to cease all resistance and welcomes the Youzhou army to garrison Jinzhou!"

"Chief of Staff, shouldn't we also make some preparations in Jincheng?" Li Hongyu immediately asked for instructions.

Luo Dazhou was taken aback: "Prepare to make some arrangements?"

"Welcome to the Youzhou army taking over Jinzhou. Shouldn't we make proper arrangements and prepare a grand welcoming ceremony in Jincheng?"

Holy crap! This kid's thought of everything!

This traitor is even more professional than himself!

"Brigadier Li, you don't need to worry about this. I'll handle it personally—it must be an extremely grand affair..."