Fantasy: After transmigrating, I effortlessly became a god.

After assigning the garrison commanders for the four gates, Zheng Qian continued to devise a strategy.

"Third, the Brocade Knife Shop is located in the center of the city and is the largest and tallest courtyard in Lvchang County. We will use the Brocade Knife Shop as an intelligence gathering point and a rest area for the wounded. Wu Feng will lead one hundred martial arts masters and three hundred civilians to brew medicine here. There will also be two hundred martial arts masters divided into forty groups of five. Each group must consist of people from different factions with similar combat strength to prevent anyone from turning against us. We will set up information relay points in forty locations throughout the city."

Everyone nodded in agreement; the transmission of information had to be fast, and these martial arts masters were the most suitable candidates.

The five-person group consists of people from different factions with similar combat strength. Even if someone betrays them, the other four can suppress and kill them, and they can quickly form a mobile support force.

Brilliant, that's a brilliant move.

Zheng Qian pointed to the house opposite the brocade knife shop and continued.

"The other two hundred martial arts masters are all gathered here. They are from different forces and are led by reliable people. They will take immediate action as our support team whenever any sect needs support."

Finally, Zheng Qian pointed to the courtyard to the left of the brocade knife shop and said...

"Fourth, gather all the elderly and children who haven't left here today, give them money and food, and let their families take them to Luning County or a safe place. Today and tomorrow, all those who are able to work should get to work and move all the stones, logs, and other things that can be used for fighting to the city wall. Make it clear to them that they will be paid five times the usual wage for their work, and that they will be paid on the same day they finish. On the third day, let all those who do not want to stay leave to avoid a rebellion and unnecessary casualties."

Those who stayed behind were paid ten times their wages. Wu Feng organized them to learn how to disinfect and bandage wounds and to deliver medicine. Wu Feng led a hundred martial arts masters to carry the wounded.

"Magistrate He, is the county government's budget sufficient?"

He Zuowen nodded, indicating that there was no problem.

The money shops have all closed down, so there's no point in keeping the money in the county government office. They can't take much with them anyway, so it's better to distribute it to everyone.

The three sat upright, listening attentively to every word Zheng Qian spoke.

With nearly 20,000 people, two days would be enough time to move everything that could be used to defend the city onto the city walls. Leaving them behind would be pointless, as those who volunteered to stay were people who were willing to die for money. It would be enough to start fires, cook, bandage, and deliver medicine.

Zheng Qian moved his hand to the house to the right of the brocade knife shop, his voice becoming much colder.

"Fifth, all the family members of officials in all departments who have not left or are unwilling to leave will be gathered in these civilian houses and guarded by three hundred veteran soldiers who have seen bloodshed. The county magistrate himself will accompany Magistrate He to guard the city. If his family members have not left, they will all be dispersed in these civilian houses to comfort the family members of officials who have not left. The Changwu Army will protect their safety at all times."

These families were instructed in advance not to inquire about war news, not to allow officials to visit them, and especially not to allow veterans to reveal any information about the defense of the city. Anyone who violated these rules would be executed.

The three of them clenched their fists simultaneously, their eyes sharp.

Okay, this arrangement is excellent.

They didn't trust Zhu Zhi, the county magistrate; the Biqiang Sect was getting too close to him.

The three of them had discussed how to deal with those who were unwilling to leave, since no one knew if there was a mole among them.

After two days of discussion, they couldn't come up with a good solution. These family members were a real headache; they couldn't be hit or scolded, as it would affect morale.

Unexpectedly, Zheng Qian solved the problem for them by completely cutting off their information. This prevented them from causing trouble, and at most they could only make unreasonable demands. After all, it was much better for them to worry than to cause trouble.

Having veterans who have seen bloodshed guard the area is an even better strategy.

They are all people with rich life experience and combat experience. Some of them are good at persuasion, and when they kill, their knives are fast and the victims don't feel pain when they die.

They couldn't bring themselves to kill him, but Zheng Qian made the decision to execute him without hesitation, which shows that Zheng Qian was a man destined for great things.

When faced with matters of principle, they are ruthless and heartless.

There was one more thing Zheng Qian didn't say, but everyone knew it.

If we can't hold out and need to escape, we need troops. Four hundred martial arts masters and three hundred veteran soldiers who have seen bloodshed are enough to break through if we use the right tactics.

Sure enough, Zheng Qian's sixth point came, and the three of them perked up.

"Sixth, the 1,267 horses were managed separately. 267 horses were given to martial arts masters to transport the wounded. The remaining 1,000 horses were fed, drunk and slept well, so that they would have enough strength to charge into battle."

The above six points outline my strategic plan. Specific details will require on-site inspection at the city gates to make final decisions. In war, the primary focus will be on defense, with flexibility and adaptability as needed.

clap clap...

The three of them clapped at the same time; Zheng Qian's six points had completely won them over.

The first point is to protect the water source. Without water, the Red Turban Army would be wiped out in three days without even needing to attack the city. Zheng Qian can solve the poisoning problem with fish, which is very clever.

Secondly, Zheng Qian was courageous in guarding the city gate, and he divided the work reasonably without being greedy for credit or arrogant. He also arranged for the county magistrate to be on the escape route to support them. As long as the Red Turban Army had a shred of rationality, they would not launch a fierce attack on the county magistrate. This is political maneuvering, and he also took into account human relationships. It was equally brilliant.

The third point is that using Jin Dao Shop as a strategic deployment location is the same as what they thought, but the fact that different forces formed five-person groups to pass messages is something they couldn't have imagined. The five-person groups are definitely not afraid of rebels infiltrating, which is even better.

Fourthly, they had already considered paying the people to help with their labor, but they hadn't expected to pay so much and even send them out of the city. This not only demonstrated their benevolence but also united their forces. And because of the money, some fearless individuals would stay to help, thus providing them with manpower to command – still a brilliant move.

The fifth point is even more ingenious. When war comes, everyone will flee with their families. But officials not only don't leave, but their whole families stay in the places that will be hit by the war. How can you not be afraid? Zheng Qian used three hundred veterans to deal with these hidden dangers.

The sixth point is the most crucial element, requiring a clever person to grasp. The thousand horses weren't for charging through the city, but for a charge during the escape. The three hundred veterans guarding the officials' families wouldn't be injured; they were the backbone of the escape after the city fell. Add to that the martial arts masters and the last survivors, and a thousand horses would be just enough.

From food and drink to war, to eliminating spies, and finally to escape planning, Zheng Qian made comprehensive arrangements.

That was brilliant strategic planning!

After clapping, He Zuowen felt much more relaxed and asked Qin Yong and Jin Jindao,

"Is there anything else you need to add?"

"No."

"The strategic deployment is perfect."

Who could oppose such a shrewd decision? Who would dare to oppose it?

"Alright, in that case, you two go to your respective city gates to prepare. Qin Yong, you also need to be responsible for the few things that Inspector Zheng has arranged. Don't let any spy get away."

"Yes, magistrate."

After the two left, He Zuowen started chatting with Zheng Qian about everyday things.

"I've actually been keeping an eye on you secretly for the past two years. As long as your life isn't threatened, I won't interfere with your life. After all, how can young people grow up without experiencing hardships and suffering? I'm waiting for you to make a name for yourself."

He chuckled to himself and continued.

"Do you remember last year's Spring Festival? You got drunk and insulted Zhu Zhi. You weren't satisfied, so you went to urinate in front of his house. He's the county magistrate. If I hadn't warned him, you would have been taught a lesson by him long ago."

Zheng Qian recalled what happened last year, after all, he had been bragging about it for a long time.

He insulted the county magistrate and then urinated in front of his house. That was the second-in-command of Lüchang County. Apart from Zheng Qian, who else in the entire county magistrate would dare to do such a thing?

It turns out that Zheng Qian had been misunderstanding He Zuowen all along.

Zheng Qian harbored a deep resentment towards He Zuowen. His girlfriend was sent to the palace by He Zuowen, and afterwards, he pretended not to know him. He had a feeling that his enemy had become a high-ranking official while he himself was still trash, hence his hatred of officials.

They were still affected, not clear-headed enough, and didn't see the essence of the matter.

If you do something wrong, you should admit it; if you're going to be punished, you should stand up straight.

Zheng Qian immediately picked up his teacup and said, "Uncle He, I was being ignorant. I'm offering you tea instead of wine to apologize. Please forgive me."

After clinking glasses and drinking, He Zuowen smiled happily.

"Haha, I never expected you to be conserving your strength all this time. You single-handedly wiped out the Green Spear Sect and even got involved with Zhang Xinghai. Not bad, you've been hiding it well enough. Even I was fooled by you."

Zheng Qian smiled and said, "If it weren't for me, Zheng Qian, I really wouldn't have lied to you, sir."

Zheng Qian put down the teacup and offered to refill it, which pleased He Zuowen.

"With your current abilities, you can help your father."

Zheng Qian suddenly looked up and asked, "Uncle He, help my dad? Where is my dad, and how can I help him?"

He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and slowly spoke.

"He started an uprising in the north."