Yan Shuang said, "Or is it withdrawing from Tianye City and swearing allegiance to the Rage Wave Kingdom or the Xiliang Kingdom?"
At this, Suo Lun couldn’t help but startle.
Yan Shuang continued, "The envoys of these two kingdoms found me three months ago. They offered the position of a commander of ten thousand, promising not to disrupt the Silver Wolf Legion but to supplement it with seven thousand soldiers, allowing me to independently command a true army of ten thousand. All the officers within the legion would be appointed or dismissed by me."
These two kingdoms were indeed very generous.
Yan Shuang went on, "But the highest bidder was the Night Orchid Duchy. Once I lead my troops there, they would promote me to an Earl and grant me a city as my fief. Furthermore, they offered marriage to the future Crown Prince, becoming his legitimate wife."
The Night Orchid Duchy has two provinces, with a population of approximately nine million, and an army of two hundred thousand.
The monarch, Duban, is diligent and ambitious, but unfortunately being sandwiched between Rage Wave, Xiliang, and the Flame Empire, there’s little room for expansion.
Suo Lun realized that even if Yan Shuang led her troops out of Tianye City, his was the lowest offer, the least attractive one.
Even the Night Orchid Duchy was a colossus compared to himself.
Suo Lun said, "So Miss Yan Shuang, have you considered pledging loyalty to the Rage Wave Kingdom, the Xiliang Kingdom, or becoming the Crown Princess Consort of the Night Orchid Duchy?"
"No," Yan Shuang said. "Once that happens, the Wild Wolf Legion’s independence would be utterly lost. That is my father’s lifelong foundation; it cannot be destroyed by my hands."
This reply was within Suo Lun’s expectations but was not good news for him. Because once she chose to pledge loyalty to Suo Lun, the independent title of the Silver Wolf Legion would also be utterly lost.
Suo Lun said, "So Miss Yan Shuang not only wants to preserve the Silver Wolf Legion but also continue to stay in Tianye City. In that case, you would have to engage in a life-and-death battle with other vicious wolves?"
"Yes," Yan Shuang said. "I’d rather perish in a blaze of glory than flee disgracefully, merely to survive."
Suo Lun closed his eyes and pondered for a long time, then said, "Since the miss’s resolve is set, I have three strategies that could at least ensure the Silver Wolf’s survival."
Yan Shuang said, "Please, speak."
Suo Lun said, "First, rather than letting the enemy reveal the truth of Elder Yan Yan’s fall, you should take the initiative to disclose it. Because many brothers within the Silver Wolf Legion were personally brought up by your esteemed father, this would kindle their loyalty and sympathy."
"Second, do not try to keep the integrity of the Silver Wolf Legion. You must know when to let go. Absolutely do not retain those who wish to leave. Otherwise, the Silver Wolf Legion will become a huge black hole, consuming all your energy and strategic strength, making you run ragged and leaving countless vulnerabilities. You only need to keep the most elite, the most loyal force."
"Third, and most crucial, do not wait for the enemy to attack you, but take the initiative. You personally lead a select force, and clandestinely attack other forces in Tianye City. Raid their caravans, eliminate their mercenary teams that go out on missions. Moreover, target only two or three forces, so the remaining nine dare not provoke you and will stand by and watch. This way, you can tear apart their fragile alliance."
In conclusion, Suo Lun summarized, "In short, two sentences. First: Struggle for life, and you shall live. Compromise for life, and life shall perish. Second: In the fight against the enemy, you fight your battles, and I fight mine. Never get into passive counterattacks, do not fall into the opponent’s rhythm, exhausted by endless running."
"And then?" asked Yan Shuang.
Suo Lun said, "Kill Lord Ji Gang of Tianye City, leaving the enemy headless and utterly intimidated, so you, the new Wolf King, can establish your authority."
Yan Shuang looked at Suo Lun silently for a moment, then extended her hand and said, "Your test is over. I have seen many young talents, but none with the great wisdom that you possess. You are the person I need most. Please come to my side and help me!"
Suo Lun extended his hand and clasped Yan Shuang’s, and though she was wearing gloves, his heart skipped a beat.
Meanwhile, they had arrived at the camp of the Silver Wolf Legion.
"Miss Yan Shuang, please lead us to see the Dragon Seal Stele," said Fang Qingshu from outside.
Note: The second update is here; the frightening double monthly tickets have arrived, where one vote counts as two. I need to work hard on typing tonight, aiming for at least ten thousand words tomorrow. My brothers, I must beg for your monthly tickets, pleading on my knees. Also, I think I drank too much coffee, my heartbeat’s accelerated, and I feel restless inside.