Chao Gai was startled, first tense, then relaxed.
If it were someone else surrendering, he might have to refuse. But if it were the King of Qin, he could consider it.
However, as the leader, there were some things he couldn't say, so he turned to Gongsun Sheng, the "Dragon Entering the Clouds."
"Mr. Gongsun, what's your opinion?"
Gongsun Sheng, who had been resting with his eyes closed, slowly opened them after being asked, and said sparingly, "Yes, but we need to fight for preferential treatment!"
As a rational person, if he had understood the surrounding situation, he would have known that Lu Ming was already the undisputed leader.
This was different from Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao was only the hegemon of the north. Lu Ming was not only the hegemon of the north, but also controlled Guanzhong, Luoyang, and Yizhou.
Now, he was fighting on two fronts; the Second Army was already engaged in fierce fighting in Jingzhou.
He had completely delegated authority; as long as they maintained their footing, they could fight however they wanted.
With Guo Jia around, Lu Ming really didn't need to worry about anything going wrong.
If even Guo Jia could stumble, then all they needed to do was hold Jiangling, and once he had pacified the Central Plains, they could then target Jingzhou.
"What are your opinions, everyone?"
Chao Gai had initially been very democratic, avoiding a one-man show. Now that the Liangshan stronghold was newly pacified, unity was still necessary.
"I agree with the strategist's suggestion."
Lin Chong also voiced his opinion, mainly because clearing his name was crucial. He still thought of his beloved wife and hoped nothing would happen to her.
After reaching a consensus among the brothers, Chao Gai said to Wu Yong, "Then I'll trouble the strategist to go and see what Pang Tong intends to do."
"Don't worry, Chief, I will definitely complete the mission."
Wu Yong also solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute. He had a premonition, a tacit understanding among scholars, that Pang Tong also had the idea of recruiting them.
Soon, at the Qin army camp on the edge of the Juye Marsh.
Although young, Pang Tong was already incredibly mature. This time, he wanted more than just to conquer Liangshan; he also wanted Puyang.
He had some other ideas, a unique one.
Don't assume that scholars don't flatter. No matter how talented someone is, they'll find a way to integrate into a circle.
"Strategist, Wu Yong from Liangshan has arrived."
Ma Dai entered to report. This time, accompanying the army on the expedition, he remained as calm as ever, as if nothing could stir his emotions.
"Please let him in."
Shortly afterward, a middle-aged scholar wearing a turban and hat arrived.
Holding a feather fan, he bowed to Pang Tong, "Wu Yong of Liangshan greets Your Excellency!"
"Sit."
Pang Tong gestured to the cushion beside him and personally poured a cup of tea for the man.
"It is my honor that you have come, sir. The current political landscape remains clear: the Qin King's military might is unstoppable.
"The people of Liangshan are pitiful victims of injustice, and each of you possesses extraordinary skills.
"Now I need you to do something. After you accomplish it, I will personally recommend you as commoners.
"Those willing to join the army are welcome. Those who wish to return home will also receive some travel expenses. What do you say, sir?"
"..."
He immediately gets to the point.
No beating around the bush—that's a principle Pang Tong learned in the Military Affairs Office.
At least that's how the King of Qin is; he doesn't like listening to nonsense. If you have something to say, say it quickly. Only then will the King of Qin make a decision; otherwise, he'll just send you away.
Wu Yong was also somewhat surprised, thinking he'd try to negotiate.
He had indeed intended to negotiate, but seeing Pang Tong's gaze, he hesitated.
"The other day, Lü Bu led his men to Xiaopei, supposedly to join Liu Bei. Now Liangshan only has less than two thousand men. What does Your Excellency need us to do?"
"Open the gates of Puyang and let the army in. If you hold out for five quarters of an hour, the army will arrive." "Pang Tong is about to use one enemy to devour another.
Will Puyang be easy to capture? No, but it must be taken.
If he tries to recruit him, the Puyang governor, Cai Jing, will definitely demand an exorbitant price. Therefore, to prevent this, he chose the most direct method: have someone trick the city gates open, then launch a cavalry attack on Puyang. Once the gates are controlled, the rest will be straightforward.
As long as he writes down his plan and the process and gives it to Xu Shu, Pang Tong believes Xu Shu will agree with his approach.
Because this way, there's no room for negotiation, and controlling Puyang becomes much simpler." There were many orders.
The Qin state was different from other places. A large portion of Qin's land was officially managed, not allocated to private individuals or military generals.
Internally, a welfare system was implemented, ensuring that the children of military generals could receive education and that their inheritance could be passed down.
Simply wanting to become a landowner was impossible; one could only become a wealthy man, forget about owning land.
Conquering a territory required careful post-war governance.
Pang Tong thought deeply, striving for near perfection.
"That's alright. Losing Lü Bu won't make a difference. He probably only dares to do this because his daughter is a queen. As long as he doesn't oppose Qin, let him be."
Pang Tong added, "Mr. Wu, if you can't make a decision, go back and tell Chao Gai. He has one day to think it over."
"If there's no reply by this time tomorrow, then I will first flatten Liangshan, then take Puyang!"
Wu Yong was still pondering the Qin king's character, wondering if offering him a beautiful woman would make things better.
Upon hearing Pang Tong's threat, he bowed and said, "I understand. Time is of the essence; I will return to Liangshan immediately. I will reply no matter what!"
He came in haste and left in haste.
Pang Tong muttered to himself, "I hope they know what's good for them."
Recruiting the Liangshan heroes was certainly a good thing. If not, it didn't matter; he could use this opportunity to showcase his military talent.
At this moment, Ma Dai rushed in, his face grave. "Traces of Cao Cao's army have been discovered a hundred li to the south, led by Xiahou Dun."
"Oh?"
Pang Tong took the map and examined it, then pointed to a place.
"Chaofeng Slope, this is it. Please inform General Ma Chao to come here. It seems Cao Cao's army is about to give us credit!"
Upon hearing about the impending battle, Ma Chao rushed in.
While strategic planning was of no interest to him, he was itching to fight. "Strategist, tell me what you want me to do!"
"It seems the general is in high spirits. Good, here's what I'll do."
Pang Tong began to give orders, neither feigning surrender nor showing weakness, but instead instructing Ma Chao's cavalry to launch a surprise attack and drive the enemy to their designated position!