Seizing Lands and Claiming Lives

Earlier hours ago.

"So, what do our Military Strategists have in mind? This monarch allows you to speak what's in your mind."

The blue robes man, no, the Imperial Army legit Military Strategist, was surprised at the same time excited. He was a new man, just in his 20s. He was still supposed to be at Chang'an, reading Confucianism and poems at Taixue.

(A/N: *Chang'an– it's an ancient capital for more than 10 dynasties in Chinese history, well, according to wiki. *Taixue or Imperial Academy– was located at Chang'an and was the highest rank of educational establishments in ancient China.)

Preparing for his imperial exam, passing them and entering the imperial government. These were his destiny being a son of scholars.

But he doesn't want that. His grandfather was an old retired general with many merits. His hands were dyed blood of those barbarians that dare to have thoughts of gaining their lands. His grandfather defended their country for decades. He thought he could too. He wanted to be of use to his country like how his grandfather stepped out there beyond the Great Wall and fought with his life.

He wanted that kind of honour. That's why, instead of reading and memorizing Confucianism, he took up the Art of War. He may have a feeble body, who will fall from having just a sword swing. But as a son from a scholastic family, he has his brains.

He may have used his grandfather's connection to have this title, but now that he was given a chance, an opportunity to make the Emperor see his abilities...

He won't let this go. He will grab this chance.

The Military Strategist bowed in respect and thanked the Emperor for his benevolence for giving him the opportunity to speak. And went forward towards the table where the map is.

He's been preparing for this day, since the Emperor announced his Great Expedition. He even dispatched their family's private army to secretly investigate. He was prepared and this ganer his confidence.

"Rouran Tribe geographical location is near the rock valley and the long river. Basically the physical features of their land areas were their strong defense against invaders." He paused as he looked at all the generals, including the Emperor, albeit, humbly and respectfully. "But..these could also be their greatest weakness."

Using the stick, the military strategist pointed out a narrow land mark, which is the location of the Rouran Tribe itself. "This here, is the specific location where the Rouran Tribe is. And the location itself is a choke point." He proceeds pointing towards a certain location, "here, here, and here." Then placed the miniature figures representing the Imperial Army and designated them into three. "We can force an attack on all sides at once, surprising them. With their location being a choke point, adding the fact that they are not prepared for the attack at all..."

(A/N: Choke Point– military strategy using the strategic geography, usually in a narrow area, intended to concentrate the enemy into a confined area where the defender can maximize his forces. From Wikipedia, btw.)

"It's a definite victory." Said the Emperor, decisively. "Very well said." He smiled as he praised the blue robbed man.

The military strategist's eyes brighten. He was so happy, but he pursed his lips to stop himself from reacting in exaggerations. He bowed and thanked the Emperor, then stepped back and went back to his place, waiting for the Emperor's decision.

With a smiling face, the Emperor rested his back against his golden chair. He lowered his eyes, as if thinking. "tap, tap, tap" he knocks his finger rhythmic against the golden arm rest.

A while later, the Emperor finally raised his head. He got up, then looked at his subjects one by one.

Even if his subjects dared not look him in the eye, the Emperor, with his pressure, made his subjects meet his eyes.

The Emperor wanted to see the determination and ambition within the eyes of his subjects. Eyes glittering with goals reaching heights of heavens. Yet their heads will bow down to him.

He, the Son of Heaven.

He will get what he wants.

"Get prepared. We're moving at noon."

Everyone bowed and saluted before immediately going out to prepare.

...

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...

Hours later.

The sun shines a mellow light of orange and red. Like a fire ranging, dying the sky bright red. The Emperor looked up and saw its majesty. He smiles as his eyes glow red from the reflection of the red sun.

His proud white horse marched calm and steady, with a thousand army following behind him. With his golden armor and red cape, holding his spear he marched.

Step by step, forwards, until they reach their designed location. They stopped.

The Emperor looked forward, the smile on his face grew even more. His eyes sparkles, excitement surging through his veins. His heart thump, and blood flows quickly as adrenaline rush out of his system.

Clenching his fists, if he could, he wanted to go straight and attack now. The Emperor wanted to see blood. He wants to scream in pain and agony.

He knew he was different every since he was but a child. No one knew, but he killed and tortured countless slaves since he could remember.

But the era he was born in, the dynasty ruling these days were nothing but the Golden Age where prosperity shines.

War ended a long time ago.

Nevertheless, he was nothing but a child with filial piety. He promised his father, the late Emperor at his death bed to protect his country and people when it was his turn to reign.

He suppressed his blood lust. His desire for blood and Destruction for many years since he sat in that dragon throne.

But he can't stop it forever.

That's why, here he was. As the Emperor, it was impossible for him to be away from the Capital, more so the imperial palace itself.

He has nowhere to vent. He stopped killing since long time ago. Those old minister knew their Emperor, that's why before it was to late. Before their Emperor exploded, the Great Expedition come to light.

With the Emperor leading the expedition himself, not only did it comfort and motivate the people, it raised the army morale as well.

Not only did they help their Emperor vent his blood lust, they gave their country glory as well. It's hitting two birds with one stone. The thing that's left is for the plan to be successful.

This is what the Great Expedition is all about.

...

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Military Strategist: "Chotto! Chotto Matte!" *hits the table with his palms*

Author: *Shocked* "You're a Chinese. What chotto matte?!"

Military Strategist: "Aren't I supposed to be proficient at Art of War? Can you see which line in this chapter I referred to Art of War?"

Mulan: "hehehe. I see it. There, there. When you're introducing your past. There's an 'Art of War' there."

Military Strategist: "Shut up! Don't talk, you haven't even been born yet!"

Author: "Do you really have to use Art of War. You use modern military strategy there. Shouldn't you've been thanking me instead?"

Xianniang looked at the author and sarcastically said: "maybe, because its ancient era settings and not modern age? More so, it's ancient CHINA".

Author: "don't look at me like that. It's not my fault" (^～^;)ゞ

Mulan: "That's right. Don't blame the author. Did you know that there's 13 chapters in Art of War. Do you think the author will read it patiently? No, right. Just think that it's enough to win. Look at me, in the future I will win the war all by myself without reading Sun Tzu's Art of War."

Military Strategist: "Fine. As if there is a point of me complaining like this."

Xianniang sneers.

The author cheers.