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Emperor Li Xian – The Li Dynasty (POV)
For the past year, a relentless throbbing in my temples has been my constant companion, a cruel reminder of the failing grandeur of my meticulously crafted plans. The ambition I once harbored—to seize the Meng Dynasty while it was reeling from internal strife—has been thwarted at every turn. My once-great schemes, designed to destabilize and ultimately conquer the Meng Dynasty, are disintegrating before my eyes.
The chaos I orchestrated with the bandit incursions, intended to sow discord and weaken the Meng defenses, has turned into a disastrous miscalculation. These bandits, once my most trusted operatives, were slaughtered in a single year. Their failure was catastrophic, dismantling one pillar of my grand design. The second pillar, my plan to exploit the corruption within the Meng court and bolster General Lu Su's rebellion, was also crushed. Emperor Meng Tian's decisive actions against Lu Su and the corrupt officials upended this strategy as well.
I am at a loss, surrounded by the ashes of my ambitions. All communications with my spies within the Meng Dynasty have been severed. It's unclear whether they've been captured or are simply lying low, but their silence is a deafening blow to my plans. As I stand on the precipice of my next move, anxiety gnaws at me. The imminent threat of failure looms larger with each passing day.
Determined to succeed where my previous strategies faltered, I have resolved to implement my third plan. With a formidable army of one million soldiers at my command, I intend to launch a full-scale invasion of the Meng Dynasty. This overwhelming numerical superiority should ensure victory, or so I tell myself. Supplies and resources for an extended conflict have been stockpiled, ready to sustain my forces for the next five to six years if necessary.
The emperor of the Meng Dynasty remains an enigma. Despite his advanced age, he appears healthier and more vigorous than many younger men. His ability to personally eliminate General Lu Su and several high-ranking officials speaks to a vitality that defies conventional expectations. I am baffled by his resilience and the depth of his resolve.
With the march of my armies approaching, my plans have become the focal point of countless strategic meetings. Yesterday, I convened with my generals, detailing the meticulous arrangements for the forthcoming campaign. Three of my most capable generals have been assigned to lead the charge, while my five sons will accompany them, each commanding a contingent of 100,000 soldiers. This decision serves a dual purpose: to gain battlefield experience for my sons and to test the mettle of our military leadership.
The queen has pleaded for her eldest son to be granted an advantage, but I have refused her request. Fairness must prevail, and all my sons should face the same trials. Although I anticipate that the queen will secretly support her son, this is a matter of honor. The loyalty of my sons and their ability to lead will be tested in the crucible of war. Any display of cowardice or treachery will be met with ruthless punishment. A prince who shirks his duty is no prince at all.
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*Two days later*
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Emperor Meng Tian – The Meng Dynasty (POV)
The imperial court was a sea of anxiety and uncertainty as I reviewed the latest report from my vampire guard. The room was thick with the palpable fear that emanated from the sudden release of my bloodlust. The officials, visibly trembling, dared not utter a word as the oppressive aura enveloped them. I allowed my aura to recede, taking a moment to read the detailed accounts of Emperor Li Xian's plans.
Laughter erupted from me, a wild, disconcerting sound that echoed through the court. The officials exchanged bewildered glances, their faces etched with confusion and concern. My mirth was not for amusement but rather a response to the audacious challenge posed by Li Xian. His plan to invade with a force of one million soldiers, supported by three generals and five princes, seemed both grand and absurd.
My laughter subsided as I shared the intelligence with the court. Li Xian's intentions to launch a surprise attack with such overwhelming force were bold, but they reeked of overconfidence. It seemed to me that he was sending his troops to certain slaughter, much like sending lambs to the slaughterhouse. His misguided pride would be his undoing.
In preparation for the inevitable conflict, I issued orders to mobilize our defenses and fortify our positions. Li Xian's arrogance would be met with the iron resolve of the Meng Dynasty. I was resolved to demonstrate the true power of our empire, ensuring that his invasion would be a costly mistake.
I had long suspected that the bandit raids and Lu Su's rebellion were part of Li Xian's strategy. The intelligence I gathered confirmed my suspicions. While I had no desire to expand my empire through conquest, I could not allow the Meng Dynasty to be overrun by an aggressor. Li Xian's actions, driven by greed and a thirst for glory, would be met with a resolute defense.
The Meng Dynasty may not possess a million soldiers, but we have the advantage of experience and the formidable strength of my 300,000 troops. Among them are 1,000 new vampire soldiers, created through my blood—powerful but not as potent as myself. Their presence will tip the scales in our favor.
In the shadows, there is someone who eagerly anticipates the forthcoming conflict. This individual seeks to harness the chaos of war to forge a new army of shadow soldiers. His motives remain shrouded in mystery, but their eagerness for the impending battle adds another layer of intrigue to the situation.
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Author's Note: A special thank you to readers like Ssanstuff for suggesting the inclusion of Selene Gallio in this timeline. Your feedback is invaluable. I also want to acknowledge King_Gurra10 for supporting the non-harem army concept. I appreciate the enthusiasm and engagement from all of you. Stay tuned for more updates!
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