Fury for the Loss of Opportunity! . . .
Cha Eun Xiao, an exceptional commander, possessed the potential to seize a significant portion of the Kingdom of Lan-Feng if provided with ample resources and support. His illustrious achievements had already garnered global recognition, marking a historic triumph. Despite his greatness, Cha Eun Xiao found himself in a frustrating predicament, compelled to halt his advance and withdraw from enemy territory.
The city's rulers deliberately withheld soldiers' wages, food supplies, and additional manpower meant to bolster Commander Cha's forces. He valiantly fought without the necessary sustenance, leaving an opportunity to decisively defeat the enemy unrealized due to these obstructions. This failure weighed heavily on the King's conscience, as his ambitions to conquer the world remained unfulfilled.
This missed opportunity was a source of unbearable frustration. The Kingdom of Chen had the chance to obliterate their adversary and commence a gradual global conquest, but it slipped through their fingers. The King seethed with anger.
Zuo Wuji's words held undeniable truth. Cha Eun Xiao, with an army of less than two hundred thousand, had achieved a remarkable victory against one and a half million foes, successfully capturing vast territories on both fronts. With an additional two hundred thousand troops, the Kingdom of Chen could have potentially claimed half of the Kingdom of Lan-Feng, bringing it to the brink of annihilation.
Though the Kingdom of Chen was lacking in manpower, Cha Eun Xiao's last one hundred thousand soldiers were seasoned veterans, and they had the potential to recruit more citizens into their ranks. Regrettably, the Kingdom's leadership failed to seize this opportunity to bolster their forces, despite the impending homeland crisis. Time was running out, and the citizenry's willingness to serve their kingdom was not put to the test.
The King was aware that such a golden opportunity to vanquish their adversaries would not present itself again. Cha Nantian had already secured a victory in the north, but his seemingly audacious actions were driven by his impending departure. As Cha Nantian, Cha Eun Xiao, and Song Jue prepared to exit the Kingdom of Chen, the nation faced a significant weakening of its defenses.
With the absence of Cha Nantian and Cha Eun Xiao, the Kingdom of Chen's prospects for countering formidable opponents like Wenren Jianyin and Zhan Qianshan seemed bleak. The responsibility might ultimately fall on Su Dingguo, the only remaining figure within the Kingdom with the potential to confront these formidable adversaries, as General Lan, though capable, fell short of matching their prowess.
The Kingdom of Chen faced a precarious situation, with the looming threat of a joint attack by two neighboring kingdoms. The King's dreams of world conquest seemed increasingly unattainable. To achieve such ambitions, it was imperative that Cha Eun Xiao receive the necessary support and resources from the Kingdom of Chen. He had the potential to annihilate the Kingdom of Lan-Feng, potentially sparking another Great War. Cha Nantian, Eun Xiao's father, would have to remain in the fray until the end of this hypothetical conflict.
Unfortunately, the entrenched animosity of certain officials toward Cha Eun Xiao thwarted the provision of essential supplies and manpower, exacerbating the Kingdom's plight.
The war had concluded, and Cha Eun Xiao found himself bereft of men, funds, and materials. The commander had nothing left to continue the fight. The King, reflecting on the missed opportunity, felt as though an iron dagger repeatedly pierced his heart, causing excruciating pain. He harbored an intense desire to hold those obstructive officials accountable for their actions.
While the war had ended, the King grappled with the reality that starting another formidable conflict was an insurmountable challenge. Creating grievances and initiating a war demanded time and meticulous planning, and the King seethed with anger.
Five elderly statesmen exited the court hall, their collective sighs a testament to the gravity of the situation. The Prime Minister, Zuo, expressed his astonishment at the audacity of Zuo Wuji's actions. Another elderly statesman, Lord Sun, questioned the swiftness of the execution but acknowledged the inevitability of the officials' fate.
Amid this discussion, Prime Minister Zuo emphasized the importance of timing in such matters. One of the old men, consumed by jealousy, expressed his admiration for Zuo Wuji's capabilities and lamented the fact that he couldn't have children, which would have secured his legacy even further.