Lu Zhiling had gathered an army of five hundred thousand soldiers as soon as he received Yun Chi's orders, without a moment's delay. He resolutely decided to lead the troops to the Northern Region himself, entrusting the entire military affairs of the Southwest Territory to Mei Shuyu.
Mei Shuyu felt that this task should fall to him, confident in his capabilities, and hence argued to head to the Northern Region, addressing Lu Zhiling, "You are the great general commanding a million soldiers, guarding the Southwest. How can you leave so easily? Let me lead the troops instead!"
Lu Zhiling had made up his mind; upon hearing these words, he swept his hand grandly, "Although you are clever and resilient, the affairs of the Northern Region are far from simple. I fear that if I let you lead the troops there, you might be unable to offer help if needed and jeopardize the Crown Prince's plans. It's better if I go."
