Flower Stealing Master

Chapter 500: Golden Serpent Camp’s Significance

“Does this mean we are to battle the imperial army, Great King Xiao?” Meng Bofei furrowed his brows. He was accustomed to a life of luxury and had no desire to risk everything in a decisive battle against the Manchus.

Xiao Feng laughed openly. “Whether to fight or retreat is a matter for your Golden Serpent Camp. I am merely here to analyze the strength of the Manchu army for you.”

“Lady Guo has always been hailed as the Zhuge Liang among women. Do you have any suggestions for our current predicament?” Seeing Huang Rong idling by, Song Qingshu irritably pulled her into the conversation.

In Song Qingshu’s mind, Zhao Min was a more suitable strategist than Huang Rong. Although Huang Rong was known for her quick wit, when it came to long-term strategic foresight, Zhao Min surpassed her. For instance, predicting the weather within a few hours, Huang Rong was more accurate, but for forecasts over several days, Zhao Min was clearly superior.

This difference was not due to their intelligence but their upbringing and the resources at their disposal. As a princess, Zhao Min had nearly unlimited access to information and resources, enabling her to plan with ease. In contrast, Huang Rong’s limited background restricted her access to comprehensive information, so she had to rely more on her quick wit and adaptability.

However, Zhao Min’s noble status had a downside. 

Surrounded by numerous martial experts for protection, she rarely faced danger. If suddenly placed in a perilous situation, she might not escape unscathed like Huang Rong. Huang Rong’s ability to escape from formidable opponents, maneuver on a deserted island, and protect Guo Jing under various forces’ noses demonstrated her exceptional quick thinking. 

Zhao Min might struggle in similar situations.

Conversely, Huang Rong could not easily wipe out six major sects or manipulate Zhang Wuji with a simple plan like Zhao Min could.

‘Unfortunately, Ah Jiu’s intervention last night thwarted Zhao Min’s plans, leading her to be pursued by martial artists. I wonder where she is hiding now,’ Song Qingshu lamented. However, he wasn’t sure he would trust Zhao Min as a strategist even if she were available, fearing betrayal.

With the conversation giving her time to think, Huang Rong collected her thoughts and spoke in her melodious voice, “Although the Eight Banners’ combat effectiveness has declined, the Golden Serpent Camp’s strength has also waned.”

The leaders of the various factions felt embarrassed, knowing Huang Rong was being polite. The camp was a disorganized rabble.

“Given our current situation, we remain weaker than the enemy,” Huang Rong continued. “Thus, our primary strategy should be to retreat.”

Chu Hongliu and others looked pleased, casting smug glances at Song Qingshu. With Huang Rong’s reputation, her words carried weight, making it harder for him to enforce his will.

However, Huang Rong’s next words froze their smiles. “Though our strategy is to retreat, we must engage the Manchu soldiers in a battle—and win decisively.”

Song Qingshu found Huang Rong’s diplomatic approach amusing. She managed to express her opinion without offending either side.

Understanding her intent, Zhou Zhiruo cooperated by asking, “If we plan to retreat, why must we still fight the Manchu soldiers?”

Seeing Zhou Zhiruo’s teasing expression, Huang Rong blushed, recalling her disheveled state after being rescued by her last night. “Leader Zhou, you may not know, but since the previous Golden Serpent King, Young Hero Yuan, died, the camp has suffered repeated defeats against the Manchu army, severely damaging morale. If we don’t take advantage of this opportunity to boost morale by winning a battle, the camp will degenerate into a band of bandits.”

The faction leaders fell silent, knowing the camp’s precarious state. Daily desertions threatened its stability more than the imperial army.

“Lady Guo is right. If we continue to flee, the Golden Serpent Camp will soon be nothing but a name,” one leader said.

“Indeed, the camp’s purpose is to expel the Manchus from Han territory. If we always flee from the Manchu army, what is the camp’s significance?”

Previously neutral leaders, like Jiao Wan’er of the Jiangsu Golden Dragon Gang, Rong Cai of the Zhejiang Roaming Dragon Gang, Nie Tianfeng of the Huainan Flying Tiger Ravine, and Zheng Qiyun of the Overseas Seventy-two Islands Alliance, now voiced their support for Huang Rong.

Seeing the situation, Song Qingshu subtly smiled. “Fourth Lady, what do you suggest we do?”

Yang Miaozhen snorted, “I thought the Golden Serpent Camp was full of stalwart men. Now I see many are cowards.”

Chu Hongliu, Meng Bofei, and Sha Tongtian’s face turned red, ready to retort, but Song Qingshu gave them no chance, seeking opinions from the Wudang Sect, Emei Sect, Heaven and Earth Society, and Prince Mu Manor.

Zhang Songxi and Yin Liting nodded in agreement for battle, as did Zhou Zhiruo from the Emei Sect. The Prince Mu Manor being the enemies of the Manchus, eagerly supported the fight, and Chen Jinnan from the Heaven and Earth Society also agreed, not wanting to see the camp’s decline.

“Since everyone agrees, we shall confront the so-called elite Eight Banners,” Song Qingshu declared, exuding an invisible pressure.

Realizing his resolve, no one opposed him, even Chu Hongliu and Meng Bofei, who reluctantly accepted the decision due to the overwhelming support from other factions.

“I know many here lack confidence,” Song Qingshu said steadily, his voice reassuring. “Indeed, with our current strength, facing the Manchu’s hundred thousand troops head-on seems futile. But the Manchu forces are divided, and Tu Hai’s eastern army is isolated, presenting us with a perfect opportunity.”

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