Dark Sand: My Players Are All Actors

"I have three strategies for Mr. Zheng that could pacify the entire world!"

Wang Shichong couldn't help but be surprised, "Oh? Please, do tell!"

In fact, he was rather unimpressed by such boastful claims.

As a warrior, he had fought bloodily on the battlefield, but after all the fighting, only Luoyang remained as a solitary stronghold.

It was clear that pacifying the world was never a simple matter.

Now, Wei Zhen merely had to touch his upper to his lower lip to pacify the world? Wang Shichong, of course, didn't believe it.

But for one, he knew that the other party had handwritten letters from Qin Shubao and Cheng Zhijie, although not yet produced, so it wasn't good to rush asking for them right away. He'd better listen to what the other had to say; secondly, he was genuinely curious to know what these three strategies entailed.

If they made no sense and were entirely unfeasible, he would maintain the most basic courtesy, asking him to bring out the handwritten letters from Qin Shubao and Cheng Zhijie, and let him serve as an emissary for communication between the two parties.

If the strategies were valid, wouldn't that be an unexpected delight?

Lu Heng smiled slightly, ready to begin his charade.

As a scholar and gamer, he had done such operations countless times before, so it was all too familiar to him now.

From tone of voice to intonation, from demeanor to action, he could captivate the other party's attention to the maximum and make them truly convinced.

Furthermore, what he was about to say indeed constituted the most brilliant of strategies.

"This first strategy is for Mr. Zheng to eliminate Yuwen Huaji and Li Mi!"

With the first sentence, Wang Shichong was already taken aback.

The first strategy was enough to get rid of Yuwen Huaji and Li Mi?

These two were his real headaches, covetously eyeing Luoyang, both with formidable strength.

In single combat, Wang Shichong had absolutely no confidence in defeating either of them.

Especially Li Mi, whom Wang Shichong had fought against time and again, losing almost every time.

So the first step was to eliminate these two powerful enemies?

Wang Shichong was instantly interested, "Please, go on, sir!"

Lu Heng continued unhurriedly, "This first strategy is known as Driving the Tiger to Swallow the Wolf.

"At this moment, Yuwen Huaji has committed regicide and treason, and is rejected by everyone under heaven.

"Yet at this time, Mr. Zheng remains a loyalist, having already secured moral high ground.

"There's another person who desires recognition for moral righteousness just as much, do you know who, Mr. Zheng?"

Wang Shichong thought briefly and immediately understood, "Is it Li Mi?"

Lu Heng smiled faintly, "Precisely.

"Li Mi, I know him all too well; on the detailed tactics he may be a formidable figure of his generation, but in larger strategies, he is utterly confused.

"He values vanity over substantial benefit and forgets greater righteousness at the sight of minor profits.

"Therefore, Mr. Zheng need only lure Li Mi with high ranks and rich rewards, to have him attack Yuwen Huaji, thus causing the two rebel forces to decimate each other.

"In time, together with General Cheng and General Qin, I will offer advice, and Li Mi will undoubtedly fall into the trap.

"Once Yuwen Huaji is defeated, Li Mi's forces will also be severely exhausted and complacent. By then, Mr. Zheng's troops, well-rested and prepared, can seize victory in one fell swoop!"

Wang Shichong's eyes lit up, "Such talent, sir! Your guidance is a revelation to me!"

His reaction was intense and by no means perfunctory.

But this was all within Lu Heng's calculations.

In history, this strategy was indeed suggested by Yuan Wendum, Lu Chu, and others in Luoyang. Wang Shichong did indeed employ this tactic, sending envoys to confer official positions like Grand Commandant and Minister on Li Mi to have him attack Yuwen Huaji.

Now, Wei Zhen, whom Lu Heng was impersonating, suggested this strategy first, and it won Wang Shichong over completely.

Moreover, this strategy, coming from Wei Zhen, was more persuasive.

Because had Yuan Wendum suggested this strategy, it was uncertain whether Li Mi on the other side would accept it or not. Whether the strategy could succeed was a complete unknown.

But Wei Zhen held a special position, already among Li Mi's army.

In Wang Shichong's view, if Wei Zhen, together with Qin Shubao and Cheng Zhijie, conspired to delude Li Mi, the success rate would be much higher.

Therefore, the strategy proposed by Lu Heng not only matched Wang Shichong's desires but was also very feasible.

Could Wang Shichong be unhappy?

Having heard this strategy, Wang Shichong was already utterly convinced of Lu Heng's lofty image.

"What about the other two strategies? Please, enlighten me!" Wang Shichong was now eager.

Lu Heng smiled faintly, continuing at the same unhurried pace, "This second strategy, known as the Bitter Flesh Plan, will assist Mr. Zheng in defeating Dou Jiande!

"After being defeated by Li Mi, Yuwen Huaji will inevitably flee. In Hebei, Dou Jiande, emerging from obscurity with no solid foundation, will certainly kill Yuwen Huaji to win people's hearts.

"After Mr. Zheng has defeated Li Mi, you can incorporate Li Mi's soldiers. Then, together with Generals Qin Shubao and Cheng Zhijie, we will put up a token fight before fleeing.

"Dou Jiande, knowing that the two generals hold a deep-seated grudge against you, Mr. Zheng, and are also warriors of great valor, will naturally employ them heavily, still allowing them to lead their old troops.

"When Mr. Zheng's forces face Dou Jiande, the two generals can suddenly lead a mutiny from within, working with forces from outside. Though Dou Jiande may have numbers on his side, he will not be a concern anymore!"

Wang Shichong's eyes shone even brighter, "And the third strategy?"

Lu Heng paused slightly, deliberately playing coy, "This third strategy is much simpler.

"It will help Mr. Zheng defeat Liu Wuzhou and Song Jingang, take Guanzhong, occupy River East, and unify the entire world!"

Wang Shichong appeared slightly stunned, "Please wait, sir.

"Why would taking Guanzhong require defeating Liu Wuzhou? What about Liang? And Song Jingang... isn't he under Wei Dao'er's command?"