Chapter 1716: Chapter 1633: We’re Back

Therefore, the Prime Minister had actually advised Poplar The First. In his opinion, Vankelus and Lu De, who were ineffective in frontline combat, should be dismissed and held accountable to set an example.

However, Poplar The First, concerned about having no one to rely on, chose to retain Vankelus and Lu De, who had no issues with loyalty.

Now, Vankelus continues to command the remnants of the 2nd Corps at the front, while Lu De, though recalled, has been assigned to lead the newly formed 3rd Corps.

The Elf Race rebuilt the destroyed 3rd Corps, and though they couldn’t immediately replace all heavy weaponry, they had gathered nearly enough troops. This new unit is untrained and not ready for combat just yet.

“Let’s not dwell on the past. What we need to consider now is how to mobilize our troops to gain an advantage over the Tang Army…” Poplar The First interrupted, displeased as the conversation veered back to previous frontline defeats.

Before the war, during a high-level Elf meeting, it was indeed anticipated that their fleet would be destroyed by the Tang Army once they engaged. The technological superiority of the Tang Army was well-known, so they had prepared themselves mentally for potential losses.

But when faced with the reality of losses, it still felt unacceptable: the navy, being such an expensive force, being defeated in a matter of hours is difficult to accept calmly.

“Binghan the First hopes to gather 2 million at the front to offset their technological and tactical disadvantages with sheer numerical superiority, advancing layer by layer to push the Tang Army back to around Eternal Winter City,” Poplar The First presented the latest Dwarf strategy after interrupting the Prime Minister.

Though hard to accept, it is indeed a method: disregarding losses, piling victory with blood. The Tang Army’s recent attacks have extended the length of the front line, and if 2 million were truly lined up along the control line, it would be quite easy to find weaknesses in the Tang Army’s lines and exploit them.

But the problem is, that’s 2 million people! Never mind if that many exist, just transporting them to the front is a problem in itself.

“That’s wishful thinking, Your Majesty.” The Prime Minister, though unfamiliar with military matters, had gained an understanding of the transportation issues frequently discussed in recent meetings.

Support for a 1 million-strong frontline force is no easy task, especially without air superiority.

The closer one gets to the northern part of the Ice Cold Empire, the more severely the transport system collapses. Roads and transport nodes are on the brink of paralysis, and the Tang Army’s attacks have made all dispatching and transport extremely difficult.

Under such conditions, sending an additional 100,000 to the front is incredibly challenging, let alone 1 million.

As often repeated, it’s not just about getting 1 million people to a place; these 100 need food, water, sanitation, ammunition supplies for their fight, medical resources, and various support equipment.

It’s no joke, even preparing enough diesel generators and diesel for these troops is no small task! Adding in the calculations for cable lines… the project already rivals building a small city.

Even taking a step back to just have these people build defensive works, with 1 million digging trenches, how many sandbags are needed? How much rebar and concrete? How much timber and waterproof sheets? How many iron plates, bolts, hinge door handles?

“Given the current situation, our troops may not be able to continue north after reaching Saint Luo,” the Prime Minister pondered, offering a relatively pessimistic answer.

He then pointed to a Dwarf city on the map near the northern border of the Elves and continued, “Thus, my suggestion is to figure out a way to engage the Tang Army at Saint Luo… If the Dwarf and Suthers troops can sever the Tang Army’s extension toward Saint Luo from the flanks, we might have a chance for victory.”

The Tang Army advanced south along the coastline toward Saint Luo, forming what appeared to be a long protruding area along the coast. If this protrusion could be severed, the Allied Forces might have a chance to turn the tide.

“But I know it’s not easy, Your Majesty. Intelligence from the front indicates the Tang Army advancing south is the 1st Corps, one of the most formidable within the Tang Army, undefeated since its inception.” The Prime Minister added: “Thus, this is another gamble.”

“War is a gamble in itself!” Poplar The First recognized that encircling the Tang Army within the protrusion was a viable option for turning defeat into victory. So, he nodded in agreement: “Ensure that Vankelus holds Saint Luo!”

“Moreover, our 2nd Corps, 4th, and 5th Corps, and even the subsequent 6th Corps, are all positioned towards Saint Luo… They require a higher-level commander to direct them,” the Prime Minister, having learned from previous failures, reminded Poplar The First.

Poplar The First continued to nod, realizing that not providing the front-line troops with a unified Commander would be too careless. After some thought, he suggested a candidate: “How about Marshal Felix?”

Despite being in his seventies, Marshal Felix was indeed the best choice. Thus, the Prime Minister expressed strong agreement with the Emperor’s choice: “Your choice is correct, Your Majesty. We need a seasoned and stable Commander to stabilize the frontline situation.”

Marshal Felix was a very prestigious officer within the Elf Race, earning his Marshal title during battles against the Dwarves. Previously not sent to the Ice Cold Empire mainly to preserve the Dwarves’ sentiments.

But now there was no time for such concerns, continuing to consider that the Allied Forces would lose the war. Thus, Felix was put forward, becoming the Supreme Commander of the Poplar Empire front line.

On the very first day of Marshal Felix’s assumption of his duties, he received bad news: 2 Dwarf 8th Corps divisions and 7 Elf divisions laid down their arms and surrendered to the Tang Army, resolving the problem within the encirclement for the Tang Army.

This also meant the Tang Army could now spare enough forces to begin an offensive on the key southern city of Saint Luo.

Also, on this day, news of the Allied Fleet’s destruction was confirmed: The Tang Country Imperial Fleet annihilated the Allied Forces’ 7 carriers and over ten battleships, completely seizing control of the seas.

Dorne’s Fleet also did not escape; they too were mysteriously attacked and sunk, never even receiving a chance to retaliate.

Likewise, on this day, Tang’s carrier aircraft bombed Hotwind Port, dropping dozens of bombs. After more than a decade of absence, they announced to the world: Hotwind Port! We are back!