Mythical Qin: I, Gao Yao, will never be a eunuch!

Chapter 777: We must strike when necessary and build confidence when necessary!

Han Xin's voice was deep and clear, echoing in the solemn meeting room. He looked around at the core generals and counselors of the Southern Border Army present, and his words were sincere, but every word was weighty, as if a huge rock was thrown into the calm water.

His affirmation of the strength of the Chu army was not alarmist, but was based on the ironclad evidence of his deep understanding of his old rival. The ease on everyone's faces and the arrogance that had grown from their successive victories seemed to be blown away by an invisible cold wind, and quietly subsided a little. An indescribable fear, like ink dripping into clear water, quietly spread in everyone's heart.

After all, that was Han Xin! His illustrious military exploits and his reputation as a god in commanding troops were forged through countless glorious victories, and were golden rules tempered by blood and fire. Even Ying Bu, who was known for his bravery and arrogance, had to nod slightly at this moment, with a complex light flashing through his eyes, which was a complex emotion of having to admit that the other party was indeed superior to him in the way of commanding.

Han Xin's solemn reminder of the strength of the Chu army was enough to make even the most conceited general put aside his contempt.

"That's right," Gao Yao's voice sounded at the right time, breaking the solemnity in the hall caused by Han Xin's words. His eyes were like torches, sweeping over the crowd, and his tone was firm, accepting Han Xin's warning, "This is an indisputable fact! The Chu army is by no means a defeated army that can be underestimated." He paused slightly, letting every word fall clearly into everyone's ears, "But, there is no need to be overly timid!"

He took a step forward and subconsciously tapped the edge of the huge map in front of him. The map clearly marked the vast land in the north. "According to our latest intelligence, the Chu army that was expelled from Kuaiji did not sink. They hibernated in the strategic location in the north and have been recuperating for many years. Now they are fully grown! Conservative estimates show that they have gathered at least 100,000 elite cavalry! Not only the Chu army, but also Liu Bang, who was born as a village head in Pei County, their strength is also rapidly expanding. Cavalry is the sharp weapon they rely on now!"

Gao Yao's tone became extremely serious: "You must be aware that these future powerful enemies may not be as good as our battle-hardened Southern Border Army in terms of food and fodder transportation, troop endurance, and even individual combat skills. However, in terms of the number of cavalry, mobility, and even impact force, they already have a significant advantage! This gap is by no means something that can be easily closed overnight or by winning a few battles."

Gao Yao's sharp eyes swept across those faces that were a little complacent due to their previous victories, "So, now is far from the time for you to sit back and relax! Our enemies, far from disappearing, are sharpening their claws even more!"

Gao Yao's words were blunt and pointed, laying bare the strongest possible enemy and its advantages in the future. These advantages, especially the huge cavalry force, were a shortcoming in the current Southern Border Army system and could not be quickly made up for.

He pointed these out deliberately in order to pour a bucket of cold water on the arrogant soldiers and generals present and make them understand that the so-called "invincibility" is nothing but a temporary illusion.

As Gao Yao's powerful words fell, the meeting room fell into silence. The expressions on the faces of the generals and counselors were indeed much more solemn, their brows were furrowed, and they exchanged glances with each other. The air was filled with a sense of alertness as if they had been hit hard.

This solemnity did not breed fear or panic. Whether it was Liu Bang's increasingly powerful Han army or the Chu army with a strong cavalry base, their strength was alarming, but it seemed that it was not enough to shake the deep-seated confidence of these battle-hardened core members. It was a kind of calmness based on trust in their own strength and the commander Gao Yao.

In this atmosphere of solemnity and calmness, Gao Yao seemed to remember something of vital importance. He spoke again, his voice not loud, but like a thunder that split the brief silence: "Oh, by the way, there is one more thing that you must keep in mind."

Gao Yao paused for a moment to make sure everyone's attention was focused. "According to reliable intelligence, Liu Bang's Han army... is very likely to have mastered and possessed black gunpowder! In the future, no matter which general leads the army against the Han army, they must be extremely cautious and be extremely alert!"

"what?!"

"Black powder?!"

"Han Army... How could the Han Army have black gunpowder?!"

Before Gao Yao finished speaking, the entire meeting room exploded! The core officials who had been able to remain calm just now were all furious at this moment, and their horror was beyond words! Those who could attend such a confidential meeting were all Gao Yao's most core and trusted confidants. Even so, their understanding of black gunpowder was limited to its terrifying power and its application on the battlefield, and its core formula and manufacturing process were kept secret.

It is this limited but profound understanding that makes them extremely clear what black gunpowder means in the era of cold weapons - it is the supreme weapon for attacking cities and capturing strongholds, and it is a destructive force that can instantly reverse the situation of war!

When this power is in one's own hands, it is an exciting reliance; but when it may be in the hands of the enemy and is about to be poured on oneself and the soldiers under one's command, the feeling is completely different! The huge panic is like a cold poisonous snake, instantly entwining everyone's heart.

Imagine the solid city walls collapsing under the enemy's gunpowder bombardment, and the dense army formations being covered in blood and flesh in the explosion. Even the bravest generals felt a chill at this moment!

"Okay! Quiet!" Gao Yao suddenly raised his voice, like a heavy hammer hitting the noise, instantly suppressing the panic in the room. His majestic eyes swept the whole room, with unquestionable power. "Why are you all panicking?! Black gunpowder is not only possessed by our southern border! It's not surprising that the Han army can figure it out!" He deliberately slowed down his speech, soothing with strong confidence, "But remember, even if they have it, the quantity must be extremely limited, and the crudeness of their craftsmanship is not comparable to our army! Whether it is the reserve quantity or the sophistication of technology, our army still has an absolute and overwhelming advantage in black gunpowder! Therefore, there is no need to be paranoid and lose your composure!"

Gao Yao was well versed in the art of leadership. He understood that overconfidence needed to be discouraged, but after being discouraged, confidence must be rebuilt immediately, otherwise the morale of the army would be shaken and the consequences would be disastrous. He threw out the shocking news of black gunpowder that was enough to shake the morale of the army in order to completely shatter the blind optimism that might exist in some people's hearts; and the subsequent confident assertion was to stabilize the situation and prevent the spread of panic.

After the commotion caused by the black gunpowder in the hall had completely subsided and everyone had calmed down, Gao Yao brought the topic back to the core of today's meeting. He walked to the center of the map, pointed his finger heavily at the core area of the southern border, and his tone became calm and powerful again.