After speaking, Shi Feiyang looked earnestly at Li Mengxiong, his eyes filled with deep concern for the people.

He turned slightly, facing everyone in the tent, and slowly opened his hands, palms up, displaying his candid and upright attitude.

His voice was loud yet gentle as he continued, "Gentlemen, when we march into battle, it is to protect our country and shelter its people. If this victory comes at the cost of the people's suffering, then how are we different from those rebellious troops who pillage and plunder? The sharp swords in our hands should be the righteous blades against evil, not tools for slaughtering the innocent!"

His voice, deep and full of infinite strength, reverberated slowly within the tent, drawing everyone's attention and plunging them into contemplation.

The words seemed to contain a magic power that penetrated deep into the souls of those present.

In Shi Feiyang's discourse, there was abundant sympathy and concern for the people.

He understood the cruelty of war and knew that victory's cost should not be borne by innocent civilians.

He knew well that as generals, their responsibility was not only to conquer territories but also to protect the defenseless people. The purpose of war is peace, not destruction. Only by truly winning the hearts of the people can the ultimate victory in a war be achieved.

Li Mengxiong listened to Shi Feiyang's words, his furrowed brow gradually relaxing, and the urgency and decisiveness in his eyes fading away.

He let out a deep sigh, as if in that moment, he finally understood the true meaning of war.

He gave Shi Feiyang a profound look, then nodded in agreement.

He knew they could not sacrifice long-term peace and stability for short-term victory. He understood they must find a way to capture the city while protecting the people; only this would be the true path to victory.

Ye Chuanhao snorted coldly from the side, his face frosted with disdain as he laughed derisively, "Shi Feiyang, you're just being naive and sentimental! War is inherently cruel; some sacrifices are unavoidable for victory."

He slightly raised his chin, his eyes reflecting arrogance and contempt, clearly disregarding Shi Feiyang's views.

Ye Liangdong hurriedly chimed in, "Exactly! If we don't act this way, when will the rebellion ever be quelled? Should we let this drag on endlessly, causing the Imperial Court to lose face?" As he spoke, he nodded incessantly, his eyes full of dissatisfaction towards Shi Feiyang.

There was a note of urgency in Ye Liangdong's tone, as if urging immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

His words were brimming with concern for the current situation, yet also revealed dissatisfaction and doubt towards Shi Feiyang.

Even more mocking was Ye Feiliu, his lips curling into a sneer, "Hah, do you think being compassionate can win a war? How naively laughable! War isn't some child's play you imagine; being soft-hearted will only lead us to utter defeat."

With arms crossed in front of his chest, his body leaned slightly back, adopting a superior posture.

Ye Feiliu's tone was full of ridicule and disdain, seemingly mocking Shi Feiyang's naivety and immaturity.

The glint in his eyes was cold, as if admonishing everyone that the harshness of war allows no room for mercy or weakness.

Yet Shi Feiyang remained neither humble nor arrogant, his gaze steady and bright as the most brilliant star in the night sky, firmly fixed on Li Mengxiong.

He stepped forward two steps, his gait steady and powerful, as if each step declared his resolve to those around him.

Standing upright, he lifted his head and spoke in a deep voice, "General Li, the ultimate goal of war is to achieve peace throughout the land, allowing the people to live and work happily in peace. If we pursue temporary victory at the cost of plunging the people into endless suffering, what meaning does such a victory hold? It would be nothing but vain glory."

Shi Feiyang's words were filled with determination and conviction.

The glimmer in his eyes held a depth as if he could see through the essence and consequences of war. He slightly raised his chin, his gaze revealing an innate dominance, as if it could subdue all evil in the world, leaving people afraid to openly face it.

Shi Feiyang continued, "General, our decision at this moment concerns not only the outcome of this war but also the prestige and image of the Imperial Court in the hearts of the people. If we win by sacrificing the people, how will they ever truly support the Imperial Court in the future? Public sentiment is the foundation of lasting peace and stability!"

Shi Feiyang's words were like heavy hammers, striking hard at the hearts of everyone present, especially Li Mengxiong, whose eyes briefly showed evident wavering, with a crack appearing in his originally firm expression.

Li Mengxiong's heart seemed touched by Shi Feiyang's words.

His gaze revealed hesitation and contemplation, as if reassessing the current situation and future decisions.

Suddenly, after listening to Shi Feiyang, Li Mengxiong paused, a flicker of hesitation flashing across his face.

However, this hesitance quickly vanished, replaced by a resolute and firm expression.

His brows knitted closely, his eyes reflecting a trace of struggle, as he spoke in a deep voice, "While your words carry some truth, the battle situation is urgent and the circumstances critical. If we do not act quickly to breach the city, the casualties among our soldiers will continue to rise, which is unbearable for us. Furthermore, there's also the Imperial Court to answer to!"

He sighed softly, as if carrying a thousands-pound burden, his hands gripping the table's edge, his body slightly leaning forward, fingertips white from pressure. His eyes held a mix of worry over the stalemated situation and deep consideration of Shi Feiyang's perspective, as if engaged in an intense internal struggle. Shi Feiyang observed this, nodding slightly, humble yet confident, he spoke sincerely, "I fully empathize with General Li's concerns. However, my strategy is not baseless but has been carefully deliberated."

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