The Dragon Emperor: Ayanokoji's Reign

The drums of war echoed across the lands as Ayanokoji initiated the first phase of his campaign against Qi. Unlike the battles of brute force that had characterized the earlier conquests, the war with Qi would be a symphony of calculated strikes, each designed to weaken and exhaust Qi's resources, morale, and will to fight. The goal was clear: to force Qi into submission without the need for prolonged sieges or excessive bloodshed.

Ayanokoji was sitting in the war council and addressed the Generals and strategists.

"I have decided on a plan that will impact the Kingdom of Qi quite badly. 

First: Hit and run. Let's cut their routes and disrupt their efforts for resistance"

Ayanokoji's strategy began with a series of swift, targeted strikes against Qi's outlying territories. These regions, although not heavily fortified, were critical to Qi's economy and supply chains. By targeting these areas, Ayanokoji aimed to disrupt Qi's ability to sustain its war effort.

The first target was the fertile plains of the Wei River Basin, a region that supplied a significant portion of Qi's grain. Under the cover of night, Qin forces, led by General Meng Tian, launched a surprise attack on several key granaries. The operation was executed with precision, and by dawn, the granaries were either in flames or under Qin control.

This sudden loss of a major food supply sent shockwaves through Qi. The state's ability to feed its population and army was compromised, and panic began to set in among the local governors. Ayanokoji's forces didn't stop there; they moved swiftly, cutting off supply lines, destroying bridges, and commandeering storehouses, leaving the local populace and soldiers scrambling for resources.

"Second: Let's block their Navy with our own renewed and newly constructed Navy" Ayanokoji said.

While Meng Tian's forces dismantled Qi's inland supply network, Ayanokoji turned his attention to Qi's lifeline to the sea. Qi's navy was a formidable force, but Ayanokoji knew that a war of attrition would ultimately tip the scales in Qin's favor.

The Qin navy, now bolstered by the newly constructed ships and seasoned sailors, launched a coordinated campaign of blockades and raids. The key ports of Jimo and Jiaodong were targeted, essential hubs for Qi's trade and supply routes. Under Admiral Wang Jian's command, the Qin fleet positioned itself strategically along the coast, intercepting merchant ships and cutting off vital maritime supplies.

The blockade was more than just a physical barrier; it was psychological warfare. The sight of Qin warships patrolling the coast instilled fear among Qi's merchants and sailors. The once bustling ports fell silent, and Qi's economy began to suffer under the weight of the naval stranglehold.

"Third: Use Guerrilla tactics to agitate them and ambush them. This will also test their mental limits." Ayanokoji continued

Ayanokoji's strategy didn't rely solely on large-scale military maneuvers. He understood the power of guerilla tactics in destabilizing a larger enemy force. Small, mobile units of Qin soldiers infiltrated deep into Qi's territory, conducting hit-and-run attacks on supply caravans, ambushing patrols, and sabotaging infrastructure.

These units, known for their ability to blend into the environment and strike with precision, were instrumental in keeping Qi's forces constantly on edge. The unpredictability of these attacks wore down Qi's soldiers, forcing them to spread their resources thin in an attempt to protect multiple fronts.

Ayanokoji also used psychological pressure to his advantage. Messages were left at the sites of the guerilla attacks, warning of the futility of resistance and promising clemency to those who surrendered. This campaign of fear and persuasion began to erode the morale of Qi's troops and citizens alike.

"Finally let's Isolate them by cutting of their supply routes and routes for economy such as trading routes." Ayanokoji finished.

Parallel to the military campaign, Ayanokoji intensified his diplomatic efforts to isolate Qi from potential allies. Through a combination of bribes, threats, and promises of future rewards, Ayanokoji ensured that Qi would stand alone.

The neighboring states, wary of Qin's growing power but unwilling to risk their own destruction, adopted a stance of neutrality. Some even provided covert support to Qin, supplying intelligence and resources in exchange for peace guarantees. This diplomatic maneuvering left Qi without external support, compounding their sense of isolation and vulnerability.

Ayanokoji understood that wars were as much about economic endurance as they were about battlefield victories. By crippling Qi's economic infrastructure, he aimed to exhaust their ability to sustain a prolonged conflict.

In addition to the blockades and raids, Ayanokoji targeted Qi's economic heart: its merchant class. Agents were dispatched to disrupt trade agreements, forge counterfeit currency, and spread rumors of economic collapse. This created a sense of instability within Qi's markets, leading to inflation and a loss of confidence in the state's ability to manage its resources.

"So what do you think, senior strategist?" Ayanokoji asked.

The senior strategist had to try hard to look away from the eyes of the young emperor. After all, such strategies implemented by someone so young is just terrifying.

"The impact on the kingdom of Qi must be immense. I daresay the courtiers would have started to second guess the king" the strategist said.

Meanwhile in Kingdom of Qi:

The cumulative effect of these strategies was devastating for Qi. The sudden loss of food supplies caused shortages and rationing within the cities, leading to unrest among the populace. The naval blockade strangled trade, causing economic stagnation. The constant guerilla attacks created a climate of fear and uncertainty, forcing Qi's military to adopt a defensive posture, reacting rather than initiating.

King Jian, faced with these mounting crises, convened his war council. The mood was grim, and the once-confident court was now a house divided. Advisors argued over the best course of action, some advocating for peace negotiations, others for a desperate counterattack. The lack of consensus only furthered the state's decline.

Ayanokoji monitored the situation in Qi closely. He knew that the state was nearing its breaking point, but he also understood that a cornered enemy could be dangerous. His next moves would need to be as precise and calculated as the opening strikes, ensuring that Qi would be unable to mount a significant counteroffensive.

Plans were already in motion to escalate the pressure on Qi. New offensives were being prepared, targeting remaining strongholds and key cities. The goal was to deliver a series of decisive blows that would force Qi into submission without necessitating a costly and prolonged siege of Linzi.

In the meantime, Ayanokoji continued to cultivate the narrative of inevitability. Through carefully managed propaganda and diplomatic channels, he portrayed Qin's victory as a foregone conclusion. The message was clear: resistance was futile, and surrender would bring a swifter, more merciful end to the conflict.

'Now we move onto the second stage' , Ayanokoji thought, his hand hovering over the city of Linzi in the map.

As the dust settled from the initial phases of the campaign, Ayanokoji's strategy had already begun to bear fruit. Qi's resources were dwindling, its economy was faltering, and its military was overstretched and demoralized. The once-proud state of Qi, known for its resilience and prosperity, was now teetering on the edge of collapse.

Ayanokoji's first strike had been a masterclass in strategic warfare, leveraging a combination of military prowess, psychological manipulation, and economic sabotage to weaken Qi from within. The stage was now set for the next phase of the campaign, where Ayanokoji would press his advantage and bring Qi to its knees.