"Grain prices continue to rise. They'll reach a critical point soon."
"The three counties downstream on the Chishui River are suffering from famine, and they'll be affected too. Add a plague to that..."
"Heh heh, all that's missing is the final fuse. Just that one fuse."
"When that time comes, Shu State will surely erupt in rebellion. The Imperial Court... the Imperial Court will issue an order, and the Dingyuan Army will have no choice but to suppress it..."
"That lord of mine can also use this as an opportunity to meddle in Shu State and lead the Northern Soldiers south."
"Once the rebellion is crushed, even if the Holy Emperor wants to launch a northern expedition, this situation will force him to shift his attention south."
"If the southern campaign is successful... I'll be able to turn the tables in a single stroke!"
"At that point, who will still question what I've done in the past? Who would dare?!"
