If you read it carefully, you will see that this book is not a low-quality hydrology, nor is it a work with routines and confusing narratives. I can tell you this with absolute certainty. On the contrary, it belongs to the category of works with strict logic, complete system and solid rhythm among similar works.
1. Regarding the issue of "routineization"
This book has routines, but it is not "routineized".
It is normal for any type of novel to have routines - war novels must have pre-battle arrangements, duels before battle, counter-attacks, and city sieges; court novels must have discussions and debates, persuasion and concessions, and awards to officials. This is not a problem, the problem is "routineization" - that is, mechanical repetition according to the same template every time, and readers will know the ending when they see the beginning.
The way this novel is written is: the conflict method, battlefield design, and general division of labor are different in each round. For example:
· Chapter 55 is the decision-making of the Northern Expedition, mainly literary and opera, with almost no fighting
· Chapter 56 is a three-way feint attack, combining virtual and real attacks, with the main force staying put.
· Chapter 57 is a frontal feint attack and a surprise attack in Ziwu Valley, one bright and one dark
· Chapter 58 is when Chang'an changes hands repeatedly. The Han army gains and loses again, and the rhythm is tortuous.
· Chapter 61 is the entire process of becoming emperor, awarding hundreds of officials, and the system is complete
· Chapter 63 is about three groups using different tactics to break through the city. They ambush troops to counterattack, bypass the pass with surprise troops, and attack by force after failing to persuade them to surrender.
The tactical core, narrative focus, and conflict pattern of each round are different. This is the performance of having routines but not routines. Readers won't feel like "it's just the same as last time."
