What Yue Qiong said was naturally known to both Yan Chi and Zhao Shuhua.
Zhao Shuhua then asked, "What is the Marquis's plan?"
Yue Qiong sighed, "The Rong barbarians intend to stall. If we could afford to delay, it wouldn’t matter, but at present, we cannot afford to drag this out either."
Zhao Shuhua’s hand tightened slightly around her teacup. Yue Qiong’s words had struck a chord with her. Among the three parties, she was likely the one most fearful of prolonging the conflict.
Zhao Shuhua added, "Then should we press our advantage and pursue them?"
Yue Qiong nodded and glanced at Yan Chi, who said, "If we can resolve this swiftly, no one would want to waste too much time in the north."
Hearing this, Yue Qiong understood that both Yan Chi and Zhao Shuhua shared the same intention. He continued, "In that case, I’ve been thinking of a plan these past few days. Currently, the Rong barbarians are camped halfway up Fallen Phoenix Slope—a terrain that is exceptionally favorable. Fallen Phoenix Slope is a low hill, a position that allows for both defense and offense. Although we have more troops, even if we deploy our entire army, it would be difficult to surround their main camp. So, I thought, rather than that, why not find a way to drive them down the mountain first?"
Yan Chi and Zhao Shuhua looked at Yue Qiong, both wearing expressions of keen interest.
Yue Qiong explained, "It’s midsummer now, and the woods on Fallen Phoenix Slope are extremely dense. If we set fire to the mountain at its base, the Rong barbarians will surely descend."
In mountain forest warfare, setting fire to the mountain was indeed an excellent strategy.
Yan Chi frowned and said, "But Fallen Phoenix Slope is crisscrossed with paths. We have no way of knowing which route the Rong barbarians will take to come down."
At this, Yue Qiong smiled. "I’ve already investigated that. If we set the mountain ablaze, they will only take two routes."
With that, Yue Qiong had his deputy hang a map on the wall.
"The Rong barbarians are tribes that live on the Cold Plains. They dwell by grasslands and forests and, frankly, know better than we do how to survive in the wild. On Fallen Phoenix Slope, there are two ravines. If a fire breaks out, these will serve as two firebreaks. We will set the fire due south of their current camp. As the flames spread upward, they will be forced to choose: either head west toward the Green Grasslands or follow the ridge northwest—"
Cheng Wei interjected, "Could they not cross the mountain ridge?"
Yue Qiong shook his head. "The ridge won’t stop the fire. Moreover, I’ve planned to execute this strategy when the southwest wind blows, which will push them precisely toward the northwest. At that time, the Northwest Frontier Army will be stationed on the Green Grasslands west of Fallen Phoenix Slope, while the Northern Garrison Army will guard the northeast, north of the slope, as a precaution. The Jinzhou Army will wait in the ravine west of Fallen Phoenix Slope. This way, no matter which direction the Rong barbarians retreat, we can encircle them."
Yan Chi, Cheng Wei, and the others studied the map Yue Qiong had drawn. After a moment, Yan Chi said, "If the map is accurate, this plan could work."
Yue Qiong smiled faintly. "This map was drawn after I sent a hundred men up the mountain to scout. It is definitely accurate. There’s just one thing: previously, we only deployed around thirty thousand troops. This time, I plan to mobilize the entire Jinzhou Army, while the Northwest Frontier Army and Northern Garrison Army should each have around fifty thousand men. Only then can we strike a decisive blow."
Zhao Shuhua frowned. "We need to deploy that many?"Yue Qiong looked at Cheng Wei and the others, saying, "If this strategy succeeds, we will naturally take the initiative while the Rong barbarians remain passive. However, General Cheng should know that without numerical superiority, we will only repeat past failures—unable to inflict significant damage on the Rong barbarians."
Zhao Shuhua turned her gaze to Cheng Wei, who nodded in agreement.
Zhao Shuhua then looked toward Yan Chi. "What does Prince Rui say?"
Yan Chi studied the map carefully, mentally reviewing Yue Qiong's words. Considering that the Northwest Frontier Army had been marching north for some time, he too felt it was indeed time to resolve the battle swiftly. Although the mountain fire strategy involved many uncertainties, he still nodded and said, "It's worth a try."
Hearing this, Yue Qiong knew both had approved of the plan and couldn't help adding, "I've already had the camp's diviners calculate—the opportune moment will come in four or five days."
Upon learning they still had to wait four or five days, Zhao Shuhua actually felt relieved. Having just won a battle, this was precisely the time to press their advantage. She had been worried Yue Qiong might act rashly and sacrifice her own troops. Yue Qiong, Yan Chi, and the others further discussed the details, and only after finalizing the battle strategy did the alliance meeting conclude.
The three factions returned to their respective camps, naturally engaging in rest and troop training once more.
In the Northwest Frontier Army's council hall, Yu Qi smiled and said, "I never expected the Marquis to be so decisive. But with the weather so dry, once the mountain fire starts, who knows how far it will spread?"
Yan Chi replied, "There are two ravines on the mountain. The area likely to burn aligns perfectly with the Rong barbarians' main camp. It shouldn't spread uncontrollably."
Xiao Cheng then asked, "With fifty thousand troops mobilized this time, will Your Highness lead them personally?"
Yan Chi nodded. "Naturally. This matter is too critical—I wouldn't feel at ease staying behind."
Gu Ling added, "But judging by the Marquis's deployment, although we'll be ambushing in the Green Grass Plains, we'll need to split into several directions."
Yan Chi nodded again, unrolling a recently drawn map and pointing at several spots. "These locations have already been scouted. We'll station our forces at these three points. Who among you wishes to command?"
Yu Qi immediately grinned. "This subordinate volunteers! Your Highness, may I serve as the vanguard?"
Yan Chi frowned. "In this assault on the Rong barbarians' main camp, they have a hundred thousand troops. Your command style is too aggressive—why not take the flank instead?"
Yu Qi's smile vanished instantly, and he pleaded, "This time, I promise not to charge recklessly or take unnecessary risks! I beg Your Highness to give me another chance!"
Yan Chi glanced at Gu Ling. "You may lead the vanguard, but only if Gu Ling accompanies you."
Yu Qi was quick-witted and full of clever ideas but lacked steadiness, whereas Gu Ling was far more composed and reliable. Seeing Yan Chi's arrangement, Yu Qi understood he intended for Gu Ling to keep an eye on him. He gave a resigned smile and said, "Very well, very well. Your Highness need not worry—this subordinate will fulfill the mission with honor!"
Yan Chi nodded. "I will command the central army personally. Xiao Cheng will take the left flank, and Chu Fei Sheng the right. Each of your three divisions will be assigned ten thousand troops."
After finalizing the arrangements, the group dispersed. Gu Ling left the main tent and headed, as usual, toward the infirmary. Yu Qi emerged behind him and, noticing his direction, teased, "Gu Ling, you've been paying quite a lot of attention to the infirmary lately..."
Gu Ling raised an eyebrow and replied calmly, "Is there a problem with that?"Yu Qi waved his hand with a laugh, "No, no, it's just that I remember you weren't so meticulous before. Now you've changed your ways. Since we're fighting together this time, you'd better keep an eye on me. If anything goes wrong, we'll both be punished together."
Gu Ling chuckled, "So you do know you need me to watch over you."
Yu Qi slapped a hand on Gu Ling's shoulder, "Hey, I know my own limitations!"
As they spoke, the two headed toward the infirmary camp. Upon arrival, they saw Qin Guan busy working with Yue Ning.
Spotting Qin Guan from a distance, Yu Qi grinned, "Our princess consort is truly like a living Bodhisattva..."
Gu Ling also gazed at Qin Guan, remaining silent for a moment before murmuring, "Indeed."
Then Yu Qi withdrew his gaze and said hesitantly, "Speaking of which, there's been no news from the south for several days. Who knows where Ge Yang has reached now? From what I gather from His Highness's intentions, we're planning to withdraw after this final battle to avoid being caught off guard when Ge Yang arrives."
Gu Ling narrowed his eyes, turned, and looked toward the northwest. "The Northwest Frontier is still better."
Yu Qi laughed heartily, "Naturally!" Then he snorted, "I'll send a message south right away. Ge Yang better not try any tricks."
When Qin Guan returned to the central command tent from the infirmary, she learned about the plan to set fire to Fallen Phoenix Slope and that Yan Chi would personally lead the troops. Her heart immediately tightened with worry. "The Rong invaders number a full hundred thousand this time. I can't help feeling very uneasy."
Yan Chi drew Qin Guan into his embrace. "Don't worry. With the Jinzhou Army and Northern Garrison Army, a hundred thousand isn't much."
Qin Guan sighed. "If this goes smoothly, the Rong barbarians will surely suffer heavy casualties. Then we won't need to continue northward, right?"
Yan Chi nodded. "Exactly. Further north and we'll be overextended. Besides, imperial reinforcements will arrive soon, making our position more passive. After this final battle, the Northwest Frontier Army will have done all that can be expected."
Qin Guan then wrapped her arms around Yan Chi's waist. "I hope everything goes smoothly and we can return to the Northwest Frontier soon."
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