"Gentlemen, here is the plan." In the crude military tent, a woman in blue robes slightly lifted her sharp chin, her slender finger pointing at a detailed terrain map on the desk as she addressed the surrounding soldiers solemnly: "The operation time is at the third quarter of the Chou hour. Xia Zhi will lead the first squad to set an ambush at Chichao Bridge between Chaohu Lake and Chishui River. Xi Rui and Bian Cang will each take five men to infiltrate beneath the bridge, destroy the river-crossing boats, and cut the grappling hooks for crossing. Then Xia Zhi will launch the attack to eliminate the Elite Cavalry Camp's defensive stronghold on the bridge. Don't worry about escalating the conflict—just complete the mission within the time it takes for one incense stick to burn. Understood?"
"Understood!" Xia Zhi, Xi Rui, and Bian Cang immediately nodded and responded firmly.
The woman's finger traced the western route on the map as she turned her head. "A Du will lead the second squad to ambush on the path near Suohe Village, coordinating with Xia Zhi's operation to prevent the Elite Cavalry Camp from sending reinforcements to Chichao Bridge during Xia Zhi's surprise attack. Your mission is to cut off the communication line between the Elite Cavalry Camp and the Northern Prison when the northern operation begins, and find a way to delay their main forces for one hour."
The dark-skinned A Du nodded heavily and said, "Miss, you can rest assured."
The woman nodded, her finger drawing a circle on the upper part of the map and pressing down firmly as she declared seriously: "Your task is to infiltrate the underground camp of the Northern Prison, rescue Master Mu and Scholar Zhu who are trapped in the water prison at the northwest corner, along with twenty-eight brothers in the Tianyuan Tower to the south. Some of them may be unable to walk, so you need to rescue them before dawn and transport them to Pengding Village fifteen li southwest, where the follow-up troops will pick them up by carriage. Therefore, we must take the risk to act before nightfall."
The tent fell into complete silence as everyone listened intently to the woman's words. Her expression remained calm as she continued: "Three hundred zhang outside the Northern Prison is dense forest, but within one hundred zhang, everything has been cleared to flat ground with no cover whatsoever. There are eight watchtowers at the four corners of the camp with constant surveillance. You'll need to crawl forward on your bellies."
The woman turned around and produced another map with a swift motion. "Look, this is the detailed map of the Northern Prison. This is the military supply warehouse, the provisions storage, the armory, the soldiers' barracks, and here—this is our target location: Tianyuan Tower and the northwest water prison. I need you to memorize every detail thoroughly within two hours without any mistakes. Both teams must coordinate to complete the mission. So, when Xia Zhi launches the attack at the third quarter of the Chou hour, Cheng Yang will lead the third and fourth squads to begin their assault. A Li and A Cheng will take the crossbow team along the trench line, bypassing the Northern Prison camp, and use crossbows to eliminate the scouts in the watchtowers. You must strike with one hit—leave no survivors. After succeeding, Cheng Yang will lead the main squad to break open the main gate. One team will advance westward, pretending to attack the military supply warehouse and provisions storage to draw the patrolling soldiers and create chaos. The other team will shoot fire arrows at the soldiers' barracks—not to kill, but to create momentum and block those inside from coming out. Remember, if all the resting Northern Prison soldiers manage to escape, the operation will have failed. So you must be precise in your methods and adapt to circumstances. Xiao Jiong will coordinate from outside by having horse herds run through the dense forest to confuse the enemy."Xiao Jiong stood to the side. He was still a child, barely sixteen or seventeen, but his sun-bronzed muscles and the numerous scars on his arms showed he was already a seasoned veteran. Grinning, Xiao Jiong nodded at Chengyang and said, "Brother Chengyang, don't forget me like last time and mistake me for an enemy, shooting arrows at me."
The group chuckled at this, lightening the solemn atmosphere. Chengyang reached out and gave the boy a playful shove, laughing, "You sure know how to hold a grudge."
A woman cleared her throat softly, and everyone immediately turned to her, their expressions turning serious as the laughter faded.
"When Ali's crossbow team takes out the sentries and watchtower guards, the operation will begin. Chengyang will lead the main squad to advance quickly into the camp, placing an archer every five zhang to cover the main force's progress. Your mission is rescue—ignore everything else. Ali's team will cover you once they've eliminated their targets. First, head to the northwest water prison to rescue Master Zhu and Mr. Mu, then proceed to Tianyuan Tower. The guards there include our own people; by the time you arrive, the other guards should already be dealt with. After rescuing the targets, retreat quickly via the southwestern trench. Ali will attack the enemy's right flank, and A'cheng will strike from the rear to provide cover. Once Chengyang confirms no one is left behind, he'll send up a green signal. The operation ends at the Yin hour, and by the third quarter of Yin, you must reach the designated point—Xiao Jiu will arrange your safe evacuation."
The woman's eyes were clear and bright as snow. She lifted her head, her gaze sweeping over each person as she said gravely, "Does anyone not understand?"
No one replied. The woman nodded. "Good. Now, prepare your weapons and equipment, and memorize the marching map. In half a shichen, I'll question each of you on the operation's procedures. If there are no issues, we depart in one shichen."
"Yes," the men chorused, rising to their feet with a rustle that made the small tent feel cramped.
The woman in blue-green robes stood up as well. Her frame was somewhat slender, her face pale with a sickly hue, but her narrow eyes held a sharp glint. She raised her right hand, clenched it into a fist, and pressed it to her chest, enunciating each word clearly: "Datong will not fall."
"Will not fall," came the unified response.
The woman nodded, and the group filed out one by one.
The tent fell silent. Outside, the wind howled fiercely—another heavy snowfall today. "A timely snow promises a good harvest," as the saying went; perhaps next year, life would be easier for the common folk.
Just as she took a sip of tea, a youth in gray-brown short attire entered the tent and announced, "Miss, Mr. Wu is here."
The woman's eyebrows lifted slightly, her hand holding the teacup trembling faintly, but her voice remained steady as she replied, "Let him in."
A crisp breeze swept in from outside as the man removed his bamboo hat. Dressed in a blue cloth long gown, he had a handsome, upright face, though fine wrinkles already creased the corners of his eyes despite his youth—likely in his late twenties. Yet, they did nothing to diminish his dignified presence. Setting down his belongings, he smiled gently. "A Yu."
The woman naturally took his outer robe and asked with a faint smile, "When did you arrive? Weren't you returning to Yanbei?"
"An urgent matter came up—I must head back to the capital immediately."Sitting on a small stool, he took off his boots and lightly shook them—ice shards poured out. Miss Yu raised an eyebrow and asked, "Did you come from the Icy Plains?"
"What else could I do?" Wu Daoya looked up. "The one in Shengjin Palace is celebrating his grand birthday, inviting guests from three kingdoms. The inspections are too strict, and with everyone on high alert, it's better to be cautious."
"Caution is the parent of safety. You're right."
"By the way," Wu Daoya frowned, "Xi Hua's letter said two more of our intelligence posts in the capital were uncovered. Is it true?"
"It's just a diversion," Miss Yu smiled faintly, pouring a cup of tea and handing it to Wu Daoya. "The imperial city has been under tight surveillance recently. Ever since the New Year passed, the atmosphere has grown tense everywhere. Mu He Xifeng, newly appointed to his position, is burning with ambition, hopping around restlessly. I deliberately leaked two abandoned outposts to let him earn some credit and settle down. There's nothing substantial inside—the intelligence is a mix of truth and falsehood, hard to verify. None of our people were harmed."
"I figured it was something like that," Wu Daoya chuckled. "The Wei Clan lost their position this time. Wei Shuyou returned in disgrace from the south, handing over the lucrative post of Capital Magistrate to the Muhe Clan for nothing. It seems the Elder Council is about to witness another storm of bloodshed."
"Wei Guang is as cunning as they come. I suspect this was mostly his deliberate arrangement."
Wu Daoya raised an eyebrow and said solemnly, "What makes you say that?"
Miss Yu sighed. "Daoya, it's been seven years. In less than six months, it will be the Young Master's coronation ceremony. But think about it—will the one in Shengjin Palace, the veteran ministers of the Elder Council, and the Batuha Family in the northwest allow the Young Master to return safely to Yanbei and inherit the throne? Over the years, they've repeatedly schemed and set traps, one after another, all aiming to kill the Young Master. If it weren't for the other feudal lords watching, afraid of causing too much unrest, they would have likely struck long ago. This time is their final attempt, and they won't show any mercy. Add to that the Xia King's grand birthday, with three kingdoms gathering and foreign tribes paying tribute, the Zhenhuang capital is bound to descend into chaos. No matter the outcome, the capital will inevitably witness a bloody storm. The Capital Magistrate is in charge of Zhenhuang's affairs and will surely be implicated afterward. How could someone as shrewd as Wei Guang fail to see the situation? The Wei Clan's move this time is undoubtedly a calculated decision to protect themselves."
Wu Daoya nodded gravely upon hearing this. "You've thought it through thoroughly. It seems that after Muhe Yunting's death, the Muhe Clan no longer has any descendants capable of upholding their legacy. No wonder on my way here, I heard that Zhuge Mu Qing sent Zhuge Huai to the southeast to handle matters with Huai Song—it was also to avoid the turmoil."
"It's just that you've been away from the capital for too long and aren't familiar with the dynamics. This time, aside from the reckless Muhe Clan and the Batuha Family, who are determined to oppose the Yan family, the other five major clans have all adopted strategies to stay out of the fray. The Mu family from Lingnan even recalled Young Master Mu from the capital back to Lingnan to avoid getting entangled in these treacherous waters. Your upcoming battle won't be easy to fight."
Wu Daoya nodded heavily and sighed. "For this day, the eighty thousand soldiers of Yanbei have waited seven years. No matter what, we must ensure the Young Master's safe departure. The entire Yan family sacrificed themselves for the greater cause back then—we cannot abandon their only remaining heir."Miss Yu reached out and patted Wu Daoya on the shoulder. "When the enemy attacks, we defend; when floodwaters come, we use earth to block them. Don’t worry too much. Besides, no matter what happens, the young master won’t be in any life-threatening danger—that alone is a great relief."
Hearing this, Wu Daoya couldn’t help but break into a smile and nodded. "Yes, you also think highly of that child, don’t you?"
"Mm," Miss Yu nodded. "At such a young age, it’s rare to see such careful thinking. Back then, it took me quite some effort to earn her trust. Over the years, if she hadn’t been by the young master’s side protecting him, the Yanbei lineage would likely have died out by now. That child has great potential; I’ll keep an eye on her."
"With you watching over her, I’m at ease. I won’t be staying long in the capital this time. The spring tax collection is about to begin, and I must return to Yanbei to oversee things. We can’t let the court and the Batuha Family take too much. Even though he hasn’t formally taken over, Yanbei is still the territory of the Yan Clan. We may not be able to make Yanbei as prosperous as it once was, but at the very least, we shouldn’t leave behind a mess for the young master when he ascends the throne."
Miss Yu chuckled softly and said, "Don’t worry, I’ll be careful and do my best."
"Miss, it’s time!"
A call suddenly came from outside. Hearing this, Wu Daoya stood up. "I just stopped by for a moment. I’m heading to the Yanbei Garrison Office now. The winter tax from last season has already been sent to the capital, and I need to check how much the young master submitted."
Miss Yu nodded and made to see him out. Wu Daoya raised a hand to stop her. "The wind is howling outside, and you’re not in good health, dressed so lightly. There’s no need to come out. I’ll be on my way."
With that, he threw on his cloak and turned to leave.
Miss Yu stood where she was, staring blankly at the swaying tent flap. After a long moment, she turned back and sat at the desk, picking up the action plan to study it carefully again.
"A-Yu," a deep voice suddenly called out. The tent flap lifted, and Wu Daoya poked his head back in.
Miss Yu raised an eyebrow and looked at him questioningly. Wu Daoya remained silent for a while before finally speaking gravely. "The weather is getting colder. Take good care of yourself. You don’t have to handle everything personally. Be cautious in all matters, and stay safe."
With that, he turned and left. The wind howled outside, but his footsteps could still be heard fading into the distance.
A long time later, a horse’s whinny suddenly rang out. Miss Yu gazed at the tent flap and murmured softly, "You too."
Time flies, years pass like a shuttle, and in the blink of an eye, seven years had gone by.
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