145 Formulating Strategies and Offering Advice

The war had been raging for nearly half a month, with countless casualties on both sides, yet no effective strategy had emerged. Yun Qixiao paced back and forth, unable to devise a concrete plan.

If this stalemate continued, the losses would only mount.

Yun Xueyan entered carrying tea. Seeing Yun Qixiao’s troubled expression, she sighed softly. “Second Brother, don’t rush. Let’s think it through carefully.” After offering her gentle reassurance, Xiao Chenxue and Feng Yihan followed her inside.

“Madam Yun, Young Master Feng,” Yun Xueyan greeted them, then fixed her gaze on Feng Yihan. “Young Master Feng, do you have any good ideas?”

Though she had studied the military texts, she still struggled to apply them practically.

“Weren’t those the books you studied? I haven’t even glanced at them,” Feng Yihan admitted as he sat down and poured himself a cup of hot tea. He held little interest in military manuals—he didn’t lead troops into battle.

Yun Xueyan clicked her tongue, momentarily speechless. She had assumed he had read them all.

“Alright, let us focus on finding a strategy,” Yun Qixiao said as he sat beside them. Xiao Chenxue took her place next to him, unfolding a map on the table.

“General Yun,” Yun Xueyan said, eyes fixed on the map, “aren’t the enemy soldiers unfamiliar with water? They’ve mostly lived on land, herding livestock, so their swimming skills must be poor.”

“You mean…” Xiao Chenxue seemed to realize something and suddenly smiled. “Miss Jueyan, why didn’t I think of that? We could approach by water. Preparing for battle on the river would give us the upper hand.”

“There’s actually another plan, though I’m not sure if it will work,” Yun Xueyan paused, tracing a spot on the map with her finger. “General Yun, here is the river. Following it upstream leads to the enemy’s current position. Their supplies must also be within this area. If we were to burn their provisions and cut off their retreat, they couldn’t sustain a prolonged fight. Sooner or later, they’d have to surrender.”

She looked up at Yun Qixiao, their eyes meeting Feng Yihan’s at the same moment. Seeing his nod and smile, she relaxed—her idea was merely a spontaneous thought inspired by the terrain.

“But to burn their supplies, we’d have to cross the river first. In winter, the water is icy cold. Only those strong and skilled in swimming could manage. That’s our biggest challenge,” Yun Xueyan concluded, waiting for Yun Qixiao and Xiao Chenxue’s response.

“I’ll go,” Yun Qixiao said firmly, brow furrowed as he glanced at Xiao Chenxue. “Chenxue, you’ll take charge of the troops. Don’t worry, I’ll return safely.”

Xiao Chenxue nodded without argument. “Be careful. I trust you. It’s good you’re going—this will also boost the army’s morale. I agree.”

“Tonight, we act. A nighttime surprise attack!” Yun Qixiao commanded. Seeing Yun Xueyan’s worried look, he merely nodded in acknowledgment, saying no more.

“I’ll leave now. General Yun, get some rest and prepare,” Yun Xueyan said, turning away from Feng Yihan. “Young Master Feng, I’m tired. I’ll go back and rest.”

“Hmph, you did well today,” Feng Yihan said before turning to leave.

Did I really perform well? A sudden unease crept over Yun Xueyan as she watched Feng Yihan’s retreating figure. After a long moment, she finally headed toward her chambers.