Volume III, Real Ancient Capital, Chapter 44: Overtime

By Xiao Xiang Dong'Er | Translated and Arranged by Angel Chua

"Gentlemen, your plan is as follows." At the humble camp, a woman in Tsing Yi (meaning greenish-blue dress) slightly raised her thin chin, her slender fingers pointing at a book lying on a detailed topographic map. Surrounded by soldiers, she coldly said, "We will act at three specific moments. First, during early summer, the first team will ambush at Chaohu and Chishui (both lakes near Shen Jin Palace) between the Red Nest Bridge. Within the perimeter lies a riverbend; take side positions, but be cautious—there are five men at the bridge ready to destroy the river grass boat. You must sever the river hook. Afterward, to attack Xia Zhun, we need to remove Xiaoqi camp, which guards their bridge defense base. There are no taboos—this is a battlefield where the situation can expand. Remember, we aim to resolve the fight within the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn. Are there any questions?"

"No questions!" Xia Zhi, Xi Rui, and the soldiers in side positions nodded. "We will deliver results."

The woman's finger traced the western line of the map as she turned her head. "The second squad will ambush and lock down the village. When they enter the trail, this will trigger Xia Zhan's actions, preventing Xiao Zhan camp reinforcements from arriving. You must cut off the traffic line between the abandoned camp and the north, holding the army in place for an hour."

The Arab soldiers nodded firmly. "Lady, do not worry."

The woman nodded, then drew a circle on the map with her finger. She emphasized, "Your task is to infiltrate the North Prison underground camp and rescue the captives, Mr. Mu and Master Zhu, who are trapped in the northwest corner. In the south of Tianyuan Tower, there are twenty-eight brothers; some may not be able to walk, and you must rescue them before dawn. Travel southwest, fifteen miles outside Pengding Village, and rendezvous with the followers and a carriage for a safe escape. We must take risks before darkness falls."

Silence enveloped the tent as everyone listened intently to her words. The woman, calm and composed, continued, "The North Prison lies three hundred zhang (ancient measurement) ahead. The terrain is like a jungle, but the perimeter has been cleared for about a hundred feet, leaving no cover. Eight camps guard the area, and sentries patrol day and night. You'll need to crawl forward."

She took out another map and said, "This is a detailed layout of North Prison. Here are the military warehouse, grass arsenal, and soldier rest camp. Our main targets are Tianyuan Tower and the northwest water passage. You have two hours to memorize this. Timing is critical—there can be no mistakes. Chengyang will lead the third and fourth teams to attack, and the Arab-Israeli team with the crossbow group will bypass the northern camp, eliminating sentries along the way. Wait for Chengyang's diversion before moving."

The tent grew lighter as the woman smiled. "You will release rockets to create chaos. The soldiers will panic and rush out. You are not to kill but to cause confusion. If North Prison's troops rush out before you finish, the mission will fail. Remain precise and adjust as needed. Small Jiong will meet you outside with horses to confuse the enemy."

Small Jiong, still a sixteen-year-old child but battle-hardened with scars, smiled confidently at Chengyang. "Chengyang, let's hope this time I'm not the one getting shot."

Everyone laughed, easing the tense atmosphere. Chengyang pushed Jiong playfully, grinning. "You hold grudges, don't you?"

The woman coughed sharply, regaining everyone's attention. "Focus."

"The crossbow team will eliminate the sentries in the towers, and Chengyang's main force will advance, covering the large units. Every five feet, set an archer to cover the troops. Rescue the captives, and do not stray from the mission. The Arab team will cover you. After rescuing Zhu Fuzi and Mr. Mu, proceed to Tianyuan Tower. Our men will be guarding it by then. Once you reach it, the remaining guards should have been eliminated. After saving the targets, retreat through the southwest trenches. The Arab soldiers will attack the enemy's right flank, and the city's forces will strike from the rear to provide cover. Issue a green signal if the mission succeeds. When the fighting ends, Xiao Long (Yan Shi Zi's new military codename) will handle your evacuation."

Her sharp eyes scanned the group, and she coldly asked, "Does anyone have questions?"

No one answered, so the woman nodded. "Good. Prepare your weapons and equipment. Memorize the marching map. You have half an hour, after which I will test your readiness. If there are no issues, we depart in an hour to execute the mission."

"Yes!" the soldiers agreed, and the tent became crowded as they stood up.

A woman in Tsing Yi (bluish-green dress), her figure slightly thin, appeared pale. Her narrow eyes revealed a determined resolve. She raised her right hand, clenched it into a fist, and said coldly, "Datong (Mr. Wu's military codename in Yanbei) will not die."

"He will not die!" The uniform response echoed as the men left the tent, filing out like fish from a net.

The tent fell silent. Outside, the wind howled as snow began to fall. "Ruixue" (auspicious snow) signifies a prosperous year. Perhaps the coming year will bring better days.

The woman sipped her tea when a gray-haired boy entered the tent. "Lady, Mr. Wu is here," he announced.

The woman raised her brow, barely concealing her joy. "Let him in."

A gust of wind swept into the tent as a man entered, dressed in a green cloth gown. His face was upright, fine, and handsome, with a few slight wrinkles that added charm to his appearance. He looked to be about twenty-seven. He smiled gently. "A'Yu."

The woman smiled faintly. "When did you arrive? Aren't you supposed to return to Yanbei?"

"There was a temporary matter concerning the Emperor, so I must return immediately."

Sitting on a small bench, he removed his icy boots and set them aside. The woman raised an eyebrow. "Is it cold outside?"

Wu Lu Shiye looked up and sighed. "Sheng Jin Gong is celebrating their anniversary and preparing a banquet for three countries. Their records are too tight. Things are uneasy, so I had to be cautious."

"You've always been cautious, even abroad."

"Yes," Wu Lu Shiye replied, frowning. "The West China letter says the Emperor has already decided on two key matters. Is it true?"

A'Yu smiled faintly. "Yes. The Imperial City has been tense for over a year. I deliberately leaked two unimportant positions to distract the Emperor, making him think he had achieved something, but the real information remains hidden. Thankfully, no one was harmed."

"The Eighth Prince is likely involved in this," Wu Lu smiled grimly. "The Wei family's influence has waned, and their power is shrinking. The old court will likely see more bloodshed."

"Wei Guang is cunning. I suspect he's orchestrating something," A'Yu remarked.

Wu Lu's expression darkened. "What do you think?"

A'Yu sighed. "Lu Shiye, it's been seven years, and in less than six months, the crown ceremony will take place. Do you think Sheng Jin Gong and the northwestern Batuja family will allow the throne to return to Yanbei? They've been sowing discord for years, using conspiracies and traps to undermine us. This is their final play, but there's more to come. With the Great Summer King's birthday and the gathering of three nations, the atmosphere will only grow more dangerous."

Wu Lu Shiye nodded, his face serious. "You're right. The situation is grave. We must tread carefully."

A'Yu placed her hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. No matter what happens, we will protect Yanbei."

Wu Lu smiled faintly, nodding in agreement. "You always see the good in people."

A'Yu nodded. "Even at her young age, Yan Xun is cautious. It took a lot to earn her trust, but over the years, she has been steadfast."

"I trust you will take care of things. I must go back to Yanbei to manage the town. The court and the Batuja family cannot be allowed to exploit us further. We must ensure Yanbei thrives."

A'Yu smiled warmly. "Don't worry, I will do my best."

"Lady, it's time!" a voice called from outside.

Wu Lu stood up and placed a hand on the door frame. "I will return soon. Stay safe."

A'Yu moved to see him off, but Wu Lu shook his head. "No need to come outside. The wind is too harsh, and you're not well."

He donned his hat and turned to leave.

A'Yu stood still, watching the wind shake the tent's curtains. After a moment, she returned to her seat, picking up a thin sketchbook.

Suddenly, the tent's curtain lifted, and Wu Lu reappeared.

"A'Yu," he said quietly, hesitating for a moment. "Take care of yourself. Be cautious in all things."

Then he turned and left for good, his footsteps fading in the howling wind.

For a long time, A'Yu stared at the tent's curtain, murmuring softly, "Likewise."

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, seven years have passed.