Hot flashes

The "three-step" strategy in the case of Wang Xiangshen was implemented with great success and achieved surprisingly good results.

In the eyes of the core members of the Northern Liang army and even those in Yingyang who were interested, Zhou Heng was already a rising star strategist who could truly participate in decision-making and had insightful and sophisticated views.

After finishing his paperwork that day, he strolled to the vicinity of the drill ground for some fresh air.

The spring sunshine made people feel lazy, and the shouts of soldiers training in the distance didn't sound so harsh anymore.

He was staring blankly at the sky when he suddenly heard two old soldiers squatting by the weapons rack, taking a break, whispering to each other.

"...See that? That's Zhou's secretary."

"Wow, so young? Looks so delicate and frail."

"Don't judge a book by its cover! I heard that the Wang Bapi incident was the idea this man gave to the Marquis! He beheaded people and then gave them dates, and he even managed to manipulate the rest of them. Brilliant!"

"No wonder the Marquis values ​​him so much... I've heard that when discussing matters in the main tent and encountering difficulties, the Marquis always likes to ask for his opinion first."

"That's right, people with real skills will thrive anywhere..."

Zhou Heng felt his ears burning and quickly turned to leave, but his heart felt like it had been tickled by a feather, itchy and a little uneasy.

His ideas mostly rely on fragments of knowledge accumulated over thousands of years; when it comes to the political maneuvering of this era, he is far from being a match for it.

Returning to the main tent area in the evening, my relaxed mood was quickly dispelled by the somber atmosphere that greeted me.

Chen Zhen was having a quick conversation with a scout whose armor was stained with blood and who looked exhausted. When he saw Zhou Heng coming over, Chen Zhen only nodded slightly, his eyes showing an unusually cold and murderous look.

The scout hurriedly left, while Chen Zhen, clutching a small, blood-stained bamboo tube, strode towards the central command tent.

Zhou Heng's heart tightened. Soon, the deep, resonant sound of the rallying drums echoed throughout the camp.

The atmosphere inside the tent was oppressive. Xiao Jue sat upright, his face calm and composed.

Lieutenant General Zhao knelt on one knee, his face ashen, with blood still wet on his forehead. Mr. Du frowned deeply, and the other generals also wore solemn expressions.

"During the suppression of bandits in Black Wind Valley, the vanguard was ambushed, suffering nearly half casualties." Xiao Jue's voice was flat, yet it caused the temperature inside the tent to drop sharply. "There are skilled warriors mixed in among the bandits; they are no ordinary rabble."

Lieutenant General Zhao kowtowed deeply: "This humble general underestimated the enemy and acted rashly. I beg Your Excellency to punish me!"

Xiao Jue didn't look at him, his gaze fixed on the unfolded map, his fingertip pointing to the ominous mark on Black Wind Valley: "Make a note of the crime for now. The immediate issue is how to remove this thorn in our side."

Everyone expressed their opinions, with some advocating for reinforcements and a strong attack, others suggesting a siege, and still others wanting to test the waters by offering amnesty. However, they all couldn't avoid the predicament of the treacherous terrain and the unclear enemy situation.

Zhou Heng stood in his position, listening to the purely military discussions. He felt that the valleys, passes, and troop deployments were like gibberish to him. He couldn't get a word in edgewise and could only anxiously pick at the edge of the bamboo slips used for recording.

His gaze drifted uncontrollably toward Xiao Jue, who was in the main seat.

Xiao Jue seemed oblivious to the argument. He lowered his eyes slightly, his thick eyelashes casting faint shadows under his eyelids, as if he were resting with his eyes closed.

Only his long, slender fingers, resting on the armrest, tapped gently and rhythmically, indicating that he was thinking rapidly.

Zhou Heng looked at his calm demeanor.

He could see a faint trace of weariness between Xiao Jue's brows. He thought of the heavy military affairs he had been carrying these past few days, and how he had been up late every night, barely getting any rest.

Just then, Xiao Jue suddenly lifted his eyelids.

Looking at the two people arguing most fiercely, he spoke in a low voice, but instantly silenced all the noise: "The terrain of Black Wind Valley is advantageous for defense but not for offense. A strong attack would only result in the loss of soldiers; a prolonged siege would exhaust the troops and make them more susceptible to unforeseen changes."

He paused, his fingertip tracing an arc on the map: "The bandits rely on nothing more than terrain and covert assistance. Let's do the opposite. General Zhao."

"Your subordinate is here!" Zhao, the adjutant, straightened his back.

"Your troops are to make a great show of force, reinforce the garrison at the valley entrance, raise numerous banners, and set up many bonfires, making a show of attacking the city day and night. I want you to keep the main force of the bandits firmly pinned down on the front, leaving them no time to attend to other matters."

"Yes, sir!"

"Mr. Du," Xiao Jue turned to the old man.

"I am here."

"The old archives of Yingyang, especially the files related to workshops and mining, must be thoroughly investigated immediately. There was mining in Heifengyu in the past, and I need to know the possible routes and entrances of all abandoned tunnels. We need to find out about the former miners and their descendants as soon as possible."

A glint of light flashed in Mr. Du's eyes: "Does Your Excellency intend to...use a tunnel?"

"Whether there is a usable path can only be known by investigation. Even if only one in ten is viable, it is still a glimmer of hope."

Xiao Jue said with certainty, "Furthermore, select thirty of the most elite and agile soldiers, skilled in mountain stealth and close-quarters combat, train them separately, and keep them on standby. Once a viable passage is found, they will be the key to breaking the deadlock."

A plan to feign an attack from the front to contain the enemy while secretly seeking an opening for a surprise attack quickly took shape in Xiao Jue's clear and calm narration.

Upon hearing this, the doubts in the eyes of the generals inside the tent gradually disappeared, replaced by trust and eagerness to try.

Zhou Heng was deeply moved. He never expected that they could start with an abandoned mine, and he was even more amazed that Xiao Jue could grasp this tiny possibility from the chaotic information in such a short time and make a decisive deployment.

After agreeing on a strategy, everyone accepted the order and went out to prepare. Soon, only Xiao Jue and Zhou Heng remained in the tent.

Xiao Jue rubbed his temples, his previously maintained cold and hard demeanor seeming to loosen slightly, revealing a faint weariness beneath.

He looked at Zhou Heng, who was still standing there in a daze, and beckoned him over: "Come here."

Zhou Heng hesitated for a moment, then walked over.

Xiao Jue naturally took his hand and pulled him to his side.

His palm was warm, calloused, and tightly enveloped his slightly cool fingers. "Were you startled?" he asked, his voice lower, a stark contrast to the coldness he had displayed during their discussion.

Zhou Heng tried to pull his hand away but failed. He muttered, "No. It's just... I find fighting really difficult."

"Hmm." Xiao Jue responded, gently stroking the back of his hand with his thumb. "Some things are better left to those who are good at them. You don't need to worry about it too much."

"The matter of searching for the old miners..." Zhou Heng thought of Mr. Du's advanced age.

"Let your capable subordinates handle it. You just need to review and compile the information," Xiao Jue interrupted him, his tone leaving no room for argument. "No need to stay up tonight, get some rest early."

"But……"

"No buts." Xiao Jue looked at him, his gaze deep. "I know what I'm doing regarding Black Wind Valley. You don't look well, go back and rest."

Zhou Heng felt a little breathless under his gaze. Seeing the weariness under his eyes, she blurted out, "And what about you? You didn't sleep much last night..."

He regretted it as soon as the words left his mouth.

Xiao Jue was visibly taken aback for a moment, then a faint, genuine smile appeared in his usually deep, unfathomable eyes. "Worried about me?" He leaned closer, his breath brushing against Zhou Heng's ear.

Zhou Heng looked terrified and vehemently denied it: "Who, who was worried about you! I was afraid you'd collapse from exhaustion and neglect our business!"

"Saying one thing and meaning another." Xiao Jue chuckled softly, seemingly in a much better mood.

He released Zhou Heng's hand, but instead put his arm around his shoulder and led him towards the inner tent. "In that case, let's rest together. If you keep an eye on me, I won't delay our 'business,' how about it?"

"Xiao Jue! You..." Zhou Heng was filled with shame and indignation, and struggled to get up.

"Don't move." Xiao Jue tightened his grip, his voice carrying an undeniable air of authority, yet also a rare gentleness. "I won't touch you tonight. Sleep peacefully. Let me hold you for a while."

His chin rested gently on Zhou Heng's head, his breathing gradually becoming heavier.

Zhou Heng froze in his arms, able to clearly feel the rise and fall of his chest and the warmth of his body through the fabric. His struggles subsided without him even realizing it.