Chapter 54: Unfavorable News

The others followed the plan, while Xue Chengqian, accompanied by the Song brothers and a few other sharp-minded men, took advantage of the terrain of Eight Auntie's Mountain to scout the enemy's situation.

Although Sun Fushan had already provided fairly detailed information, and his men were more familiar with the land of Dongping, Xue Chengqian still insisted on personally observing the enemy.

This was not due to a lack of trust in his subordinates, but rather a sense of responsibility as the "commander."

As more and more brothers began to rely on and trust his leadership, it naturally helped Xue Chengqian expand his influence, but it also meant he had to shoulder greater responsibility.

His fate had indeed undergone a dramatic transformation after acquiring the Mandate of Heaven system.

However, this did not mean he relied solely on the system’s rewards and prompts for everything.

He was also changing himself, striving to embody the image of a true commander in his own mind.

Regarding key intelligence such as the battlefield terrain and enemy disposition, he had to verify it personally.

Unexpectedly, Wei Xiao insisted on accompanying him up the mountain to observe, despite knowing the arduousness of the task.

She truly cared for her father; even the biting mountain wind that chilled her to the bone could not sway her from refusing to return to camp.

“Dongping City… how has it come to this?”

Having witnessed the battle firsthand, both Xue Chengqian and Wei Xiao’s hearts grew heavy.

Only then did they fully grasp the severity of the plight that Sun Fushan’s scouts had reported.

“This is going to be difficult,” Xue Chengqian sighed, looking at the formidable might of the Northern Barbarian army and the row upon row of siege engines.

Wei Xiao, already deeply worried, felt her anxiety intensify at his words.

“What do you mean? Do you think the previous rescue plan is unfeasible? Or have you begun to regret coming to Dongping’s aid?”

Xue Chengqian sighed again. “Miss Wei, there’s no doubt about our resolve to assist Dongping, but our original plan alone cannot shake the Northern Barbarian’s encampment.”

“We must do everything to establish contact with the Dongping defenders and, if possible, first undermine their morale—we have to leverage the garrison inside Dongping.”

“However, as you have seen, the defense of Dongping City is more desperate than we anticipated. We may have overestimated the remaining strength within.”

“Even if we manage to break through and cause chaos in the Northern Barbarian ranks, whether the garrison inside still has the strength to break out and coordinate with us for a decisive strike remains uncertain.”

Wei Xiao gazed intently at the battlefield ahead, looking toward Dongping City. Her lips trembled slightly, yet she found no words to refute his assessment.

Her clear understanding only stirred a pang of sympathy in Xue Chengqian’s heart.

“Now that we have finished observing the enemy, let us return and hear what Su Youfang has to say—whether we can successfully communicate with the defenders inside Dongping.”

Wei Xiao fought back tears and nodded.

As they descended the mountain, she whispered, “No matter what happens, I am grateful for your and the Zhengyi Camp’s soldiers’ efforts to come to the rescue.”

“If the situation becomes hopeless, I would never force the soldiers to die for my father, but please, Captain Xue, promise me that as long as there is a chance, you will do everything to succeed and never give up easily.”

At this moment, who could refuse such a plea from Wei Xiao?

...

Unexpectedly, upon returning to the main camp, Su Youfang had already arrived ahead with his men.

“Hey, do you still doubt my capabilities? Not only have we sent signals into Dongping City, but we even received a response from Lord Wei himself!”

Su Youfang’s nose lifted arrogantly, his disdainful demeanor unmistakable.

These past days had been a blow to his pride. First, he had been rescued by the Zhengyi Camp; then, a misjudgment nearly led his men to be chased to death by Northern Barbarian cavalry.

Moreover, Miss Wei’s reliance on Wei and Luo to seek aid from Wangjiang City had diminished his importance. Whether in command skill or battlefield achievements, he had been overshadowed.

Now, he finally had a chance to hold his head high.

“Is that true? My father even responded to you?” Wei Xiao’s expression was full of excitement. “What did he say?”

“Miss, please don’t rush. I was just about to report to you.”

Only when facing Wei Xiao did Su Youfang show a hint of respect, though he still flashed a triumphant look toward Xue Chengqian and the others.

“We exchanged signals from a high vantage point. Thanks to Lord Wei’s sharp eyes, he noticed our signal despite the Northern Barbarians’ threats.”

“He already knows we are waiting outside, preparing for a surprise attack, and he will do his best to restrain the entire army. While defending against the Northern Barbarian assault, he will keep a reserve force ready to launch a counterattack at any time.”

“However…”

Wei Xiao tensed immediately. “However what?”

Su Youfang replied awkwardly, “We also sent word to Lord Wei, reassuring him of your safety, Miss. But according to Lord Wei’s wishes, he wants us to escort you away from Dongping immediately, even to head south back to the capital and seek refuge with your uncle.”

“His lordship seems unwilling to let you personally participate in the rescue of Dongping.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Huzi and the others showed disdain.

Wei Xiao herself felt a bit embarrassed.

They all respected Lord Wei’s character, and it was only because of Wei Xiao’s ardent plea that she was allowed to risk coming to aid with a small force.

Though Lord Wei’s attitude was understandable as a father, it sparked some murmurs among the soldiers.

It’s not as if only your daughter is cared for by her parents, while they sprang from stone cracks, are they?

If you worry about your daughter’s safety, then what about the soldiers who came to rescue Dongping?

Wei Xiao’s stance surprised everyone.

She shook her head decisively.

“I will not leave! In the battle to rescue Dongping, I will fight on the front lines alongside the soldiers against the Northern Barbarians!”

“Ahem, Miss, your courage is admirable, but given your status, it’s not suitable for you to charge ahead. You should remain at Eight Auntie’s Mountain to oversee the situation,” Luo Fang advised with relief.

Wei Xiao’s attitude was admirable, but as a delicate young lady, going into battle would only hinder everyone.

“I won’t,” she insisted seriously. “Though a woman, I have trained in archery since childhood under my father. Even if I lack strength, I can at least shoot arrows from the rear.”

Xue Chengqian interrupted them directly.

“Wait, Su Youfang! If Lord Wei can communicate with you via the signal flags, then what is the situation inside Dongping City? When we launch our assault, how many troops can he muster to coordinate with us?”