“Right, isn’t there also Night Prince’s men stationed outside the border of Xiyuan City? As long as we’re fast enough, we don’t need to fear the Second Prince.”

Xiao Yingtao nodded.

“But brother-in-law, you’re heading east now — please be careful! Should we let Qiaomu know about this?”

“Mn.” Feng Jiang nodded. “I don’t have time to say goodbye to her in person. I can only leave a letter.”

“Since it’s already decided, then let’s go with that.”

Feng Jiu’er poured herself a cup of tea.

“We still have a bit of time. Let’s analyze the current situation carefully once more.”

“As for the central region — Han Ying is leading troops along the middle route, which is tied to my father.”

“I hope our three armies can converge on schedule.”

The situation was grim, though everyone had expected as much.

What Feng Jiu’er hadn’t expected was that Feng Qiongcang would send so many troops south all at once.

Indeed, no one had it easy.

She simply felt a pang of heartache that her man had to face such a vast, elite army all at once.

“It’ll definitely work out.” Xiao Yingtao smiled faintly and stood.

“When the time comes, we’ll catch that old fox Han Ying completely off guard.”

Xiao Yingtao walked a circle around the tent, refilling everyone’s tea, before returning to her seat.

The meeting lasted nearly an hour and ended with Feng Jiang and Yang Sheng’s departure.

Feng Jiu’er, Jian Yi, Zhao Yusheng, and Feng Yinan went once more to survey the defensive perimeter.

Unlike yesterday, when the purpose had been defense, today they needed to draw up an attack plan.

Before sunset, the valley camp welcomed a strong reinforcement force.

Leading the troops were the lord of Yue City, Yue Jianfei, and his wife.

The two sides spent over an hour discussing the campaign and drafting a battle plan.

Since everyone already knew one another well, the plan came together smoothly.

Time slipped by until the Hour of the Pig. Feng Jiu’er, Tang Xiaohua, and the other women were preparing to eat in the camp when a commotion arose outside.

“What? He really left?”

Feng Jiu’er recognized the voice as Qiaomu’s and turned to look at Xiao Yingtao.

Xiao Yingtao scrambled to her feet and glanced back at Feng Jiu’er.

“She said she was coming with Xue Piao — oh, and Hua-jie is here too. Is Qinchun coming as well? I forgot to mention it.”

Xiao Yingtao tossed out that remark and turned, striding outside.

The tent flap was lifted by a slender arm.

Before Xiao Yingtao could get out, Qiaomu had already stepped inside.

By now she was visibly pregnant, her belly gently rounded, though not very large — everywhere else about her remained just as before.

“Qiaomu, it’s been a while.” Tang Xiaohua stood, gazing at her with obvious relief.

Qiaomu’s eyes swept over and settled on Tang Xiaohua; her expression eased slightly.

“Hua-jie, it’s been a while!”

Just as Qiaomu seemed about to demand answers, Tang Xiaohua had already reached her side.

Tang Xiaohua reached out and gently touched Qiaomu’s belly, shaking her head lightly. “Exactly like I was, back then.”

“It brings back memories, thinking of the days I carried a silver spear with a belly like this.”

Tang Xiaohua rubbed Qiaomu’s belly fondly, lost in reminiscence, entirely unaware that quite a few people were shooting her warning glances.

Qiaomu glanced at Feng Jiu’er, took a deep breath, and withdrew her gaze.

“Fine! I’ve brought my silver spear too — I’ve long been prepared to fight alongside everyone.”

“Qiaomu, you can’t.”

Xiao Yingtao went over and took Qiaomu’s hand.

“Jiu’er said you can only stay behind to handle logistics now — absolutely no swordplay!”