“Are we going into the city to rescue Old General Yuan’s little grandson?” Xiao Yingtao blinked and turned around.

“Alright, I’ll go pack my things right away.”

“Xiao Yingtao.” Xing Zizhou glanced in the direction she had gone, then turned his gaze back to Feng Jiu’er.

“Jiu’er, how should we arrange things?”

“You go pack too,” Feng Jiu’er instructed softly.

“Alright.” Xing Zizhou turned and followed after Xiao Yingtao.

“I’m to stay here and hold the fort, is that it?” Qiao Mu raised an eyebrow.

“Yes,” Feng Jiu’er nodded, sat down, and took out the map she had just tucked away again.

She fetched brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, spread out the map, and began to trace it.

“I’ll take some of our brothers into the city. Old General Yuan’s map will stay with you.”

“If no word comes back from me, the timing for the assault on the city stays the same. If anything changes, I’ll notify you in advance.”

“You mean, you don’t need to wait for you to return before attacking the city?” Qiao Mu stepped over.

She pulled out a chair, sat down casually, and her gaze fell on the map Feng Jiu’er was tracing.

“No need to wait,” Feng Jiu’er shook her head slightly. “Feng Yan’s army will arrive soon, so there’s no need for any of us to delay.”

“We should try to finish things inside the city as early as possible.”

Feng Jiu’er looked up and glanced at Qiao Mu.

“If things go smoothly, then we’ll coordinate from inside and outside and wipe out Feng Rui’s entire army.”

Qiao Mu frowned and said, “Where does this confidence come from?”

“I’m the leader — I have to be confident,” Feng Jiu’er said, turning her gaze back and continuing to trace the map.

“Feng Rui is using Old General Yuan’s grandson as leverage. As long as Old General Yuan hasn’t given in, Feng Rui won’t do anything to the boy.”

“I’ve heard my father speak of Old General Yuan’s exploits before. He’s resourceful and wise — he wouldn’t so easily put himself and his little grandson in danger.”

“I’m just going to lend a hand — don’t worry!”

“You’re the leader, so it’s your call,” Qiao Mu said, shrugging and leaning back in her chair, gently stroking her small belly.

Feng Jiu’er glanced down at it and smiled. “Did it kick you?”

“Not quite a kick, but not exactly still either,” Qiao Mu said, the corner of her mouth curving up.

Feng Jiu’er looked at her happy, smiling face, and her own smile deepened.

“Things will surely get better,” she promised, then lowered her head and went on tracing the map.

“Jiu’er, let me help you pack your things too,” Xiao Yingtao’s voice came from inside the room.

At some point, Jian Yi had already seated himself on a bench not far away, holding his long sword.

Over his shoulder hung a gray travel pack.

“Jiu’er, which brothers do you need to bring into the city? I’ll go arrange it now,” Xing Zizhou asked, ruffling his woman’s hair.

“Bring your squad. I only need thirty people,” Feng Jiu’er said, looking up and waving her hand.

“Alright.” Xing Zizhou cupped his hands in salute and was about to leave.

“Jiu’er, will thirty brothers be enough?” Xiao Yingtao set down the small travel pack in her hands.

“Too many people would make it hard to enter the city,” Feng Jiu’er said, still copying the map Old General Yuan had prepared.

“Xing Zizhou’s men are nearly all better than you at lightness skill. You should think about whether, if something happens, you’d be able to get away on your own — that matters more.”

“Don’t end up dragging Xing Zizhou down. Your husband is someone we can’t afford to lose right now.”

“You make it sound like I can be spared instead!” Xiao Yingtao huffed coldly and turned away.

“I’ll work even harder — maybe I’ll surpass Jian Yi. No one will be able to catch up to me!”

Xiao Yingtao pushed open the door and walked into Feng Jiu’er’s room.

The others in the side room watched the direction she had disappeared in, and without meaning to, the corners of their mouths curved upward.