Mu Shaoling gritted his teeth and said, "That’s good. We’ll definitely deal with those bastards later."
Yang Chuxia originally felt that victory or defeat was a normal occurrence, so seeing them retreat from Liao City to Ning City didn’t seem like a big deal to her. She didn’t ask much, but now seeing Mu Shaoling’s expression, it seed sothing was off.
"How did Uncle get injured?"
"Shot by a sneak attack from behind," Mu Shaoling said. "Two days ago, Great Qi’s army attacked Liao City with full force. Uncle Luo had sent the townsfolk out earlier. Who would have known that yesterday news ca that all our people exiting the city were captured alive by the Great Qi troops? In the face of already insufficient forces, Uncle Luo sent an Assistant General to rescue them, but it turned out to be a trap."
Mu Shaoling gritted his teeth and said, "The person who relayed the ssage was a traitor. Later, a group of over a hundred black-clad assassins appeared in the city, each fighting like a hundred n. These assassins seed to have a sole target — to kill Uncle Luo. I think these assassins must have been pre-positioned in the city."
"For over a hundred black-clad assassins to lay an ambush in the city and evade the army’s searches, it seems there is more than one traitor," Yang Chuxia said. "The person who relayed the ssage might not be a true traitor; they could have been deceived by soone else."
"Yes, you’re right," Mu Shaoling said. "And this person must hold a high position. The higher their position, the more they can cover things up."
"Since we know there are such people, we must be vigilant from now on," Yang Chuxia pondered and added, "I’m just worried there might be an ambush on the way to Ning City. By the way, didn’t Brother An find out during interrogation last ti that there’s a secret passage into Ning City? We should use that to enter."
"That’s what I was thinking too. All the people with us are Uncle Luo’s personal guards. I’m not worried about them, only about others," he said, as he went to find a wooden board, placing Old Mu on it and having a few people carry him.
They took the secret passage to Ning City, and the journey was smooth.
By the next morning, the rear guard army and the army escorting the townsfolk out of the city had returned. After regrouping, it was discovered that this battle had the most losses.
It was thought that Baili Yan would not arrive until the evening, but unexpectedly, he arrived shortly after noon.
Upon hearing about the loss of Liao City, Old Mu’s injury, and the possible existence of a traitor in the army, his expression beca very grim.
"Bring the map."
The map was spread out, and a chilling air perated the entire tent.
"Liao City is the first barrier, the most difficult to attack. Once breached, Great Qi’s army will advance like a hot knife through butter," Baili Yan said. "The second barriers are Ning City, Liang City, and Peng City. Which city do you think they will attack first? Or will they attack all three simultaneously?"
A general stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Great Qi has ample forces. I believe they might advance on all three places simultaneously. However, Liang City and Peng City only have a garrison of twenty thousand each. I think we need to send reinforcents in advance."
"No, we cannot!" another general said. "I believe we should first scout Great Qi’s intentions. If their target is indeed Ning City, dispersing our forces will be disadvantageous."
"What’s the point of scouting?" soone retorted. "The opposing commander is the Grand Emperor of Great Qi, reputed to be a man of mystery and cunning. It’s impossible to predict his next move. In such a situation, we must make thorough preparations in advance."
"..."
Each person held their opinion, and Baili Yan only then realized that even in front of him, factions within the military dared to clearly express their alliances.
"Since none of you can make up your minds, just follow my orders," Baili Yan said coldly, looking at everyone. "Put away your petty sches, or else..."
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