At the break of dawn, the camp was shrouded in a thin layer of mist. Soldiers stood at attention, weapons in hand, awaiting the command to march. Su Jin stood at the front of the column, clad in armor, her gaze fixed firmly on the distant horizon. Today, they would embark on a dangerous mission—one that would take them deep into enemy territory.
General Gu Tingfeng rode up beside her, speaking quietly. "Your Highness, the troops are ready. We await your command."
Su Jin nodded, turning to face her assembled soldiers. Her eyes swept over their determined faces, a wave of complex emotions surging within her. Each of these men knew the risks; they understood that this mission would be perilous, and victory was far from guaranteed.
"Soldiers," Su Jin began, her voice ringing through the morning mist, "today we face a new challenge. We march into enemy territory to strike at their heart. The hope of victory lies in our own hands. I trust in each of you—your courage and your wisdom—to see this through."
Her words ignited a fire in the eyes of the soldiers. Su Jin's resolve had always been their strength, and every speech she gave filled them with an unshakable determination. Gu Tingfeng watched the men's reactions, feeling his own heart stir with pride. He knew that under Su Jin's leadership, this force had become unstoppable.
"Move out!" Su Jin commanded, her voice firm. The column began to advance, the rhythmic clatter of hooves breaking the stillness of the dawn.
As they rode through the winding terrain, Su Jin and Gu Tingfeng rode side by side. Unable to contain his thoughts, Gu Tingfeng asked, "Your Highness, do you think this mission will succeed?"
Su Jin smiled faintly, her gaze fixed on the mountains ahead. "Success or failure depends on our preparation and our ability to adapt. The enemy is cunning, but we must be more clever and resilient."
Gu Tingfeng nodded, having grown accustomed to Su Jin's calm decisiveness in any situation. After years of fighting alongside her, he had come to trust her every decision. Even now, as they ventured deep into enemy territory, he had no doubt they would succeed.
"General Gu," Su Jin suddenly said, her voice quiet, "have you ever wondered what lies at the end of war?"
The question caught him off guard, and he hesitated before answering. "I used to believe war was fought for peace. But with every battle, I start to question whether true peace is ever possible."
Su Jin glanced at him, her eyes reflecting a similar conflict. She understood his doubts—after all, they were her doubts too. As the leader of her kingdom, she had to weigh every choice, searching for a path that could lead her people to a brighter future. But the shadow of war always clouded her vision, making it hard to see the way forward.
"Perhaps," she said with a sigh, "but it's precisely because we can't see the end that we must keep moving forward. Only by pressing on can we hope to give the future a chance."
Gu Tingfeng said nothing more. He looked at Su Jin's resolute profile, feeling a deep, unspoken respect. She was no ordinary leader—she bore the weight of an entire kingdom's future on her shoulders, and each step she took was heavier than anyone else's.
By evening, the column had reached the predetermined ambush site—a desolate valley flanked by steep cliffs that offered natural cover. Su Jin dismounted, moving to the edge of the valley to survey the terrain.
"This will be our ambush point," she said to her soldiers. "We'll wait here for the enemy and strike when they least expect it."
The soldiers nodded, quickly spreading out to find the best positions for the ambush. Gu Tingfeng approached Su Jin, his voice low with concern. "Your Highness, the enemy is cunning. Do you think they might have anticipated our plan?"
Su Jin didn't respond immediately. Her eyes remained fixed on the pass at the valley's entrance, as if waiting for something. After a moment, she spoke. "The enemy is indeed clever, but they would never expect us to take such a bold risk, venturing deep into their territory. That is our advantage."
Her confidence was infectious, spreading to the soldiers around her. They knew that Su Jin's strategies were always precise and well-planned, leaving no room for the enemy to exploit.
"Prepare for the ambush!" Su Jin ordered. The soldiers swiftly took their positions, hiding in the shadows along the valley's walls, all holding their breath in anticipation.
Minutes ticked by, and the valley was so silent that only the wind could be heard. Su Jin crouched behind a large boulder, her gaze sharp as an eagle's, watching the pass intently. She knew that this moment would decide the success of their mission—any mistake could lead to disaster.
Finally, the distant sound of hooves reached her ears. The enemy was coming.
"Hold your positions until they're fully in the trap," she whispered, gripping the hilt of her sword tightly as her heart pounded in her chest. Every nerve in her body was on edge.
The enemy's column grew closer, the sound of hooves growing louder. Su Jin's eyes never left them, waiting for the perfect moment. When the enemy reached the center of the valley, she sprang to her feet, sword drawn.
"Attack!"