The battle was over, and the valley was bathed in the crimson glow of the setting sun. The ground was littered with the bodies of fallen soldiers and shattered banners. Su Jin sheathed her sword, standing amidst the carnage, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Though the enemy's main force had been decimated, she felt no relief. She knew the war was far from over—this victory was only the beginning.
General Gu Tingfeng approached her, a mixture of relief and exhaustion on his face. "Your Highness, we've won. The enemy has scattered, and their losses are severe. It's a decisive victory."
Su Jin nodded slightly, her voice calm. "This is just the beginning. The enemy won't give up so easily. Their counterattack will be even fiercer."
Gu Tingfeng's expression grew serious. After a moment of silence, he asked quietly, "Your Highness, what are our next steps? Do we press forward, or do we make camp?"
Su Jin pondered for a moment, her gaze turning once more to the distant mountains. Though they had won this battle, there was little time for celebration. She needed to plan the next move carefully.
"Order the troops to rest and tend to the wounded. We must be ready for a counterattack," she said firmly. "But we can't stay here for long. The enemy will soon realize what's happened. We need to push forward before they regroup."
Gu Tingfeng nodded and quickly relayed her orders to the soldiers. Su Jin remained where she stood, watching the sky darken as countless thoughts raced through her mind. Every decision from now on would be crucial—any mistake could shift the tide of war against them.
As the soldiers worked, Su Jin stepped into her tent and sat before the large map that spread across the table. Her fingers traced the key routes, pondering the next course of action. Despite their recent victory, the unease in her heart refused to dissipate.
She knew the enemy would not give up so easily. This battle may have dealt them a heavy blow, but their retaliation would be swift and deadly. She had to be prepared for every eventuality.
"Your Highness," a low voice called from outside the tent.
Su Jin looked up as a scout entered hurriedly, his expression tense. "Your Highness, an enemy reinforcement unit is approaching quickly. It seems they were already prepared for this."
Su Jin's brow furrowed slightly, and she stood, reaching for the map. Her eyes scanned the various routes leading to their current position. She had anticipated a response from the enemy but hadn't expected them to react so swiftly.
"How many soldiers? And how far are they?" she asked, her voice steady.
"Approximately three thousand men, about two hours' march away. They're coming from the southeast valley, likely attempting to flank us," the scout reported.
Su Jin nodded, her mind already formulating a plan. "Summon all the commanders immediately. We need to adjust our strategy."
Minutes later, the tent was filled with the key commanders, all waiting for Su Jin's orders.
"The enemy is approaching fast," Su Jin began, her tone direct. "We need to respond swiftly, or their counterattack will catch us off guard."
Gu Tingfeng was the first to speak, his voice filled with concern. "Your Highness, the enemy's numbers are significant. Our troops are fatigued after the battle. Should we consider a tactical retreat?"
Su Jin didn't respond immediately. Her eyes moved over the map as she weighed the options. A retreat was a possibility, but it risked demoralizing the troops and exposing them to pursuit by the enemy.
"No," she said decisively. "We won't retreat. To do so would embolden the enemy and show weakness. We must meet them head-on."
Her statement caused a ripple of surprise among the commanders. Gu Tingfeng asked cautiously, "Your Highness, are you suggesting we face the enemy in a direct confrontation here?"
Su Jin nodded. "Yes. But we won't engage in a traditional battle. We'll use the terrain to our advantage and set traps, drawing them into a carefully planned ambush."
Her gaze was steady, and though her voice was calm, it carried the weight of unshakable resolve. She knew this was a risky move, but it was also an opportunity to seize control of the situation.
As the evening wore on, the camp was prepared, with traps laid out and soldiers positioned carefully. The valley, once quiet, was now a battlefield in waiting. Su Jin stood on a high point, overlooking the scene. Her heart raced with a mixture of tension and anticipation, but she knew she had to remain calm. Every decision now could decide their fate.
"Your Highness, everything is ready," Gu Tingfeng reported, coming to stand by her side.
Su Jin nodded, her eyes never leaving the distant horizon. "Signal all units to hold their positions. No one moves until the enemy is fully in the trap."
The commander saluted and quickly departed. Silence returned to the valley as the soldiers settled into their hiding places, gripping their weapons tightly, waiting for the moment to strike.
As the minutes dragged on, the sky grew darker. Su Jin's sharp gaze remained fixed on the valley entrance. She could sense the enemy's approach, her heart pounding harder with every second. But she remained composed, waiting for the perfect moment.
Finally, the distant sound of hooves echoed through the valley. The enemy was coming.
"Prepare for battle," Su Jin whispered, her voice low but filled with authority. The soldiers tensed, gripping their weapons tighter.
The enemy column came closer, the sound of hooves growing louder. Su Jin's eyes gleamed with cold determination. When the enemy was fully within the ambush zone, she stood and drew her sword.
"Attack!"