The night had deepened, the sky devoid of stars, as the entire camp lay under a blanket of tense silence. Each corner seemed unnervingly still, as if anticipating the storm that was about to break. Yet, beneath this calm, the faint sounds of heartbeats, footsteps, and the crackling of torches foretold the looming disaster.
Su Jin stood outside her command tent, her cold gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The night wind brushed against her cloak, carrying the biting chill of the valley. Despite the cold, her mind remained clear, focused on the task at hand. She had already laid out her defensive plan, but the cunning and persistence of the enemy weighed heavily on her.
"Your Highness," Gu Tingfeng approached, breaking the silence. "The enemy's vanguard has set up camp thirty li away. At their current speed, they'll likely attack before dawn."
Su Jin turned to face Gu Tingfeng, her eyes thoughtful. "Thirty li... The enemy isn't going to pass up this chance." Her voice was low but steady. "We are in plain sight, while they've been hiding. They'll use the cover of night to strike, hoping to deal us a crippling blow."
Gu Tingfeng furrowed his brow. "What do you propose we do, Your Highness?"
"We won't wait to be attacked." Su Jin's tone was firm as she walked to the map. She pointed to the defensive perimeter she had already planned. "Strengthen the defenses around the camp. Set traps and oil pits to stop their cavalry. Also, send scouts to patrol the outskirts. If they spot the enemy, signal us immediately."
Without hesitation, Gu Tingfeng nodded and left to carry out her orders.
In the camp, the soldiers moved quickly, their movements efficient despite the tension in the air. Though many were anxious about the impending battle, their trust in Su Jin kept them focused.
"Do you think the enemy will be caught off guard again, like last time?" a young soldier whispered to his companion, a mixture of hope and unease in his voice.
"I don't know, but we can't afford to take any chances," an older soldier replied, his voice steady. "This battle could decide everything."
"Enough talk. Check your weapons," another soldier interrupted. "We won't have time for idle chatter when they come."
The camp was filled with quiet murmurs, the clatter of weapons, and the soft glow of firelight. Each soldier knew that their lives depended on their preparations, and no one dared take the moment lightly.
Meanwhile, Su Jin remained on the high ground, her gaze sweeping across the camp. Though she appeared calm, she was watching every detail closely. Gu Tingfeng had already taken a detachment to intercept the enemy reinforcements, and she had to ensure that the remaining forces were strong enough to withstand the coming assault.
"Your Highness," a scout rushed forward, his breath quick from running. "We've heard the sound of hooves from the east. The enemy may be approaching."
"The east?" Su Jin's brow furrowed slightly. "Give the order. Everyone, prepare for battle."
The soldiers quickly moved into their positions. Archers silently took their places at the watchtowers, bows drawn and ready. The infantry stood firm, shields raised and weapons at the ready. The tension was palpable, thick in the cold night air.
Soon, rustling sounds came from the distant brush, and the faint clinking of armor signaled the enemy's approach. Hundreds of cavalrymen emerged from the darkness, advancing swiftly toward the camp. Their intent was clear: to crush Su Jin's forces before they could react.
"Now!" Su Jin shouted. At her command, a volley of arrows rained down on the advancing cavalry. Simultaneously, the oil pits ignited, flames erupting and lighting up the night sky.
The enemy's surprise attack was met with devastating force. The leading cavalry were caught in the hail of arrows and fire, their advance halted. Chaos erupted as horses reared and men fell, unable to break through the blazing defenses.
Su Jin remained calm, her commands clear and decisive. The infantry quickly moved to flank the enemy, cutting off any escape routes. Battle cries echoed across the camp as her soldiers pushed back the attackers, fighting with a determination fueled by their trust in their leader.
The battle raged on for over an hour before the enemy finally began to retreat. Their attempt to breach Su Jin's defenses had failed miserably, and they fled in disarray, leaving behind many of their fallen comrades. Su Jin stood atop the high ground, watching the retreat with cold eyes, knowing this was only a temporary victory.
There was still no word from Gu Tingfeng's detachment, and a sense of unease crept into her heart. She trusted his abilities, but the silence was unsettling. Turning to one of her lieutenants, she gave a simple order: "Check the casualties and secure the camp. We must not be caught off guard again."
With that, she returned to the command tent. Her expression remained calm as she poured over the map, adjusting her plans for the next phase of the battle. She knew this war was far from over, and the hardest trials still lay ahead.