Chapter 1008: First Volume, Chapter 1008: First Counterattack

First Volume, Chapter 1008: First Counterattack

Time passed in the blink of an eye; only five days remained until the end of the three-month Winter War Qin Feng had originally estimated.

The winter wind bit cold; Qin Feng stood atop the City Wall, gazing at the distant Camp that had continuously garrisoned and besieged Changshui County, and let out a long sigh.

"The three-month deadline is nearly here, yet Li Zhang and Xu Mo's armies show no sign of appearing—otherwise, this Camp besieging Changshui County would have already fallen into chaos."

"It seems I severely underestimated the combat effectiveness of the Di soldiers, and even more so, the military command abilities of Chen Si and others."

"Under such harsh conditions, they've held out this long—if the Di were at their peak strength, even my Beixi troops, no matter how elite, could only huddle behind the City walls, daring not to step beyond the line."

Ning Hu, who had always remained by Qin Feng's side, saw the gravity in Qin Feng's eyes and felt a growing unease.

"Brother Qin, even if the South Line has gone wrong, our current situation in Changshui County can still hold out for another six months."

Hearing this, Qin Feng shook his head with a smile—but it was a bitter one.

"Little Marquis, it's not as simple as you think."

"The Materials and Supplies stockpiled in Changshui appear sufficient on paper to last six months—but only if we cut everyone's food, clothing, and daily necessities."

"It's easy to go from frugality to luxury, but hard to return from luxury to frugality."

"Cutting down on food and necessities will inevitably stir complaints."

Ning Hu frowned deeply and said sternly: "Even if the brothers have to chew on tree bark, they won't utter a single word of complaint!"

Qin Feng patted Ning Hu's shoulder and said with solemn sincerity: "I trust my brothers completely—but what about the Common People? They have no such resolve. Eat well, and they're happy; eat poorly, and they curse behind your back. It's not that they're narrow-minded, just that their thoughts are too simple."

"This Winter War—the Di can't afford to drag it out, and neither can we."

Saying this, Qin Feng looked again at the distant Camp, a flicker of doubt in his eyes.

"Since Chen Si left, the army surrounding Changshui County hasn't moved at all. Though they've given up on a Military Siege, basic actions like Military Patrol and Surveillance should still be ongoing."

"I've been pondering this these past few days—could it be that this Camp besieging Changshui County is now just an empty shell?"

Ning Hu, who had just been grim-faced, suddenly brightened at these words.

If the enemy troops surrounding Changshui County had secretly withdrawn, then the intelligence channels could be reopened, and we wouldn't have to rely on Qi Ya's half-hearted intelligence gathering.

And intelligence was, of course, paramount for Changshui County.

Ning Hu also stared at the distant Camp: "Brother Qin, if the Enemy Camp is truly just an empty shell, the Tianji Camp Guards should've already delivered the news."

"Since the Tianji Camp Guards haven't shown up, it means the area around Changshui County is still as sealed as an Iron Barrel."

Hearing this, Qin Feng gave no direct reply: "To the Tianji Camp Guards, it may be an Iron Barrel—but that doesn't mean it's the same for our soldiers."

Ning Hu's eyes widened in surprise: "Brother Qin, what do you mean by that?"

Qin Feng cut straight to the point: "To block intelligence, you only need light cavalry and scouts."

"If I were the Di, I'd station troops at every major Guan Kou leading to Changshui County, then send light cavalry and scouts to patrol and secretly investigate between the Guan Kou—enough to keep the Tianji Camp Guards from approaching Changshui County."

"After all, Tianji Camp Guards always operate alone; once spotted by the enemy, they can't possibly force their way through."

"The fact that messages can't get in only proves the enemy hasn't slackened their information blockade—but it doesn't prove the besieging forces haven't been reduced."

Though not clever, Ning Hu was far from foolish—he knew clearly that if Qin Feng was right, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Changshui County.

Ning Hu asked eagerly: "Brother Qin, how can you prove the enemy has secretly withdrawn?"

Qin Feng shook his head decisively: "Though I have many suspicions and theories, none can prove it. To confirm, we must send troops to launch a probing attack."

"Once battle begins, the false and the real, the true and the fake, will be instantly exposed."

Learning Qin Feng intended to launch an offensive out of the City, Ning Hu felt no fear—only excitement.

Since the Enemy Army abandoned the Military Siege, Ning Hu had been "trapped" in Changshui County and had long been going mad from boredom.

Now that there was a chance to charge out and slaughter freely, Ning Hu wouldn't miss this opportunity.

Before Qin Feng could speak, Ning Hu had already volunteered.

"Brother Qin, no matter what, send me!"

Watching Ning Hu's eager expression, Qin Feng couldn't help but smile and gently reassured him: "Don't worry—this crucial mission won't leave you out."

"But even as a probe, it's still extremely dangerous. If the enemy is prepared, our troops will suffer casualties. Before we act, we must make thorough preparations."

"Little Marquis, do you have any ideas?"

In response to Qin Feng's question, Ning Hu waved his hand grandly: "Ideas? What's there to think about? The Di soldiers surrounding Changshui County are nothing but second-rate troops. I say, just take the brothers and charge out—cut down those bastards with swords. Why overcomplicate it?"

Watching Ning Hu's usual fiery determination, Qin Feng felt both comforted and concerned.

He was comforted: as long as Ning Hu was there, morale would never collapse.

He was concerned: with Ning Hu's temperament, he'd eventually get hurt. When by Qin Feng's side, Qin Feng could rein him in—but if Ning Hu acted alone, his impatience for quick victory might lead him straight into an enemy trap. He wouldn't lose just a little—he'd lose everything.

Qin Feng fell into thought, and after a moment, a plan had formed in his mind.

"Our forces and the Di have been in Standoff for so long—they won't expect us to launch a surprise attack out of the City."

"That's our opportunity."

"You lead three hundred men—composed of one hundred Tianji Camp Guards and two hundred Beixi Soldiers—advance on foot under cover of night, sneak up to the Enemy Camp, then launch a surprise assault."

"Once the Enemy Camp catches fire, I'll immediately send out the Cavalry to advance halfway and meet you."

"That way, when you retreat, you can mount Warhorses and return to the City quickly."

Hearing Qin Feng's plan, Ning Hu's eyes sparkled as he nodded vigorously.

"Hahaha! No wonder you're Brother Qin—this way, the brothers get to slaughter freely and still retreat safely, preserving their lives. Two birds with one stone!"

"Brother Qin, with you around, even if the sky falls, I'm not afraid!"

"Hehe, don't worry—leave tonight's operation to me!"