Dragon Boat Race Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Chapter Nine: Strategy Decided

Epigraph: With feelings affirmed, the heart grows firmer; planning strategies becomes more composed. Not sinking into a gentle embrace, but standing shoulder to shoulder to break through the predicament.

The morning light was just beginning to show. Qin Gong awoke to the familiar sound of the bugle call. Outside the tent, the shouts of soldiers drilling could be heard. Everything was as usual, yet it seemed completely different.

He rose and changed his clothes, his fingers brushing the wrist that Wu Ge had held last night. A lingering warmth seemed to remain there. Thinking of the confession on the riverbank, the corner of his lips lifted unconsciously.

“Military Advisor, you’re awake?” A-Sheng entered with hot water. Seeing the smile on his face, he paused. “You seem to be in a very good mood today?”

Qin Gong composed himself, restoring his usual calm demeanor. “Are there any updates from the front line?”

“The Northern Di army is still holding its position thirty li away,” A-Sheng replied. “However, Supervisor Li went to the Marshal’s tent early this morning, saying he needed to discuss military affairs.”

Qin Gong’s eyes narrowed slightly. Li Zhen seeking out Wu Ge at this time was likely about more than just military matters.

Sure enough, just as he finished breakfast, Wu Ge’s personal guard arrived to summon him to the central command tent for a meeting.

The atmosphere inside the tent was solemn. Li Zhen sat below Wu Ge, and surprisingly, Su Mo was also present, seated beside Li Zhen. Seeing Qin Gong enter, she nodded slightly, her smile gentle and refined.

“The Military Advisor has arrived.” Wu Ge’s voice was as calm as ever, but the look he gave Qin Gong carried a warmth only the two of them understood. “Lord Li is discussing the matter of reinforcements.”

Li Zhen cleared his throat. “I have already petitioned the court for reinforcements, but the journey is long; they will take at least ten days to arrive. The immediate priority is to find a way to stabilize the situation.”

“What is Lord Li’s suggestion?” asked Commandant Sun.

“I believe we should take the initiative and strike first before the main Northern Di army arrives,” Li Zhen said, then looked at Qin Gong. “I hear the Military Advisor is skilled in using ingenious strategies. Do you have any good plans?”

This question was tricky. If Qin Gong agreed to a preemptive strike, it would be a risky move of pitting the few against the many; if he objected, it would make him seem fearful of battle.

Qin Gong remained unhurried. “I believe a preemptive strike is not impossible, but it requires careful strategy.”

He walked over to the sand table. “The Northern Di army has traveled a long distance, making their grain and supply lines critical. If we can cut off their supply route, we can win without fighting.”

“Easier said than done,” Li Zhen sneered. “The Northern Di supply route must be heavily guarded. How can we cut it?”

“Repairing the plank road in the light, crossing the river in the dark.” Qin Gong’s finger traced a route on the sand table. “We send a small unit of elite soldiers to bypass the enemy and burn their grain supplies behind their lines. Simultaneously, our main force launches a feigned attack to draw the enemy’s attention.”

Su Mo suddenly spoke. “Although this plan is brilliant, its execution carries extreme risk. The elite unit bypassing the enemy lines might very well be on a one-way trip.”

Her gaze settled on Qin Gong. “Does the Military Advisor have a candidate in mind?”

This question was cleverly posed, demonstrating her military insight while simultaneously throwing the difficult problem back to Qin Gong.

“I volunteer!” Commandant Sun immediately stood up. “I am familiar with the terrain in this area and am certain I can complete the mission.”

“Commandant Sun’s injuries have not yet healed; he is not suitable for a long journey,” Wu Ge vetoed the suggestion.

Silence fell over the tent. Everyone understood that this mission was a matter of life and death.

“I will go,” Qin Gong suddenly said.

Everyone was stunned.

“Military Advisor, that is too dangerous!” General Zhao was the first to object.

Qin Gong spoke calmly. “Precisely because I have no martial arts skills, the Northern Di people will not be on guard. I can disguise myself as a merchant caravan and blend in behind enemy lines.”

“Absolutely not!” Wu Ge refused decisively. “It is too reckless.”

His reaction was too intense, causing both Li Zhen and Su Mo to look over. Wu Ge realized his lapse in composure, restrained his expression, and said in a deep voice, “The Military Advisor is the brains of the Northern Expedition Army and cannot easily risk danger.”

Qin Gong met his gaze. “It is precisely because I am the Military Advisor that I best understand how this plan should be executed.”

Their eyes met in the air, communicating silently. Wu Ge’s eyes were full of worry and disapproval, but Qin Gong looked back at him with determination.

Finally, Wu Ge looked away, his voice low. “This matter will be discussed later.”

The military council ended in a subtle atmosphere. After the others dispersed, Wu Ge kept Qin Gong behind.

“Do you know what you are saying?” Wu Ge’s tone carried suppressed anger. “Operating behind enemy lines is extremely perilous, you…”

“I know,” Qin Gong interrupted him. “But this is the best method.”

“There is no better method!” Wu Ge gripped his wrist. “I cannot let you take this risk.”

“Wu Ge.” Qin Gong called him by his name for the first time. “Trust me.”

That single utterance of “Wu Ge” stunned the Marshal. He looked at Qin Gong’s resolute eyes, and the persistence in his heart slowly crumbled.

“You must promise me,” Wu Ge finally compromised, “that you will return safely.”

“I promise you,” Qin Gong smiled.

Over the next two days, Qin Gong was busy formulating a detailed plan. He would lead a small team of fifty men, disguised as a merchant caravan, to bypass the Western Mountains and infiltrate the Northern Di rear.

The night before their departure, Wu Ge came to Qin Gong’s tent.

“Are you all prepared?” He watched Qin Gong organize his gear, his brow furrowed.

“Yes,” Qin Gong nodded. “We leave first thing tomorrow morning.”

Wu Ge took a dagger from his sleeve and handed it to Qin Gong. “Take this for self-defense.”

The dagger was exquisite, with intricate patterns carved into the hilt, clearly not an ordinary item.

“This is?”

“It was left by my father,” Wu Ge said. “Seeing it is like seeing me.”

Qin Gong gripped the dagger, a warmth rising in his heart. “I will take good care of it.”

The candlelight flickered in the tent, illuminating their figures. Wu Ge reached out and gently stroked Qin Gong’s cheek. “You must be careful.”

His fingertips were calloused, the touch rough yet tender. Qin Gong closed his eyes, savoring this rare moment of intimacy.

“Wait for me to return,” he whispered.

Wu Ge did not reply, instead replacing all words with an embrace. His arms were warm and strong, carrying a reassuring scent.

They sat embracing each other throughout the night until dawn.

The next morning, Qin Gong set off with the fifty elite soldiers. Disguised as a merchant caravan, escorting several carts of goods, they headed toward the Western Mountains.

Wu Ge stood on the camp wall, watching their figures disappear into the morning mist, remaining there for a long time.

Three days later, Qin Gong’s small team successfully infiltrated the Northern Di rear. They traveled by night and rested by day, avoiding Northern Di patrols, and finally located the grain storage area.

It was a hidden valley, heavily guarded. Qin Gong observed for a long time and discovered a fifteen-minute window during the changing of the guard at midnight every night.

“We will act tomorrow night,” he decided.

However, plans rarely survive contact with reality. That very night, the Northern Di army suddenly began to mobilize, seemingly preparing to launch an attack ahead of schedule.

“Military Advisor, what should we do?” the team commander asked anxiously.

Qin Gong pondered for a moment. “We move the plan forward. We act tonight.”

As night fell, Qin Gong led the team quietly toward the valley. According to the plan, they were to sneak in during the guard change, ignite the grain, and immediately withdraw.

Everything went smoothly. They successfully infiltrated the valley and set the grain ablaze. The towering flames illuminated the night sky.

“Withdraw!” Qin Gong ordered.

However, just as they were preparing to retreat, a Northern Di patrol suddenly doubled back and ran straight into them.

“Spies!” the Northern Di soldiers shouted loudly.

“Protect the Military Advisor!” The team commander immediately organized a defense.

In the melee, Qin Gong was surrounded by several Northern Di soldiers. He drew the dagger Wu Ge had given him and struggled to defend himself. But he lacked martial arts skill, and was quickly forced into a desperate situation.

Seeing a scimitar about to strike down, Qin Gong closed his eyes, Wu Ge’s image flashing through his mind.

I’m sorry, I might have to break my promise…

Just then, an arrow pierced the air, accurately shooting through the Northern Di soldier’s throat.

Qin Gong looked up in surprise and saw Wu Ge charging in with a troop of cavalry.

“Go!” Wu Ge pulled him onto his horse and led him through the encirclement.

Behind them, the raging fire from the burning grain lit up half the sky. The Northern Di army fell into chaos, their planned attack forced to halt.

On horseback, Qin Gong leaned against Wu Ge’s chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, finally letting out a sigh of relief.

“How did you get here?” he asked.

“I couldn’t rest easy,” Wu Ge’s voice came from above his head. “I’m glad I came.”

Qin Gong closed his eyes, feeling the reassuring warmth.

That night, the Northern Di grain was burned, and their morale was shattered. And within the Northern Expedition Army, two hearts drew closer together.