Rin did not have a restful night. While there were moments she would recall the events at the lake, she was also busy planning their attack against the Tuhan army. Thus, for the entire night, she restlessly wrote down strategies and techniques to protect Manchu.
Before long, the morning of the second day arrived. The battle of the Tuhan army had come. Standing around a broad table with a map laid out before them, everyone within the room began discussing their battle tactics.
"The goal is to hold back the Tuhan army for as long as we can until our men at the province bases launch their attack." Rin pointed to the colored pieces on the map, which imitated the Tongshu and Tuhan armies. "We plan to starve them of their weaponry and food. With a lack of supplies, they will be on the verge of collapse."
"But how will the Tuhan army know we've infiltrated their base? Is it not miles away?" A Tongshu general questioned.
Rin was silent and calmly turned toward An Sun. When he noticed her stare, his eyes lit up in understanding. He walked up to the table, feeling numerous eyes on him. Needless to say, everyone's curiosity was caught.
An Sun cleared his throat, then said, "The Tuhan army has a way of communicating. Through hawks. It's how they've been successful in numerous battles for the past few years now." He turned to the map, then continued to explain, "When their base is attacked, the Tuhan will send a hawk to the main army here. When that happens, the men will retreat."
Everyone had wondered how their surprise attack would catch the attention of the Tuhan army, but as soon as An Sun explained it all became very clear. While no one argued over his statement, others were skeptical – including General Donghai.
In the end, he said nothing. Although An Sun could still feel his skeptical stare on him, he ignored it and stepped back from the table, allowing Rin to take control of the meeting once again.
"The time for their attack is unknown, but at every moment, we will be ready." Rin's cold eyes scanned the men around the table. "Any questions?"
Rin watched as the men shook their heads, their eyes glowing with certainty. She couldn't have been more pleased. Suppressing the content smile threatening to crack on her face, Rin stepped back with her hands behind her back and dismissed everyone.
When she left the room, she was surprised to see An Sun waiting for her beside the door. He leaned against the wall, arms folded across his chest in a relaxed stance.
Recalling the time in the lake, Rin's movements stiffened. She cleared her throat and managed to put on her best calm expression.
"Do you need something, Sun?"
Having noticed her presence the moment she stepped out of the room, An Sun turned his head, leaned off the wall, and walked toward her. There had been a moment of silence between the two before he finally responded.
"I will be fighting in the front lines."
Rin nodded her head in understanding.
"I see. Then, I hope you stay safe." As if suddenly recalling something, her eyes brightened. "If you're worried about Sir Manchu, I've already informed the troops to avoid harming him. As of now, it's the least I can do to defend him without garnering suspicion."
An Sun's eyebrows raised. He chuckled, then shook his head.
"Thank you...but that's not what I wanted to talk about."
The edges of Rin's brows creased in confusion. She suddenly straightened her shoulders, an eerie premonition arising in her heart.
"What is it?"
