The Slender Waist-Chapter 692 - 500 Trust is Gold

The army was encamped on the southern bank of Yishui on the hillside.

Several generals went to the Central Military Tent to meet with Pei Jue, seemingly all intent on requesting to join the battle.

However, a group of them joyfully went in, but when they came out of the tent, they all were shaking their heads and sighing.

Feng Yun stood at the entrance of another tent, watching as everyone else had left, then called out to Wen Xingsu.

"Big brother."

When Wen Xingsu saw her beckoning, his mood instantly cleared, replaced by a warm smile, and he strode toward her.

"If you want to know something, why don’t you ask the king?"

Feng Yun said, "I just want to ask you."

This capricious, slightly petulant remark made Wen Xingsu’s smile broaden.

"Ask away."

Upon seeing his expression, Feng Yun casually raised her brows, "It seems there’s nothing for me to ask after all."

If Pei Jue had agreed to cross the river and fight, then Wen Xingsu’s expression just now wouldn’t have been like that; he probably would’ve been eagerly going off to prepare for battle already.

Wen Xingsu thought for a moment, staring at her as he asked, "What are your thoughts?"

Feng Yun smiled faintly, "Of course, I think the same as you. Strike with all our might."

Wen Xingsu sighed, glanced back toward the direction of the Central Military Tent, and said softly:

"I originally thought that the king’s command to encamp without attacking was just a diversion, that he must have some ingenious plan to defeat the enemy. However, during our discussion, the king showed no such indications..."

Feng Yun asked, "Then, what’s his reason for not attacking?"

Wen Xingsu frowned slightly, "After battling for months, the soldiers are exhausted. It’s not wise to advance rashly and increase casualties. Instead of killing three thousand enemies and losing eight hundred of our own, it’s better to surround them like trapping beasts and conserve our strength."

Feng Yun pondered that for a moment and nodded.

Wen Xingsu lowered his voice, "Did the king talk to you about why he is not attacking?"

Feng Yun shook her head.

Wen Xingsu continued, "As long as our army crosses Yishui, the Yecheng Army would have no defense to hold, and defeat would be certain. Therefore, halting our advance now is like giving the desperately struggling Yecheng Army a chance to breathe."

His eyes narrowed, pausing before speaking with a more serious tone, "This really doesn’t seem like the king’s way of doing things. When he could easily crush the opponent with one blow, why give the enemy a chance to struggle? All the nations are watching us now. One wrong move, and we could lose everything."

Wen Xingsu said a great deal in one breath.

The state of multiple nations, the battlefields of both sides, analyzing the advantages and disadvantages...

"The longer the night drags on, the more dreams there will be. Why doesn’t the king understand this..."

His voice carried a hint of urgency, which genuinely pleased Feng Yun.

Big brother had clearly integrated himself fully into the Beiyong Army and was truly planning for the Beiyong Army...

Feng Yun said softly, "I understand your point, big brother. Were it me, I would make the same decision, but for now... let’s listen to the king. He must have his reasons for doing this."

A faint shadow crossed Wen Xingsu’s deep black eyes.

In his heart of hearts, his ability to command troops was trivial in the presence of Pei Jue.

Wen Xingsu smiled faintly, choosing not to say more.

Fearing he might be upset, Feng Yun reassured him with a smile.

"Big brother, don’t take it to heart. No matter what, we’re all united in our hearts. As long as we win in the end, it doesn’t matter by what means. Whoever can win with the least casualties, we’ll follow their lead."

Wen Xingsu replied, "You’re right, dear sister."

Fearing a divergence in opinion could drive a wedge between big brother and Pei Jue, Feng Yun also invited him into the tent for a short visit, to drink tea and chat.

The two sat opposite each other. Wen Xingsu showed no signs of distress or further questioning about Pei Jue’s decision. In his faint, serene smile, he exuded a warm and refined elegance.

Only then did Feng Yun breathe a sigh of relief.

"The king is coming soon, so big brother can relax a bit. Send a message to the County Lord to make her happy. The wedding was supposed to be in May; it’s been delayed until now. Seeing this, I feel embarrassed for you both..."

Wen Xingsu just smiled and didn’t respond.

-

When Pei Jue returned, he paused at the sight of the teacups on the tea table.

"Did General Wen come by?"

Feng Yun hummed softly and laughed, "He sat for a moment and then left."

After a thought, she gazed intently at Pei Jue and inquired blandly, "The generals in the camp aren’t quite convinced by the king’s decision. Is this common in the history of the king’s military campaigns?"

Pei Jue: "Often."

With a smile, she asked him, "And how were such issues resolved in the end?"

Pei Jue glanced at her, "They listened to me."

The corner of Feng Yun’s mouth twitched slightly.

Then she heard him add, "Just as Changmen can only listen to you. Too many people holding their own opinions can often spoil things. Decision-makers can’t be swayed by others."

Everyone has different ideas based on the situation of the war, and it’s difficult to unify these opinions.

At such times, there’s a need for a wise leader to finalize the decisions, to be the final arbiter, so as to avoid differing views that could lead to discord within the ranks, causing the army’s morale to disperse...

"Unanimity in orders and prohibitions is the key to concerted action."