Chapter 109

Chapter 109

The study.

Xiao Mu lit two candlestands and sat at the desk, waiting.

"Father, Aman and I are here."

"Come in."

Mother and daughter entered one after the other.

Xiao Mu said to his daughter, "Open a window and stand by it to guard against anyone eavesdropping."

Aman complied and stood by the southern window, looking out into the courtyard, catching a glimpse of Lady He darting into the eastern wing room.

Xiao Mu gestured to his granddaughter-in-law.

Tong Sui approached the desk and noticed a map spread out on it, the same one Xiao Zhen had shown her before.

Xiao Mu turned the map around and asked, "Can you understand it?"

Tong Sui nodded.

Xiao Mu knew that his grandson must have taught her, which was good—it saved him the trouble.

He traced his finger from Huai County in the west to Ding County and Wei County in the east, whispering, "After the rebel king captures Ying County, he will continue to recruit soldiers and quickly gather an army of fifty thousand. According to their tactics, they will likely divide their forces into two groups: twenty thousand will attack Ding City, and thirty thousand will assault Wei City."

Tong Sui asked anxiously, "How does Grandfather plan to counter them?"

Xiao Mu smiled, "We have several strategies, but we need to see how the rebel king divides his troops to finalize our plans. The only certainty I can give you now is that we will definitely engage in a city defense battle."

Tong Sui loved seeing the old man smile; it meant he was confident. If he looked grim, that would be worrying.

She continued, "How do we defend the city?"

Xiao Mu replied, "We are already training for it. Would you like to come with me to observe on the city walls?"

Tong Sui was certainly interested!

Xiao Mu added, "But remember, you won't be learning for free. If you observe, you must learn. When the rebel king's army arrives, you will also command alongside me on the city walls. If we hold the city, you'll share the credit; if we fail, you'll die alongside the soldiers. Do you still want to go?"

Tong Sui felt a jolt, recalling the moment during the preparation for the Imprisoned Dragon Ridge bandits when Xiao Zhen had asked her to guard the ancestral hall from the rooftop.

Back then, she only needed to protect the ancestral hall; now, the old man wanted her to defend an entire city.

Perhaps because she had already fought the bandits and learned about the city walls and military camps with Xiao Zhen, this time, she wasn't as frightened or panicked, just nervous, excited, and curious.

"I still need to learn how to command the city defense. Wouldn't it be safer to entrust it to Second Uncle and Third Sister-in-Law?"

Xiao Mu, looking at the map, said, "The rebel king has more troops than we do. Defending the entire city would dilute our advantage. If we prolong the battle, we will surely lose. At that time, the younger generals will lead troops outside the city, leaving only me to defend the walls."

Tong Sui sincerely responded, "The people and soldiers trust Grandfather the most. With you leading the defense, morale will remain steady."

Xiao Mu smiled, "You're understanding more and more."

Tong Sui admitted, "I've learned everything from Second Uncle and Third Sister-in-Law."

Xiao Mu knew his granddaughters-in-law often spent time together and that Lin Ningfang had been teaching Tong Sui history and strategy.

He was pleased with his granddaughter-in-law's trust but had something important to address.

Looking at her, he showed a hint of helplessness, "Grandfather admits he has some skills, but I am old. On the city walls, anything can happen. Grandfather might die..."

Tong Sui felt her heart ache, fighting back tears, "Grandfather, don't say that. You will live a long life."

Xiao Mu replied, "If I could guarantee a long life, why would you cry? Grandfather understands your concern, but in war, we must consider the worst-case scenarios and prepare accordingly. Don't cry, listen to what Grandfather has to say."

"On the city walls, Grandfather might be killed by enemy soldiers or die suddenly due to old age. When that happens, your uncles won't be around, so I must entrust the responsibility to you. Why you? Because you've demonstrated your archery skills and personally killed over twenty bandits. Among the new recruits, your prestige is second only to us."

Tong Sui understood, wiping away a tear, "Alright, I'll learn from you. If the rebel king comes, I'll defend the city with Grandfather. We'll both be fine."

Xiao Mu reassured, "Of course, Grandfather is just being cautious. My body is still strong, not easily defeated by the rebel king."

Tong Sui smiled.

Under the lamplight, the eighteen-year-old bride still looked young, and Xiao Mu felt a pang of reluctance, "Foolish child, thinking only of my danger. You will face the same risks. Grandfather appreciates your skills and character but worries about your safety. Don't rush to agree; think about it tonight..."

Tong Sui didn't need to think, countering, "Second Uncle and Third Sister-in-Law face even greater dangers outside the city. Why do you still send them?"

Xiao Mu remained silent, as the answer was clear.

Because Xiao Shouyi and Xiao Zhen had the skills to lead troops and increase their chances of victory.

Grandfather chose to teach Tong Sui because she was the best candidate.

Tong Sui was glad that Grandfather trusted her so much. For that trust, she was willing to take the risk.

Taking risks at least gave her and the city's people a chance to survive, while staying home would mean relying entirely on others.

Their voices rose and fell, and although Aman was guarding the window, she heard everything.

Seeing that the conversation was nearly over, Aman lamented, "If only I had practiced martial arts with my brothers when I was young."

She had dabbled in gunplay, archery, and horseback riding, but never mastered any of them, wasting precious time.

Xiao Mu said, "You have your own duties. When the day comes, the household will be in turmoil. Aman will be with me outside, so you will be in charge at home."

Aman rallied her spirits and smiled, "Don't worry, I can handle this small task."

Xiao Mu instructed the two women again, "You know about this matter, but don't spread it around to avoid causing unnecessary panic."

Aunt Xiao would definitely not say anything, Tong Sui...

Xiao Mu said, "It's fine to tell Ningfang; she has more experience than your elder sister-in-law."

The eldest grandson's wife has a daughter by her side, and being a mother makes one strong but also more fearful of danger, because if she dies, what will happen to the child?

The third grandson's wife is the opposite; the family members she cares about are already gone, so how much worse could things get?

—

When Tong Sui returned, Lin Ningfang had not yet slept.

Tong Sui slipped into bed and found that Lin Ningfang had placed a hot water bottle inside, making it warm and cozy.

She held the hot water bottle for a moment to calm herself, then began telling Lin Ningfang about her conversation with the old man.

Lin Ningfang couldn't see Tong Sui's face clearly, but she could sense her eagerness from her words.

After thinking for a moment, she affirmed, "With Second Master and the others away, you are indeed the best choice for deputy commander."

Tong Sui had enough courage but lacked confidence: "I'm afraid I only know how to fight alone and won't be good at being a deputy commander."

A commander must have a broad vision and command respect. With the old man around, the soldiers would certainly give her face, but if something happened to the old man, would they still listen to her?

Lin Ningfang said, "Indeed, a leader must excel in strategic planning and decisive action. These sound abstract but require practical achievements to demonstrate. For this city defense, tactics will be taught by Grandfather. What you need to learn is how to establish authority among the city guards, making them respect and fear you, without letting your gender become a weakness."

Tong Sui's excellent archery skills earn her admiration, but it doesn't mean the city guards will willingly follow her orders. A bow is a long-range weapon, and when everyone is crowded on the city walls, a few soldiers could easily disarm her, leaving her no different from an ordinary woman. Facing the threat of the rebel king, the soldiers might betray her.

Tong Sui listened attentively.

Lin Ningfang continued, "First, put aside your modesty and kindness. Accept Grandfather's praise gracefully, and if he criticizes you, acknowledge your mistakes without excessive self-blame or tears. Tears show weakness and will only make the soldiers look down on you."

"Second, military discipline is paramount. If someone commits a serious offense, handle it according to military law without accepting any pleas for mercy. For minor offenses, use a combination of kindness and strictness."

"Third, select a reliable team of guards to accompany you. Grandfather will likely arrange this, but you should also observe and choose yourself. In case something happens to Grandfather, these people should protect you first and then deter others."

"Fourth, win the loyalty of the officers. A leader commands officers, who in turn command soldiers. If the officers are loyal and diligent, the soldiers are less likely to rebel. The current officers all listen to Grandfather, so get to know their temperaments, befriend the honest ones, and intimidate the cunning."

Tong Sui could manage the first three points, but the fourth was uncertain.

"How do I befriend and intimidate them?"

Lin Ningfang smiled, "For the honest ones, treat them sincerely and win their respect. You already possess these qualities, so just maintain good relations with them. Praise them when appropriate and avoid isolating yourself due to gender differences."

Tong Sui nodded; they were going to defend the city, so gender differences wouldn't matter anymore.

Lin Ningfang added, "For the cunning ones, who think they are smart, you must be smarter. See through their schemes and ignore them when necessary. When needed, give vague warnings to unsettle them. They will either back off or act recklessly, digging their own graves."

Tong Sui was silent.

Lin Ningfang said, "Learn from Grandfather. There are many soldiers in the army, each with their own characteristics, giving you plenty of opportunities to practice."

Tong Sui asked, "Sister-in-law, why do I feel like you are better suited to assist Grandfather?"

Lin Ningfang replied, "I can only offer ideas; I can't lead."

Tong Sui at least had martial skills to earn the soldiers' respect and virtues to win the loyalty of the honest. She had neither martial skills nor virtues, and without them, she wouldn't even get the chance to speak.

"Second Sister-in-law, trust Grandfather's judgment. Apart from reading less than me, you surpass me in every way, and reading can be improved over time, while courage and character are innate."

Tong Sui felt her cheeks heat up from the praise. "Alright, let's stop talking about this."

Lin Ningfang agreed, "Yes, I'll light a lamp."

Tong Sui watched curiously as she got out of bed.

Lin Ningfang told Tong Sui to dress first, then asked her to step down from the bed. She then measured Tong Sui's shoulders and chest.

Tong Sui asked, "Are you going to make new clothes for me? No need, I have plenty."

Lin Ningfang replied, "No, I'm checking if I can make you a leather armor to protect your chest and shoulders. There are very few iron armors in the camp, and even if Grandfather gives you one, it might not fit."

Tong Sui exclaimed, "You can make leather armor? That's expensive; let's not bother."

Lin Ningfang laughed and said from behind her, "I can design it but lack the strength to sew it. We'll have the leather shop's workers do it. As for the money, I'll cover it first, and Grandfather will reimburse me later."