Chapter 57: Cooperation After the Ambush

Bright moonlight bathed the camp, and the cool night breeze rustled the banners fluttering beside the tents. Li Chuan and Lana stood side by side in front of the tactical map. Illuminated by the lamplight, both of their expressions were exceptionally solemn. This mission was of extraordinary significance, marking their first attempt at joint command. Success or failure would determine whether future strategic guidelines could be successfully implemented.

"According to intelligence from our scouts, the enemy supply train will pass through this canyon in three days," Li Chuan said, pointing to a winding path on the map. "Their numbers are not large, but they are well-equipped. If we can intercept their provisions and weapons, it will greatly benefit our troop training and subsequent battles."

Lana nodded slightly, taking up a brush to mark the map. "The canyon terrain is narrow and well-suited for an ambush. However, we must account for potential enemy reinforcements; their main force is likely not far behind. If we cannot secure a swift victory, we risk being counter-encircled."

Li Chuan nodded in agreement. "Precisely for that reason, our operations must be tightly coordinated without a single misstep."

Lana fixed her gaze on the map, speaking in a low voice after a moment. "We can use a small squad to lure the enemy deep into the ambush zone, while the main ambush force conceals themselves on the high ground on both sides. Once the enemy enters the strike zone, our archers will suppress them first, followed by a rapid infantry assault to ensure the battle concludes within half an hour."

"A fine plan." Li Chuan smiled, a flash of approval in his eyes. "However, the specific details still require further refinement."

The two immediately plunged into an intense tactical discussion. From the decoy plan and the selection of ambush sites to the precise deployment of soldiers, every single detail was carefully scrutinized. Lana's tactical experience left Li Chuan deeply impressed, while Li Chuan's precise control over soldier psychology and practical combat scenarios earned Lana's utmost admiration.

Early the next morning, the atmosphere within the camp was exceptionally tense as the soldiers were divided into three groups: light cavalry responsible for the decoy, archers concealed on the high ground, and infantry tasked with the assault.

Lana personally oversaw the training of the archers. Holding a bow, she patrolled the drill grounds back and forth, correcting the soldiers' shooting postures. "Keep your arrows steady, do not draw the bowstring too tight, and maintain a steady rhythm of breath. Only then will your accuracy be high."

Under Lana's guidance, a young archer loosed three consecutive arrows, all striking the bullseye. He said excitedly, "Thanks to the Princess's guidance! I've never shot this accurately before!"

Lana smiled faintly, though her tone carried a trace of seriousness. "This is merely training. On the real battlefield, your arrows must be faster and more precise, because you will only get one chance."

Meanwhile, Li Chuan was issuing final instructions to the infantry. Standing before a group of soldiers, his tone was resolute. "You are the primary force for the surprise attack, and your window is a mere fifteen minutes. During this time, you must give everything you have and rapidly rout the enemy. Do you understand?"

"Understood!" the soldiers replied in unison, their morale soaring high.

Three days later, the operation commenced. As the morning sun crested the canyon, a twenty-man light cavalry unit set out first. Their mission was to draw the enemy's attention and lure them into the ambush zone.

The sound of hooves echoed through the canyon as a light cavalryman feigned a hasty retreat, closely pursued by a dozen enemy soldiers. Upon spotting the cavalry, the enemy commander immediately ordered a pursuit. "Those men must be scouts! Catch them, don't let them escape!"

The light cavalry intentionally slowed their pace, occasionally turning back to loose a few stray arrows to incense the enemy. Oblivious to the trap, the pursuing enemy troops pressed deeper into the canyon.

On the high ground, the concealed archers held their breath, their bowstrings drawn taut. Lana stood behind them, calmly observing the enemy's movements.

"Ready—" she commanded in a low voice, yet laden with authority.

As the enemy finally reached the center of the ambush zone, Lana brought her command banner down sharply. "Loose arrows!"

Dozens of arrows whistled down from the heights, striking the enemy ranks with pinpoint precision. The sudden assault threw the enemy into complete disarray as soldiers scrambled for cover, falling one by one.

"Ambush! Counterattack!" roared the enemy commander, but before he could mount an effective response, the infantry concealed on both sides of the canyon charged down.

Li Chuan leaped from the high ground first, the long blade in his hand flashing with cold light. "Charge!"

The infantry descended like fierce tigers, rapidly cutting into the enemy formation. The rigorously trained soldiers moved with synchronized precision, every strike fatal. The enemy was utterly broken, losing all capacity to resist within moments.

The battle concluded in less than a quarter of an hour, with the ambush force successfully annihilating the enemy. The enemy commander attempted to flee with a few personal guards, only to be intercepted by Li Chuan in person.

"Trying to run?" Li Chuan sneered, sweeping his blade to drive the enemy commander into a dead end.

"Spare my life!" The commander fell to his knees, begging for mercy as he looked at Li Chuan in terror. "I can tell you all our plans, just spare my life!"

Li Chuan paused slightly, then said coldly, "Very well, tell me everything you know."

***

Following the conclusion of the battle, the soldiers set about clearing the battlefield. Lana walked over to Li Chuan and said with a smile, "It seems our plan was a success."

Li Chuan nodded, a trace of appreciation in his gaze. "Thanks to your command, the archers' performance was exceptional."

"This is only the beginning," Lana said softly, a spark of confident brilliance flashing in her eyes. "Next, we can attempt more complex operational maneuvers."

Li Chuan looked at her and offered a rare smile. "I look forward to it."

The two stood shoulder to shoulder on the battlefield, the sunlight washing over them. This battle not only cemented their authority in the hearts of the soldiers but also forged a new path for their long-term cooperation.

When the dust settled, the canyon still hung heavy with the scent of gunpowder. Soldiers tallied the spoils of war with thinly veiled excitement; the ambush had not only thoroughly destroyed a vital enemy supply column but also yielded a massive haul of provisions, weapons, and even an enemy operational route map.

Standing at the center of the battlefield, Lana swept her gaze over the bustling soldiers, her voice clear yet carrying a hint of authority. "Everyone may rest tonight, but before that, each person must fulfill their duties. Attend to the wounded first, and report to me once the supplies are tallied."

"Understood!" the soldiers chorused before returning to their tasks.

Li Chuan approached from the side, holding the route map with a solemn expression. "It appears the supply column we intercepted was merely part of the enemy's wider plan. Their main force is closing in on the coastline, seemingly aiming to control the trade routes we recently established."

Lana frowned slightly, taking the route map and scanning it quickly. "It seems our trade initiative has caught their attention. While this ambush was successful, it may also provoke the enemy. They will likely intensify their strikes against us."

Li Chuan nodded, a confident smile touching his lips. "Precisely for that reason, we must seize this opportunity to completely disrupt their plans. As long as the trade routes operate smoothly, their blockade will be rendered toothless."

That evening, Lana and Li Chuan summoned all squad leaders for a post-battle debriefing. Inside the tent, several crude wooden tables were piled high with seized enemy provisions, the most conspicuous of which were a batch of exquisitely crafted crossbows and blades. These weapons were clearly superior to the standard equipment of their own soldiers. An infantry captain couldn't help marveling, "These weapons are far better than ours! If we could equip the entire army with these, our combat effectiveness would easily double!"

Lana nodded, her tone remaining calm. "These arms are indeed fine, but supplies are limited. We must prioritize distribution to frontline combat units, particularly the infantry and archers."

Li Chuan added, "As for the grain and other supplies, they can be used to provision the rear guard and newly recruited soldiers. As our numbers continue to grow, our material needs will increase accordingly."

The others nodded in agreement, and the distribution plan was swiftly finalized. When the meeting concluded, Lana remained in the tent, unfolding the route map once more and letting her gaze linger on several key positions.

"What are you thinking about?" Li Chuan walked over, handing her a cup of hot tea.

Lana accepted the cup and said softly, "If the enemy's main force is indeed massing near the coastline, their target is not just our trade route, but quite likely the supplies and ships we've accumulated at the port. Once they succeed, our trade venture will suffer a devastating blow."

Li Chuan furrowed his brow, falling into deep thought before replying, "In that case, we must take the initiative and disrupt their deployments before they can act."

Lana raised her head to meet Li Chuan's gaze, a flash of approval in her eyes. "It seems you already have a plan?"

"Naturally." Li Chuan smiled faintly. "However, this will require your assistance."

Early the next morning, Lana and Li Chuan began mapping out a new operational plan. This time, they decided to split their forces: Lana would handle reconnaissance and intelligence gathering near the coastline, while Li Chuan would lead the main force to the enemy supply base, attempting to sever the enemy's logistical capacity at the root.

After issuing the assignments, Li Chuan specifically called Lana aside, his tone earnest. "This mission carries immense risk. If the situation turns sour, do not act rashly under any circumstances. Preserving our strength must remain our top priority."

Lana merely smiled, unwavering determination in her eyes. "Rest assured, I won't risk my men. Besides, if you're truly worried, finish your mission quickly and come to my relief."

"Very well, it's a deal." Li Chuan smiled, though a hint of complexity lingered in his eyes.

Lana led a small squad toward the coastline, a treacherous terrain where steep cliffs alternated with sandy beaches, carrying the sharp, salty tang of the ocean wind. Standing on high ground, she looked out over the distant horizon, where a small enemy detachment was quietly closing in.

"It seems they are still testing our defenses," Lana said in a low voice, turning to her adjutant. "Send two scouts to infiltrate the enemy positions and ascertain their exact deployment. The rest of the troops hold position; unauthorized movement is strictly prohibited."

The adjutant acknowledged the order and departed. Lana returned to her command post, quietly awaiting word from the scouts. Yet, her heart was far from calm. This was her first time commanding an operation entirely on her own, and the weight of pressure and responsibility brought an unprecedented tension. At the same time, however, a strange sense of excitement stirred within her.

Hours later, the scouts returned with intelligence. The enemy main force was massing, numbering over five hundred men, and their target was indeed the port supplies under Lana's protection.

Lana made her decision swiftly. "We cannot meet them in a direct frontal clash at present, but we can exploit the terrain to bog down their movements."

She ordered her soldiers to lay traps along the route while disguising themselves as the main force to draw the enemy's attention. Just as Li Chuan had said, preserving their strength was paramount.

Meanwhile, Li Chuan led the main force in a surprise raid on the enemy supply base. Though fiercely contested, the battle ultimately ended in victory for Li Chuan. They successfully destroyed the enemy's grain reserves and seized vast quantities of supplies.

On the return march, Li Chuan remained preoccupied with Lana's safety. He accelerated the pace and finally rendezvoused with Lana's unit near the coastline.

Seeing Lana safe and sound, Li Chuan finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Are you alright?"

Lana smiled faintly. "Naturally. It was a close shave, but everything is under control."

The two exchanged glances, their eyes carrying a trace of exhaustion yet bound by a tacit understanding. Despite the harrowing perils of this joint operation, it had yielded magnificent results. They had not only thwarted the enemy's plot but also further cemented their mutual trust.

"For our next plan, we can afford to be a bit bolder," Lana said suddenly, a confident smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"Of course," Li Chuan nodded. "On the condition that you don't give me cause to worry like this again."

Lana smiled without a word, casting her gaze toward the distant sea, while a hidden sense of anticipation quietly bloomed in her heart.