A Clever Plan

After each side had taken its share of the blame, Yu Qiushui glanced at Luo Yan. Seeing that he seemed to have no intention of speaking, the woman said,

"I do have an immature idea. I'll put it forward, and you captains can help me weigh it over."

After some polite words, Yu Qiushui continued.

"I plan to broadcast to the position held by the Yellow Springs, telling them that all we want is for them to leave the Northern Border."

"If Yin Rong agrees to withdraw and guarantees that the Yellow Springs will not set foot in the Northern Lands again, we're willing to clear a path for them to leave."

"If Yin Rong refuses, that's fine too. If the people of the Yellow Springs want to leave and are willing to lay down their weapons, we'll let them go and provide them with vehicles and food."

He Dong exhaled a plume of smoke. "As long as Yin Rong isn't an idiot, he won't agree to such demands."

Yu Qiushui smiled and nodded. "Exactly."

"My idea is that if Yin Rong agrees and actually withdraws, we'll wait until they reach the plains and wilderness before making our move."

"Once they have no terrain to rely on, we can use our superior firepower to wipe them out in one fell swoop."

"If Yin Rong refuses, it doesn't matter either. We'll surround their position and bombard it at regular intervals every day, then have the prisoners call out to them and incite the Yellow Springs' soldiers."

"We'll also drop a certain amount of food and medicine for them, undermining their determination and resolve to fight to the death."

"As long as enough time passes, the Yellow Springs will have to develop other ideas internally, bringing them into conflict with Yin Rong's