Setting Up Defenses, A Strategy to Counter Night Raids

Chen Wuya placed the broken corner of the wooden stake on the table, his fingertip tracing along the saw-toothed marks. The lamplight in the tent flickered faintly, yet the shadows on his face remained utterly still. Without looking up, he merely said in a low voice, "Call them in."

Bai Zhi stood at the tent entrance. Upon hearing those words, she turned and left. Before long, footsteps approached from afar, and three generals entered the tent one after another, their cloaks bringing in a gust of night wind. Han Tianba led the way, his shoulder armor still dusted with the gray earth of East Valley. Zhao Tianying followed close behind, one hand resting on his halberd shaft. His gaze swept the tent before settling on the fragment atop the table.

"What is this?" Han Tianba asked.

Chen Wuya finally lifted his eyes. "A winch slot from a fire crossbow cart. Not one of the ones we burned. This one was buried underground."

Zhao Tianying's brows drew together. "Can it still be used?"

"As long as the parts aren't ruined, it can be assembled in half an hour." Chen Wuya rose and walked to the terrain map hanging on the wall. "Tuoba Lie has brought two thousand light troops. No supply wagons, no heavy armor. They've marched thirty li at speed, and they have only one target—our main camp. They'll strike before the third watch, while we're taking off our armor and resting. One blaze to burn the banners, kill the generals, and seize the camp."

Silence filled the tent.

Han Tianba gave a cold laugh. "But we just won a battle. The enemy scattered in defeat—where would they find the strength to counterattack? It might just be remnants harassing us."

"Harassment does not involve digging pits to hide weapons," Bai