Outside Xiping Pass, at the Yan Army's front lines, Guan Fangyi arrived outside the central command tent, looking about in all directions. The guards at the entrance did not stop her and let her in.
This was also a privilege specially granted by Shang Chaozong. Guan Fangyi could enter and leave the central command tent without announcement. The guards merely called inside, "Mistress Guan has arrived."
Inside the tent, Shang Chaozong was discussing military matters with the generals before a map. These past days, he had repeatedly worked through every possible battle scenario with them, planning every response and coordination in advance.
Hearing the call from outside, Shang Chaozong and the others turned to look. Upon seeing her, he smiled and nodded. Since they were always together, there was no need for formal courtesies every time.
Guan Fangyi swept her gaze over the assembled generals, then nodded to him, signaling that she wished to speak privately.
Shang Chaozong was puzzled, but he still walked over from the map.
Shielding her mouth with her round fan, Guan Fangyi whispered into his ear for a while before resuming her leisurely fanning.
Shang Chaozong looked at her in continued confusion, but he nevertheless did as she asked. He waved to the others. "All of you go out first. Pass down the order: without this Prince's permission, no one is to come within thirty paces of the tent."
"Yes." The generals accepted the order and left.
Shang Chaozong waved at Luo Da'an, who stood behind Meng Shanming's wheelchair, signaling for him to leave as well.
In the end, only Shang Chaozong, Meng Shanming, and Guan Fangyi remained in the tent.
Once the area within thirty paces outside the tent had been cleared and sealed off, Shang Chaozong, who had poked his head out to