Each Leading the Way

From high in the sky, they could clearly see the river basin below.

Su Zhao, seated on the same giant bird, looked down and could confirm that the river below was the Eastern River. She could also confirm that her captors had already brought her back within Yan Kingdom's borders.

"Has the war between Song and Yan ended?" she asked Yuan Gang beside her, turning her head.

Yuan Gang stared at her. "You care a great deal about this war."

Su Zhao countered, "Don't you care? Who won and who lost?"

Yuan Gang looked ahead without answering.

Su Zhao bit her lip. She understood what he meant: unless she revealed her identity and origins, she could forget about learning anything. Yet she had her own concerns. Though she was deeply worried about the war, she still did not dare reveal her identity.

The moment Song Kingdom's retreating forces crossed the Eastern River, they immediately advanced in full force toward the interior.

With Yan and Song negotiating an alliance, there was no longer any need to leave troops guarding the Eastern River defense line. The relevant regions had already been cleared out by Meng Shanming, and with Song facing the prospect of running out of provisions, its army had no ability to hold them anyway. This was precisely what Yan needed. Having forced the other side into an alliance, Yan likewise had no need to bog down heavy forces around the Eastern River and consume vast resources.

Meng Shanming's strategy and tactics were brilliant. He had always kept a backup plan in reserve against unforeseen circumstances. Shi Xinmao's forces, which had remained behind and had yet to complete their withdrawal, not only consolidated the effects of the clearing operation but could respond to changes at any moment. If necessary, they