"Split the troops?!"
The moment Cui Rong spoke, Cui Changfeng immediately understood.
Seeing Cui Rong's look of complete confidence, clearly having planned this long ago, he asked, "How do you propose we split them?"
Cui Rong replied at a rapid pace, "Clan Uncle, lead the Black Guard and the elite household troops across the river first. Then have the supply wagons cross the bridge as quickly as possible, and dispatch several units to hold the western bank and cover the army's passage.
"The remaining units will be divided into three routes according to the previous assignments of the Military Simas.
"One route will head about a li downstream along the Qingcang River. The water there is shallow enough to ford, and they can swim across if necessary. Another route will continue downstream, where there is a wooden bridge fifteen li away."
The final route would cross at the shallows three li upstream along the Qingcang River.
That way, the Cui Family army could divide into four and retreat at ease.
"If we encounter scattered servant-soldiers from other aristocratic families along the way, we can gather and receive them as well, displaying the Cui Family's benevolence and virtue."
After hearing him out, Cui Changfeng felt the arrangement was exceptionally thorough and sound. "Good! We'll do as you say. Have the central army issue the order at once. Prepare to cross the river!!"
"Yes!"
After giving his orders, Cui Changfeng immediately led the Black Guard galloping eastward.
Watching his retreating figure, Cui Rong and Wu Qichi exchanged a glance, then burst into laughter as if by prior agreement.
Cui Rong praised, "Guest Wu, your methods truly are brilliant. This move of killing with a borrowed knife is exquisitely executed."
Wu Qichi modestly replied, "I merely followed the current. It is not worth