"Xiao Si." Xiang An called out.
"...Huh?" It took Zi Juan two seconds to snap back to her senses before she looked toward Xiang An.
The emptiness in her eyes made Xiang An's heart sink.
"Focus, Xiao Si." Xiang An glanced at the Northern Chu soldiers behind him, conflicted and struggling inwardly. "We can't change commanders on the eve of battle."
"I know, Second Brother. I'm fine." Zi Juan answered quickly this time. She rubbed fiercely at the corners of her eyes with the back of her hand and forced out a smile.
"This time, you'll move with me and strike toward Xiayi." Still uneasy, Xiang An sighed. He reined Torrent Gallop in for two slower steps, patted Zi Juan on the shoulder, and shook his head with pursed lips. "Fourth Uncle will hold the line at Chengwu. I'll head to Xiayi with the main force."
Ren Ao and Fan Kuai were most likely stationed at Xiayi. Whether they were driven off or wiped out, it would be crucial to Northern Chu's encirclement of Liu Ji's main force.
The original plan had been for Xiang An to lead one army against Xiayi, while Zi Juan and Xiang Lu led another southward from Chengwu to cut off Ren Ao and Fan Kuai's retreat.
But now, having Zi Juan act alongside him would put Xiang An somewhat more at ease.
Zi Juan's condition was truly worrying, but if he changed commanders at the last minute and sent her to rest in the rear... If he really did that, Xiang An might as well not fight this battle at all.
Changing commanders would cause a massive blow to morale, especially after assassins had infiltrated yesterday and killed Grand Coachman Liao Ye. If Xiang An changed commanders again now, Northern Chu's morale would likely