Torrential rain poured from the sky. Amid the howling wind, tree branches danced wildly. Tian Wei and Li Qian wore rain capes as they stood before Xu Family Fort, surveying the fields.
In the distant farmland, most of the corn had been cut down, its leaves rustling under the pounding rain.
"Thousand-Household Commander Tian, do you think the Ying Army vanguard will charge straight in?" Li Qian asked, wiping away the cold rainwater.
"Thousand-Household Commander Li, that depends on our luck, but I think they will..." Tian Wei spoke more politely than before. Li Qian had rendered outstanding service last time, and wartime promotions came swiftly; he had now been confirmed in his post and held the same rank as Tian Wei.
"Besides, while those above are holding the cities, they cannot completely abandon the common folk. Some civilians have entered the cities to seek refuge, while others are defending their villages and forts."
"The Ying Rebels need to seize grain, and sometimes they have to get serious—break open the forts and take it." Tian Wei gazed into the hazy curtain of rain, his face growing increasingly grim.
"So we'll occupy the fort in advance and give them a vicious blow."
"The same old method: I'll catch the turtle in the jar, and your cavalry will launch a surprise attack!"
Li Qian nodded as well, then turned back and asked, "Are the brothers all ready?"
"They're ready. The civilians inside the fort have all been moved out. Those remaining are sturdy young men, and our brothers have long been prepared to kill bandits."
More than four hundred cavalrymen had gathered together, and the great gate behind them could be opened at any moment.
Just as he finished speaking, Tian Wei gave a soft "Shh," peering carefully into the distance. Then