"Attack outward from within? Those words are easy enough to say, but putting them into practice is another matter entirely." Suotu sighed as he spoke to Yang Qing.
As an imperial guard, Suotu had once handled his duties with ease. Here on the frontier, however, he felt hemmed in at every turn and could not help growing frustrated.
"As long as there is a path to follow, there is hope of success," Yang Qing said. "Let us give it a try."
"Xiao Qian possesses both literary and martial talents, but he has one great weakness: he is obstinate and trusts only his own judgment."
As Yang Qing spoke, he walked over to the sand table inside the tent. A glance at it brought a faint smile to his face.
"Just as I expected. He has employed the Iron Bucket Tactic against our Yan Pass. Its strength lies in covering every angle. Once the opposing army is surrounded, its only option is to fight its way out at the risk of death. Otherwise, annihilation is its sole fate."
Yang Qing explained carefully to those beside him, "But the crux of this tactic also lies in that word, 'surround.' They have trapped us, but they cannot leave either."
"The weather is growing colder by the day. Though the people of Northern Liang are accustomed to bitterly cold lands, that still depends on having sufficient supplies and provisions."
At this point, Yang Qing glanced at Suotu. "Guard Suotu, during your recent clashes with the Northern Liang army, did you notice any unusual behavior?"
"Unusual behavior? Let me think." Suotu frowned in thought.
"There were indeed a few such occasions. The Northern Liang army had been surrounding us without attacking, yet one day they sent two senior commanders in succession to shout challenges before