Yan Pass, Yang Qing's campaign tent
As Yang Qing's words fell, the men beside him went quiet all at once.
Only after a long silence did Suotu speak again. "Lord Yang, His Majesty certainly cherishes talent. You must not entertain such thoughts."
Yang Qing said, "Guard Suotu, you worry too much."
"At present, all we have seen are signs that Northern Liang may withdraw. As for what will actually happen, we must wait another two days."
Suotu, however, seemed unconcerned. "Since you already have the whole bamboo painted in your mind, Lord Yang, why should we trouble ourselves? We need only wait for them to retreat."
"Still, since they intend to withdraw, I do have an idea. I wonder whether it might work?"
Yang Qing smiled faintly. "An opportunity like this comes once in a thousand years. Wouldn't it be a pity not to put it to use?"
Suotu immediately exclaimed in surprise, "Lord Yang, you know what I mean?"
"What could it be? Surely you don't need me to spell it out, Guard Suotu?" Yang Qing said. "Come here, and let us discuss it."
Suotu stepped forward slowly and followed Yang Qing to the terrain sand table.
Yang Qing reached out, pointed to a spot on the sand table, and said to Suotu, "Look here, Guard Suotu. To trap our Western Chu garrison in a deadly encirclement, Xiao Qian not only deployed a large number of soldiers, but also brought considerable stores of grain and supplies."
"Before they leave, they will certainly want to take all of those things with them. Otherwise, our troops will get their hands on them. That is hardly an outcome they would wish to see."
"But to take those things away, they must go through Leaving Slope." Yang Qing pointed to a road at