The others had already been left slack-jawed by the two men's uncanny shifts between attack and defense. Now that the contest was unfolding on both banks, with troops everywhere tangled in combat, the situation had grown so complicated that even Kong Changyu, who was presiding, could no longer grasp the whole picture. He could only compare the records against their strategic plans bit by bit, following the two men step for step and calculating each engagement as it came.
Moreover, their orders had grown so rapid and dense that the others could scarcely keep up in their minds, much less interject. Thus, even with this sudden reversal, no one offered another comment. The hall was silent save for the voices of Wang and Li.
Wang Yang straightened his sleeves and said mildly:
"Crush the army on the south bank."
Kong Changyu removed one of Li Jingxuan's chopsticks:
"South-bank army defeated!"
"The Lu Kang garrison will remain at Lu Kang. The other two forces will join together and pursue the enemy." Having spoken, Wang Yang beckoned to a maid:
"Fresh tea."
Li Jingxuan loosened his collar, seemingly feeling a little hot:
"Pass White Deer Crag and head for Gen Mountain."
Wang Yang slowly blew across his tea:
"Pursue closely."
Li Jingxuan stared at the cups and plates on the table, his whole body taut, his hand clamped tightly around its edge:
"Pass Lone Grave and head toward Nüguan Mountain!"
Wang Yang took a sip of tea:
"Pursue relentlessly."
At that moment, Li Jingxuan suddenly looked up, the grave expression on his face vanishing in an instant:
"I'm not retreating any farther."
Wang Yang set down his teacup:
"Surrendering?"
Li Jingxuan stared at Wang Yang, revealing a faint, enigmatic smile:
"Forcing me to this point was already quite an accomplishment. Unfortunately-"
The