The noise all around them was deafening. Qiu Hu stepped forward and lowered his voice until only the He father and son could hear him, “The enemy may be planning to surround the city. Should I take some men and slip out through the west gate first? That way, we’ll have people outside who can coordinate with us from both sides.”

He Lingchuan’s first thought was: Good idea!

Leaving a small, elite force outside the city would give them enormous flexibility. They could scout the enemy, coordinate attacks from within and without, and respond quickly to any changes.

Before he could answer, however, He Chunhua waved a hand. “No need. We’ll have a way out.”

“Old man…”

“Just trust me.” He Chunhua spoke decisively. “I’ll have some preparations made.”

He had always been meticulous in his affairs and was not the sort to make empty claims. If he said he had a way, then he most likely did. And so, He Lingchuan gestured to Qiu Hu, telling him to hold his horses.

Qiu Hu nodded and went off to see to other matters.

Watching his departing...