Lu Fang, noticing Li Man'er's frown, asked solicitously, "Does Miss Li have any difficulties?"
Li Man'er looked up, her almond eyes as dark as ink, tinged with a faint mockery. Among the four, Zhang Jingfeng, though appearing unruly and wild, was actually quite decent. His words were sharp, but his heart was not as wicked.
Lu Liang was a pure soul; he looked at weapons as if they were exquisite beauties, lacking any ulterior motives.
The silent middle-aged man’s intentions were yet unclear. However, this Lu Fang, with his honest appearance and sturdy build, seemed simple but was quite cunning.
"General Lu is too thoughtful," Li Man'er replied with a slight smile. "Since General Lu wishes for a literary duel, I shall gladly oblige. You are right; strategy and tactics are the best means to break a stalemate. How does General Lu propose we compete?"
Lu Fang seemed confident, his voice assured, "Let us use the barbarian incursion at the pass as our topic! Miss, how do you think we should deploy our forces for this battle?"
This was getting interesting. Lu Fang indeed had ill intentions.
Li Man'er smiled faintly, "I presume the scouts in the city have already gathered intelligence? How many barbarian troops are there, what are their armaments, and which tribes have assembled this army? Surely there is a report?"
She was no ignorant novice. Lu Fang clearly intended to trap her into empty talk.
Lu Fang paused, then said, "It was my oversight. I will have someone bring the briefing immediately."
Li Nian winked at his attendant, who then grumbled, "I wonder if he truly forgot or if this is another trap they're setting."
Lu Fang, unfazed, handed the briefing to Li Man'er.
Such a report was not a major military secret. Scouts were graded. If the barbarians were indeed launching a full-scale invasion, their presence would be considerable, and information about their numbers and equipment would be hard to conceal. Barbarian incursions typically involved various tribes banding together to amass enough troops for a siege. Details about which tribes participated, their troop numbers, and their commanders were crucial information.
After reviewing the briefing, Li Man'er immediately said, "I request General Lu provide a place where I can write. I believe such matters should not be made public." This implied a practical application, for a select few to review and judge.
Lu Fang readily agreed, "Miss thinks of everything. Please, this way."
His eagerness to usher Li Man'er into his tent might have had its own calculations, but Li Man'er was someone who always kept a fallback plan and would not let them exploit her in the slightest.
"Man'er, these people likely have ulterior motives, plotting what you might write."
"Third Uncle, worry not. I have my own stratagems." Seeing Li Man'er's confidence, Li Nian said no more. His niece was no ordinary person; she likely thought several steps ahead.
Soon, Lu Fang, Zhang Jingfeng, and Lu Liang, along with Li Man'er and Li Nian, entered a tent.
Judging by its size and furnishings, it was not the commander's tent, but it was tidy and free of any unpleasant odors.
The briefing was not exhaustive, but it was enough to formulate a detailed battle plan for the current situation at the old city of Mo Bei.
Do not forget, Qi Yihan had also sent her intelligence. If she lacked such strategic vision, she would have long been expelled from the Xuan Yi Sect.
Lu Fang offered to grind ink for Li Man'er but was refused. "No need. How could I trouble General Lu? Nothing is settled yet, and it is too early for such formalities."
Here it comes!
For some reason, Li Nian felt a jolt of excitement, sensing his niece was about to show her brilliance.
Li Man'er said, "Third Uncle, grind the ink for me."
Li Nian nodded and strode over to the table, standing before it to grind ink for Li Man'er. He first used a small spoon to add a few drops of water to the inkstone. While no one was paying attention, Li Man'er discreetly dropped a pill the size of a grain of rice into the inkstone.
Li Nian's eyes widened slightly. He calmly used the inkstick to press down the small pill and ground it forcefully, then began grinding swiftly.
Li Man'er inwardly chuckled. Third Uncle was truly perceptive, far superior to the scumbag father born from that old Cui woman.
Once Li Nian had finished grinding the ink, Li Man'er picked up her brush and began to write. Her thoughts flowed, starting with the strengths and weaknesses of both sides, devising strategies to leverage their advantages and mitigate their disadvantages. She clearly outlined how to counter the enemy's cavalry, sever their supply lines, what defensive tactics to employ, and how to attack and capture territory. Methods like luring the enemy, annihilation, and Tian Ji's horse racing strategy were all included, offering a refreshing and engaging read.
However, regarding siege and assault equipment, she only made brief mentions, leaving them unclear.
Li Man'er's manuscript was passed around the tent. Everyone's expression grew solemn. Even the usually jovial Zhang Jingfeng fell silent.
The strategists who usually assisted them in combat and planning were impressed by Li Man'er's insights. Though they said nothing, their eyes revealed admiration and praise that could not be hidden.
Li Nian was curious about what Li Man'er had written. Out of politeness, he didn't rush to see it, thinking he would get his turn after everyone else.
To his surprise, Lu Fang, with astonishing厚颜无耻, took Li Man'er's manuscript and kept it for himself.
Li Nian felt this was inappropriate. It was Li Man'er's work, and if someone with malicious intent used it to stir up trouble, it could be disastrous.
"General Lu, this is not proper. That is my niece's manuscript. Regardless, you cannot keep it to yourself."
"How can this be called keeping it to myself? Miss's manuscript is truly brilliant. I merely wish to study it carefully. After all, the battle is imminent, and every bit of advice adds strength."
Li Nian snorted, "So, General Lu admits defeat?"
"I, Lu, am willing to concede. Naturally, Miss has won."
The Creator was indeed wondrous. Lu Fang, a cunning individual, possessed an appearance of integrity. His demeanor made it seem as if Li Man'er had gained an immense advantage, infuriating Li Nian.
"You..."
Li Man'er gently tugged Li Nian's sleeve, signaling him to calm down.
"General Lu, then please keep it safe. Do not let others get hold of it, or I will not be able to explain myself."
Lu Fang's expression remained unchanged. "Miss, rest assured."
Rest assured?
Li Man'er smiled thoughtfully at him. In this world, besides herself, who else could she truly trust?
No one.