However, how to make good use of this opportunity still needs to be carefully planned.
The owl looked up at the night sky, where countless stars twinkled and shimmered, mirroring his current mood.
A meaningful smile appeared on his lips as he muttered to himself:
In this chaotic world, who can remain unscathed?
Inside the cave, Aisha huddled on a pile of hay, covered with an owl's cloak.
She stared at the cave entrance, her eyes filled with unease and fear.
She didn't know what her future held, nor whether she could safely return to Java.
All she knew was that she could only rely on this stranger in front of her.
The owl returned to the cave and, seeing that Aisha was still awake, sat down beside her and softly asked:
"Your Highness, is something troubling you?"
Aisha shook her head and said, "I'm just a little scared."
The owl smiled and said:
"Don't be afraid, I'm here, I will definitely protect you."
Aisha looked into the eyes of the night owl and felt a strange sense of peace settle down in her heart.
Perhaps, this man can truly be trusted.
She gently closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
As the owl gazed at Aisha's peaceful sleeping face, his heart was in turmoil.
He is not a kind person, and he will not easily trust anyone.
He rescued Aisha not out of kindness, but to take advantage of her.
However, seeing her so frail appearance, he felt a pang of pity.
"Forget it, let's just take it one step at a time."
...
Meanwhile, in Shannan Prefecture.
The owl's carrier pigeon arrived faster than expected.
It landed lightly on Lu Yan's shoulder, bringing with it a map of the Javanese dam's defenses.
Lu Yan unfolded the document and raised an eyebrow. There was indeed a significant loophole in the Javanese soldiers' patrol route.
Every afternoon, the patrol team would gather under a pavilion to rest.
The pavilion happened to be located in a blind spot of the dam.
This is like a godsend, a perfect opportunity!
Lu Yan was pondering how to exploit this loophole, and whether he should send Li Kui to lead the Big Sword Team to launch a surprise attack.
After all, this kid has been complaining lately that he's been itching to fight because there's no war going on.
Suddenly, another carrier pigeon fluttered in and landed steadily on the table.
Lu Yan looked at the continuous stream of carrier pigeons, smiled, and shook his head:
"That Night Owl is really good at gathering information."
As Lu Yan opened the mailbox, his smile gradually froze, replaced by disbelief.
"Did this kid pick up a princess?"
Lu Yan muttered to himself, repeatedly checking the contents of the letter several times.
That kid Night Owl actually saved Princess Aisha of Java?
Lu Yan couldn't help but chuckle. This kid, sent to scout the enemy, brought back even bigger "intelligence".
This is simply...a wonderful surprise!
It seems the original battle plan needs to be revised.
If Night Owl can gain Aisha's trust, then this battle might be won without bloodshed.
"Someone come here!" Lu Yan called out loudly.
Li Kui strode in, a chicken leg still in his hand, his mouth glistening with grease.
"My lord, what are your orders?"
Lu Yan looked at him with a helpless expression:
"Little Kui, can't you pay attention to your image? Stop just eating all the time. You're supposed to be the captain of the Big Knife Squad, after all."
Li Kui chuckled, quickly devoured the chicken leg, and casually wiped it on his clothes.
"My lord, there are no outsiders here. Speak, what is it? Is a war about to break out? My sword has been itching for battle for a long time!"
Lu Yan handed him Night Owl's letter:
"Take a look at this first."
Li Kui took the letter and read it word by word, his eyes wide as saucers:
"What? A princess? That Night Owl is really lucky with women! My lord, I want to go too!"
Lu Yan tapped his head:
"What are you thinking! I sent you to fight a war, not to chase girls! Night Owl rescued the Javanese princess, this is a great opportunity. If we can make good use of this opportunity, we might be able to take Java without losing a single soldier."
Li Kui scratched his head: "Sir, I don't understand, what use is a princess?"
Lu Yan explained:
“Think about it, if we can control the princess, we can use her to blackmail the Javanese king and force him to surrender. In this way, we can avoid a bloody battle and reduce unnecessary casualties.”
Li Kui suddenly realized: "Oh! I understand! Your Excellency is wise!"
Lu Yan smiled:
"Alright, go and call Lu Fei, Zhang Xun, Han Sheng, and Tu Rong over. Let's discuss the next battle plan."
"Okay!" Li Kui replied, turned around and ran out.
Soon after, Lu Fei, Zhang Xun, Han Sheng, and Tu Rong arrived at Lu Yan's study.
Lu Yan showed them Night Owl's letter and then said:
"The owl rescued the princess of Java, which provides us with an excellent opportunity."
"I'd like to hear your opinions on how we should utilize this opportunity."
"My lord, I know that princess. She is simple-minded and good-looking. I think Night Owl and Princess Aisha are a good match."
Tu Rong didn't spell it out, but Lu Yan and the others already understood what he meant.
...
On the other side, the owl climbed up from a pile of hay and stretched.
He slept exceptionally soundly, completely unlike the vigilance one would expect when in enemy territory.
He rubbed his eyes and saw Princess Aisha sitting upright, like a delicate porcelain doll.
“Your Highness, it’s time for us to set off,” Night Owl said.
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