After a few jokes, Chen Zhennan and Ai Zijun's expressions gradually became serious, and they began to discuss serious matters.
“Since Elena wants to see us on the battlefield, this war is inevitable.” Chen Zhennan’s voice was deep, his eyes fixed on the intricate lines on the map, as if trying to discern the outcome of the war.
Ai Zijun nodded: "Therefore, we must be prepared."
Chen Zhennan pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "I want to find a way to minimize casualties but still inflict a crushing defeat on the Slavs. It all boils down to one thing: human life is paramount."
Upon hearing this, Ai Zijun's eyes flashed with admiration, and he began to introduce Elena's combat style.
"Elena is very meticulous, never impulsive, and has a strong ability to adapt to changing circumstances, often changing her tactics after the battle has begun."
A hint of worry flickered in Ai Zijun's eyes as she recalled their past encounters, which made her feel somewhat troubled.
"You can imagine how difficult it would be to fool her." Chen Zhennan's voice became even deeper, his hands clenched into fists.
"However, it's not that there's no way. I think the best way to deal with such a meticulous opponent is to lure them with benefits."
Chen Zhennan nodded slightly; Ai Zijun was right.
"There's only one reason why she didn't fall for it: the benefits we offered weren't enough."
As Chen Zhennan spoke, he slowly raised his head, seemingly already having a solution in mind.
“The more patient a person is, the more they tend to care about gains and losses.” Chen Zhennan nodded slowly, his mind gradually becoming clear.
Chen Zhennan slowly stood up and suddenly shouted, "Shiyu!"
Yan Shiyu was standing outside the tent. Hearing the call, he immediately turned around, his brows furrowing slightly.
What's the matter, Commander? Why are you in such a hurry? Why are you making such a commotion?
"General, what are your instructions?"
Chen Zhennan's eyes darted around, and he said seriously, "Order the special forces brothers to take three days' worth of rations after dark, and all of them should infiltrate the Slavic Principality and wait for me near the Serga River."
As Chen Zhennan spoke, he unfolded the map on the table, his fingertips lightly tracing the winding river.
Yan Shiyu stared intently at the map, his brow furrowed as he pondered every detail.
"Remember, you must act after dark, and in groups of three to five, no more than ten people, to avoid being exposed."
"Understood!" Yan Shiyu nodded, his expression gradually becoming serious as he secretly plotted how to complete the mission.
He carefully put the map away, turned and walked out of the tent, his heart churning with a mix of urgency for the mission and deep concern for the safety of his brothers.
Inside the tent, Chen Zhennan and Ai Zijun exchanged a glance, their eyes reflecting a tacit understanding and trust.
"Brother Ai, how many cavalry do you have in your Northeast Army?"
"Exactly ten thousand."
These 10,000 cavalrymen were the elite force of the Northeast Army. The strongest warhorses and the most powerful cavalrymen in the entire Northeast were in their cavalry unit.
“With these 10,000 cavalrymen transferred out, the remaining 90,000 will be divided in two.”
Upon hearing this, Ai Zijun already knew what Chen Zhennan was going to do. She quickly turned around and said to the messenger beside her with a stern expression, "Quickly, order the cavalry to come to my camp. The remaining 90,000 infantrymen will be divided into two groups, one to the south and one to the north, to protect the cavalry on both sides!"
As Ai Zijun's order was relayed, a full ten thousand cavalrymen quickly assembled within an hour, gathering in front of Ai Zijun's camp. Their warhorses neighed, their spears gleamed, like a sharp arrow ready to charge at any moment.
The remaining 90,000 people, like two giant dragons, quickly dispersed to the south and north.
Once the formation was confirmed, the strongest force of 10,000 cavalrymen was positioned in the very center, flanked by 45,000 heavily armored infantrymen on each side. They formed a solid shield, protecting the cavalry's flanks.
Meanwhile, sentries from the Slavic Principality vigilantly observed all of this from a distant hilltop.
Their eyes betrayed their unease, and they quickly relayed the message back to Elena.
Elena was commanding her army when she heard the news. Her heart sank, she took a deep breath, and her face turned serious.
Ai Zijun's formation is extremely aggressive, like an arrow aimed straight at her own heart.
Ai Zijun has never been so tough before. Her style has changed so suddenly. There must be some kind of conspiracy.
"What's wrong with Ai Zijun?"
Elena muttered to herself, her brow furrowed, her mind filled with doubt.
She kept mentally analyzing the battle situation, and Ai Zijun's aggressive formation made her feel unprecedented pressure.
She was well aware that Ai Zijun's Northeast Army formation, though seemingly powerful, also harbored hidden dangers.
As long as the Slavic army doesn't engage and instead flanks the enemy from both sides, Ai Zijun's cavalry will be isolated and helpless, and the infantry behind them will be completely surrounded, ultimately leading to their total annihilation.
Thinking about this, Elena felt a tightness in her chest, and the more she thought about it, the more uneasy she felt.
“Ai Zijun has never made such a mistake before, and Chen Zhennan is here too. Could they really be so negligent?”
The more she thought about it, the more confused she became; her mind was like a turbulent sea, unable to calm down.
Elena thought and thought, but the more she thought about it, the more confused she became; her mind was filled with strange thoughts.
He turned back to his tent and paced back and forth, pondering the true intentions of Chen Zhennan and Ai Zijun.
Elena was already prepared and ready to fight Ai Zijun's army at any time.
But no matter how much she thought about it, Elena still couldn't figure it out.
"Someone! Report this to Marshal Ivanovic; I need his advice."
The messenger nodded quickly, said "yes," and then turned and left the tent.
As dusk fell, night descended slowly like a giant black curtain.
Elena ordered the army to prepare and assemble to prevent Ai Zijun's night attack.
I spent the whole night preparing nervously, but nothing happened; it was eerily quiet.
In the camp, the only sounds were the soldiers' breathing and the crackling of the campfire.
"If Ai Zijun isn't going to attack, why is she gathering such a large army?" Elena murmured to herself, her voice tinged with confusion.
Elena had no idea what Ai Zijun was up to, but the two armies were locked in combat, and the border was already extremely tense.
At this moment, in the Kurokawa military camp, Chen Zhennan and Ai Zijun were drinking and laughing.
"Don't worry, Brother Chen. Elena would never dare to attack first. I know her too well. The more we remain still, the more flustered she will become."
Chen Zhennan held a wine glass, his face showing signs of drunkenness.
"Actually, I've seen opponents like this before, and they're not easy to deal with. But winning against them is also simple; it can be summed up in four words: feigning weakness to lure the enemy in."
Ai Zijun thought for a moment, then asked with considerable curiosity, "Playing hard to get, but it seems we're the ones on the offensive right now. How can this be considered playing hard to get?"
"We're just putting on a show. Let's get her out first."
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