The victory at the She Gan Plains had secured Qin's eastern border.
Within Duke Hyou's headquarters, the atmosphere remained calm as reports from the front were sorted by the staff officers. The celebrations following the campaign had long faded, replaced by preparations for whatever conflict awaited Qin next.
A messenger suddenly arrived carrying a sealed letter bearing the royal crest of Princess Ei You.
Duke Hyou accepted the letter and immediately recognized his wife's handwriting. Breaking the seal, he silently read through its contents before his expression became unusually serious.
"The spies of Princess Ei You have reported unusual military movements within Zhao," Duke Hyou muttered.
Hyou Ren, standing beside him, stepped forward.
"What do they report?"
Duke Hyou handed him the letter.
"The Zhao armies have begun gathering in great numbers along Qin's northern frontier. According to Ei You's intelligence network, this is no ordinary troop movement. They are preparing for an invasion."
Hyou Ren carefully finished reading the report.
"The capital will receive the same information soon through its own intelligence network."
Duke Hyou nodded.
"Ei You's spies have always been faster. The royal court will undoubtedly confirm this within days."
Silence settled inside the command tent.
Wei had just suffered a crushing defeat at She Gan Plains, yet another threat had already appeared.
Duke Hyou looked toward his son.
"If Zhao truly marches south, one of us must answer."
Hyou Ren spoke without hesitation.
"I will go."
Duke Hyou remained silent.
Hyou Ren continued.
"Father, the Wei army has just been bloodied. Their generals have witnessed your battlefield instincts firsthand, and the name of Duke Hyou now weighs heavily upon them. As long as you remain stationed here, Wei will hesitate before launching another offensive."
He spread a map across the table.
"If both of us leave, Wei may see an opportunity to strike while Qin's eastern defenses are weakened."
Duke Hyou studied the map.
"You believe my presence alone is enough to restrain Wei?"
"I do. Fear is also a weapon. Wei fears you more than they fear any fortress."
For several moments Duke Hyou remained silent before letting out a loud laugh.
"Ha! Well said!"
He slammed his fist onto the table.
"Very well. I'll remain here. You will march north and crush Zhao instead."
Without another word, Hyou Ren summoned his commanders.
Before long, Bao Jun, Lu Shen, Tian Hao, Mo Yun, and Ri Yue assembled within the headquarters.
A large map of northern Qin was spread before them.
"Our destination is the northern frontier," Hyou Ren began. "The army will be divided into two forces."
His finger pointed toward the city of Bayou.
"The main army of thirty-five thousand will march toward Bayou. I will personally command it alongside Bao Jun, Tian Hao, and Mo Yun."
His hand then shifted toward another city farther east.
"The second force will reinforce Baou."
Before anyone else could speak, Ri Yue stepped forward.
"I shall command that force."
The room fell quiet.
Ri Yue looked directly at Hyou Ren.
"Baou requires immediate reinforcement. Waiting until the full army is assembled could cost us precious days."
She turned toward Lu Shen.
"Lu Shen's strategic mind is exactly what such a defense requires."
Lu Shen respectfully nodded.
"I shall accompany Lady Ri Yue."
Ri Yue continued.
"We will depart immediately with fifteen thousand soldiers. Speed is our greatest advantage."
Hyou Ren considered her proposal.
The larger host still required several days to gather supplies, organize marching formations, and prepare the immense logistics train necessary to sustain thirty-five thousand men across northern Qin.
If Ri Yue departed now, Baou would receive reinforcements far sooner.
After a brief silence, Hyou Ren nodded.
"Very well."
He looked toward Ri Yue.
"You will command fifteen thousand soldiers alongside Lu Shen and proceed directly to Baou."
Ri Yue bowed.
"It will be done."
Hyou Ren then addressed the remaining commanders.
"The main army will depart three days later."
His finger traced the supply route.
"Our force will escort the primary logistics convoy carrying provisions for both armies. Without these supplies, neither force can sustain prolonged operations."
Bao Jun smiled confidently.
"Then we'll bring enough food for Zhao to surrender before we run out."
Mo Yun laughed.
"Or enough for Bao Jun to finish before we even arrive."
The headquarters briefly filled with laughter, easing the tension before the coming campaign.
Orders spread rapidly throughout the camp.
Ri Yue's fifteen thousand soldiers marched before sunrise, banners fluttering as they headed north with Lu Shen at her side.
Behind them, Hyou Ren oversaw the assembly of the remaining thirty-five thousand troops.
Thousands of supply wagons stretched across the encampment while horses, grain, weapons, and arrows were loaded without pause.
Three days later, the massive army finally began its march.
Dust rose behind tens of thousands of marching soldiers as the banners of Hyou Ren, Bao Jun, Tian Hao, and Mo Yun advanced toward Bayou.
The journey had only begun.
Then, before sunset on the third day of their march, a lone horse appeared racing toward the army.
The rider was exhausted.
His horse nearly collapsed as he reached Hyou Ren's command column.
The messenger stumbled to the ground before immediately kneeling.
"My Lord..."
His voice trembled.
"A report... from Lady Ri Yue..."
The surrounding commanders instantly grew silent.
Hyou Ren stepped forward.
"Speak."
The messenger lowered his head.
"Zhao has already invaded..."
He struggled to catch his breath.
"...Baou has fallen."
The entire command column froze.
Hyou Ren's eyes narrowed as the realization struck every commander present.
They were already too late.