Crossing the famine to find the white moonlight

Chapter 369: Counterattack and Wisdom in the Mission

The wind at the border was biting, the air thick with the smell of dust, as if even the earth protested. Standing on the camp's high ground, Ye Wan's gaze swept across the distant mountains. The land, shrouded in shadows beneath the sunlight, seemed a foreshadowing of the battle to come. She took a deep breath, her mind alert and calm—even if this seemed like a routine mission, she knew it was far from simple.

This time, the imperial court ordered them to quell a rebellion at the border. However, Ye Wan and her team understood that while it was ostensibly a mission, it was actually a final test of their loyalty. She herself was always aware that she couldn't let the imperial court see any flaws, especially since Xie Linchuan's identity was still a sword of Damocles hanging over their heads.

"Everyone be careful, and confirm the plan again before taking action." Ye Wan whispered instructions, scanning the surroundings sharply.

Xie Linchuan stood beside her, the gloom on his face still lingering. "If the mission is successful, we can evacuate safely. But don't you think this mission is too easy? The court's demands don't seem to focus on the rebellion itself."

Ye Wan glanced sideways at him, a subtle hint of vigilance flashing across her eyes. "That's why we must be extra careful."

The team members also sensed the change in the atmosphere. Most believed the mission wasn't too risky, but no one dared to ignore Ye Wan's warnings. Every one of her instructions proved her judgment was correct.

For the first few days of the mission, everything went smoothly. The rebels didn't pose much of a threat, leading Ye Wan to suspect that this might all be a show by the imperial court. However, she remained vigilant and remained alert at all times.

However, on the fourth day of the mission, something unexpected happened. As night fell, Ye Wan and her team were preparing food when they heard the sound of hurried horse hooves in the distance.

"The enemy is coming." Ye Wan made a judgment almost immediately. She whispered, "Deploy the teams and block all entrances and exits."

The team moved swiftly under her command, their members working in perfect harmony as they quickly formed a defensive formation. Xie Linchuan stood beside her, his eyes still tense, but more so with trust in Ye Wan. As the sound of horse hooves approached, Ye Wan raised her hand to signal a pause, her eyes shifting, their gaze piercing the night, sharp as a knife.

"Something's wrong," she whispered. "This doesn't seem like the enemy's normal attack method."

As expected, as the sound of horse hooves approached, a group of cavalrymen in imperial uniforms appeared. They weren't as ruthless as the enemy, but rather seemed to be coming to support them. However, all this was too sudden, and Ye Wan's heart was once again alarmed.

"Xie Linchuan." Ye Wan called out in a low voice, "Their purpose is unclear, stay alert."

Xie Linchuan nodded slightly, still holding the sword tightly in his hand, and looked around vigilantly.

However, what alerted Ye Wan most was not the enemy cavalry, but the group of officials carrying large flags following closely behind them, clearly envoys from the imperial court. They had obviously come to confirm the progress of the mission, but unexpectedly encountered an unexpected incident at this time.

"How is your mission going?" A middle-aged messenger in gorgeous clothes came on horseback, with a stern expression and a threat in his eyes.

Ye Wan's heart sank, but she remained calm on the surface. "Everything went smoothly. There were just a few minor issues, but they've been resolved."

The messenger's eyes narrowed slightly, clearly not entirely satisfied with her response. "Your efficiency seems to be faster than we expected. It seems this is more than just a rebellion."

Ye Wan's heart trembled, although she smiled on the surface, "We are just following the procedures and fulfilling our duties. After all, the imperial court's orders cannot be delayed."

The messenger seemed to find some comfort in her words, but he remained vigilant. His eyes swept over everyone in the team, and the scrutiny and exploration in his eyes made Ye Wan's heart beat slightly faster, but she remained calm.

"Although your mission has been completed, you will need to submit a detailed report upon your return," the messenger said slowly. "In addition, we will also provide you with more missions."

These words gave Ye Wan a sense of unease, but she remained calm. "Of course, the report will be submitted in detail. As for the new mission—our team has its own plans."

She deliberately used "our team" to emphasize the independence of the team, and this sentence pierced the messenger's heart like a needle.

The messenger hesitated for a moment, then nodded, "Okay, we will closely monitor your actions."

His words were not entirely threatening, but more of a test. He had obviously realized that the actual strength of Ye Wan's team was far beyond the control of the imperial court.

"We will follow the court's orders." Ye Wan smiled faintly, "However, please also note that the team's situation must be implemented according to our actual situation."

This sentence seems gentle, but it carries a certain implicit determination, reminding the messenger that Ye Wan's team is not completely powerless to resist.

A few days later, the mission concluded successfully, and Ye Wan led her team back to the imperial court. Although they had accomplished their mission and even received the envoy's approval, Ye Wan knew that this mission was more of a test and plot by the imperial court. Not only did she have to complete the mission, she also had to prove her team's capabilities to the court, while cleverly avoiding the risk of exposing Xie Linchuan's identity.

The general saw her leading the team back in triumph, and a flicker of admiration flashed in his eyes. He exclaimed, "As expected of Ye Wan, you were able to complete this difficult mission so easily. It seems your abilities are truly extraordinary."

Ye Wan smiled slightly, "Thank you for the compliment, but this is just our responsibility."

Although she said this, she had already begun to think about the next countermeasures in her heart - the court would not let them go easily, and Xie Linchuan's identity was still the biggest hidden danger they faced.

However, Ye Wan's wisdom lies in the fact that she always knows that the crisis is not unsolvable. As long as she continues to maneuver skillfully, she can gain enough time and space to fight for the safest future for the team.