Ex-Wife is a Big Villainess
Chapter 749 - 369: Suspicion and Conspiracy

Chapter 749: Chapter 369: Suspicion and Conspiracy

Upon hearing Yun Zhu’s report, Xiao Lingqiu’s expression remained unchanged as she spoke calmly:

"This is a crucial battleground that no military leader would abandon, especially at such a critical juncture. You may choose to cooperate with Lei Tian, but he could equally choose to ally with Scorpion.

The saying goes, ’Two tigers cannot share one mountain.’ Both Lei Tian and Scorpion are mortal enemies, pure and simple, each wanting nothing more than to eliminate the other. Neither would stand by while the other grows stronger.

Given such an opportunity, it’s only natural they won’t let it slip away.

When Wanyan Tianyou seizes this land and Scorpion eliminates Lei Tian to become the ruler of the desert bandits in the Tongqiu region, both will achieve their goals. Cooperation between them will occur naturally."

"Then what should we do?"

Yun Zhu was so anxious she was nearly in tears.

Liao Feihu turned to look at Xiao Lingqiu. At this moment, he had already realized the extraordinary nature of this woman and said sincerely, "Ms. Jiang, do you have a strategy?"

Xiao Lingqiu raised her elegant chin, speaking slowly:

"Wanyan Tianyou is vying with the Fifth Prince for other territories and is unlikely to send his main forces or a large army here. Therefore, their troop strength won’t be significant, and their primary objective is to assist Scorpion in the raids.

"Our most pressing concern should be Scorpion. So the only way to resolve this situation is to drive Scorpion’s main forces away. Once that is done, the soldiers of Nanjin Country will pose no threat."

Yun Zhu blinked her large, watery eyes:

"But how do we drive them away? The scouts just reported that Scorpion himself is leading the troops, and he’s brought nearly three thousand men, while we only number a little over one thousand."

Xiao Lingqiu’s lips curved slightly: "It’s very simple. All we need is reinforcements from Lei Tian. The reason Wanyan Tianyou and Scorpion are launching this surprise attack now is that they know Lei Tian’s main force hasn’t arrived yet.

"They plan to take advantage of the insufficient troop numbers here to eliminate a portion of them, cutting off Lei Tian’s fallback route completely. But if Lei Tian’s reinforcements arrive, Scorpion will naturally retreat."

Liao Feihu frowned: "The problem is, heading off to summon reinforcements from Lei Tian now would take at least three to four two-hour periods. Time is too constrained."

Yun Zhu bit her silver teeth: "I’ll find Lei Tian and bring reinforcements as swiftly as possible!"

Xiao Lingqiu raised her hand to calm the anxious young woman, her strikingly beautiful face revealing a faint, meaningful smile: "Bringing in reinforcements doesn’t necessarily mean going to summon them yourself."

The group exchanged puzzled glances, unable to understand the meaning behind her words.

Xiao Lingqiu glanced at the darkening sky and said:

"They’re planning a surprise attack under the cloak of darkness, but we can use this same darkness to mislead them."

Liao Feihu felt a flicker of insight, sensing the beginnings of a plan.

Xiao Lingqiu turned to Yun Zhu and said:

"Inform your father to divide into two groups of cavalry, each numbering around three hundred riders, and let Lei Tian’s desert bandits lead the charge. Position one group in ambush northwest of Sand Stone Castle outside the town, and the other northeast on the sandy slopes outside the town.

"Additionally, bind tree branches to the tails of all the horses and stir up as much sand as possible on the ground.

"Pull back some of the defending troops outside the town gates slightly, station about one hundred soldiers inside the gate, partially visible, and create the appearance of an ambush so the enemy can’t determine how many we have.

"Let the remaining forces initiate a frontal assault. After engaging, simulate a retreat.

"When Scorpion’s troops begin their pursuit, the two cavalry groups spring their ambush. Remember, the commotion must be grand, and they must make it seem as if they’re encircling Scorpion’s troops. The charge must be fierce..."

Yun Zhu listened, feeling a bit dazed, and hurriedly said: "Sister Jing, hold on—I’ll fetch my father."

The girl dashed off in haste.

Soon, Clan Leader Arhun arrived in brisk strides with several trusted subordinates.

In moments of crisis like this, he had initially intended to ignore Jiang Shouzhong and his companion. But upon hearing from his daughter that scouts had spotted troops from Nanjin Country, he was deeply shaken.

Especially when he learned that this discovery stemmed from Ms. Jiang’s earlier predictions, he immediately realized he had encountered a rare benefactor and hurried over to meet them.

Xiao Lingqiu wasted no time with unnecessary words, directly explaining her plan to the Clan Leader:

"Clan Leader, whether you choose to trust me is up to you. If you don’t, feel free to confront them head-on. Whether you can defend the Heshan Tribe will depend on your luck.

"Besides, while deceiving Scorpion, first deploy some troops to secure Yangzi Slope and Iron Stone Forest. Delay them as much as possible. Once Scorpion retreats, bring the main forces around the other side of Moon Sky Lake to ambush the Fourth Prince’s troops decisively."

Clan Leader Arhun was resolute, immediately responding:

"Given that we’re already cornered, there’s no harm in trying. Follow Ms. Jiang’s plan!"

With that, the Clan Leader began swiftly arranging the deployment.

As an observer all along, Jiang Shouzhong turned his gaze toward the woman’s cold yet stunning profile, his heart surging with countless emotions.

The women of the grasslands indeed stand apart—each one displaying an uncommon vigor.

Miaomiao gave him the impression of youthful exuberance and radiant vitality, like a fresh breeze across the prairie.

But Xiao Lingqiu was entirely different.

Her aura was akin to that of a female general capable of commanding thousands of troops, exuding an indescribable, commanding charm that stirred a fierce desire for conquest deep within.

Jiang Shouzhong couldn’t resist saying: "For someone like you to serve as a Ghost Guard under the Empress Dowager is truly a waste of talent."

Xiao Lingqiu lowered her gaze to glance at the arm encircling her waist and asked coldly: "Why are you coming so close?"

Jiang Shouzhong replied with a grin: "We’re husband and wife; it’s perfectly normal to be close."

Xiao Lingqiu gently compressed her rosy lips, remaining silent as a trace of subtle, complex emotion flickered in her eyes.