Sacrificing soldiers to achieve victory… isn't that what a strategist have to do? It was a cruel way to describe his work, but it was also appropriate. Even though what he did was to make sure that they win with fewest casualties and obtained the most benefit, it was inevitable that there would be countless dead bodies in his path.

From both his enemies and comrades.

It's his burden and responsibility as the leader, which was not something everyone could bear.

'I'm thinking too much today.'

Pushing all thoughts from her mind, Wei Liuying walked to her bed. She needed to rest.

…

Outside the place, Prince Ji Sheng looked in Yang Xian's direction. He was leaning against the tree as his figure was covered under the shadow. The light from the moon unable to reach his place as he was perfectly hidden beneath the darkness.

"Your Highness," Yang Xian greeted and bowed down.

Prince Ji Sheng frowned. "What's with the politeness?"

"I'm acting since you seem to be in bad mood," Yang Xian replied with a large grin on his face.

"Did she know?"

"Yes?"

"That I was listening in?" Prince Ji Sheng elaborated. He was standing here all along to listen in their conversation. He had high martial arts and perfectly concealed himself here. This made him wonder whether she truly knew he was here or not based on what she said at the end.

Yang Xian smiled. "No. She's merely guessing, but it's spot on, right?"

Prince Ji Sheng arched his eyebrows. "You seem happy."

"That's because she had the quality of a leader that many people didn't have. The decisiveness and ruthlessness that many people didn't have along with the sharp mind to realize the situation she's in," Yang Xian replied. "It's rare for anyone much less a woman since they don't have the same right as men. If she has the chance, I'm anticipating what she's going to do with her capabilities."

"You favor her, Xian?"

"Why not?" Yang Xian rebutted back.

"I'm surprised since you're not one to show what you thought so clearly outside."

Yang Xian scoffed. He would only be open to Prince Ji Sheng because he was once saved by Prince Ji Sheng. If not because of this prince giving him a helping hand back then, he would never be here and probably would have lived a completely different brutal life.

"It won't be easy to bring her with us back to the north," Prince Ji Sheng said unhurriedly. His gaze lingered on the direction where Wei Liuying's room was located. "But no matter what, I want to have her."

Yang Xian rolled his eyes. He crossed his hands. "The opportunity will surely come sooner or later."

"It better be soon. We're going back to the north soon after the hunt is over."

"Ah? They have already decided on that matter? I thought that His Majesty will take more time to think since it involves his treasured daughter."

��No." Prince Ji Sheng turned his body around. "He never cared for any of us as long as he can indulge himself. Since the negotiation is in our favor, he wouldn't mind sacrificing a woman to achieve his goal."

"I see."

Yang Xian had already heard about this many times. Some women accepted their fates, but there were many of them who tried to fight back and refused the arrangement. The princess will surely try to run away again as Ji Shu's guards had reported several attempts over the past two months.

Not a single one of them succeed.

"Is there anything that you want to ask?"

"Do you also agree with the arrangement?"

Prince Ji Sheng went silent for a moment. His gaze was looking at a faraway location beyond the forest before him. "It's necessary, isn't it?"

"Yes." Yang Xian nodded. "It is."

"Then I don't have much option in my hand."

"I understand, Your Highness."

…

The next day, Wei Liuying woke up early in the morning. She readied herself as fast as possible. Even though her hair was a bit annoying since it was really long, she managed to tie it into a bun after some struggle. The pain from not having maid started to show as a woman's hair was really long.

She pushed the door open and saw Huo stood in front of the door. He was looking in her direction. "Young Master, today is the last day."

"I know."

"What's your plan for today?"

Wei Liuying understood that Huo was urging her to quickly finish what Wei Hong Zheng asked her to do. The only reason why Wei Hong Zheng wanted her to participate in this hunt was because it was the chance for him to make his name as talented future commander.

If he couldn't make it as scholar, he wanted to have a backup as military commander.

The best way to pave the path would be through the hunt.

"Prepare the horse. We're going deep into the forest."

"Yes, Young Master."

Huo proceeded to swiftly prepare the horse while Wei Liuying took her equipment once more. It felt strange for her to be acting this way for her brother, but she knew that this was necessary. There was not much time left, and she had to achieve decent result for her brother.

Wei Liuying took her equipment and walked out of her place. Her eyes were looking in the direction of the hall.

"Second Brother," Wei Yijun called out.

"First Brother."

Wei Yijun noticed that Huo had brought out horse. He smiled. "Are you planning to go hunting by yourself?"

"Yes, First Brother. Don't you also want to go hunting by yourself?"

"That's true, but I don't really expect anything. It's already good enough that last year I managed to find deer accidentally," Wei Yijun replied.

Wei Liuying nodded. Wei Yijun was never that good at martial arts and even at his age, he was still a bit lacking compared to his peers. But when it came to lesson, Wei Yijun completely excelled even if it was compared to many other people.

"I'll be going now, First Brother."

"Take care."

The two of them went their separate ways. Wei Liuying hopped on the horse and waited for Huo to get on another horse that was prepared for servants before she dashed into the lush forest.