The wind and snow raged outside, turning the world into a vast, white expanse. A new year had arrived, but the snow showed no sign of stopping—instead, it poured down even more recklessly from the sky.
In just half a day, many houses would be buried. Deaths had already begun—soldiers who had gone to bed safe at night were found the next morning buried in snow, their faces blue and lifeless.
There wasn't the slightest trace of spring in the air—only a suffocating chill, and the scent of death lurking beneath this unnatural weather.
Amid such falling snow, even in broad daylight, it felt as if one were trapped in endless night. There was almost no light at all. It should have been the season when ice melted and life returned, yet outside, all that awaited was this scene of devastation.
Time spent outdoors could only be brief—any longer, and you might never return, frozen to death outside.
The soldiers of the Wynn Domain and Sage Domain gathered inside the stronghold, having connected most of the houses together. They waited for the snow to let up, so they could clear the snow from the rooftops—otherwise, the weight would collapse the buildings.
Bella Liang and Gus Bull huddled together, wrapped in a thick fur. The house was packed with generals, making movement difficult. Bella Liang hadn't moved for days.
Even with the house full of people, the cold still seeped in. The only source of warmth was the fire in the center, but even close to it, the chill lingered.
They had expected the weather to ease, but as deep winter set in, the temperature only dropped lower. The snow fell day and night, showing no sign of stopping.
Now that the snow outside had lessened, Bella Liang emerged from the fur, grabbed a tool, and led some generals outside. The biting wind whipped their faces, as if trying to slice them away.
"It seems everyone has recognized this reality."
Lydia Lien said, smiling as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
At this moment, Grant City was already blanketed in snow, but in the forested regions, the temperature was somewhat warmer than on the plains.
"It's over—the war is truly finished."
Joseph Qiao quietly watched the meat simmering in the pot. The atmosphere in the hall was pleasant; outside, snow fell, but inside it was warm, and smiles lit up every face.
The situation on the plains was likely even harsher now, making things unbearable for the enemy.
"Delicious."
Yu Huang seemed to eat too quickly and burned her mouth. She hurried outside, scooped up some snow and held it in her mouth, letting out a long sigh of relief.
"Now we have time—spring and summer, more than half a year!"
It was almost time for the annual festival. With the shadow of war seemingly lifted, everyone was immersed in the joy before the holiday, and there was no longer any worry about food.
Every household in Grant City had received food before the weather turned bad. Now the city was bustling, and it felt as if the cold had vanished.
"I can't eat anymore."
Lei Huo lay beside the fire, drenched in sweat. The room was filled with happiness, but he noticed that only Yuna Ji sat cold-faced at the head, with Long Nu whispering something to her.
"Yuna, do you have something to say? Everyone, quiet down."
Joseph Qiao stood up and called out. The lively conversations around gradually faded.
"This is our only chance."
Yuna Ji spoke, and at once everyone turned their attention to her.
"Indeed, the enemy can barely move now. Forget fighting a war—just surviving this blizzard is hard enough. When the weather warms, they'll head south, all hands planting crops and recovering. They'll wait for autumn to march again. But we must strike first in the spring."
Joseph Qiao spoke, and many generals nodded. The terrain near Grant City was now well-known. Old veterans who had scouted the area returned daily to teach the soldiers about the land, landmarks were marked, and the army's organization was nearly complete.
"Once the ice and snow melt, we'll go on the offensive. We absolutely cannot give the enemy any breathing room."
Joseph Qiao spoke, sweeping his gaze around the room before looking at Yuna Ji.
"As for tactics, I've already made plans. When spring comes, Mao Tian, Lu Xing, and Zhao Peng will each lead a cavalry unit to raid the plains, maybe even circle behind the enemy and cut off their lines. The enemy will need lots of labor for planting and tending the fields in the south. They'll likely pull people from Wynn and Sage Domains."
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Joseph Qiao smiled as he spoke. This blizzard had come at just the right time.
"When spring arrives, I'll take the troops around the plains, into the northern forests, and out the left pass to harass the enemy. Yuna, when the time comes, I'll need you to lead the main force and strike the enemy troops left at the plains stronghold. That stronghold's defenses are completely gone now."
Yuna Ji nodded, and Joseph Qiao then looked at Yu Huang, Mao Xing, and Mao Li.
"You three will come with me."
"What about me?"
Lei Huo stood up, a bit dissatisfied.
"You go with Yuna. Tomorrow, I'll have the detailed battle plan ready. Once the snow melts, we'll launch a full assault. As for food, those in Grant Territory who can't fight can go to Mu Zhazi to help my tribe."
"Joseph, we should have enough food now. Even for long-range raids, each person can carry a month's rations."
Mao Tian said, but Joseph Qiao shook his head.
"Prepare for the long haul. This war won't end so easily. Better safe than sorry!"
By afternoon, a ray of light broke through the sky over the plains. Soldiers excitedly left their shelters to feel the rare warmth. They began clearing the snow, and the bodies of fallen comrades were carried out and buried in a deep trench outside the stronghold.
Bella Liang gazed worriedly at the sky. The clouds were still thick, and this weather wouldn't pass so easily. The sunlight warmed her slightly, but the wind still stung her cheeks.
"Are you serious?"
An argument broke out behind her. Gus Bull, face red, stared at Lydia Lien.
"Of course I'm serious. Leave this stronghold if you don't want to die."
"This stronghold was hard-won. If we abandon it, the enemy might burn it. Even if we advance, we'll lose our base. It only takes three or four days from the south to here, and three or four days from here to the west. But without this stronghold, marching will take over ten days. Have you really thought this through?"
Gus Bull's concerns were well understood by Bella Liang and the other generals. But the main issue was, if they didn't head south to help with the spring planting after the thaw, autumn's harvest would decrease. The planting season was short—missing it would affect the crops' growth.
Since adopting farming, every tribe in spring lets everyone take part in planting on whatever land they have. When game is scarce, survival depends on grain.
"If we don't abandon this stronghold, how many troops do you plan to leave to defend it?"
Lydia Lien asked, and Gus Bull fell into thought before holding up five fingers.
"Fifty thousand?"
Lydia Lien said slowly, then smiled.
"This battered stronghold will fall at the first enemy assault. Then we'll lose fifty thousand troops, and the enemy will block the central pass, harassing anyone coming from Wynn and Sage Domains. Is this stronghold really worth it? Think about why the Grant Family failed—more than half their land is now in our hands."
Gus Bull didn't argue further. He knew Lydia Lien was right. The decision to abandon the stronghold had been made since the snow began.
It was another hard choice. Without the stronghold, there would be nowhere for soldiers to rest on the plains, and the enemy would use their cavalry's mobility to launch constant raids, making marching especially difficult.
"We'll take it one step at a time, haha."
Bella Liang smiled, watching the snowflakes begin to fall again from the sky.
"The heavens really do love to toy with people!"