However, after so many years, no one could abruptly break this balance. After all, the first person to open fire would be regarded as the party that instigated the war. In the eyes of the citizens, they would become the perpetrators of war and would not be respected.

Now was the best chance for them. If the Southern army initiates the war, their Northern army will seize the opportunity to unite Country X.

In the hearts of the various generals, as long as their Major was around, their Northern army would never lose. Under the leaders.h.i.+p of their Major, they would always be victorious.

Seeing the expressions amongst the various generals, Duan Yanhao could not help but be strict as he said, "Everyone must avoid arrogance and irritability. We cannot underestimate our enemy. In my opinion, the Southern army had been waiting for this chance all these years. This shows that they had long prepared for the war. As to what exactly they have prepared, we won't know for now."

"Major, rest a.s.sured. We will bear your words in mind."

"Yes, Major. We will listen to your command."

Duan Yanhao glanced at the expressions of the generals and added, "Morale is important, but don't be too conceited. We must fight the war while ensuring stability. We have to succeed, we must not fail."

"Yes!"

After that, Duan Yanhao gave every general an information bag and said, "You can open it and take a look. It contains the a.s.sistants and strategists I have a.s.signed to each of you. I a.s.signed them according to your battle capabilities and personalities. I a.s.signed an a.s.sistant who is more composed to those who are more quick-tempered. Those who are more indecisive, I have a.s.signed you an a.s.sistant who is more resolute… I hope you will not disappoint the hopes of the people this time. I have placed high hopes on all of you."

This was what Duan Yanhao planned and organized throughout the night without resting. He also had a strong sense of managing people.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year's Eve, the generals listened seriously to Duan Yanhao's arrangements. Not a single face revealed a hint of impatience or unwillingness.

As for the New Year, they were looking forward to it at first, but in the face of an impending war, they had a responsibility to shoulder. They could only have their own families when they protected everyone, so it did not matter to them whether they could spend the New Year or not.

At that moment, the citizens did not know about the emergency meeting of the high-ranking military officers of Country X. They continued to celebrate the New Year joyfully and soak in the festive atmosphere.

However, around noon, the security at the front lines of the North started to tighten and became much stricter. Anyone entering or leaving the territory had to undergo a strict security check.

No one understood what was going on. Duan Yanhao was worried that this would cause emotional stress on the citizens, so he instructed his subordinates to say that this was because they were afraid someone would seize the chance to stir trouble during the New Year, so they tightened the security.

The citizens in the North were more receptive to this explanation.

As for the people who were escorting Bai Yaoyao, they only left after she got off the plane and arrived safely at Yun Bixue's villa.

Although the people Duan Yanhao sent had left, they remained hidden to protect Bai Yaoyao secretly.

…

Country A

The moment Bai Yaoyao was about to step inside the villa, she heard a familiar voice shouting, "Yaoyao!"

Bai Yaoyao turned, and her gaze shook. It was actually Xirong Ziye.

"Yaoyao, I…" Xirong Ziye did not really know what to say at that moment. He only stared deeply at Bai Yaoyao, his eyes filled with longing and pa.s.sion for her.

Frowning, Bai Yaoyao turned her face away as she said, "Xirong Ziye, why are you here?"

Xirong Ziye stared at Bai Yaoyao with a serious and loving gaze as he said, "Yaoyao, I said before that I want to ask for your forgiveness. Even if you don't forgive me, I will still stay by your side silently."