Duan Xinya naturally knew what her father was thinking. As an aunt, she also felt happy for Duan Yanhao.

"Father, don't act weird in front of everyone, or else you might reveal the truth."

"Yes, you've reminded me. Indeed, we cannot afford to leak any signs and let them know. Is everything fine with Yanhao?"

Old Master Duan had a grandson that he was proud of. Ever since the battle had started, he had been continuously worried.

The mention of Duan Yanhao made Duan Xinya's face turn solemn. "That young man fights so hard. He's captured a large city in the south. However, the southern troops also found out that he's currently in their territory. Once they have their eyes on him, it'll be dangerous for him."

"Ask him to come back and send someone else to the south."

"Father, that won't be good. Yanhao would also not agree to it. He thinks that his subordinates' lives are more important than his own. He wouldn't escape from the battle and let his men die just to avoid the dangers himself."

Despite understanding her words, Old Master Duan was still anxious. He repeatedly fidgeted with his walking stick and said, "Xinya, send half of our guards to Yanhao to protect him."

"Father, we can't. Before Yanhao left with his troops, he had reminded me again and again that we should never send our guards to protect him. He even made those orders using his status as a chief commander. Our guards cannot leave your side. In the Duan family's headquarters, your safety is of utmost importance. This way, Yanhao wouldn't need to worry about you too."

As Old Master Duan listened, he felt pleased yet still uneasy. "That lad!"

Duan Xinya recalled something else. "Father, I have something to tell you. The firearms for our northern troops are depleting."

"We've prepared so many firearms. Are they not enough?"

"The clashes have gone on for more than two months, so the firearms we've acc.u.mulated are indeed insufficient."

Old Master Duan's face turned serious, and his grip on the walking stick tightened. "Xinya, this is a grave matter. We have to think of a solution!"

"Father, this happened too suddenly. We don't have time to buy so many firearms too. I'll think of another solution."

"Yes, and no one else can find out about this. The Ouyang and Duanmu families can never learn of this."

"I understand!"

…

Bai Yaoyao couldn't fall asleep that night. Ever since the clashes began, she hadn't had proper rest. Her weapons never left her hands too.

When she fell asleep, Bai Yaoyao dreamed of Duan Yanhao bleeding all over. She was so shaken that she woke up panting heavily.

She muttered uncontrollably, "Yanhao… Yanhao…"

After her promotion to an officer, she had her own room. When she snapped out of her daze, she peeked outside, only to see that it was raining outside.

It was raining in the north, making her wonder if it was the same in the south.

Every day, she couldn't help but pay attention to the news in the south. Every day, she craved to meet Duan Yanhao.

With the incessant clashes, her mindset had also changed. She simply wanted Duan Yanhao to be safe. Even though she might not be able to see him, she would still hold on.

However, her dream had made her heart accelerate, so she was very anxious.

The internet in Country X had been cut off, and no one could go online. She could only make her own guesses about the weather in the south.

That same night, it began pouring heavily in the south. At the same time, a huge battle against Duan Yanhao's troops started. The south had directed all over forces to ambush them.