Our goal is to destroy Dali's military command center and eliminate all resistance until Dali trembles with fear."Zhao Yan sneered, "Even if the surprise attack fails, I can lead my troops through Dali Lake into the western grasslands.

Did you send General Liang Ji to rice fields last night?Will there still be bandits in Jianchang?"Cloud Zhen said worryingly, "Some rascals will challenge me no matter what;when that happens, let Liang Ji thoroughly clean up the western region.

There might really be bandits in Jianchang.

Be careful;these bandits are extremely fierce.

If you say good words to them, they might allow your troops to pass."Zhao Yan bowed and smiled, "Since this is the case, I won't need your help, but two thousand men will carry your banner to burn, loot, and pillage in Jianchang."Cloud Zhen roared, "With you lot around, my reputation is ruined.

Since you are prepared, get out.

One of you was an arms officer, the other a food supplies officer;you should know what equipment is needed for surprise attacks.

If anything is missing, go ask Zhang Fangping;he's building a place for Xìn Wang to recover in Shajiabing."Zhao Yifan and Zhao Yan bid farewell to Cloud Zhen as they went to prepare.

The vigorous spring had planted barley that was now flowering, needing a thorough watering to ensure the plants could withstand the coming drought.

Whether it be pregnant women or growing crops, proper care was essential.Ge Qiyan was pregnant again, which was significant for the Cloud family.

Lu Qingying looked joyfully at Ge Qiyan's cautious movements, like she was watching her own soon-to-be motherly cow.Since having Cloud Ting, she no longer cared about whether Ge Qiyan was pregnant;with Cloud Ting as her first-born, another pregnancy would just be adding more to the clan’s lineage.Cloud Zhen dug into the embankment of the water pond and watched the water flow into the barley field.

He smiled happily holding his hoe.Ge Qiyan sat in a shed by the field since she became pregnant again;she followed Cloud Zhen everywhere, much to his liking.

Ge Qiyan was always enchanting at such times, exuding all the beauty that women could possess.

Cloud Zhen felt as if this woman were an unexpected gift from heaven.Sitting beside her, watching the lush fields before him, he felt a stronger satisfaction than after a great victory.The three bears—Father Bear and his two cubs—had grown into full-sized bears, lumbering over to their plots.

The villagers had spent much effort teaching them not to damage the crops;their silky fur completely distinguished them from wild bears.

(To be continued...)