Thomas Harris felt a slight stir in his heart: “Mary Benson’s teachings are certainly words of great value... but let’s set aside retreat for now—what exactly do you mean by advancing?”

“Naturally, it means to find a way to carry out Brother Harris’s original plan and launch a surprise attack on the enemy camp tonight!” Edward Benson replied calmly. “If we succeed in one battle, then Mr. Harris will naturally gain recognition, and the officers in the army will also be convinced.”

“That’s how it should be... Could it be that Robert Benson intends to help me? But isn’t Sir unwilling to go to battle?”

“That’s something I must first ask Brother Harris.” Edward Benson suddenly broke into a smile. “Do you truly dare to fight to the death?!”

Thomas Harris’s expression changed dramatically, and he suddenly gripped his sword: “Life and death—so what? As a man of Yan, what would I not dare?!”

“Good! Then among your companions, how many are willing to fight to the death alongside Brother Harris?” Edward Benson remained unhurried.

Thomas Harris thought for a moment, then immediately released his grip on the sword and answered solemnly, “Fifteen men, all cavalry!”

“I came here from home in haste recently, not for official business, so I didn’t bring many clansmen or retainers. Among them, those skilled in archery and horsemanship... there are about fifteen or sixteen elite retainers.” Edward Benson mused. “If thirty men go to launch a surprise attack, Brother Harris, are you confident you can shake the enemy camp?”

“Yes!” Thomas Harris thought briefly, then gritted his teeth and answered at once. “There are only two or three thousand men in the enemy camp, and they’re in chaos and disarray. For a surprise attack on a disorderly camp, thirty men are enough! Of course, if you could really persuade the Chief Clerk, fifty would be best!”

“There won’t be fifty, only thirty.” Edward Benson replied quietly. “Because for this battle, I never intended to persuade my uncle.”

“What do you mean by that?” Thomas Harris was taken aback.

“I just thought it through carefully atop the Lulong Tower.” Edward Benson answered frankly. “Now, in this Lulong Fortress, besides the original garrison, there are also troops from Right Beiping and Liaoxi counties. That aside, the men guarding the main gate of Lulong Tower happen to be from my own Liaoxi County, so they probably recognize me. Not to mention, everyone in this fortress knows I am the nephew of the Chief...”

“Are you planning to issue a false military order?!” Only then did Thomas Harris realize.

“No, not at all.” Edward Benson shook his head. “As long as I go out of the fortress together with Brother Harris, my uncle—who only has his current position thanks to my mother’s support—will have to do his utmost to assist us. Otherwise, whether it’s my mother or the elders of our clan, they would never forgive him... By then, a false order will naturally become a real one!”

“Young Master has a bright future—why risk your life with me in a reckless act?!” Thomas Harris was both shocked and ashamed.

Truth be told, when he asked about ‘advancing’ and not ‘retreating’ earlier, he had assumed the other party was trying to persuade him to back down and become his guest. But unexpectedly, not only was the other party willing to help him continue planning the raid, he was also going to join him in the deadly charge! Wasn’t this both astonishing and deeply shaming for him?!

“Why not?” Edward Benson was in no hurry at these words, merely gave a snort of laughter, raised his head, and retorted, “I trust in Brother Harris’s martial prowess—do you not trust in my courage?! It’s not as if I’ve never seen Xianbei people, nor have I never killed before! For a raid with thirty cavalry, I am willing to entrust my life to Brother Harris. What do you say?!”

...

“Thomas Harris, styled Mr. Harris, a native of Lingzhi, Liaoxi. Skilled in archery and horsemanship, strong in physique, knowledgeable in military affairs.” — Old Book of Yan, Volume 69, Biographies 19

Chapter Four: Issuing a False Military Order

Now, Thomas Harris was indeed a man of great spirit. Hearing the other’s counter-proposal, he said no more. The two simply discussed the details of the raid a bit further, settled their plans, and then split up to make their respective arrangements.

And just as Edward Benson had said before, in this Lulong Fortress, everyone in any important position knew he was the nephew of ChiefJames Benson, the most trusted person of the Chief. Moreover, those from Liaoxi County knew he was an official in the county, and the only son of Mary Benson. So, from the barracks to the armory to the allocation of horses, everything went smoothly. As for Thomas Harris, though he hadn’t been in the army long, he had already won the soldiers’ hearts.

Thus, things proceeded without a hitch.

“That’s all settled, then.” In a spacious barracks beneath Lulong Tower, Edward Benson finished recording the names of the soldiers for the raid, then put down the bamboo slips and brush. “My uncle has made up his mind. Tonight, Thomas Harris and I will lead the charge as vanguard, and you brave men will raid the enemy camp. First, cloth, money, and rations will be given to the families of those listed here. If we succeed, there will be further rewards; if not, you will not be abandoned. In short, here is the roster: rewards for merit, punishment for failure. Even if I die, my Liberty and the Liaoxi The Benson Family will ensure the government cares for your wives and children... Does anyone have anything to say?”

“We obey orders!” Thomas Harris took the lead, accepting the ‘military order’ as the appointed leader.

“We obey orders!” The others naturally responded in unison.

“Shh...” Edward Benson suddenly made a strange gesture, but everyone could tell it meant to keep quiet. “This is a secret order for a surprise attack—no loud talking, just understand what you must do. If your own armor and weapons are not suitable, there are arms and bows in this room—take what you need. The horses you brought are of various colors, so I’ve had black and yellow warhorses, suitable for a night raid, prepared in the stables below, with laborers tending them... If there’s nothing else, rest here and quietly await my order.”