Jun Min and Soujin caught up with Soujin's soldiers after a few days of marching. They were now facing a difficult problem since the enemies were trying to force them into going even further into their territory.
Soujin creased his brows. If this keeps on, they won't have enough food to last the war and might suffer big losses instead. He studied the forest before him and called one of his commanders.
"Take the shadow squad and sweep that area clean. Don't leave anyone."
"Yes, General!"
Jun Min turned his head towards the area that Soujin pointed to. He couldn't sense anything unusual from that area, just what did Soujin see from that place?
Noticing Jun Min's gaze, Soujin explained. "There are traces of soldiers marching that way. I need to stay vigilant."
"You can notice even the smallest traces?"
"Yes, I can."
Out of curiosity, Jun Min went closer to the area where Soujin said he saw something. From the corner of his eyes, he found some broken branches and faint footprints on the ground. If not for Soujin's reminder, he would've never noticed those small incomprehensible marks on the ground and bushes.
"Your eyes are really something."
"Thanks," Soujin answered simply and turned his gaze around. He guided them to higher ground which allowed them to look around the forest and notice the movements of their enemies more easily, then ordered the soldiers to set their camp there.
Looking around, Jun Min noticed that this place was indeed a good place for setting up camp. This place is similar to a natural fortress which is easy to defend and hard to attack. It seems like Soujin is indeed really knowledgeable for he could easily spot a place like this even from that far.
Jun Min arranged his own soldiers to make set up camp there as well before setting up his own tent. The number of soldiers he brought here was less than Soujin's, but all of them are his personal soldiers so their strength was guaranteed.
"Yamin, guard the area," Jun Min instructed calmly. The battle will start soon, but his role here is only to help and not stealing the spotlight. He won't appear much on the front line and will only act as a strategist.
"Yes, Young Master."
"Call me… never mind," since he doesn't want to appear in the spotlight, it's better to limit the number of people who know about his real identity. Even when walking here, all that the others knew is that he is the acquaintance of Soujin and only those closest to him in addition to Soujin know his real name.
Jun Min left his things on the table and started drawing. He needed to draw a map of all the areas he had passed before to make things easier to analyze. His great ability to draw came from his daily practice during the time he spent with his uncle, where he would draw a map of the enemy's movement every day. This habit persisted even when he didn't have the opportunity to use it when he was in the capital.
Yamin had brought his painting equipment because she knew that Jun Min would surely like to draw a map every time he marched on a new area. The scenery of the area from the northeast border to this place was now painted beautifully on the canvas. Jun Min was not worried that Soujin would need his help with his tasks because Soujin is an accomplished general and he is only here as a helper.
Looking from behind, Yamin felt that her Miss's talent was wasted on making only maps. If back then Jun Hua had drawn "painting" and she had to paint, the picture she would've produced wouldn't lose to even the first-class painters in the capital. Looking at the picture on her Miss's small desk, Yamin felt like she was seeing a real scenery. The painting looked so real and she could even hear the sound of the birds they came across before in the area.
"Yamin, I told you to stand guard."
"Yes, Young Master!" Yamin snapped out from her daydreaming and stood guard again. What a foolish mistake. What kind of guard would daydream when guarding their master?
Jun Min sighed helplessly. He had long known that his drawing was good, but to think that after learning a little bit more from the academy it became even better. Although he never finished the drawing he made back at the academy to avoid people knowing he's skilled, he noticed after drawing the maps today that his skills are now better.
He smiled playfully. "It seems I can make a living from drawing even if I retire from being a general."
Yamin, who was standing guard, was speechless by her Miss's playful statement. From the very beginning, how could Jun Zhenxian possibly allow his granddaughter to live on the streets? He would never allow Jun Hua to work as a painter and he would try to find a good match for her first and send her to a good place.
Jun Min ignored the speechless Yamin and put away his painting. He needs to rest for a while today because tomorrow, there might be some battles they need to participate in. Soujin is the one leading the battle, so he didn't feel the need to worry.
Yamin noticed that the person inside was no longer moving around like before. She shifted her gaze towards the forest below. There were several people moving in the dark. She was not worried because she knows that they're Soujin's people. The battle will soon start again.