On our side, firstly, the camp fortifications were not yet complete. Secondly, the Yan Army was not proficient in defense. Most importantly, if the enemy pressed their attack to the camp entrance, not only would we be unable to deploy effectively, but a single misstep could lead to the entire army being crushed and forced into the river!
The reason for this situation isn't that I underestimated the enemy; in fact, I've been extremely cautious. But the enemy was employing an overt strategy. One can dodge a covert plot, but an overt one is unavoidable. Of course, if blame must be assigned, then I, too, bear responsibility. The responsibility lay in being too cautious. If my troops had dispersed to launch assaults in all directions immediately after crossing the river, instead of cautiously waiting, even if the wild people's main army suddenly attacked, we could have engaged them in an open battle on the plains, instead of being immediately forced into such a dire predicament.
