Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 175

Chapter 175 -174: Confidence_1

” Zhang Duanrui raised his head in surprise and looked at the Crown Prince: “Your Highness, Mr. Bai has been traveling nonstop every day, his archery…”

Before Zhang Duanrui could finish speaking, the Crown Prince had already stepped forward to personally assist Bai Qingyan up. Solemnly, he said: “This battle was entirely planned and arranged by Mr. Bai. Only with Mr. Bai in Wanping to handle any emergencies will I not panic. Mr. Bai must stay by my side for me to be at ease!”

The Crown Prince’s words were full of sincerity. If he hadn’t been mindful that Bai Qingyan was a woman, he would have grasped her hand firmly to express his true feelings.

She understood that the Crown Prince was wary of her. Therefore, even though there was no capable general available, the Crown Prince did not want her to command troops or meet with the Bai family army.

Even though this was expected, Bai Qingyan couldn’t help but feel disappointed in the Crown Prince.

Today, they faced the massive Xiliang army purported to be hundreds of thousands strong. Achieving victory with a weaker force is already difficult; without a capable general… in a battle that permits only victory, not defeat, the lives of soldiers and the nation’s fate weighed less than his suspicion.

She closed her eyes and suppressed her despair toward the Imperial Family, lowered her gaze respectfully, and said: “In that case, please make arrangements quickly, Your Highness. I will return to change my clothes first.”

Just now, Bai Qingyan had come directly from the training ground, and the clothes under her cloak were already soaked with sweat, clinging to her body.

The Crown Prince did not expect Bai Qingyan to agree so readily and quickly breathed a sigh of relief. Nodding repeatedly, he said: “Good, good, good, thank you, Mr. Bai. Go change your clothes quickly!”

Seeing Bai Qingyan leaving, Qin Shangzhi grew anxious: “Your Highness, this time we are luring part of the Xiliang forces into the Wengshan Canyon. We are unable to preemptively know the Xiliang forces’ size or who is leading them! Mr. Bai has previously fought in the southern territories with the King of Zhen and is familiar with the Wengshan terrain. Only with Mr. Bai commanding five thousand troops in an ambush can we ensure complete safety!”

“Your Highness!” Zhang Duanrui stood up and said, “I am willing to vouch for Mr. Bai with my life. Your Highness, let Mr. Bai command the troops!”

In this expedition, the only commanders available were himself, Zhang Duanrui, Zhen Zeping, Shi Panshan, and once Young General Bai Qingyan!

Zhang Duanrui deeply understood the Emperor and the Crown Prince’s caution toward Bai Qingyan. However, this battle was urgent, and to win with a smaller force, they couldn’t afford any missteps!

Bai Qingyan had strategized the division of troops into four forces, each led by them. As long as no mistakes were made, victory was certain. But without Bai Qingyan, the one most familiar with Wengshan, the variables increased significantly!

The Crown Prince saw Bai Qingyan gazing at him calmly and resolutely as if seeing through his fear of the Bai family… of Bai Qingyan. His heart skipped a beat, and he steadied himself, saying: “Mr. Bai is the one orchestrating the overall strategy of this battle—how can he risk his life in Wengshan? Only with Mr. Bai in Wanping to handle unexpected incidents will I not be caught off guard.”

Zhen Zeping, being simple-minded, nodded in agreement: “Your Highness is right!”

Zhang Duanrui gritted his teeth tightly.

Qin Shangzhi still wanted to persuade further, but Bai Qingyan had already bowed and taken her leave. Watching her departing figure, he sighed deeply, praying that the general setting the ambush in the Wengshan Canyon could annihilate the Xiliang army!

Waiting outside the government office, Bai Jinzhi and Xiao Ruohai saw Bai Qingyan emerge and hurried to meet her.

“Eldest Young Lady! How did it go?” Bai Jinzhi asked.

Bai Qingyan tightened her cloak and stepped over the threshold of the government office, standing under the lantern light, gazing at the still pitch-dark Wanping City. She said: “As expected, the Crown Prince wants me to stay in Wanping.”

Bai Jinzhi was furious and was about to rush in to confront the Crown Prince. But upon hearing her sister say “as expected,” she blinked and asked blankly: “Eldest Young Lady, do you have a plan?!”