Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 195

Chapter 195: Chapter 193: Winning People Over_1

Chapter 195 -193: Winning People Over_1

“Absolutely not!” Qin Shangzhi cupped his hands towards the Crown Prince. “Your Highness, burning and killing surrendered captives… The various nations are already dissatisfied with you. If you now request an imperial edict to execute General Bai, they will surely believe that you are trying to shirk responsibility by blaming everything on a woman!”

The Crown Prince nodded almost imperceptibly, his eyes thoughtful.

“Moreover… General Bai fought bloodily alongside the Jin Army. If Your Highness does this, it will also dishearten the soldiers! This will make Your Highness into someone disliked both inside and outside. Lord Fang, think carefully—is this not the truth?” _{ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom}

Qin Shangzhi knew the importance of Lord Fang to the Crown Prince. Thus, when offering this advice, he showed great respect to the person he usually despised, only hoping the Crown Prince would heed his words… If he could save Bai Qingyan’s life, it would be worth it.

Lord Fang glanced at Qin Shangzhi. Stroking his goatee, he probably thought that even the always unyielding Qin Shangzhi had learned to yield. His eyes carried a hint of condescension as he said slowly, “What Mr. Qin said does… have some reason.”

“I have a plan! The Crown Prince could petition the Emperor for commendation for General Bai, highlighting her contributions in the recent battle. Openly announce to the world that General Bai burned and killed surrendered captives because our Jin Army’s fifty thousand soldiers feared a rebellion by the Xiliang captives! In this way, the nations will know that after the King of Zhen, there is still Bai Qingyan, a general of unparalleled strategy and prowess, guarding Jin! Secondly, Your Highness can earn a reputation for trusting capable people unconditionally. In the future, there will be no lack of followers for Your Highness!” Qin Shangzhi bowed deeply, touching the ground. “Generals are the weapons of the nation and must be fierce and ruthless to deter other nations! The Crown Prince, as the cornerstone of the country, must be virtuous, righteous, and upright to ensure peace and stability! Therefore, Your Highness should not strive for military merits, but for virtue, righteousness, and the hearts of the people!”

Lord Fang squinted his eyes, pondering Qin Shangzhi’s words…

Indeed, the Crown Prince was already the heir. Unlike when his position was unsecured and he needed military merits to strengthen his claim. Looking at other princes… King Xin and King Liang were deposed. King Wei was only a five-year-old child, not necessarily very smart. Consort Luo’s unborn child was still uncertain whether it was male or female. For now, the Crown Prince’s position seemed secure.

Despite his reluctance to admit it, Qin Shangzhi’s strategy was indeed excellent. Instead of killing Bai Qingyan and admitting guilt to other nations, it would be better to push all the blame onto Bai Qingyan. Then, the Crown Prince could publicly defend Bai Qingyan, thereby gaining her loyalty—a win-win situation.

“Your Highness, I believe Mr. Qin’s plan is feasible!” Lord Fang said slowly.

Seeing Lord Fang’s approval, the Crown Prince felt more confident. Although he was somewhat reluctant to forgo the military merits, the prospect of gaining Bai Qingyan’s loyalty was not a bad exchange.

The Crown Prince nodded: “I also think Mr. Qin’s words are very correct. I am the heir, not a general. Military merits are useless… Gaining the people’s hearts is what matters!”

Qin Shangzhi, hearing the Crown Prince’s words, finally breathed a long sigh of relief. In this way… Bai Qingyan’s life was saved, right?

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Bai Qingyan camped at the Xiliang border with thirty thousand Jin soldiers and ten thousand Bai family soldiers along with the Huying Camp. The two armies faced each other across a Jinghe River, but neither made a move.