Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70: Chapter 69: No Regrets in Life or Death_1

“The Bai family, since it was established by our ancestor, has been bestowed the title of Duke of Zhen! Isn’t a century of glory recorded in history books enough?! My father, uncles, and brothers were all conferred as generals! Their ranks and honors could not be higher! What kind of military achievements could surpass the prestige of our Bai family’s army, which has deterred Daliang and Rong from invading for ten years?! What kind of military merit demanded my grandfather to fight until all the men of our family were extinguished?! Even if the descendants of the Bai family lay on the laurels of our ancestors, why can’t we enjoy the peace and prosperity in Dadu City?”

Bai Qingyan pointed at the imperial plaque with black background and gold characters above her head, “Live for the people, die for the country! The Bai family only wishes not to be ashamed of the title of Zhen above our heads! Only to guard the peaceful mountains and rivers of Jin, so that our people live without fear! Life or death, no regrets!”

“But in the end, in this prosperous Dadu City… those who compose poetry and indulge in pleasures enjoy glory! While the heroic souls of the Bai family who died in the war to protect the country are accused of using military merit to harm their fellow soldiers! How is this just?!”

She turned to the side, pointing with five fingers towards the twenty-some coffins lined up inside the main gate of the Duke’s Mansion, “Tell me… If my grandfather killed your sons, then who killed my grandfather?! Who killed the men of the Bai family?! Even ten-year-old children of the Bai family shed blood on the battlefield! Whose ten-year-old child ever marched to war?! Whose ten-year-old child could ride a horse with a sword to kill the enemy?! Who is willing to let their ten-year-old child die in battle for the country?! Who?!”

Her voice grew louder with each question; every word was like a pearl, her voice thunderous. Yet the pain in her heart was unbearable, making her body tremble.

The people were also shaken by Bai Qingyan’s words. Their hairs stood on end, and their eyes filled with hot tears. They were moved by the loyalty and righteousness of the Bai family, feeling a mix of sorrow and righteous indignation as they stared at the troublemakers.

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Qin Shangzhi, who was recuperating at the Duke’s Mansion, hurried over when he heard that the families of soldiers were causing trouble at the gate, intending to help the Bai family in gratitude for their hospitality.

He did not expect that upon arrival, he would hear Bai Qingyan’s heart-wrenching and soul-stirring questions, which moved him to tears, wishing he could take up a sword immediately and join the Bai men in battle, defending his country with his blood.

Bai Jinxiu, with blood on her face, clutched her chest and knelt on the ground, crying bitterly to the sky, “Grandfather, open your eyes and see… These are the people the Bai family fought to protect! The Bai family sacrificed their lives for the people… Eldest Young Lady was severely injured for killing bandits! The men of the Bai family are all dead! And in return, we are slandered! Grandfather… You taught us to sacrifice for the people, to love and protect them! But who will protect the Bai family?!”

Hearing Bai Jinxiu’s cries as she knelt, Bai Jinzhi bit her lip and couldn’t hold back her own sobs after enduring for so many days.

The servants of the Bai family, dressed in mourning clothes, were already in tears. Some knelt and cried out to the Duke, and others clutched wooden sticks, wishing to beat the troublemakers to death.

The onlookers at the gate also had tears running down their faces, moved by the spirit and dedication of the Bai family.

They wiped their tears with their sleeves, gritting their teeth and cursing at the families of the soldiers causing trouble at the gate.

“The one causing trouble earlier was Wang Ergou’s stepmother, a shameless woman… Wang Ergou isn’t her biological son, of course, she wished for his death! The entire male line of the Duke of Zhen’s family died defending the country! But she’s brazen enough to make a scene here! She only wants money! Heartless dog…” one of them cursed.