Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73: Chapter 72: Midnight by the Abyss_1

She fixed her gaze on Bai Jinzhi, who knelt rigidly in the courtyard, refusing to admit her mistakes. Her chest heaved violently. “Every reckless act without considering the consequences is the helpless indulgence of a fool! Our grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers died in Nanjing; in the court, traitors with ghostly intentions glare at our Bai family like tigers eyeing their prey. The Bai family is now struggling to survive, like standing at the edge of a cliff at midnight. Do you think there’s any room for her to act recklessly?”

The atmosphere in Qinghui Courtyard became oppressive and heavy following Bai Qingyan’s stern voice. The four sisters pressed their lips together in silence.

Apart from Bai Jinzhi, Bai Qingyan, Bai Jinxiu, and Bai Jintong had all read the bamboo slips recording the military maneuvers. How could they not know the Bai family was in dire straits?

Bai Jinxiu’s eyes immediately brimmed with tears, and she turned her head, tears streaming down.

Bai Jintong clenched her fists tightly, crying with her head lowered.

The howling winter wind whipped through, making it colder under the blazing sun than on snowy days.

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Her already sore eyes couldn’t bear the dazzling sunlight reflecting off the snow. She closed her eyelids, trying to calm the tumultuous emotions in her chest. Hoarsely, she asked, “Do you know… why your grandfather never allowed you to go to the front line for training when you begged him at ten years old?”

Bai Jinzhi no longer had her previous stubborn stance. Clenching her clothes tightly at her sides, she replied, “I don’t know.”

“Grandfather once said, among our sisters, your second sister is outwardly gentle but inwardly strong, seemingly meek, but with her own measures. Your third sister is the brightest, with wisdom and strategy. And you… have the highest aptitude for martial arts among all the sisters! You’re the most like Grandfather in his youth, fiercely competitive, vengeful, and without regard for consequences. You’re inherently rebellious, and Grandfather feared that if you tasted blood, you would become even more unrestrained. That’s why he made you stay in Dadu… to study more books of sages with the tutelage of a teacher.”

Bai Jinzhi’s face paled at Bai Qingyan’s words, her back straightening rigidly.

Looking at Bai Jinzhi, she spoke with a tone of heartbreak, “Horsemanship, swordsmanship, spear techniques, archery, whip skills! You learn everything faster than others and are more proficient in everything. At just fifteen, how many people in Dadu City are your match? You should be self-restrained, planning thoughtfully before acting! Displaying recklessness on the outside while remaining calm inside. You should be making a name for yourself on the battlefield as a woman, becoming a general that future generations will admire, like Grandfather, the most glorious woman of Jin’s Duke’s mansion and Jin Kingdom! Not competing for a moment, putting yourself and the Bai family in a perilous situation!”

Bai Jinzhi’s previously proud back slumped slightly, her expression became grave, and her clenched fists trembled with force.

Unable to bear her emotions, she said weakly, “If you admit your mistake today, go find Uncle Ping and take these fifty canes! If you still think you are not wrong… then let it be.”

If she doesn’t know her mistakes, what use is punishment?

Bai Jinzhi couldn’t speak, only biting her teeth hard, then rising and leaving Qinghui Courtyard to find Lu Ping and take her punishment.

“Jintong, go tell Uncle Ping to go easy on her, considering the urgent matters of the Bai family.” She lowered her voice and instructed.

Bai Jintong nodded and quickly turned to chase after Bai Jinzhi.

“Eldest Young Lady…” Bai Jinxiu grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly. “Xiaosi will understand that Eldest Young Lady’s harsh words are because she has high hopes for her.”