Chapter 162
This time, the Emperor mobilized the entire nation to gather an army of fifty thousand to march on the southern borders. The roads along the way were sure to be smooth. Xiao Ruohai carefully set a chessboard on the wooden table, perhaps fearing Bai Qingyan would get bored on the journey.
There were books in the hidden compartment inside the carriage, as well as easily storable snacks, a small stove for boiling tea, all the necessary tea utensils, a copper brazier for warmth, even small items like incense burners were neatly prepared. Truly, great care had been taken.
The Emperor had already sent peace envoys in advance to stabilize the situation. Then he ordered the Crown Prince to personally lead the troops to battle. His intentions for another fight were evident.
The Crown Prince knew the importance of speed in warfare and dared not delay. He endured the bumps on the road, vomiting several times into a spittoon, but never complained or allowed the troops to slow down. He bore it with resilience.
The fifty thousand soldiers were settled into the camp. The local Governor respectfully invited the Crown Prince’s carriage to rest in the mansion, but the Crown Prince declined the invitation due to his poor condition.
Although the feast was prepared, the Crown Prince, being too fatigued, did not attend. The Governor then warmly invited the Crown Prince’s advisors. Bai Qingyan claimed to be ill and did not go.
Having not been in the military camp for many years, Bai Qingyan stood on a mound, looking at the training ground. The flags fluttered in the wind, and the fire from the high-raised braziers illuminated the training ground as brightly as daylight. Soldiers surrounded two centurions engaged in close combat, their cheers growing louder and louder, creating a lively atmosphere.
As the cold wind swept through, Bai Qingyan felt a deep sense of familiarity with the scene, akin to a traveler returning home.
“Young master, the wind is strong, let’s go back!” Xiao Ruohai, following Bai Qingyan, whispered.
She nodded, holding a hand warmer, and walked down the mound, asking, “Where is Si’er now?”
“The fourth young master has followed the army and is staying at an inn in the city. Rest assured, young master, I have dispatched people to secretly protect the fourth young master. Nothing will happen to him,” Xiao Ruohai whispered.
“Before we depart tomorrow, bring her to me! Also… send a message to Mother and Third Aunt to ease their minds.”
“Yes!” Xiao Ruohai replied.
Qin Shangzhi stood nearby with his servant. Seeing Bai Qingyan dressed as a man, he respectfully bowed with a smile.
Bai Qingyan smiled and exchanged glances with Qin Shangzhi.
Qin Shangzhi had clearly come for a conversation with Bai Qingyan. Now that she was dressed as a man, there was no need to overly worry about the differences between men and women.
Xiao Ruohai had prepared the tea and stood by Bai Qingyan’s side, quietly observing Qin Shangzhi, who had once stayed as a guest at the Bai Mansion and now became an advisor to the Crown Prince. freeweɓnovel.cѳm
Bai Qingyan and Qin Shangzhi sat across the table from each other.
“It’s been since the eleventh. I never expected to see you today as the Crown Prince’s advisor. I offer this tea in place of wine to congratulate you.” Bai Qingyan lifted the steaming cup of tea before her.
Qin Shangzhi glanced at Xiao Ruohai. Seeing that Bai Qingyan did not ask her to leave, he understood that Xiao Ruohai was a trusted confidant. He took a light sip of tea and then spoke. “Miss Bai, do you know that this journey to the southern borders is fraught with peril for you?”
She put down her teacup, sat upright, holding the half-warm hand warmer, and looked at Qin Shangzhi. “I am grateful for your warning, Mr. Qin.”
“Miss Bai once sheltered Qin, allowing me to survive. Therefore, I have come tonight to inform you… this time, whether you win or lose, the Emperor will not let you live!” Qin Shangzhi spoke solemnly, seemingly determined. “I have a plan that could help you escape before reaching the southern borders.”
Dressed in a plain white robe with an intricate left-breasted pattern, Bai Qingyan looked at Qin Shangzhi and said slowly, “Mr. Qin, my individual honor and life are of little importance. I must go to the southern borders.”
Qin Shangzhi did not ask why. Looking at the slender woman before him dressed as a man, he suddenly remembered that day when the relatives of soldiers caused a disturbance at the Duke’s Mansion. Bai Qingyan spoke resolutely, saying that someone must go to the perilous front line because thousands of lives had no one to protect them!