Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress

Chapter 162: Chapter 161: A Thousand Miles in a Day_1

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.

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!

She pointed to the plaque above, saying that Zhen should be an unyielding defense against the enemies of Jin, swearing to die without retreat! To live for the people and die for the country! The Bai family exists solely to protect the peace of Jin’s people, living and dying without regret!

Under the flickering oil lamp, Qin Shangzhi’s hands tightened on his knees. Even today, remembering Bai Qingyan’s resolute words stirred his blood.

The Bai family genuinely lived by loyalty and righteousness, embedding the mission of serving the nation into their very essence.

Even though the men of the Bai family perished at the southern borders, as long as their spirit and resilience endured, the Bai family would remain eternal in the grand history that sees noble families come and go.

Qin Shangzhi solemnly bowed. “The Bai Clan of the Duke of Zhen’s Mansion is truly admirable and respectable!”

Being a gentleman himself, Qin Shangzhi saw Bai Qingyan’s trip to the southern borders as driven by the same sense of duty that once led Duke Bai Weiting to protect the people and defend the nation.

Not wanting to delve deeper with Qin Shangzhi, Bai Qingyan calmly accepted the bow on behalf of her grandfather and father.

The next day, in the early hours.

The vast training ground was silent except for the fluttering banners. Under the bright moonlight, Bai Qingyan’s slender figure stood at the shooting range. In a perfectly standard pose, she drew the Shooting Sun Bow fully, but the arrow fell feebly to the ground, her strength exhausted. Breathing heavily, she bent over, supporting herself on her knees, her arm muscles trembling with fatigue.

Beads of sweat dripped from her chin, soaking her collar. Her lungs felt like they were about to burst.

Bai Qingyan’s body was weak and could no longer match her former strength. However, her body’s muscle memory for archery remained. Though starting anew, she was not a beginner. With the iron sandbag training, her strength was slowly recovering.

After resting briefly, she straightened up, pulled an arrow from the quiver, and continued practicing.

In her past life, she trained day and night to regain her martial skills, enduring ten times the pain. The current discomfort was nothing; she knew she could only get better over time.

She adjusted her breath again, nocked the arrow, and drew the bow…

Standing aside, Xiao Ruohai watched Bai Qingyan’s resilient back, recalling how she was forced to practice archery as a child. From a young age, Bai Qingyan never gave up easily! Whatever she undertook, she did her best, no matter how much she suffered.

In those days, everyone praised Young General Bai for his extraordinary talent and martial prowess. Few knew the hardships Bai Qingyan endured for those skills.

Now, starting over, Bai Qingyan showed not only the same determination and drive but also more composure and steadiness than before.

In just a few days, she progressed from being unable to draw even a normal bow to gradually drawing the Shooting Sun Bow. Bai Qingyan had made remarkable strides.

Source: Webn𝘰vel.com, updated on Novg𝘰.co