Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress
Chapter 386 - 383: The Approach of an Armed Force_1

Chapter 386: Chapter 383: The Approach of an Armed Force_1

The soft pain radiating from her forehead left her mind momentarily blank, her heart pounding uncontrollably.

Xiao Rongyan’s distinctively jointed hand covered her hand without loosening, unclear if it pressed on the map or her hand.

Xiao Rongyan’s thin lips left her forehead, one hand naturally holding her frail shoulder as he gazed down at her quietly.

A slightly stunned Bai Qingyan looked up, seeing Xiao Rongyan’s deeply reserved black eyes staring at her. She tried to withdraw her hand, pressed on the map by Xiao Rongyan, but he daringly wedged his fingers between hers, tightly clasping her hand. The hand gripping her shoulder slid to her waist, giving her no room to retreat.

His breath became slightly heavy, difficult to control. He slowly leaned toward her, his gaze deep and heated.

She felt as if frozen, unable to move a fraction, her eyelashes trembling lightly.

They drew closer, Xiao Rongyan’s high nose gently touching hers.

Bai Qingyan’s stiff spine trembled, her palm tightened, and she grasped Xiao Rongyan’s long fingers tightly.

At the moment his hot lips touched hers, Bai Jinzhi and Shen Qingzhu’s cheerful voices rang out.

"I had the kitchen prepare some food and wine for Eldest Young Lady and Mr. Xiao. Eldest Young Lady has been busy in the ancestral hall and hasn’t eaten anything..."

Bai Qingyan snapped back to reality, turned around, and feigned calm as she withdrew her hand. She absent-mindedly adjusted her attire, folding the sheepskin map, her ears burning hot.

Xiao Rongyan cleared his throat, adjusted the hem of his tunic and ceremonial boots, then resumed his composed demeanor. Once again, the gentle young master stood with his hands behind his back, looking towards Bai Jinzhi, who was coming over the wooden bridge to the Huxin Pavilion with a maid holding an umbrella, and Yue Shi and Shen Qingzhu.

"Eldest Young Lady, Mr. Xiao!" Bai Jinzhi greeted with a smile after saluting. "Little Four has prepared some food and wine for Eldest Young Lady and Mr. Xiao..."

Bai Jinzhi calculated the time, thinking they should be done talking soon. With the food and wine, Eldest Young Lady and Xiao Rongyan could stay a bit longer, and Xiao Rongyan could become her brother-in-law soon.

The maids holding lacquered and gold-painted food boxes bowed slightly, taking small steps to carefully place the cold dishes.

Before Xiao Rongyan could speak, Bai Qingyan spoke first: "Mr. Xiao and I have finished discussing matters. Mr. Xiao has important business and cannot stay at the Bai Mansion."

With a serious expression, Bai Qingyan looked at Xiao Rongyan: "Qingzhu... Send Mr. Xiao."

Xiao Rongyan saw Bai Qingyan’s ears turn red. Yet, she maintained her composed demeanor. He smiled at Bai Jinzhi, saying: "Miss Bai, I’m sorry to refuse your kindness. I truly have matters to attend to. Another day, I will host to make amends."

Bai Jinzhi felt a bit disappointed but nodded: "Mr. Xiao, remember that, don’t forget!"

"Certainly!" Xiao Rongyan nodded.

Shen Qingzhu made a gesture of invitation to Xiao Rongyan: "This way, Mr. Xiao..."

Xiao Rongyan turned back to Bai Qingyan and bowed deeply: "Would Miss Bai accompany me on a few steps? I need to discuss matters about the mute lady."

Bai Qingyan tightened her grip, nodded silently.

The Bai family’s ancestral home had a scenic layout, with intricate bronze ware ornaments aged over a hundred years, showcasing their profound heritage.

The sound of rain lightly tapping tree leaves accompanied them as they walked leisurely through the meandering corridor towards the mansion’s exit.

"The mute lady has recognized an adopted father, so it’s not necessary to nurture her in the Bai mansion. Let her stay as she wishes." Bai Qingyan recalled the mute girl she had gotten from the Brothel Madam today, "If the mute lady needs company, I’ll have the mute girl brought by the Brothel Madam today sent over."

"Then send her over!" Xiao Rongyan smiled. "The mute lady indeed needs a companion. Since neither can speak, they should get along well."

Bai Qingyan intended the mute girl to serve this purpose.

"Since the mute lady’s matter is settled, I won’t see Mr. Xiao off any further. Mr. Xiao, take care!" Bai Qingyan instructed Shen Qingzhu ahead, "Qingzhu, see Mr. Xiao out!"

"Yes!" Shen Qingzhu nodded.

"Goodbye," Xiao Rongyan bowed to Bai Qingyan.

Shen Qingzhu held an umbrella and a lantern, leading Xiao Rongyan and Yue Shi, the master and servant, out respectfully. Then he ordered the Bai Mansion gate to be shut.

Yue Shi couldn’t help but murmur to Xiao Rongyan: "When did Miss Bai have such a fierce woman by her side? I’ve never seen her before..."

"Miss Bai has many skilled people around her." Xiao Rongyan seemed in a good mood, he leaped onto his horse, gripping a jet-black horsewhip, and rode off.

"Master!" Yue Shi called, quickly putting away the umbrella and mounted to follow.

Xiao Rongyan returned to the mansion in Shuoyang he had just purchased. The steward, seeing his clothes slightly damp, quickly prepared ginger soup and hot water for him to bathe.

After bathing and changing clothes, he sat under the lamp, paging through the unique bamboo slip, his mind lingering on scenes from today at the Huxin Pavilion.

Today’s unexpected event, by Bai Qingyan’s nature, if he didn’t push her, she might never give them a chance.

Although Bai Jinzhi interrupted, they had indeed made progress.

At least, despite his bold actions, Bai Qingyan did not push him away. This indicated affection for him, but she also acknowledged their difficult paths now, unable to indulge in romantic feelings.

Xiao Rongyan, burdened with responsibilities for the Yan Kingdom, had never been distracted by romance. Yet, meeting Bai Qingyan changed it, his heart stirred, creating a disaster, sparking a desperate desire to quickly stabilize the situation for the peaceful vision she hoped for.

Outside the study, Yue Shi knocked: "Master, news from Wei!"

Xiao Rongyan’s eyes sharpened: "Enter!"

Yue Shi opened the door, bringing in a man in a black cloak, drenched and shivering from the cold. The man saluted Xiao Rongyan, presenting a bamboo tube with both hands: "Master, Wei plans to deploy troops against our Yan Kingdom."

The man’s palms, cracked and bleeding from the reins, red eyes, and dark circles, dry lips, and dirty cheeks showed he had traveled tirelessly day and night.

"Bring water and snacks for Zhang Yan." Xiao Rongyan said, opening the bamboo tube.

Zhang Yan took the water Yue Shi handed him, gulping it down in big mouthfuls, one bowl after another. Ignoring etiquette, he grabbed the snacks and stuffed them into his mouth, choking several times, a pitiful sight.

Inside the bamboo tube was a thin sheet of paper. Xiao Rongyan read it quickly.

The Rong people had split into Nanrong and Beirong. After Nanrong learned that Yan had sent troops to aid Beirong, they sent an envoy to Wei for assistance. Wei discovered Yan had deployed all forces to the Rong, accepting Nanrong’s lavish gifts, they mobilized troops, intending to seize the newly reclaimed fertile lands of Nanyan while Yan’s main forces were entangled with the Rong...