Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress
Chapter 412 - 409: Insult_1

Chapter 412: Chapter 409: Insult_1

Bai Qingping felt somewhat softened by the plea. Just as he was about to look at Bai Qingyan for her opinion, he heard Shen Yanzong say, "Rules are rules. I witnessed your efforts today, but your physical strength is indeed lacking. Even if we let you stay today, I’m afraid you’ll lose your life to fierce bandits during the future eradication. Letting you leave is for your own good! Also, the Bai family is funding this training, not to support idlers."

Bai Qingyan felt relieved upon hearing Shen Yanzong’s words. She closed her book, stood up, and left with a squad of guards, without saying a word.

Bai Qingping turned to look at Bai Qingyan, understanding that she agreed with Shen Yanzong.

Seeing this, Shen Yanzong couldn’t help but smile, feeling a hint of pride. His father had ultimately chosen him, knowing he could win the favor of the Princess of Zhen!

He was determined to prove to his father that the decision to choose him was the right one.

Shen Yanzong instructed people to help the top three take their meat home. The others were dismissed back to their tents. He then bade farewell to Bai Qingping and left.

Soon, the news of the three citizens being asked to leave the training ground spread.

Those who hadn’t intended to join the training for bandit eradication heard that there was ample food at the training ground, and even meat in every meal. If they ranked in the top three during practice, they could take meat home to improve their family’s meals. Each one was eager to join.

However, when they inquired before heading to the training ground, they were told that the current batch was already sufficient. Further selection would occur after some eliminations. If there were still insufficient numbers, then more would be recruited.

Those who inquired left disappointed. Many decided that when the Princess of Zhen recruited next time, they would be the first to sign up. If they performed well, they could earn meat for their families. If not, they could still fill their stomachs.

For three consecutive days, Bai Qingyan appeared at the training ground, continuing to eliminate the three worst performers each day and rewarding the top three with meat.

Those who were eliminated felt regret, but they couldn’t help but tell their neighbors about the food and treatment in the camp.

Bai Qingyan treated the citizens in the camp better than those already in the military camp, and this news spread far and wide. Some even came from other counties to ask when the Bai family of Shuoyang would recruit again.

On May 20th, the silver Xiliang owed the Jin Kingdom for the southern border war was officially delivered. Additionally, due to the incident where Princess of Pingyang, Li Tianfu, attempted to kill the Princess of Zhen on her wedding day, Xiliang paid more silver. They also sent precious gifts to the Princess of Zhen as an apology.

The envoy of Xiliang, however, did something particularly noteworthy. He publicized the list of gifts given to the Princess of Zhen and the Crown Prince. The value of the gifts given to the Princess far exceeded those given to the Crown Prince.

Both the Emperor and the Crown Prince smiled knowingly when they saw the lists.

The Emperor looked at the Crown Prince and asked, "Do you understand the envoy’s intention?"

The Crown Prince quickly stood and replied, "I guess the envoy’s intention is to sow discord between me and the Princess of Zhen, hoping to stir dissatisfaction in me."

The Emperor nodded, a teaching expression on his face. "This tactic seems simple, but it is effective."

With his son, the Emperor did not hide his thoughts.

In the past, Daliang had used the same method to sow discord between him and Duke of Zhen, Bai Weiting. Although the Emperor never said anything, he did have thoughts. As Bai Weiting’s achievements grew, his dissatisfaction also increased.

"When I first saw the gift list, I was also very uncomfortable," the Crown Prince admitted. "But I also understand that the Princess of Zhen is the hero who defeated Xiliang. The more Xiliang tries to sow discord, the more I must not let them succeed! I plan to send the gifts Xiliang gave me to the Princess of Zhen to use for training soldiers and eradicating bandits. This way, the citizens will remember the kindness of our Imperial Family."

The Emperor nodded, "It pleases me that you think this way."

At first, the Emperor had doubts about Bai Qingyan’s efforts to train civilians as soldiers to eradicate bandits in Shuoyang. But now, he saw no downside. Reports from his spies indicated that Bai Qingyan was recruiting farmers and tenants, many of whom were attracted by the promise of meat or rent reduction. A few hundred people could hardly pose a threat.

If the bandit eradication succeeded, it would solve a problem for the Imperial Court, and he could reward Bai Qingyan appropriately.

If it failed, it would only cost the Bai family’s money, not his.

The Crown Prince immediately ordered that the gifts from Xiliang be sent grandly to Shuoyang.

When Bai Qingyan heard about the grand delivery of Xiliang’s gifts to Shuoyang, she raised her eyebrows and sent word to Ji Tingyu to investigate. If feasible, they should quietly intercept the Crown Prince’s convoy.

Since the Crown Prince made such a grand show, it would be unreasonable for bandits not to be tempted.

Reports from Chunmu Mountain came every other day. Initially, Shen Qingzhu wrote that Bai Jinzhi was relatively calm, following General Zhang Duanrui’s training and battle analysis, ignoring Daliang’s taunts outside the city.

Recently, however, upon learning that Bai Jinzhi was also at Chunmu Mountain, Daliang began to insult the King of Zhen and the Bai family, speaking derogatorily about Bai Qingyan. Bai Jinzhi almost lost control and charged out, but General Zhang Duanrui personally held him back, leading to Bai Jinzhi angrily accusing the general of cowardice.

After reading Shen Qingzhu’s letter, Bai Qingyan burned it with a candle, pondering deeply before writing to Bai Jinzhi. She instructed him that the more desperate Daliang was, the more they would insult the Bai family. This indicated their eagerness to end the war quickly. Bai Jinzhi must remain patient and wait for General Zhang Duanrui to find the right opportunity. She emphasized that General Zhang was not cowardly but prudent and valued his soldiers’ lives. Bai Jinzhi should respect him and not offend him.

After sending the letter, Bai Qingyan was filled with worry.

Xun Tianzhang was a radical who respected military generals, especially those of the Bai family, known for their loyalty and righteousness. How could he insult them?

Xun Tianzhang had once said that there were three people he admired in his life.

One was Empress Ji of Yan, who led the Yan Kingdom to its peak, implementing seemingly absurd policies that ultimately strengthened the country.

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