Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress
Chapter 415 - 412: Missing_1

Chapter 415: Chapter 412: Missing_1

Until Li Mao hurriedly arrived, the Emperor finally opened his eyes. "You all know already. Who has a good plan?"

"Your Majesty, the Rong are presently in a civil war. We can redeploy the troops stationed there to reinforce Chunmu Mountain. General Shi Panshan, who will return soon after suppressing the Yanwo rebellion, can then be assigned. To ensure success, it would be best to also send General Liu Hong." Prime Minister Li Mao spoke.

Vice Minister of War Shen Jingzhong stepped forward. "Your servant believes Jiang Ruhai, Shi Panshan, and Zhen Zeping are all seasoned generals with battlefield merits. Daliang’s army, led by Xun Tianzhang, should not be underestimated now that war has commenced!"

"Jiang Ruhai is still somewhat young, unlike the steady Xie Yuchang. Xie Yuchang, having led the Imperial Army for many years, could be dispatched to Chunmu Mountain this time as a trial." Li Mao took the opportunity to recommend Xie Yuchang.

Prime Minister Lu stroked his beard, thinking of someone. Yet he hesitated to bring up the name, knowing the Emperor’s apprehension about the Bai family would likely prevent the suggestion from being adopted.

"Father, your son believes... the Princess of Zhen could be sent to Chunmu Mountain! She has already demonstrated an extraordinary talent for military leadership in the Southern campaign..."

"Princess of Zhen! Princess of Zhen!" The Emperor clenched his fists, his voice rising several octaves. "Everything is about the Princess of Zhen! Without her, can a Crown Prince not even perform his duties?!"

The Crown Prince’s legs immediately gave way, and he knelt on the polished floor, "That was not my intention!"

"Your Majesty!" Prime Minister Lu interjected at the right moment. "This old minister knows that Your Majesty does not yet deem it necessary to deploy a woman to battle and bring ridicule to our kingdom. Nonetheless, the Crown Prince’s concern for the suffering of border citizens is admirable, reflecting a rare heart of compassion. Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"

After placating the Emperor, Prime Minister Lu continued, "However, His Highness’s words inspired this old minister. The Princess of Zhen, the eldest granddaughter of the King of Zhen, has been tutored by the Eldest Princess and the King since childhood, growing up surrounded by military texts. Given that there has been no news from the Lord of Gaoyi, the Princess of Zhen must be worried. If Your Majesty sends her, she will surely be deeply grateful."

Prime Minister Lu’s words slightly eased the Emperor’s discontent. He closed his eyes. "Let me think."

The mention of the Princess of Zhen always made Prime Minister Li Mao uneasy. He hesitated to support the Crown Prince’s recommendation openly.

"Prime Minister, what do you think?" The Emperor suddenly asked Li Mao.

Li Mao trembled and took a step forward. His gaze inadvertently fell on the Crown Prince, but he dared not let the Crown Prince discern anything. Bracing himself, he said: "Your Majesty, your servant believes... it might be a good idea to let the Princess of Zhen try. If Your Majesty remains uneasy, several generals can be sent to accompany her."

The Emperor gritted his teeth. "Issue the decree, mobilize thirty thousand troops from the Rong border to Chunmu Mountain. Xie Yuchang, Zhen Zeping, and Liu Hong will lead twenty thousand from Dadu City. Send a messenger immediately to Shuoyang, commanding the Princess of Zhen to proceed to Chunmu Mountain."

The Emperor thought for a moment and added, "This time, Liu Hong will be in command. They must halt the Liang Army at Yushan Pass!"

The news of Zhang Duanrui’s death reached Shuoyang City at dawn on the twenty-ninth day.

Bai Qingyan had just finished bathing. Even her hair wasn’t dry. Chun Tao rushed in with the message for Bai Qingyan.

The information from Lu Ping was simple. Zhang Duanrui went out to meet the enemy but fell into an ambush. Bai Jinzhi led troops to rescue him while Shen Qingzhu accompanied her. Xun Tianzhang returned Zhang Duanrui’s body, but Bai Jinzhi was missing.

A chill climbed from her feet to her spine. Fear surged through her heart, making her ribs ache with each heartbeat.

She thought Zhang Duanrui, Lu Ping, and Shen Qingzhu would surely manage to control Bai Jinzhi. Why then did Zhang Duanrui go out to meet the enemy?!

Did Xun Tianzhang craft a trap? Giving Zhang Duanrui a glimmer of hope for victory?

Bai Qingyan’s trembling hands held the letter over the candle flame, her mind racing.

"Chun Tao... immediately send someone to Steward Hao to select twenty guards to accompany me to Chunmu Mountain! Summon Steward Liu and Zeng Shanru. I have matters to discuss! Hurry!" Bai Qingyan’s voice steadied though urgent as she stood, speaking quickly and firmly, "Also, send a message to the camp, instructing Bai Qingping and Shen Yanzong to take charge of conscripting and training militia. For any unresolved issues, consult Steward Liu! Nanny Tong, prepare two sets of plain clothes for me and fetch my Archery Bow and Silver Spear. Tell Mother that something has happened to Fourth Sister; I must go to Chunmu Mountain. Mother must keep it from Third Aunt until I bring Fourth Sister back safely!"

"Yes!" Chun Tao responded and quickly ran out to execute Bai Qingyan’s orders.

Bai Qingyan appeared composed, but her palms were already coated in a thin layer of sweat.

She had never been this terrified. Even receiving war reports from the southern border had not scared her so much, perhaps because she already knew the fate of the Bai men, making any salvation a victory snatched from Lord Yan himself!

But Fourth Sister was different...

In her previous life, Fourth Sister lived well and became a general for an enemy nation!

Back then, Fourth Sister had two foster brothers protecting her. Now, she only had Shen Qingzhu by her side.

The flickering candlelight slowly consumed the letter, burning it into ash. Fear, like a giant serpent, gradually devoured Bai Qingyan’s composure.

Who knew how many days had passed since the news traveled from Chunmu Mountain to Shuoyang. Fourth Sister’s safety was still unknown.

Moreover, passing through Dadu would require notifying the Crown Prince. Otherwise, if suspicions arose, not even the Bai family hiding in Shuoyang could escape unscathed.

She needed to leave for Chunmu Mountain immediately. Even with the slightest chance, she had to ensure her younger sister’s safe return!

She could not lose any family member in this life. Not a single one!

Bai Qingyan had just finished packing and changing her clothes, ready to depart, when Mrs. Dong rushed in.

Mrs. Dong had not even combed her hair upon hearing the news. She draped a cloak over herself and hurried to Boyun Courtyard with Nanny Qin’s support.

"Young Lady! Madam is here!"

The moment Chun Zhi’s report ended, Mrs. Dong lifted the Xiangfei bamboo curtain and entered.

"Kid!"

Bai Qingyan, already dressed and with her damp hair skillfully secured atop her head, looked at her pale-faced mother. She stepped forward, holding Mrs. Dong’s hand and gently guiding her to sit on the soft couch, "Mother, General Zhang Duanrui has fallen in battle, and Fourth Sister is missing! I must go to Chunmu Mountain and bring her back!"

Mrs. Dong’s tears gushed out instantly. She clenched her teeth and gripped her daughter’s hand tightly. Although she did not want her daughter to go, deep down, she knew her daughter’s nature made it impossible to abandon Fourth Sister. She was the Eldest Young Lady... from a young age, she knew she had to protect her younger siblings.

Bai Qingyan looked her mother in the eyes, her gaze slightly reddened. "Mother, rest assured. Kid will bring Fourth Sister back safely. Kid always keeps her word!"

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