Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress
Chapter 527 - 524: Chaos Appears - 1

Chapter 527: Chapter 524: Chaos Appears - 1

"Kid, if you think it’s feasible, consult with Uncle Liu. The task of training the soldiers is handed over to you. You make all the decisions." Bai Qingyan had no worries about Ji Tingyu.

Ji Tingyu made a long bow to Bai Qingyan and solemnly said, "Rest assured, Eldest Young Miss. When the day comes that you need soldiers, I, Ji Tingyu, will definitely give you an army you can use."

Back when the Eldest Young Miss arranged for him to come here to deal with the mountain bandits, Ji Tingyu already understood the unsaid but shockingly bold purpose of the Eldest Young Miss.

Ji Tingyu was willing to devote his life and effort, shed sweat and blood for the ambition of the Bai family and the Eldest Young Miss, just to see the day when peace and prosperity reigned.

Because Ji Tingyu knew the decline of the Imperial Family was evident. Those in high positions were merely engaged in petty scheming. Only the Bai family’s visionary ambitions could bear the burden of stabilizing the chaotic world.

Ji Tingyu was willing to follow Bai Qingyan and overturn the Lin family’s royal authority!

Before Bai Qingyan left, she left Shen Qingzhu with Ji Tingyu and planned to send a letter in advance for Shen Qingzhu to rejoin them on the return trip.

Back then, when Bai Qingyan trained the female guard, Shen Qingzhu trained alongside her and fully understood the intricacies. This time, staying with Ji Tingyu was to assist him in strategizing.

Bai Qingyan had just caught up with the team Lu Ping led to Dengzhou when Lu Ping pulled out a letter from his bosom and handed it to Bai Qingyan. "Fourth Young Miss sent this letter in haste!"

Bai Qingyan nodded, took the letter, got off her horse, and bent down to get into the carriage.

"The Eldest Young Miss is back!" Chun Tao hurriedly handed Bai Qingyan a cloth to wipe her hands.

The letter was sent from the direction of Dadu City. In the letter, Bai Jinxiu said that King Xian of Nandu had arrived in Dadu City. After meeting the Emperor, he visited King Liang’s mansion. It was unknown what they discussed, but the next day he went to the Imperial Palace and brought Princess Liu Ruofu of Nandu back to his residence in Dadu City. Shortly after, the Emperor issued a decree, setting the marriage date of King Liang and Princess Liu Ruofu for the beginning of next spring.

There was also news that the sacred white deer of Jin Kingdom, which the Crown Prince had brought as a gift to the Emperor on his birthday, had suddenly died at night. The Emperor, in a thunderous rage, ordered the execution of seventy-three servants who had taken care of the white deer.

Additionally, Emperor Yan was sending a princess to marry the new King of Rong in Beirong, passing through the Jin Kingdom, thus the Yan emissary was sent to Jin.

The death of the white deer, the sacred beast of Jin Kingdom, was an ominous sign. Naturally, the Emperor was enraged. It seemed the fortune of the Lin family’s rule in Jin Kingdom was truly nearing its end.

After reading the letter, Bai Qingyan opened the gilt incense burner on the desk, burned the letter, and covered it with the incense burner lid.

If King Liang and King Xian were already allied, with King Liang’s eloquence and cunning, convincing King Liang to marry his only daughter, Liu Ruofu, wasn’t difficult.

And with Liu Ruofu, King Xian’s only daughter, marrying King Liang, she naturally became King Liang’s person. But King Xian met the Emperor first and then King Liang, which was worth pondering.

But why would Emperor Yan send a princess for marriage at such a critical moment?

Was it because of a food problem? Or was it due to issues with the Yan Army stationed in Beirong?

The convoy to Dengzhou continued to move slowly as Bai Qingyan leaned against a round pillow, thinking silently.

The current world situation was changing. Whether the Yan Army had issues or it was a food shortage, controlling Nanrong was more important than anything else.

Otherwise, if the Yan Kingdom grew stronger in the future, it would inevitably attack Jin from both sides.

The convoy led by Lu Ping traveled at a fast pace but slowed down after entering the Yunjing Mountains.

The Yunjing Mountains were steep and rugged. Valleys crisscrossed the mountain path, and beneath the cliffs, torrents raged, swallowing mountains and rivers.

A team of thirty horsemen guarded the carriage as they slowly moved through the rolling green mountains and cliffs of the Yunjing Mountains.

The peaks were snow-covered, with clouds roiling. Sunlight illuminated the mountains, creating a magnificent and imposing sight.

Occasionally, the clouds covered the sun, but soon, golden sunlight shone again, outlining the green mountains and the traveling convoy in gold.

After emerging from the Yunjing Mountains, it was flat terrain. Finally, on the 17th of August, they arrived in Dengzhou.

Madam Dong and Dong Qingyue had received the letter early and had Dong Changlan lead the Dong family servants to the city gate to welcome Bai Qingyan.

From a distance, Dong Changlan saw the convoy approaching under the bright morning light. His eyes revealed a smile as he leaped onto his horse and galloped forward.

Seeing Dong Changlan, Lu Ping quickly turned his horse and trotted over to Bai Qingyan’s carriage, whispering, "Eldest Young Miss, the eldest young master of the Dong family is here!"

Bai Qingyan responded, putting down the ancient book in her hand.

Dong Changlan raced forward, nodded to Lu Ping, then stopped by the carriage and called out, "Cousin!"

Chun Tao hastily lifted the carriage curtain.

Bai Qingyan saw Dong Changlan, wearing a blue-gray robe with cloud patterns on the left lapel, looking spirited and handsome on his horse. She smiled, "Changlan."

"Grandmother and Father sent me to welcome you, cousin." Dong Changlan turned his horse and followed the carriage, saying in a low voice, "Judging by your arrival, our letter to Shuoyang may have missed you."

The letter contained the results of a detailed discussion between Dong Changlan and Dong Qingyue. However, since it was sent and not delivered personally, Dong Changlan’s letter was very cryptic, likely unintelligible to others.

Bai Qingyan nodded, "We’ll talk later."

Dong Changlan nodded, "I’ll go ahead and lead the way."

"Alright!" Bai Qingyan responded, letting Chun Tao drop the curtain.

Dong Changlan rode ahead, personally leading the Bai family convoy from Shuoyang into the city.

Chun Tao busily tidied up the carriage interior, putting the tea set and snacks into a small box and straightening Bai Qingyan’s hair and clothes.

Madam Dong, Dong Qingyue, Mrs. Cui, young Mrs. Cui, and one son and two daughters from the family accompanied Madam Dong outside, waiting for Bai Qingyan’s arrival.

Seeing Dong Changlan from a distance, Mrs. Cui helped Madam Dong and said, "Mother, here they come."

Madam Dong clutched her sandalwood prayer beads, wearing a purple jacket with gold edging and a silver-threaded hat with a pigeon blood gem, her hair meticulously neat. She looked very spirited.

Upon hearing her granddaughter had arrived, Madam Dong lifted her skirt and, with the help of her son and daughter-in-law, took a step down the stairs. Her eyes filled with joy.

"Kid must have had a tough journey. It’s good to be home!" Madam Dong sighed.

Since hearing Bai Qingyan was coming to Dengzhou, Madam Dong had not slept well, always worrying about the possible perils on the road amid the rampant banditry and evident chaos.