Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress
Chapter 543 - 540: Great Fallacy_1

Chapter 543: Chapter 540: Great Fallacy_1

"But perhaps it is because their several battles have all taken place on Rong’s territory, Yan’s fierce generals often do not know the terrain as well as Rong’s generals." Dong Changlan said.

Bai Qingyan nodded, still feeling an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

Since they had clashed with Yan, it seemed reasonable to ask Xiao Rongyan instead, as he might have more information than her uncle.

"Did you ask how Mr. Xiao got involved?" Dong Qingyue asked Dong Changlan.

Dong Changlan nodded, "Mr. Xiao said he was concluding business in Beirong. Originally, he intended to visit Dengzhou at his son’s invitation to see if he could help with the mutual market and gain some profit. But he encountered Nanrong ambushing Yan’s bridal escort. He intended to rescue the Yan princess to facilitate future business in Beirong. Who knew he almost died there."

Bai Qingyan picked up her teacup, lowered her eyes, and said nothing.

After Dong Changlan finished speaking, he rubbed his fingers and said, "But my son found a flaw in his story. He is a businessman... businessmen are the best at discerning risks and benefits. Seeing General Ghostface of Nanrong leading a large army, how could his guards withstand three thousand soldiers? They couldn’t even escape, let alone go rescue someone? Risking his life for a minor profit, isn’t that absurd?"

Although Dong Qingyue admired Xiao Rongyan, he would not be vague on matters concerning the state. Considering Xiao Rongyan had once helped the Bai family, Dong Qingyue said, "Let’s... let Mr. Xiao stay at the mansion for now. We will interrogate him thoroughly! If he’s a fox... he will show his tail!"

"My son thinks so too!" Dong Changlan said.

"In that case, report the matter to the Imperial Court truthfully and let the Emperor decide!" Dong Qingyue concluded.

Xiao Rongyan was restless, not knowing how Princess Mingcheng was faring, yet he dared not inquire rashly.

Yue Shi and the others must have been detained. Perhaps after questioning, they would be sent back to him...

Xiao Rongyan took out the twin lotus sachet stained with Princess Mingcheng’s blood from his bosom, knowing it was entrusted to him by Princess Mingcheng for Xie Xun.

In the past, Xiao Rongyan never understood these matters of love. It was only after meeting Bai Qingyan that he knew what love was.

He understood that with the nation at stake, good sons and daughters must sacrifice their feelings for the country.

But originally, he had a way to solve it. There was no need for Yan to arrange a marriage alliance. Yet he knew... his brother knew, Princess Mingcheng didn’t know, which led to her volunteering for the marriage alliance in the grand hall.

Ultimately, it was because Yan was too weak, so weak... that Princess Mingcheng did not believe Yan could protect itself. Otherwise, why would she sacrifice herself for the country?

Xiao Rongyan stared at the flickering candle flame. Hearing footsteps outside the courtyard, he hurriedly hid the sachet in his sleeve and picked up the bamboo slip on the table, pretending to read carefully.

Before long, a servant knocked on the door and whispered, "Mr. Xiao, my young mistress requests to see you."

Bai Qingyan?

Xiao Rongyan quickly set aside the bamboo slip and got up to open the door himself.

Bai Qingyan had changed into a frost-colored cloud-embellished wide-sleeved robe, standing with her hands behind her back, accompanied by her maid Chun Tao. Under the bright moonlight, her features were as exquisite as jade, stunningly beautiful.

Xiao Rongyan smiled at Bai Qingyan, stepped over the threshold, and bowed deeply, "Rongyan... greets Miss Bai. It’s been a long time. I didn’t expect that we would meet today, and I am grateful for Miss Bai’s rescue."

Xiao Rongyan’s face had only minor injuries. After applying medicine without bandaging, his well-defined features appeared even more masculine.

Bai Qingyan’s expression was calm, "Bai Qingyan has important matters to inquire of Mr. Xiao. I hope Mr. Xiao will speak truthfully."

"The life-saving grace of Miss Bai, Rongyan will never forget. I will certainly speak without hesitation." Xiao Rongyan said, stepping aside and making a gesture of invitation, "Please, Miss Bai."

Bai Qingyan followed Xiao Rongyan into the room. The door remained open, and Chun Tao stood outside, allowing Bai Qingyan and Xiao Rongyan to talk in peace.

Xiao Rongyan and Bai Qingyan sat facing each other. The servant served tea and then left.

The copper sparrow lamp in the room was lifelike, with the firelight flickering.

Bai Qingyan, seated under the lamp, with eyes calm as water, looked at Xiao Rongyan and asked, "Why did Yan avoid the near path and detour via Nanrong? Can Mr. Xiao speak frankly?"

"Princess Mingcheng and Xie Xun, a fierce general stationed in Beirong, grew up together and were deeply in love," Xiao Rongyan looked directly at Bai Qingyan, "If they traveled through the area under Beirong’s military jurisdiction, something might happen."

Bai Qingyan’s lips curved into a low laugh, "Mr. Xiao, are you trying to use romance to evade my question? Afraid that the general might rebel... so you let the princess risk traveling along the enemy border, attracting the enemy to ambush? This strategy... I cannot comprehend."

Xiao Rongyan knew he couldn’t fool Bai Qingyan. He said, "This was to record the detailed topography along the way, finding the fastest route from Yan to Nanrong."

Xiao Rongyan didn’t tell Bai Qingyan that the middle army commander, Master Peng, was an expert in map drawing.

Sending an envoy to Jin under the guise of a wedding procession to openly survey Jin’s terrain and map it out, what a brilliant move...

Bai Qingyan looked up at Xiao Rongyan with a steady gaze and asked, "Why were you at the Nanrong-Jin Kingdom border, Mr. Xiao?"

"This was a coincidence. Rongyan originally intended to come to Dengzhou. The scouts ahead reported seeing Yan’s bridal escort, so I went to take a look. Unexpectedly, I encountered Nanrong’s ambush."

Xiao Rongyan spoke the truth.

Talking about Nanrong, Bai Qingyan thought of that General Ghostface again. She frowned and looked at Xiao Rongyan, "Yan and Nanrong have fought several times. Do you know anything about that General Ghostface from Nanrong?"

Xiao Rongyan didn’t expect Bai Qingyan to ask this. It was his first time dealing with the ghost-faced general today, but Xie Xun had indeed fought him several times and suffered losses.

Logically, Nanrong’s military strength was not as good as Beirong’s, but they were beaten by Nanrong to the point of seeking help everywhere. After Yan sent Xie Xun with the main force to Rong, he had several encounters with the ghost-faced general, mostly suffering losses. Even if they won... it was a costly victory with great sacrifices. The ghost-faced general, even in defeat... returned with gains, which enraged Xie Xun, swearing to challenge this ghost-faced general.

"This ghost-faced general of Rong is said to have been encountered by the King of Nanrong while hunting. He was not of noble birth. This person is extremely proficient in military strategy, quite different from Rong’s usual brave but brutish combat style. He is highly strategic, with well-organized offense and defense, adaptable with tactics. The Nanrong court relies heavily on him now!"

After recounting the rumors, Xiao Rongyan thought for a moment and added, "Today, I had the fortune to meet that ghost-faced general. I felt that he seemed to have learned Yan and Jin’s military tactics. While Xiliang and Rong people often use scimitars, this ghost-faced general... in my opinion, excels in swordsmanship. In Yan and Jin, hardly anyone can match him."