Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress
Chapter 558 - 555: The Force of Being Caught in Between_1

Chapter 558: Chapter 555: The Force of Being Caught in Between_1

If they were unaware and fought to the death when they met in the future, it would put A Yu in a difficult position. It was better to tell the truth. Although risky, Bai Qingyan trusted her uncle and Changlan.

"This matter must not be known to anyone else besides uncle and Changlan!"

"I understand! The more people who know, the more danger A Yu is in!" Dong Changlan nodded vigorously. "Rest assured, cousin, for A Yu’s safety, my father and I will keep our mouths shut. Not even grandmother will be told!"

Bai Qingyan nodded with reddened eyes.

"Kid, you want to copy the map; do you suspect... A Yu might be sending a message through the map?" Dong Qingyue, having stayed with the Bai family army, naturally knew the Bai family army had its unique way of sending messages.

Bai Qingyan nodded: "After my cousin copies it, I’ll try. But I’m worried I might destroy the terrain drawn on it. After all, when Lu Ping met A Yu this time, they couldn’t talk properly because there were people around them. If a message could be sent back, that would be best. If not..."

"It’s not a big deal if there’s no message. It must be that the time was too tight, and A Yu didn’t have the chance to send it back. Now that we know that the Ghost-faced General is A Yu and that he’s still alive, that’s enough!" Dong Qingyue lightly patted Bai Qingyan’s shoulder, signaling her to sit down.

Dong Changlan hurried to copy the map.

"A Yu being alive is beyond expectation; it’s already a great blessing!" Dong Qingyue let out a long breath, thinking of A Yu’s childhood when he sat on his shoulders flying kites, his eyes moistening. "A Yu staying in Nanrong... must have the same thought as you, aiming to control Nanrong and prevent Yan from entangling Jin!"

"I think so..." Bai Qingyan grinned. Bai family’s children, wherever they are, never forget the mission passed down through the Bai family. Ah Jue, A Yun, and especially A Yu, who is the Bai family’s legacy!

Dong Qingyue knew the Bai family’s ambition was grand, and his niece and nephew were the direct descendants of the Bai family.

After copying the detailed map that Bai Qingyu had Lu Ping bring back, Dong Changlan repeatedly compared it with Dong Qingyue and Bai Qingyan to confirm its accuracy. Then, he picked up a teacup and gently sprinkled water on the entire sheepskin map.

Soon, as the sheepskin soaked, blue writing appeared on it.

Dong Qingyue, Dong Changlan, and Bai Qingyan all gathered around the desk.

"August 30, raid Dengzhou, prepare early."

A simple sentence, with no other explanation, but it was clearly A Yu’s handwriting.

Bai Qingyan clutched the sheepskin map in her hand, unable to restrain her turbulent emotions.

Dong Changlan lowered his eyes, thought for a moment, and asked Bai Qingyan: "Cousin, since the Ghost-faced General is A Yu, do we need to adjust our strategy against Nanrong?"

Bai Qingyan thought carefully and shook her head: "No change. The people should still evacuate, and the city should still be abandoned. Otherwise, in the future, requesting military pay for the Dengzhou Army from the Emperor will still be met with difficulties. We need to let them know that Nanrong is also a strong enemy nearby. If they want stability in Jin, they not only cannot withhold supplies from the Dengzhou Army but must also send them properly."

Dong Qingyue also agreed with Bai Qingyan’s words: "We should still follow the plan. After all, A Yu in Nanrong might not be completely safe or entirely trusted! Otherwise... he wouldn’t even have had a chance to speak when meeting Lu Ping!"

Dong Qingyue tapped his bent fingers on the desk, speaking firmly: "To prevent A Yu from encountering danger in Nanrong... we should deploy our troops to Nanrong. If anything happens, we can respond and support A Yu!"

Bai Qingyan looked at her uncle with gratitude and bowed to Dong Qingyue and Dong Changlan: "I entrust this matter to uncle and Changlan!"

"Cousin, there’s no need for such formalities! We are family; there’s no need for this!" Dong Changlan said and then turned to Dong Qingyue, "Today is already the 24th. The attack on the 30th is somewhat close to cousin’s estimate. We planned to evacuate the Dengzhou people on the 30th; should we prepare earlier now?"

"Tomorrow morning, drum to assemble the people. I’ll bring your grandmother to persuade the people to evacuate Dengzhou..." Dong Qingyue said to Dong Changlan, "You arrange for Changmao to return to the barracks and make preparations. Tomorrow afternoon, the Dengzhou Army will assist the people in quietly evacuating!"

Bai Qingyan spread the sheepskin map on the desk, hoping it would dry quickly.

Hearing Dong Qingyue’s words, she looked up at him: "Uncle, it’s better not to assemble the people and persuade them for now. Kid understands you don’t want the people to suffer; you want them to bring their soft goods, valuables, and food out of the city early to reduce their losses! But uncle... there are also the Emperor’s people within Dengzhou City. If you act so ostentatiously, when the Emperor investigates, I fear you will bear the responsibility."

"Does cousin have a plan?" Dong Changlan asked.

"Uncle can send Changmao out of the city today to check Rong’s movements. Three days later, regardless of whether Rong attacks, let Changmao return to the city saying Rong intends to attack." Bai Qingyan looked at Dong Qingyue, "Uncle can also immediately send someone to spread word that the Dong Mansion has begun packing. For three consecutive days, arrange for horses and carts to transport tents outside the city at night, and send soldiers out of the city to prepare for receiving people fleeing. When the camp is ready, send the women of the Dong family out of the city first!"

Dong Qingyue frowned deeply. Such actions would cause panic in Dengzhou City. People would curse the Dong family and how could they stand firm in Dengzhou after losing the people’s support?

"Three days later, let Changmao return saying Nanrong is attacking Dengzhou. Have officials and their families leave the city. When rumors spread within the city, then gather the common people and discuss evacuation. With the army waiting outside, the people will surely agree."

"Although this would cause panic in Dengzhou, before the people know that you have arranged for the Dengzhou Army to set up camp outside the city, they might curse you. But it’s the best way to avoid the Emperor’s suspicion and save the people."

Dong Changlan’s eyes darkened, and he spoke in a low voice: "When the officials’ families are moved out, we can detain the officials for their safety. Let the court-appointed officials die in the battle with Nanrong, leaving some dignity for their families."

Dong Changlan intended to cleanse Dengzhou.

Previously, Dong Qingyue did not fortify Dengzhou and allowed the Emperor to place people there because he didn’t want to give the Emperor an excuse.

But now, as they prepare, those people cannot stay...

"The Emperor might have hidden agents in Dengzhou. Pay attention to who is sending messages out..." Dong Qingyue instructed Dong Changlan.