Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress
Chapter 426 - 423: Uneasy_1

Chapter 426: Chapter 423: Uneasy_1

"The Bai family... their loyalty was to the people of Jin. Their sacrifices were to protect the people of Jin," Bai Qingyan solemnly looked at Liu Hong, "This is also why His Majesty wavered in his trust towards the Bai family."

"During the war in the Southern Frontier, His Majesty granted King Xin the gold medal and command arrow, leading to the deaths of my grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers on the battlefield! Now, with the war against Daliang... I hope such a tragedy will not happen again. Whether it is General Liu, the soldiers of the Jin Army, or my Bai family members, everyone came here for the same purpose, to protect the country and its people!"

Bai Qingyan’s frankness caused an inexplicable unease in Liu Hong. His palm clenched. He wanted to ask Bai Qingyan if, when the people were destitute, the Bai family would also rise against the Lin Dynasty for the sake of the people.

But he couldn’t ask this. He already knew the answer in his heart. If he spoke it, as a loyal minister, he would have to report it to the Emperor. If this caused the Bai family to face hardship, he would rather not know.

In today’s world, there were very few families as loyal and ambitious as the Bai family.

Bai Qingyan’s words today gave Liu Hong some confidence. Bai Qingyan was right. They were here to protect the country and its people. It was better to focus on how to repel the enemies and protect the people than to worry whether Bai Qingyan would rebel in the future if the people were destitute.

Moreover, Liu Hong believed that neither the current Emperor nor the Crown Prince would ever let the people of the Jin Kingdom suffer.

Therefore, there was no need to worry about future uncertainties. Whether the Bai family’s loyalty was to the people of Jin or to His Majesty, it was ultimately loyalty to Jin.

Liu Hong nodded, "I understand, Commandery Princess! But you should refrain from saying such things in front of others. I know your loyalty and the Bai family’s loyalty, but it might unsettle His Majesty."

"Thank you for your advice, General Liu!" Bai Qingyan lowered her eyes in submission, "I request to lead people around the path between the Liang Army camp and Huoshen Mountain. If the Liang Army returns to camp for reinforcements, I can ambush them there."

Liu Hong acknowledged that Bai Qingyan’s concern was valid. If no ambush was set there, when the Liang Army from Huoshen Mountain returned to report, Xun Tianzhang might bring his main forces to counterattack Huoshen Mountain. Not to mention the Lord of Gaoyi, even Lin Kangle and Wang Xiping’s ten thousand soldiers wouldn’t return.

"You do not need to go personally! I will send others. Do not worry!" Liu Hong softly told Bai Qingyan, "Rest for an hour. After that, you will accompany me to meet with Commander Xun Tianzhang of the Liang Army."

Bai Qingyan nodded and withdrew.

Liu Hong watched Bai Qingyan’s departing figure and sighed. Whether it was King of Zhen Bai Weiting, Duke of Zhen Bai Qishan, or the current Princess of Zhen Bai Qingyan, they were all too straightforward. No wonder His Majesty doubted them.

When Bai Qingyan left Liu Hong’s tent, the sky was already bright.

She spoke to Liu Hong today because she believed that Liu Hong, who had once personally sent the Bai family’s heroes’ remains to the Bai Mansion with her uncle Dong Qingyue, still harbored a soldier’s loyalty and straightforwardness in his heart.

Everyone in the royal court knew that her grandfather Bai Weiting was straightforward and loyal. Even Qin Shangzhi, who had never been involved in the court, knew this. How could Liu Hong not know?

The Bai family’s straightforwardness had long been deeply ingrained in people’s hearts. So, she decided to frankly tell Liu Hong that the Bai family wouldn’t rebel, that they served the people and not the monarch, to gain his trust and work together to repel the Liang Army. This would prevent the people from suffering due to discord between their leaders.

Liu Hong’s suggestion to not repeat their conversation to others indicated that he was already convinced by her words.

..

Outside the southern gate of Dadu City, Sima Ping held the reins of a fine steed. Packs and his sword were strapped to the horse’s sides as he raised an eyebrow at Lu Yuanpeng.

Lu Yuanpeng had changed into coarse cloth clothes and cloth shoes of common folk, discarded his jade crown, wrapped his hair bun with a small cloth, and carried a small patched bag. He looked completely shabby, with none of his former elegant demeanor.

Lu Yuanpeng glanced at his attire and then at Sima Ping, who was still in brocade robes. He felt as though his brother had tricked him.

"Weren’t we supposed to join the army incognito? Look at your clothes... Even our servants’ clothes are rare among common folk! If you want to be incognito, you must change your horse, your pack, and your clothes!"

Lu Yuanpeng mimicked his brother Lu Yuanqing’s tone to lecture Sima Ping, feeling very dissatisfied.

Sima Ping pursed his lips. He hadn’t expected Lu Yuanpeng to go to such lengths to join the army incognito. Patting Lu Yuanpeng’s shoulder, Sima Ping said, "Yuanpeng... be honest, did your brother trick you?"

"Your brother tricked you!" Lu Yuanpeng replied angrily.

"Even if we are to join the army incognito, do we have to dress like this from Dadu? Can’t we wait until we’re closer? Besides, without a horse, it’ll take you ten years to walk to the Southern Frontier on foot!"

Lu Yuanpeng paused. It made sense!

Sima Ping sighed, "How did your smart grandfather have such a foolish grandson?"

As Lu Yuanpeng contemplated, he realized something wasn’t right.

"I think... my brother doesn’t want me to go to the Southern Frontier. He wants me to go to the Northern Frontier!" Lu Yuanpeng suddenly looked seriously at Sima Ping, "When I left today, my brother mentioned the Imperial Court’s recruitment for the Northern Frontier and said it was a great opportunity for heroism. He also told me that Bai Qingyan is now at the Northern Frontier! Plus, he didn’t give me a horse or money, only a name, Wang San. Does he want me to enlist in the Northern Frontier?"

Sima Ping frowned, sensing something amiss.

Lu Yuanpeng wanted to go to the Southern Frontier to join the Bai family army and follow Bai Qingyan. Lu Yuanqing telling him that Bai Qingyan was at the Northern Frontier indeed implied this.

Lu Yuanpeng thought for a moment, "Let’s go to the Northern Frontier! Is your new identity ready?"

Sima Ping nodded, "Ma San!"

Lu Yuanpeng, "..."

Why all the "San"? Are fake names chosen so casually nowadays?

"Change your clothes, and let’s go to the recruitment post north of the city." Lu Yuanpeng said, taking off his bag and handing a set of clothes to Sima Ping, "Hurry! Change, and let’s go!"

Sima Ping glanced at Lu Yuanpeng’s shabby clothes and the patched ones in his arms with reluctance. Yet he went to change.