Chapter 257: Chapter 254: Join the Army_1 Chapter 257: Chapter 254: Join the Army_1 Gao Demao dismounted upon seeing the situation and led the squad of imperial guards towards the direction of the triumphant returning army.

The counselor, Ren Shijie, who had returned to Dadu City before the Crown Prince, followed closely behind Gao Demao, bringing people from the Crown Prince’s residence to greet the Crown Prince.

Upon seeing Xiao Rongyan, Ren Shijie smiled and nodded in greeting.

The common people also followed behind Gao Demao, heading towards the triumphant army.

Lu Yuanpeng, unable to contain his excitement, pulled Xiao Rongyan and quickly squeezed towards the triumphant army.

Soon, the generals dismounted while the Crown Prince, King Yan of Xiliang Li Zhijie, and Princess Li Tianfu of Xiliang all came to the front to receive the imperial edict.

“His Majesty’s edict. Regarding the battle in the southern regions, the Crown Prince, Miss Bai, and all the generals have worked hard. Except for the Crown Prince, others do not need to report to the palace. Each returns home to rest! The triumphant Jin Army will be led back by General Zhang Duanrui for reorganization and will be rewarded another day. The sacred deer will be taken care of by the Crown Prince’s people. King Yan and the Princess of Xiliang will temporarily reside at the posthouse to restore their energy and come to the palace for a banquet tomorrow.”

The Emperor’s edict mentioned only that a banquet would be held the next day but did not specify whether it was to celebrate the southern victory or to welcome King Yan and the Princess of Xiliang.

At this moment, Bai Qingyan and Bai Jinzhi were already eager to return home. Not reporting to the palace was better for them.

Although the victorious generals, when accompanied by soldiers directly to the Imperial Palace, receiving the public’s admiration and cheers was the moment of highest honor, Bai Qingyan was no longer at the youthful and flamboyant age to care about such vanity.

The Crown Prince rose after receiving the edict and exchanged a few polite words with King Yan Li Zhijie. Turning back to look at Bai Qingyan, seeming to fear that she might be displeased, he said: “The people all know that you are the hero who defeated Xiliang this time. Even without going to the palace… the people all know it! I will certainly secure the recognition you deserve!”

“Your Highness, rest assured, I have no dissatisfaction and… am eager to return home!” Bai Qingyan earnestly said to the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince nodded to Bai Qingyan before noticing Lu Yuanpeng, who was staring eagerly at Bai Qingyan, and Xiao Rongyan, who was holding him back.

“Rong Yan…” The Crown Prince called out in surprise and then, with a somewhat ambiguous smile, glanced at Bai Qingyan.

The gentle and elegant Xiao Rongyan stepped forward, smiling as he saluted the Crown Prince: “Rong, congratulates Your Highness, and General Bai… on the victorious return. I came to the southern part of the city today, upon hearing of Your Highness’s return, to greet you.”

The Crown Prince looked at Bai Qingyan with a smile and said mysteriously: “I know well whom you have come to greet! I heard from General Bai… that you were in Nanyan not long ago?”

Bai Qingyan raised her eyes to meet Xiao Rongyan’s deep and intense gaze, gripping the sword at her waist, her expression unwavering.

She believed Xiao Rongyan was wise enough to know how to cover this lie before the Crown Prince.

Xiao Rongyan almost did not hesitate and replied with a smile, speaking slowly: “Indeed. Speaking of this matter… I must thank Your Highness for allowing my convoy to accompany the army, ensuring the safe passage of that cargo! I will discuss the matters of Nanyan in detail with Your Highness once you have rested.”

“Good!” The Crown Prince shot another glance at Bai Qingyan, then grasped Xiao Rongyan’s wrist, “Rongyan, ride with me. I have something to discuss with you!”

“Yes…”
Xiao Rongyan responded, appropriately saluting Bai Qingyan before following the Crown Prince onto the carriage.

After watching the Crown Prince’s carriage depart, Lu Yuanpeng hurried forward, saluted, and looked at Bai Qingyan: “Sister Bai! Congratulations on your triumphant return! Fourth Miss Bai! All seventeen young men of the Bai family are no more. I bring to you… and Fourth Miss Bai a cup of congratulatory wine on their behalf!”

As he finished speaking, Lu Yuanpeng turned back and gestured to his servant, who immediately brought forth a jug of wine.

Lu Yuanpeng poured a cup of wine and handed it to Bai Qingyan, “Sister Bai! Congratulations on your triumphant return!”

Back when the seventeen young men of the Bai family were still alive, they never distanced themselves from Lu Yuanpeng because he was an idler. Moreover, Lu Yuanpeng was friends with the tenth young man, Bai Qingmo, of the Bai family.

“Thank you!” Bai Qingyan accepted the cup, sincerely thanked him, and drank it all in one go.

Lu Yuanpeng took the empty cup from Bai Qingyan’s hand and poured another cup for Bai Jinzhi, handing it to her, “Fourth Miss… congratulations on your triumphant return!”

It was the first time Bai Jinzhi had seen Lu Yuanpeng so serious. She couldn’t help but smile as she took the cup, saluting with it before taking a sip. She controlled her expression when the wine burned her throat and placed the cup back on the black lacquered tray held by the servant: “Thank you!”

“All the women of the Bai family are as good as men. Lu Yuanpeng is ashamed! If there is a chance in the future, I also want to join the army like Sister Bai and Fourth Miss, fighting bloody battles on the battlefield!”

“Good!” Bai Qingyan looked at Lu Yuanpeng, her brows and eyes softened as though she was looking at a younger brother, “If such a day comes, I will give you this red tassel silver spear!”

Lu Yuanpeng’s eyes brightened as he looked at the spear in Bai Qingyan’s hand, gleaming coldly in the morning light: “Sister Bai, are you serious!”

“A gentleman’s word!”

For some reason, these four words gave Lu Yuanpeng goosebumps. Bai Qingyan’s voice, with its steadfast and unyielding tone, made him bow deeply to her: “A gentleman’s word!”

Since childhood, Lu Yuanpeng had not liked reading much. Instead, he preferred wielding weapons. However, his grandfather, Prime Minister Lu, had always forbidden him from joining the army. Now, seeing the red tassel spear in Bai Qingyan’s hand, he was even more determined about his future path.

Because of Lu Yuanpeng and his group, the common people, holding cups of victory wine, dared not approach but could only look towards Bai Qingyan and Bai Jinzhi with teary eyes, crying out “General Bai.”

Bai Qingyan bowed deeply to the common people.

Just about to board the carriage, Li Tianfu glanced back at Bai Qingyan, surrounded by the people, and snorted coldly, “A bloodthirsty woman, what’s there to praise!”

Even Elder Fang, preparing to return home with Ren Shijie from not far away, looked towards Bai Qingyan and asked Ren Shijie beside him: “Didn’t I tell you to spread the word about Bai Qingyan burning and killing captives along the way?”

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Ren Shijie was taken aback. Then, he replied respectfully: “That day, the Crown Prince sent someone, saying General Bai had already prepared a sacred white deer. He told me not to continue and return to the Crown Prince’s residence directly. So, I thought… there was no need to spread the word. Besides, in Feng County, the people I sent were driven away by the locals!”

“Foolish!” Elder Fang lowered his voice, “Spreading that story is to make Bai Qingyan more dependent on the Crown Prince, making her unable to leave the Crown Prince! Didn’t I tell you such formidable fighters can only serve His Highness? What have you been doing?!”

“It’s my fault for being confused. I’ll send someone to spread it right away!” Ren Shijie hurried to reply.

“Send more people. Take advantage of the moment while the triumphant army is still hot in Dadu City. Spread it now!” Elder Fang commanded.

“Don’t worry, Elder Fang!” Ren Shijie assured.