This is the first time Sima Ruodan has worked for the Emperor of Zhou, and itâs essential to do the job beautifully, so there will be more opportunities to serve the Emperor of Zhou in the future.
"Donât worry, Miss Sima. I will immediately have detailed habits of the governorâs wife and daughter sent to you!"
Through the haze of the copper pot steam, Xiao Ruohai nodded slightly to Sima Ruodan and added, "If Miss Sima wishes to see the governorâs wife and daughter, I can arrange for you to observe them discreetly."
"Thank you, sir!" Sima Ruodan rose to salute Xiao Ruohai.
Xiao Ruohai was humble and returned the salute: "We are both working for the Bai family army, I dare not accept your thanks."
After dinner, just as Xiao Ruohai was about to take Sima Ruodan to meet the governorâs wife and daughter, Sima Ruodan suddenly stopped him. She walked to Lu Ninghuan, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at her, "Master... I shouldnât have deceived you!"
"Alright, everyone has their reasons!" Lu Ninghuan was fond of her disciple, "I just hope that you donât let hatred blind you. I hope you never forget your true nature and always remain the pure-hearted little girl Liaochen. Even if you seek revenge, do it in the most open and dignified way."
Sima Ruotong nodded, "I understand, Master!"
Bai Qingyan and her siblings continued discussing how to attack Yecheng Pass...
Although Sima Ruotong is pretending to be the governorâs daughter to enter the city, there must be a backup plan in case... something unexpected happens, and the token cannot be stolen, then a direct assault will be necessary.
"Qingzhu, send more people to protect Sima Ruotong. If something truly goes wrong, make sure they must ensure Sima Ruotongâs safety!" Bai Qingyan instructed Shen Qingzhu.
"Yes!" Shen Qingzhu responded.
"In the previous battle with Xiliang, they bribed Liu Huanzhang. If we manage to get Ye Shouguanâs token this time, we can charge in directly, crush Xiliangâs morale, and destroy their nation to vent our anger!" Bai Jinzhao said.
"Your Majesty..." Wei Zhong lifted the curtain, entered, and saluted, "Second Young Lady and Fifth Young Master have achieved a great victory at Liuxiang Mountain, capturing Aksai alive. They are on their way to Suining City and should arrive by tomorrow. The Yan Kingdom is also attacking Xiliang cities from east to west, heading towards Yunjing!"
Upon hearing this, Bai Qingyan walked to the map, and Bai Qingqi picked up the candle from the table and walked to Bai Qingyanâs side, illuminating the map for her...
She could roughly predict the route Murong Yan would take with the Yan army.
"Second Sister and Fifth Brother are truly amazing!" Bai Jinzhaoâs eyes shone brightly.
"I knew long ago that Second Sister and Fifth Brother would win!" Bai Jinhuaâs eyebrows were filled with smiles.
Bai Qingyun also nodded, knowing his Fifth Brother was previously the mysterious prince. With Fifth Brother and Second Sister together, victory was inevitable.
Bai Qingjue turned his gaze to his third brother. Previously, Third Brother had been blaming himself for not being able to rescue A Yu. Later, he heard A Yu returned... Although he didnât show it, Bai Qingjue knew his third brother was the happiest and was beginning to hope that other Bai family members could be saved by the loyal Bai army, just like Fifth Brother.
Bai Jinse knew she would see her Fifth Brother soon and her eyes were red and wet, "Will they arrive by early tomorrow?"
"Yes, Seventh Young Lady!"
"With Second Sister and Fifth Brother leading the army, we will have the greatest advantage in numbers, even if itâs a direct confrontation!" Bai Jinzhao said loudly.
"Yecheng Pass is not something that can be taken just with superior numbers!" Bai Qingqi said with a faint smile.
Wei Zhaonian nodded in agreement.
"Both sides of Yecheng Pass have high walls built on cliffs, even if our Huying Camp truly attempts to climb the mountain to enter the city, itâll be extremely difficult!" Bai Qingyun moved his wheelchair to Bai Qingyanâs side.
Bai Jinse tightened her fists, watching her seventh brother rub her head, "If you have a plan, share it with Eldest Young Lady! What is there to fear before your Eldest Sister?"
Bai Jinzhi nodded hard and quickly walked to Bai Qingyan, "Eldest Sister, I have a plan! If Miss Simaâs plan fails, we can try this!"
"Tell us, Little Seven!" Bai Qingyan gave an encouraging look to Bai Jinzhi, whose fists were clenched tightly.
"Eldest Sister, how about... having someone pretend to be Li Tianfu? After all, Li Tianfu is currently in our Zhouâs hands!"
Bai Jinse finished speaking, went to the map, pointed to the city walls of Yecheng Pass and the walls on both sides of the pass cliffs, and continued, "This Yecheng Pass has been fortified every year, making it increasingly easy to defend and hard to attack, but... the Ye family has remained loyal to the Xiliang Imperial Family for generations, just like Yun Poxing! Back then, Yun Poxing could humiliate my five brothers to shake my fatherâs resolve to defend the city and the morale of my Bai family army, forcing my father to leave the city for a decisive battle! Why canât we use the same method?"
Bai Jinse turned her head to look at Bai Qingyan, hatred that hadnât disappeared for a day burning like a blazing fire in her heart, robbing her of sleep day and night. Her gaze was firm, "This time, the Ye family is facing their Xiliang Empress, Ye Shouguan General will definitely lead troops out to rescue, allowing our Bai family army soldiers to get ready for an ambush, change into Xiliang army uniforms amidst the chaos, and follow Ye Shouguan back to the city. When Ye Shoucheng fails, heâll return to the city, and once he leads our Bai family army into the city, let these soldiers engage in battle with the Xiliang soldiers guarding the city gates, and weâll lead Xiang troops in!"
"Regardless of whether Miss Sima succeeds, this provides extra security for us. In case Miss Sima slips up, we can quickly enter the city to rescue her!" Bai Jinzhi concluded, looking down as she fidgeted with her hands, "Though the plan may not be entirely aboveboard..."
"In a battle between two armies, each side shows their capabilities. As long as you give your all and donât insult the opposing soldiers and generals, it is honorable!" Bai Qingqi said slowly, "Moreover, thereâs no reluctance in war; if Ye Shouguan exits the city to rescue âLi Tianfu,â heâs loyal to his sovereign. If he doesnât rescue... it would greatly affect the morale of the Xiliang soldiers defending the city. Either way, itâs beneficial for us! What do you think, Eldest Sister?"
"Perhaps we can employ a three-pronged approach!" Bai Qingyan said with a smile, hands behind her back, "Have Miss Sima pretend to be the governorâs daughter and go to Yecheng Pass, inform the soldiers of Yecheng Pass upon entering the city that Zhou has captured Li Tianfu alive, then use the governorâs wifeâs jade pendant to seek Ye Shouguan Generalâs attendant, telling him the Emperor of Xiliang Li Tianfu is in Zhouâs hands! Just say... the governor and governorâs wife were on their way to Yecheng Pass when they heard of Zhou capturing Li Tianfu..."