Chapter 1596: 1: The Grand Finale (Part 1)

Capítulo 1596: Chapter 1: The Grand Finale (Part 1)

Bai Qingyan glanced at the “troubled” Princess of Huangshan. The elderly woman, her hair gray, was currently so frightened that her face was deathly pale as she held her young grandson and granddaughter tightly in her arms, trembling uncontrollably.

“In that case, how about we, Da Zhou, dispatch someone to escort the Princess of Huangshan and the Crown Prince? May I know where the Princess of Huangshan’s maternal family is?” Bai Qingjue spoke in a gentle, refined voice.

The Crown Prince of Huangshan kneeled forward again, facing Bai Qingjue, and respectfully bowed: “To the Prince, my mother…”

“Let your mother speak for herself.”

Bai Qingyan’s calm and serene voice drifted over, causing the Crown Prince of Huangshan’s spine to stiffen. He swallowed hard, pursing his lips.

The Princess of Huangshan tightened her grip on the children in her arms, feigning calmness as she spoke, “Returning to the Emperor of Zhou, my maternal family is in Yaodu.”

As soon as the Princess of Huangshan finished speaking, Shen Liangyu briskly walked in Bai Qingjue’s direction, glaring with disdain at the entire Huangshan royal family. Cupping his fist, he whispered to Qingjue, “Master, the old nanny beside the Princess of Huangshan couldn’t bear the pressure and confessed. They are on their way to Yaodu to seek refuge with the Princess’s eldest sister.”

Shen Liangyu had rushed over only after Bai Qingyan led troops to capture Dengfeng City. Later, when the Young Emperor of Yan sent an envoy to seek peace, the Emperor paused the campaign. Shen Liangyu had already been harboring a grudge, eager to take down the Yan Vassal Kings who dared confront their Young General Bai.

Therefore, upon capturing the group led by the Crown Prince of Huangshan today, Shen Liangyu felt exhilarated, believing that combat was imminent.

Bai Qingjue nodded at this news.

“According to my knowledge, the Princess of Huangshan’s maternal family should be in Yangquan. So why… are they heading to Yaodu?” Bai Qingjue turned and smiled at Bai Qingyan, saying, “Eldest Young Lady, there’s deception afoot in this matter!”

The Princess of Huangshan glanced at the stunning and composed Emperor of Zhou, whose imposing aura was overwhelming. She hastily lowered her gaze in panic, saying, “I am visiting my eldest sister…”

When something unusual occurs, it’s likely a sign of mischief. Moreover, the words from the Crown Prince and the Princess of Huangshan were inconsistent, showing no pre-rehearsed coordination. It appeared that the King of Huangshan had made a hasty decision for the Crown Prince to leave with the family.

It seems the King of Huangshan is preparing for a desperate battle.

It’s understandable for a vassal king not to want his power diminished. Being forced to relinquish military authority, which was once firmly within one’s grasp, is excruciatingly painful, akin to a life-threatening loss.

Putting oneself in Bai Qingyan’s shoes, if she were a Vassal King, she might also prefer not to surrender to Zhou alongside Yan, losing the military power and benefits that come with being a Vassal King. Hence, the unrest among the Yan Vassal Kings was within Bai Qingyan’s expectations.

For instance, the King of Jian, stationed closest to Bai Qingyu and Bai Jinxiu, or perhaps the King of Huangshan, who was nearer to her.

Although the King of Huangshan was not as young and fierce as the King of Xiping or the King of Jiujiang, he might still take a stand now that the Emperor of Yan was about to submit to Da Zhou.

These Yan Vassal Kings would certainly not act alone. They must have exchanged information, and there has to be someone willing to lead.

The King of Huangshan is not that leader!

The Vassal King too far from Da Zhou’s forces lacks adequate sway even if he were to lead. So that leaves only the King of Jian as a potential leader.

Bai Qingyan’s gaze fell on the Crown Prince of Huangshan. “It seems the King of Huangshan has received the King of Jian’s letter.”

Bai Qingyan casually remarked, and the Crown Prince of Huangshan looked up at her in shock, not expecting the Emperor of Zhou to know. But how could the Emperor of Zhou know?

Could it be… could it be that the letter was sent by the Emperor of Zhou?

But Father said it was indeed a letter handwritten by the King of Jian, complete with his personal seal!

Or perhaps the King of Jian already surrendered to Da Zhou and deliberately orchestrated this to trap his father?

But that’s not right; the King of Jian has no reason to do so…

If the King of Jian truly intended to curry favor with the Emperor of Zhou, he should be persuading his father to surrender, not entrapping him!

Noticing the expression on the Crown Prince of Huangshan’s face, Bai Qingyan slightly raised an eyebrow and turned to Bai Qingjue, “Take them away! Issue the order… all soldiers of Da Zhou are to assemble.”

All soldiers assembling—does that mean attacking their Huangshan City?

The Emperor of Zhou commands troops with unmatched strategy. If Father isn’t prepared and the Emperor of Zhou initiates an offensive now, I’m afraid Father won’t stand a chance.

Among the nine Vassal Kings, the King of Xiping actually has the strongest military force. Therefore, the King of Xiping dared to challenge the Emperor of Zhou. Even the King of Xiping was dealt with by the Emperor of Zhou, let alone his father.