"I suppose Uncle didnāt expect them to come with so many people, right?"
Yang Chuxia was also somewhat stunned hearing about so many people.
"When will Uncle likely arrive?"
"Based on the timing, at least another ten days."
Baili Yan received the border letter and sent Old Mu with the army back. He just didnāt expect Great Qi to come so quickly.
"Ten days?" Yang Chuxia said, "Although we are few in number, it shouldnāt be difficult to hold out for ten days."
"Just fear a strong attack from them."
Ye Ziāan knew little about arranging troops and formations, and never led troops in battle, so he truly had no idea how long he could hold or fight.
"Lady, you should take Lele and return to the Capital City first. Liao City is too close to the battlefield; itās really not safe."
"What about you?"
"Iāll stay here." Ye Ziāan thought, he is Marquis Changning, a pivotal figure of the nation. Although he doesnāt go to the battlefield, he cannot leave at this time; otherwise, he wouldnāt be on par with people like Prefect Zhou.
"Since youāre not leaving, I will wait as well." She also wanted to use this opportunity to sneak into Great Qi to find Yangyang.
In the following days, Great Qi seemed like a cat teasing a mouse, putting on a show but making little impact, attacking swiftly and retreating quickly.
Both sides suffered minor losses, and this situation remained until Old Mu arrived with the army, whereupon a large battle finally occurred.
In this battle, Great Qi seemed to unleash all the pent-up energy they had, or perhaps they didnāt intend to win with fewer numbers but to engage Great Zhou in a real hard battle, and this fight lasted for three days and nights.
Great Zhou managed to protect the border line, but at a hefty price.
News came from Old Muās side as well, urging Ye Ziāan and the others to quickly return to the Capital City, as it was not safe to linger here long.
"Who is leading Great Qiās troops?" Yang Chuxia frowned.
"Itās Great Qiās young Emperor personally leading the expedition!"
This was the latest information Ye Ziāan received.
"What?" Yang Chuxia gaped, was Great Qi trying to take down Great Zhou in one fell swoop?
"Thatās not even the most astonishing part," Ye Ziāan said, "Uncleās opponent is a masked man; judging by his figure, if Iām not mistaken, it should be Baili Han!"
Baili Han is Prince Le, as Yang Chuxia knew well.
"It seems he has completely taken control of Great Qi; the young Emperor is merely a puppet." Yang Chuxia said worriedly, "I wonder how much chances Uncle has against Prince Le."
"Great Qi is aggressive, the young Emperor claims that until the eastern expedition is complete, he will not return to the court." Ye Ziāan sighed, the large-scale confrontation had finally arrived.
Yang Chuxia thought for a moment and said, "Although theyāve just fought a battle, Uncle canāt relax his guard; with so many people on their side, they probably wonāt give the army a chance to catch their breath."
"No need to say, Uncle would definitely know that." Ye Ziāan added, "Weāve already sent a letter to the Capital, requesting additional reinforcements, but itās uncertain when they will arrive."
"You and Lele should stay home and not go anywhere." Ye Ziāan said, "Iāll head to the front lines to take a look."
At this time, Yang Chuxia didnāt want to stop him, so she could only let him go.
Late at night, the sound of drums and gongs filled the air, horses neighed loudly, and the firelight was as bright as daylight, causing Yang Chuxia to sit up abruptly.
"Whatās happening? Did Great Qi break into the city? Where is Lord Marquis?"
Yang Chuxia didnāt bother to tidy her appearance, quickly threw on a garment, and went out.
As soon as she pushed the door open, she saw Lele dressed neatly coming over as well.
"Mother, donāt worry, Ye Er has already checked; they havenāt broken into the city, the army is still fighting the enemy outside."