Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress

The Tianfeng Kingdom fervently believes in God, even more passionately than Xiliang.

Zeng Shanru had learned this from Bai Jintong's early dispatch to Shuoyang, sent from the Tianfeng man who knew how to use ink powder.

Having learned the Tianfeng language, Zeng Shanru knew even before Tianfeng entered Xiliang that the land of Tianfeng was gradually being engulfed by deserts due to divine punishment.

Therefore, Bai Qingyan dared to trust the contents of the secret message.

During the Four-Nation Alliance, Bai Qingyan brought many soldiers along to guard against Sal Khan taking action.

Later, though the alliance met, no pact was formed, since Sal Khan did not strike, and his attitude towards Zhou softened, Bai Qingyan understood... Sal Khan had not found the owner chosen by God for this land, hence he was still wary of God's wrath, opting to stand on leased land while gradually searching.

Shen Kunyang was astonished after hearing Bai Qingyan's words, surprised that Bai Qingyan had early spies planted in Tianfeng and incredulous at Tianfeng's fervent faith. "But... relying solely on the Great Shaman's prophecy, would Tianfeng truly not turn to attack Pingyang City?"

"Uncle Shen, there is never a perfect strategy on the battlefield, and battlefields are no different from gambling halls! We can only use the information we have to strategize and plan." Bai Qingyan looked at the large map. "Tianfeng's faith, Tianfeng's fear of food shortages, fearing Zhou or Yan might cut off their food routes, Xiliang's populace's overwhelming resistance against Tianfeng, the influential yet missing Empress of Xiliang, Li Tianjiao, and the jade cicada Tianfeng desires is in Zhou. If they go to war with Zhou, Tianfeng's caravans won't be able to enter Zhou to search... all these factors combined! I bet Tianfeng doesn't have the courage to attack Pingyang City!"

After Bai Qingyan listed so many reasons, Shen Kunyang finally understood. With Shen Liangyu in Huying Camp, he did not worry too much about Bai Qingyan's safety, especially with a counterfeit Huying Camp from Huoyun Army—Huying Army could easily handle these impostors!

He clasped his fists and bowed to Bai Qingyan with a smile, saying, "When King of Zhen was around, he said... Young General Bai could discern people's intentions and observe events accurately, overseeing the whole situation with comprehensive insight. Shen Kunyang trusts Young General Bai's judgment, respecting and admiring him."

Bai Qingyu smiled proudly, "I didn't expect Uncle Shen to flatter too."

Shen Kunyang and Bai Qingyan were amused by Bai Qingyu. Feeling her baby's movements, she gently rubbed her belly and said, "Our strategy will naturally be shared with Yan too. If we can't weaken Tianfeng's Elephant Army at Hanwen Mountain, not only will we become laughingstocks, but fear of the undefeatable Elephant Army will also root itself in our soldiers' hearts. Hence, this battle must not be lost!"

Shen Kunyang responded, "Young General Bai can rest assured!"

Soon, Wei Zhong invited Feng Yao in. Feng Yao had met Bai Qingyan before, hence was familiar, and knowing Bai Qingyan's changed status as now the wife of the young lord, he formally greeted Bai Qingyan, "This old servant greets His Majesty!"

"Eunuch Feng, rise!" Bai Qingyan looked at Feng Yao and said, "I have read the letter from Ninth Prince. I need Eunuch Feng to send a message back to Yan's Ninth Prince immediately."

"Please speak, Your Majesty..." Feng Yao replied.

After detailing Zhou's layout to Feng Yao, Bai Qingyan said, "Please relay to Ninth Prince that Yan Kingdom must focus on blocking Tianfeng Kingdom without affecting Zhou's layout. If, combining both nations' strengths, we still cannot defeat Tianfeng, it will be laughable."

"This old servant will certainly deliver the message!" Feng Yao straightened up, recalling the young lord mentioning the jade cicada matter to Bai Qingyan, and asked, "Ninth Prince instructed this old servant to tell His Majesty of the jade cicada matter, but I wonder..."

"Eunuch Feng, go deliver the message first. We shall discuss it in detail once the battle is over..." Bai Qingyan smiled at Feng Yao. "With the impending battle, Eunuch Feng's exceptional skills should keep him alongside Emperor Yan and Ninth Prince for protection."

Murong Yan wrote in his letter advising Bai Qingyan to keep Feng Yao by her side, as Feng Yao is highly skilled in combat, ready to risk his life to protect her if anything unexpected occurs, and reassured Bai Qingyan not to worry about him... he had Yue Shi by his side.

But doesn't Bai Qingyan know Murong Yan? Surely he would have Yue Shi protect Murong Li, and now... Yan only has one capable commander, Xie Xun. Perhaps today Murong Yan will personally lead troops onto the battlefield,

While she, within the city, does not face giant elephants, has Wei Zhong... and Shen Liangyu which is sufficient.

Bai Qingyan planned to have Shen Qingzhu accompany Xiao Ruohai, ordering him to chase after A Yu once he returned with orders, assuring her peace of mind.

Feng Yao realized that at this moment... the young lord had sent him to Bai Qingyan to guard her, yet Bai Qingyan also worried about their young lord's safety, hastily accepting the orders and withdrawing.

After all, Bai Qingyan would be within the safer confines of Pingyang City, while their young lord had to go to the battlefield.

Watching Feng Yao leave, Bai Qingyan then turned to Shen Kunyang and Bai Qingyu, saying, "You go first to prepare troops, I shall come after meeting Li Zhijie..."

"Yes!" Shen Kunyang and Bai Qingyu replied as they departed.

Bai Qingyan met Li Zhijie in the study and did not hide the large map hanging inside. Holding a teacup, she watched Li Zhijie who was brought over, and disclosed the details of Zhou's plan against Tianfeng this time, while concealing the ambush led by Shen Liangyu of Huying Army and Shen Kunyang with fifteen thousand soldiers.

Li Zhijie nodded repeatedly, staring at the map for a while before turning his gaze to the location north of Hanwen Mountain and south of Danshui River valley, saying, "Tianfeng's Elephant Army is not easy to deal with, to completely eliminate them and leave Tianfeng with no chance to strike back, soldiers should be stationed north of Hanwen Mountain and south of Danshui River to ensure full eradication."

Bai Qingyan glanced at the area Li Zhijie mentioned, feigning contemplation before responding, "That indeed would be best, but Zhou cannot spare any more troops..."

"Now that Yan and Zhou have allied, we could ask Yan to station troops there for the ambush!" Li Zhijie's eyes brightened, as if envisioning the dreadful defeat of Tianfeng's Elephant Army.

Bai Qingyan smiled, placing the teacup aside on a small table, giving Li Zhijie a half-smile, "Let's leave aside that Yan brought only one capable commander, Xie Xun, this time. We Zhou and Yan are fighting Tianfeng for Xiliang's sake, meanwhile, Xiliang wishes to conserve its forces and spectate?"

Li Zhijie paused, pursed his lips and said, "Xiliang's military power is almost entirely under Li Tianjiao's control, honestly we don't have any troops left!"