CHAPTER 717: CHAPTER 303: DISPUTE BETWEEN CIVIL AND MILITARY OFFICIALS (THIRD UPDATE)

In the following days,

the weather cleared up, bright and refreshing.

The entire journey went smoothly under Xie Ruotong’s planning.

They arrived at the border three days after the main troop.

Xie Ruotong had thus successfully completed her mission.

After reaching the military camp, she immediately rode away.

Without saying another word to Song Yanqing.

She knew that upon Song Yanqing’s arrival, someone naturally would arrange things for him.

So she went straight to Ye Qichi.

Entering Ye Qichi’s tent, Ye Qichi was lazily practicing calligraphy once again.

After a period of vigorous and rapid writing,

although the calligraphy was still not smooth enough, the shape of the characters had obviously improved a lot.

Seeing Xie Ruotong return, with a hint of joy, "You finally made it. How was the journey?"

"Mhm."

"And between you and Song Yanqing..."

"The mission is completed." That is, there were no other conflicts.

Ye Qichi smiled, didn’t ask further, and said, "We have limited supplies in the camp, you’ll share a tent with me."

"It’s my honor."

"Hurry and go bathe and cleanse yourself, we’ll eat soon."

"Mhm."

Xie Ruotong left.

Ye Qichi continued with her calligraphy practice.

She didn’t even know why she was practicing with a brush pen?!

Sometimes it even felt quite frustrating.

Perhaps, it was just adapting to local customs.

After bathing, Xie Ruotong had lunch with Ye Qichi.

Before they could take a nap, they were summoned by Xiaowu to discuss military affairs.

Song Yanqing was also among them.

Xiao Jinxing initiated the meeting, "Yanqing has also arrived at the camp smoothly. Today we should have a good discussion about attacking Beimu Country."

"Yes." Song Yanqing was respectful.

Bai Moyi started with the current situation analysis, "During the Prince’s two-month absence from the border, Beimu’s army has launched attacks against us multiple times, yet whenever it comes to a real battle between the two armies, they retract once again. This manner of provocation has occurred five times, which has greatly affected our army. Now our troops are eager to launch an offensive against Beimu’s border defenses, targeting Muge City."

"This is a provocation tactic," Xiao Jinxing outright rejected the idea, "Beimu Country is deliberately using this method to make us attack. We have already fought on the frontline, Beimu’s army was in disarray. He knows very well that continuing the fight like this, the chances of winning are slim, so he wants to provoke us into acting, shifting the battlefield to Muge City. With that, they’d have their geographical advantage, making it difficult for us to capture. If the stalemate prolongs, it will continue to wear down our troops. Once our forces are depleted, they’ll then strike, greatly increasing their chances of victory."

"How cunning!" Bai Mowan couldn’t help but curse.

In the previous life, I also engaged in war with Beimu Country, but never felt they were so deceitful.

Indeed, this life, everyone has changed.

I can no longer confront everything in this life with the same mindset as before.

"In war, deception is not abhorred." Xiao Jinxing was calm, "However, we must seize Beimu City, so this battle is inevitable. Let’s hear everyone’s thoughts."

Bai Moyi spoke up eagerly, "I believe that after their recent defeat, the Beimu army suffered significant losses in troop strength, and with their Great General being beheaded by us, their morale must be unstable. On the contrary, we have achieved a complete victory, and our spirits are still high. Why not strike while the iron is hot and attack now! Prince, if you’re worried about our disadvantage on the Beimu Country’s turf, we can split our forces into three routes. I am willing to lead the troops to the front line. If we can’t conquer, I will signal a retreat to avoid our army from suffering heavy losses."

Bai Moyi was obviously eager to take the initiative to attack.

It was likely due to being tricked by the Beimu army several times, fueling an indescribable anger within, and now wanting to strike back as a lesson to the enemy.

Ye Qichi pondered that the Beimu army really had a tight grip on people’s hearts.

If it wasn’t for Xiao Jinxing’s timely arrival, perhaps Bai Moyi would have truly led his troops into battle.

Xiao Jinxing had not yet spoken.

Song Yanqing said, "The Prince has already said that such an approach is not appropriate. It’s clear that the Beimu army wants us to attack; if we do, it would be like lambs to the slaughter. The more they provoke us, the calmer we must be."

"So what do you suggest? Just swallow our pride and endure insult? Sir Song, you’ve always been at court and never partaken in war. The army also needs motivation and morale. If we continuously suffer oppression, our soldiers will lose their will to fight, which could lead to a worse outcome," Bai Moyi retorted.

"I indeed lack experience in commanding troops, but I am aware that winning a battle does not entirely depend on Combat Power; strategy also plays a key role in victory! If we fall into the enemy’s trap, no matter how valiant the Bai Family army is, it won’t be able to turn defeat into victory," he explained.

"Are you insinuating that the Bai Family army relies solely on brute force?" Bai Moyi said, angered.

It would have been different with Gu Xingchuan, who had not held a significant position at court.

Moreover, Gu Xingchuan would not speak so bluntly.

He often considered the face of the Bai Family.

However, from the moment Song Yanqing arrived, it seemed like he was putting the Bai Family in their place.

For the Bai Family, the court officials, deemed as impractical scholars, were the ones they despised most. These officials could just move their lips and live comfortably, while they had to risk their lives on the battlefield.

Such people, what right did they have to come along and immediately start pointing fingers?

"General Bai, you have misunderstood," Song Yanqing replied with neither servility nor overbearingness. As for Bai Moyi’s animosity, he didn’t mind, and continued to explain, "The Bai Family army is known in the court for its reputation as godlike soldiers. The court officials hold high praise for General Bai, knowing that the Bai Family army can fight against hundreds, courageous and adept in battle. I didn’t come with any intention to disparage the Bai Family army. I am here with Prince Chen to cooperate with the Bai Family army to capture the enemy in one fell swoop and minimize our losses to achieve a complete victory."

Song Yanqing’s words left Bai Moyi somewhat embarrassed.

Ye Qichi couldn’t help but take a glance at Song Yanqing.

He had not interacted much with Song Yanqing and always treated him with politeness. Sometimes, he even felt that Song Yanqing was not articulate.

But today’s speech has truly shown his emotional intelligence.

No wonder he could become the most trusted person of Xiao Jinsen at such a young age.

Capable of both bending and standing tall, he certainly knew the ways of being an official.

He wouldn’t easily offend anyone.

But also, would never let anyone step on his head without consequence.

"What insights do you have, Sir Song?" After a momentary pause, Bai Moyi asked with a hint of sarcasm.

"General Bai overestimates me. I am simply standing from my own position and have some ideas of my own. If not suitable, please forgive me," Song Yanqing humbly said.

"Speak," Xiao Jinxing said bluntly.

With respect, Song Yanqing began slowly, "If the Beimu army repeatedly provokes and goads us into sending out troops, their aim is quite obvious; they want to engage us in battle, but they prefer to choose the battlefield where they believe they have the advantage. Therefore, we should refuse to deploy troops, creating the illusion that we are resting our forces!"