CHAPTER 718: CHAPTER 304: STRATAGEM (FOUR UPDATES)

"Once we cease fighting, the enemy won’t be able to restrain themselves," Song Yanqing continued. "In such a stalemate, it is highly likely that the enemy will take the initiative to strike, and once they do, we can meet them in a frontal confrontation."

"How can you be so sure that they will strike?" Bai Moyi disagreed, "Currently, our two armies are at a standoff, each back in our own territory. To put it bluntly, even though the Beimu army suffered heavy losses last time, in the end, they didn’t sustain any substantial losses; they merely returned the cities they had previously seized from us. But as the Prince clearly stated just now, we must attack Beimu Country. Beimu Country has been provoking us continuously for years, constantly inciting war at the border! Anyway, I cannot swallow this insult; taking this opportunity, I am determined to make Beimu Country kneel and confess their guilt before I will stop!"

Fury was palpable in Bai Moyi’s words.

He seemed extremely enraged at the Beimu army.

"General Bai is right; if Beimu army also ceases fighting, it would contradict the Prince’s original intention for this expedition. Previously I couldn’t guarantee that Beimu army would lose their patience and strike first, but this time, I am certain they will attack!"

"You’re that certain? Perhaps you know the leader of the Beimu army?" Bai Moyi’s hostility towards Song Yanqing was profound.

Feeling that whatever he said was merely ’armchair strategy’.

Song Yanqing clarified, "Naturally, I don’t know any local leaders, but before coming, I consulted with the Think Tank to inquire about the enemy’s situation."

He glanced at Xu Hongbo, the former Think Tank of the Bai Family’s army.

Xu Hongbo nodded slightly.

Song Yanqing explained, "The current commander of the Beimu army is the younger brother of the former commander. The former commander was decapitated by our side, and he surely wants to avenge his brother. That’s one reason, and the Prince knows the other reason."

Song Yanqing turned to look at Xiao Jinxing.

Xiao Jinxing nodded.

Song Yanqing was talking about Xiao Jinsen.

Xiao Jinsen has now sided with Beimu Country, and if he really has a significant position and real power in Beimu Country, the only way for him to support them in regaining political power is to help Beimu Country defeat the Bai Family’s army and take back Gujiang City for Beimu Country.

And Beimu Country won’t give Xiao Jinsen too much time; even if Beimu Country could give more time, Xiao Jinsen himself wouldn’t want to wait, as the longer he waits, the harder it would be for him to regain control over Daxuan.

So he can’t hold back.

If they don’t attack, they will initiate the battle themselves.

This is a psychological tactic, seeing who has more endurance.

"According to what Song Yanqing said, let’s hold our forces for now," Xiao Jinxing ordered.

"Prince, I’m not sure how long this will drag on, this not only affects the fighting strength of the troops but also delays the time it takes for the Prince to return. A country cannot be without its ruler for a day, the Prince staying at the border for too long is ultimately inappropriate," Bai Moyi still contested.

He really wanted to deploy troops.

Taking advantage of a victorious battle, he wanted to seize Muge City in one fell swoop.

To prove the strength of the Bai Family’s army!

He had always thought that this time the Prince came to lead the troops into battle.

Never had he thought, the Prince would instead cease fighting upon arrival.

"No more discussion. Arrange everything according to my wishes. Although we are not engaging in warfare externally, daily military drills are indispensable," Xiao Jinxing ordered.

Bai Moyi wanted to say more, but Bai Wenwu held him back.

Bai Moyi clenched his teeth, compelled to compromise.

The military discussion concluded.

Everyone left the tent.

The Bai Family headed towards Bai Wenwu’s tent.

As soon as he entered, Bai Moyi couldn’t help but burst out, "Song Yanqing is just a civil officer, what gives him the right to be so highly valued by the Prince! We fight enemies at the border, protecting our home and country, yet we are not worth as much as a few of Song Yanqing’s armchair strategies, and the Prince trusts him so easily!"

"Calm down," Bai Wenwu scolded.

"Father, I can’t be calm. I already had reservations when the Prince brought Gu Xingchuan. When the Prince leads troops with his staff and think tanks, it is a total mockery of our Bai family army. We have battled fiercely on the frontlines, yet we are not worth as much as those pampered ministers?!"

"The fact is that after the Prince came, we won the battle," Bai Wenwu stated bluntly.

"That is because I was not at the border!" Bai Moyi blurted out.

Meaning, when they were losing, he was not at the border; it was just his father and sister.

Bai Wenwu’s face clearly looked displeased.

Bai Moyi also knew he had spoken out of turn and quickly corrected himself, "Father, I didn’t mean you and sister. What I mean is, the Prince takes Song Yanqing too seriously. Even Gu Xingchuan passed, as he has always been by the Prince’s side, knowing the Prince’s thoughts, and can speak for him when the Prince feels it unsuitable. But who is Song Yanqing? Song Yanqing once followed the Chu King! Now, in the court, everyone who once followed the Chu King had been beheaded, leaving only Song Yanqing. I really don’t understand the Prince’s favoritism towards Song Yanqing."

"Song Yanqing has his capabilities," Bai Mowan spoke, "Brother, I know how you feel, and I too long to conquer Beimu Country. The Prince indeed also wishes to capture Beimu; otherwise, why do you think he has refrained from ascending the throne, if not to stabilize the border? Rest assured, no matter how competent Song Yanqing is, the Prince will favor our Bai family more in the future."

Bai Moyi’s face showed an awkward expression.

His sister had easily seen through the thoughts in his heart.

Everyone in Daxuan Kingdom knew that Xiao Jinxing would be the next Emperor; who wouldn’t want his favor.

Today’s discussion of military affairs was also his attempt to perform in front of the Prince.

Yet unexpectedly, he was embarrassingly outdone by Song Yanqing.

"How are you and the Prince...?" Bai Wenwu asked.

"Father, rest assured, the Prince’s heart has always been with me. Once he wins the battle and ascends the throne, I will surely take the position of Empress," Bai Mowan confidently stated.

"Won’t the Princess cause trouble?" Bai Wenwu still worried.

After the Prince ascends the throne, by rights, it should be the Princess who becomes the Empress.

Before the Princess commits any error, even the Emperor would not easily depose the Empress.

"If she causes trouble, the Prince will not grant her wishes," Bai Mowan said firmly, "Father need not worry about me, I know how to win the Prince’s heart."

"Hmm," Bai Wenwu nodded.

He naturally fully trusted his daughter.

Of course, he had his concerns, and said, "Our Bai family is a family of loyal soldiers. You and the Prince falling in love, Father won’t intervene. But if the Prince does not absolutely need you, Father will also not allow you to trouble the Prince. After all, once the Prince becomes the Emperor, among the many ranks, even if it’s only as an Imperial Concubine, Wan’er, you must accept it."

"Wan’er understands," Bai Mowan outwardly agreed.

But inwardly, her thoughts were otherwise.

For her.

The position of Empress was meant to be hers alone.

Only by becoming the Empress could she truly protect the Bai family for a lifetime!