HLnovel Chapter 1207 - 1196: The Wealthy Merchant
Chapter 1207 - 1196: The Wealthy Merchant
No one expected that the first to start a war among the vassal kings would be Prince Donghe. Prince Donghe now only controls the state of Miyun, and with the soldiers who fled back afterward, the total number only amounts to seventy or eighty thousand. Moreover, he is not attacking other vassal kings, but directly aiming his sword at the capital.
However, thinking about it, it makes some sense. No matter how large Miyun State is, it cannot further expand his army. There are still civilians in the city, so how long can the food from one state supply an army? Rather than being devoured by other vassal kings in the future, it is better to make a desperate gamble.
Furthermore, the court has always been cowardly, with the ministers embracing the principle of surrendering instead of waging war. This is why the vassal kings across the regions have been allowed to oppose and grow stronger over the years.
In short, attacking the court is indeed his best option now. If he advances swiftly and decisively, he might really enter and take control of the capital.
Once successful, the situation would change drastically. He could control the Little Emperor under the guise of purifying the Emperor’s aides. By then, the armies of several states under the Little Emperor would be at his disposal. Although the court’s army is not strong in battle, in large numbers, there is strength. What if?
Therefore, upon learning of his plan, the other vassal kings couldn’t sit still, especially King of Xichuan. He is now the weakest in power aside from Prince Donghe. Moreover, he is the farthest from the capital. Once Prince Donghe takes control of the capital, and after other vassal kings and rebels attack Prince Donghe, what would be left for King of Xichuan?
The situation became chaotic in an instant, and Ye Qiu couldn’t stay out of it. However, compared to other vassal kings and rebels eager to seize territory, his progress was slower. But wherever he conquered, public order and civilian support were particularly high.
Ordinary people are very pragmatic. Whoever can make their lives safe and let them eat and clothe themselves will gain their support. Because public support is high, these civilians who never participated in wars even captured several spies from other places for Ye Qiu. Once a stranger came to the region, regardless of adult or child, man or woman, they were very cautious and reported to Ye Qiu’s people at the first opportunity.
This is how a good reputation spreads. In some cities, the civilians even hoped that Ye Qiu’s forces would arrive soon and secretly passed on intelligence to them.
Then, the people of King of Xichuan and Prince Linsan discovered that it was becoming increasingly difficult to obtain internal information about Ye Qiu. They also found it very difficult to capture the cities Ye Qiu had already conquered, leading to the first head-on clash between Ye Qiu and Prince Linsan under such circumstances.
Ye Qiu’s vanguard was Bai Xianyi, while Prince Linsan’s side was led by Princess Consort Shi Xuan’s brother, Shi Rui.
Upon hearing the name Bai Xianyi, Ye Lu’s heart trembled. Isn’t this the female protagonist of the book, the future Empress? When did she join Ye Qiu’s side? Why has the storyline in the book already changed so much?
Ye Lu felt a strong sense of unease. Now that the male and female protagonists were on opposite sides, who really was the main character? Who would win in the end?
Ye Lu comforted herself not to be afraid. She was reading a novel focused on the male protagonist, so this world revolved around the male protagonist, Chen Gaoxuan. Moreover, as a transmigrator, she brought along much advanced knowledge, so how could Bai Xianyi compare?
However, Bai Xianyi in the book indeed had some skills. Even though she was a woman, her abilities in warfare were no less than those of men, perhaps even stronger. Ye Lu was somewhat apprehensive, but she wasn’t worried this time because her opponent was Shi Rui.
Who is Shi Rui? He is Princess Consort Shi Xuan’s biological brother. If Shi Rui loses power, wouldn’t the biggest beneficiary be herself?
She had suffered a miscarriage with a fully-formed male fetus. Although she hasn’t found any evidence, her intuition tells her it is inextricably linked to the Princess Consort. Regardless of whether for revenge or future plans, she must bring down the Princess Consort. Without Shi Rui’s support, Shi Xuan is just a paper tiger. What else does she have to contend with her?
At this time, Bai Xianyi was filled with heroic spirit. Although Ye Qiu had previously assigned her countless tasks, this was her first time facing one of the strongest vassal kings.
She had long heard of Shi Rui’s reputation, but she was not at all afraid. She had stayed up late for several days and had already devised several strategies. She was very confident.
However, one person was not so reassured. Ye Cheng hesitated for a long time before finally stepping into Bai Xianyi’s tent.
"Second Master!" Bai Xianyi said respectfully.
Ye Cheng, who had been awe-inspiring outside, now seemed a bit embarrassed. "General Bai, I have something to discuss with you."
"What instructions does Second Master have?" Bai Xianyi replied in a businesslike manner.
Ye Cheng hesitated even more, but remembering his elder brother’s words about pursuing what one liked, he finally spoke up: "I heard that Shi Rui is very formidable. You must be careful."
"Please rest assured, Second Master. I have already simulated it in my mind. No matter his actions, I have countermeasures in place. I will definitely not betray the trust that Prince Ye and Second Master have in me." Bai Xianyi was straightforward and didn’t pick up on Ye Cheng’s true intentions.
Ye Cheng was originally shy, and feeling frustrated he became even more timid. He was afraid that expressing his feelings directly might scare Bai Xianyi and affect the battle. So, he suppressed himself and said, "I have always trusted General Bai. If there’s anything you need, just come to me."
"I will obey the order. If there’s a need, I won’t be polite."
Ye Cheng opened his mouth, then let out a long sigh. "Then General Bai, rest early. I’ll await your victorious return and then hold a celebration feast for you."
Bai Xianyi watched him leave and, once certain that no one was around, let out a long breath. She wasn’t foolish; how could she not sense Ye Cheng’s feelings after so many days? It’s just that she was not blessed to accept them.
She had finally gained recognition from Prince Ye and his ministers and generals. She didn’t want her efforts and contributions to be overlooked because of her ties with Second Master Ye Cheng. She also hoped to elevate the status of women. Her achievements, whether they came from winning men’s favor or self-struggle, made a world of difference.
Ye Cheng is a good man, but for her dreams and ambitions, she can’t accept him.
Since Prince Ye entrusted her with important tasks, she hadn’t thought of marrying again. Even if she considered it in the future, she would be of considerable age by then. Would anyone still be genuinely interested in her? It would be better to choose someone inferior for descendants, as she didn’t care about others’ opinions.
Second Master Ye Cheng deserves a better woman, someone she cannot match.
However, for some people, encountering someone is their catastrophe. Once encountered, they won’t let go easily. What the future holds is yet to be seen.
Ye Qiu merely gave his second brother an encouraging pat on the shoulder. As an elder brother, he hoped his brother would find happiness. But as Prince Ye, he must remain fair and just, respecting the choices of his subordinates.