Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress

Just as the words were spoken, Bai Qingyan's heart suddenly pounded violently, causing her chest to constrict inexplicably. Her heart thumped rapidly, as if it were about to burst out of her chest. She gripped the table tightly, forcing herself to maintain a calm appearance.

Xiao Rongyan said with a smile, "Yan and Zhou have different governing philosophies, just like their interpretations of the teachings of sages... each believes their own way of governance is the correct path. Therefore, a war between Zhou and the Yan Kingdom seems inevitable."

The war between Zhou and Yan is unavoidable due to irreconcilable differences in their governing philosophies.

Bai Qingyan agreed with what was written in the books left by Empress Ji... the importance of enlightening the populace.

Yet the Yan Kingdom believes in ruling the people through means of ignorance.

Enduring the discomfort in her chest, Bai Qingyan nodded, saying that with such fundamental differences, the only way forward is to see whose fist is stronger.

"In that case, I want to make a gentleman's agreement with the Ninth Prince of Yan," Bai Qingyan clenched her fists tightly, trying to keep her voice clear, "We can capture cities and seize lands, but we must never massacre or harm civilians!"

War in itself already causes great harm to the people. There have been precedents of the Yan Army massacring people after capturing cities, and Bai Qingyan said this to prevent such instances from occurring again.

After some contemplation, Xiao Rongyan looked up at Bai Qingyan, seeing her leaning against the table as if preparing to stand. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the masked prince across from him also seemed ready to rise with him, so he sat back down and nodded to Bai Qingyan: "Conquering cities, never massacring!"

Among the delegates from Xiliang and Yan who came to Dadu this time, in private matters, the relationship between Zhou and Yan was somewhat closer. Yet unexpectedly, they were unable to form an alliance and were instead the first to issue a declaration of war.

Since the opposing sides have been established, from this point on... it will be a contest of abilities, with the stronger unifying all.

"Kid?" Xiao Rongyan, looking at Bai Qingyan's pallor, felt a surge of worry.

Bai Qingyan waved her hand, signaling that she was fine, adjusted her posture, and struggled to maintain a normal expression. Yet her heart's fierce pounding did not stop, as if ready to burst at any moment. She said, "Zhou is the opponent most worthy of Yan's reverence, and Zhou will exert all its efforts, so I ask the Ninth Prince to spare no mercy."

Seeing Bai Qingyan seemingly fine, Xiao Rongyan sought confirmation with his eyes. When Bai Qingyan nodded with a faint smile and showed no irregularity, he slightly relaxed his upright posture, nodding: "Rest assured, Your Majesty, it shall be so."

Since a war is imminent between the two countries, the original marital alliance proposal was naturally canceled, which also aligned with Xiao Rongyan's intention to have the "Ninth Prince destroy any marriage alliance between Yan and Zhou."

During this conversation today, Xiao Rongyan provided Bai Qingyan with much enlightenment...

For instance, Xiao Rongyan said that Zhou's unity today is because Bai Qingyan set a goal for the people, allowing them to cast aside minor issues and work towards a common objective.

On this path of governance, Bai Qingyan must be extremely vigilant and alert, constantly making corrections.

Bai Qingyan closed her eyes, with only the sound of her heartbeat and rushing blood remaining in her ears. As her heartbeat surged, so did her blood, rushing to her head. Her consciousness flickered, and her vision slowly darkened.

Once the two sat down and frankly expressed their thoughts, reaching consensus, the stone in Xiao Rongyan's heart finally lay down. He looked towards Bai Qingyu and said, "Now that we have spoken as the Empress of Zhou and the Ninth Prince of Yan, let us speak of personal matters between you and me..."

Xiao Rongyan directed his words at Bai Qingyan, but his gaze was on Qingyu, clearly indicating he hoped Bai Qingyu would tactfully excuse himself first.

Bai Qingyu pretended not to notice Xiao Rongyan's gaze, lowered his eyes, and patted non-existent dust off his crow-black robe, obviously intending to remain seated.

Seeing Bai Qingyu feigning ignorance, Xiao Rongyan smiled and added, "Additionally, today I wish to visit the Empress Dowager to firstly reveal my true identity and secondly to express my intentions regarding Kid."

"Ninth Prince, you are surprisingly adept at distinguishing between public and private matters..." Bai Qingyu's voice carried a hint of sarcasm, "Willing to wage war between two countries yet unable to forsake personal emotions. Are you not concerned the Empress Dowager may find you too greedy, stirring her displeasure?"

"Bearing a heavy burden without daring to fail the trust of my brother, yet I cannot let go of my affections for Kid," Xiao Rongyan nodded in Bai Qingyu's direction, "I ask for the fifth young master's understanding."

Bai Qingyan blinked hard, her vision blurry and breathing increasingly difficult, as sweat slowly trickled from her neck into her collar, making it impossible to maintain a composed demeanor.

Bai Qingyu turned his gaze to Xiao Rongyan, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

Maintaining a smile, Xiao Rongyan had been observing Bai Qingyu ever since the masked prince stepped into the hall. Judging by his attitude towards Bai Qingyan, he should not be an elder of the Bai family, for even after ascending to the throne, Bai Qingyan would not accept such a courtesy.

He deliberately mentioned the Empress Dowager; were he an ordinary descendant of the Bai family, mentioning the Empress Dowager would evoke more reverence than familiarity, yet this prince's tone said otherwise.

Considering the presence of this prince, Xiao Rongyan recollected the feeling the masked prince imparted when they first met in Xiangliang, and believed him more likely to be Bai Qingyan's biological brother, the Empress Dowager's own son, the legitimate inheritor of the Bai family in Dadu... Bai Qingyu.

Murderous intent brewed in Bai Qingyu's heart: "Mr. Xiao, wise as you are... perhaps you would prefer never to leave this hall."

As soon as he finished speaking, a fine porcelain teacup on Bai Qingyan's table suddenly shattered on the ground, tea splattered everywhere.

Xiao Rongyan turned his head and saw Bai Qingyan, who had appeared calm and composed just a moment ago, now clutching her chest and standing abruptly, as if her soul had been sucked out of her, falling towards the broken porcelain pieces.

"Kid!" Xiao Rongyan widened his eyes. His body reacted faster than his shout, stepping forward with a quick stride, nearly lunging forward, just barely managing to catch Bai Qingyan's head before it hit the shards, both his hand and arm being sharply pierced by fragments. He groaned in pain.

Bai Qingyu stood up in shock, rushing forward in two swift steps: "Sister!"

Xiao Rongyan gritted his teeth, supporting himself on one knee, cradling the deathly pale Bai Qingyan in his arms: "Kid! Kid!"

At this moment, he noticed that Bai Qingyan's back was soaked through. He bit his teeth, lifted Bai Qingyan, and shouted loudly, "Fetch Doctor Hong!"

"Sister!" Bai Qingyu initially wanted to push Xiao Rongyan away, but noticing his sister's situation was urgent, he didn't want to waste any time, even though he harbored hostility towards Xiao Rongyan.

Outside the door, Chun Tao, having heard the commotion and disregarding Nanny Tong's instructions, rushed to the door and pushed it open. Without understanding what had happened, she saw Xiao Rongyan carrying Bai Qingyan out of the room.