บท 224: The mountain rain looms, and the winds swirl ominously
Bai Ping Ting cast a glance at Xuan Yue, who rested her head on her shoulder. A faint smile graced her lips, yet her eyes betrayed a sorrowful and compassionate depth. Looking at the brightly lit Xuanyuan camp across the river, she could feel their fervor even in the darkness of night. In the stillness, she could almost hear the distant sounds of joyous laughter. Trapped here for so long by the princess, how could they not be delighted to finally cross the river and confront the ambitious Xuanyuan? Yet, was this a turning point or a step toward doom? Bai Ping Ting felt a sense of foreboding, as if a storm were imminent.
During this time, she had remained by the princess's side, delegating tasks to the green-clad attendants. However, that did not mean she was entirely oblivious to everything, especially concerning the princess's covert efforts to obstruct Xuanyuan on the opposite bank. She sensed the princess had devised some plan; despite her playful demeanor, she was not one to joke about serious matters. Yesterday, by the riverside, her demeanor had subtly conveyed a clear message: she aimed for dominion over the realm, just as Xuanyuan Hao did—both driven by an unyielding desire. This morning, her bold declaration of intent before General Bai Chu indicated her lack of fear concerning their opposition. The confidence she exuded now suggested she had a well-thought-out strategy in place.
"Sister Ping Ting," Xuan Yue called softly, sitting upright as her gaze fixed on the vast river under the night sky. "Tomorrow morning, the river will be shrouded in fog. Xuanyuan Hao will likely seize this moment to attack, using the mist as cover. A multitude of boats tethered together can create a formidable passage, transforming naval warfare into land conflict, allowing them to leverage their strengths while avoiding weaknesses. Then—"
Xuan Yue chuckled lightly, revealing no hint of pride or fear.
"Do you know who taught them this tactic?"
She stepped forward, her voice low, uncertain whether she was asking Bai Ping Ting or merely speaking to herself.
"Was it the princess?"
Bai Ping Ting followed Xuan Yue's lead. Since the princess was willing to confide in her about this matter, she must have sought someone to share her thoughts with. The reason she had distanced herself from His Highness and the Feng Kingdom was to stand beside the princess during such crucial moments, to be there for her to confide in and share her burdens.
This afternoon, when she first spotted the Xuanyuan forces binding all their ships together with iron chains, a wave of anxiety washed over her. Yet, seeing the princess's composed reaction instantly calmed her. Now, with the princess mentioning it again, Bai Ping Ting quickly realized that this entire situation had been orchestrated by the princess herself.
Xuan Yue laughed lightly; Bai Ping Ting could not discern any hint of joy in her strategic prowess. "From the moment I decided to ally with Bai Chu, I knew this day would come. As we set out from Ye City toward Biluo River, I instructed the green-clad attendants to handle the preparations. First, I had Old Master Bai relocate the nearby villagers overnight, and I ordered the nearby trees to be burned down, ensuring Xuanyuan could not source materials from the land. Although Xuanyuan is a formidable nation with a powerful army, they are merely tyrants on land. In naval conflict, they would struggle against Bai Chu, let alone if the Feng and Lan nations joined forces. If Xuanyuan Hao wished to unify the realm, he must cross the Biluo River. If it were only Bai Chu, Xuanyuan Hao might have had a chance, but if both Feng and Lan nations entered the fray, confronting them head-on would yield no advantages for Xuanyuan."
Bai Ping Ting listened intently. She understood the princess's foresight but was taken aback to realize the planning had commenced the moment she departed from Lan Kingdom.
"Their attempt to cross the river will be fraught with difficulties. This morning was deliberate on my part; I aimed to embarrass Bai's naval forces. Moreover, they will undoubtedly believe we have let down our guard. This tactic was conveyed through the military advisor I had Green Attire consult, informing Qi Mo. For centuries, the Qi family has been under the thumb of the Bai family, and they must harbor resentment. Those who recognize the times are wise. Currently, the King of Chu is but a puppet, desperately seeking to ally with Xuanyuan Hao. He will never pass up such an opportunity."
Xuan Yue spoke eloquently, dissecting every individual's role. "Xuanyuan Hao is eager for victory—" she turned to look at Bai Ping Ting, "he is the one who wishes to defeat me the most in this world."
If Chen Ruoxi sought victory over her for Bai Zhanfeng, Xuanyuan Hao's motivations were manifold. He yearned for dominion over the realm, yet his ambition rendered him reluctant to fall victim to his own plans. Desiring victory is not inherently wrong; however, being overly zealous invites exploitation by others.
"Tonight, Yue Ying and Green Attire are absent."
Bai Ping Ting gazed up at the inky sky, the scattered stars encircling the radiant moon. She recalled the compassion reflected in the princess's eyes when she had rested on her shoulder. This battle would surely result in numerous casualties. This was where the princess outshone His Highness—he was too compassionate, lacking the ruthlessness and audacity required for such measures. Just as the princess had said, the boy was as pure as a pear blossom, and it was precisely for this purity that she wished to protect it—a purity she herself lacked.
"At the juncture of the hour of the Monkey and the hour of the Rooster, Xuanyuan will likely board his vessel. By then—"
Xuan Yue's heart raced; she alone understood that if all unfolded according to her plan, the casualties Xuanyuan would suffer would be devastating—thirty thousand soldiers, a number beyond estimation.
"Green Attire and Green Pearl, along with Lan, should be hiding near Xuanyuan's camp. They will stealthily approach the ships in the cover of night, carefully concealing oil-filled barrels beneath the hulls. When all the Xuanyuan soldiers have boarded, the individuals sent by Yue Ying will ignite the barrels with fire arrows. Although it may be chilly in the early morning, there has been an eastern breeze these days."
Xuan Yue laughed coldly, yet she felt no happiness. From Lan Kingdom to Bai Chu, had she not sought to claim the world in place of Lan Yi Xuan? As long as Xuanyuan's thirty thousand soldiers were obliterated, he would have no chance to recover in the short term, achieving her aim. Yet, why did she feel no joy? Instead, her chest tightened with unease—was it the thought of such vast casualties or—? Xuan Yue shook her head, dismissing all distractions.
Bai Ping Ting envisioned the chaotic scene: the river winds raging, flames fueled by oil raging brighter, ships connected, resulting in utter turmoil. The Xuanyuan soldiers, who were less adept in water, would find escape futile even if they leaped overboard. Thirty thousand troops; the devastation would be staggering.
"Did the princess order the generals of Bai Chu to remain in their tents just to witness that scene?"
Though she knew of Xuan Yue's tactics, this moment still left Bai Ping Ting astounded. If this plan succeeded, Xuanyuan Hao would have no chance to rise again. No, it would be more accurate to say that since the princess had already sacrificed those individuals, she would never allow Xuanyuan Hao the opportunity to recover.
Xuan Yue remained silent, for that was indeed her intention.
"The princess intentionally expressed those words this afternoon." She finally understood the source of Xuan Yue's reckless demeanor. The Bai Kingdom was a small nation, naturally wary of the might of the Feng and Lan kingdoms. Even when cornered, Young Master Bai would likely refrain from causing harm to the princess. The generals of the Bai family held the princess in high regard; after this battle, they would respect her even more, albeit with a tinge of fear. Despite knowing that the Lan Kingdom harbored ambitions akin to those of the Xuanyuan, and that the princess herself desired Bai Chu, the mere thought of witnessing such a scene sent shivers down Bai Ping Ting's spine. She prided herself on her strength, believing she was no less formidable than any man, yet the image still chilled her. The generals of Bai Chu would undoubtedly hesitate to act recklessly.
She stared at Xuan Yue, recalling how she had once let Cen Can go at Heifeng Ridge. Who could predict that he might meet his demise here today? Such lives were indeed precious, but compared to the ceaseless horrors of war, such ruthless measures were the quickest solution. She finally grasped why the princess had initially intended to bring only 150,000 troops, and why she had even suggested starting with just 50,000. From the outset, she had already devised a permanent strategy to deal with Xuanyuan. Two hundred thousand against a seemingly invincible force of 300,000—if they won, who would dare to oppose them? Although the battle would claim many lives, it would only be Xuanyuan's losses. For the citizens yearning for peace, the princess had effectively carved a path for them. Moreover, such a brutal war would determine the victor in one fell swoop, sparing the rest of the realm's populace from further suffering.
Xuan Yue observed the shock on Bai Ping Ting's face, her smile unwavering as she suddenly sat at the riverbank. "Sister Ping Ting, do you think me cruel?"
When she made that decision, she had hesitated. Yet, on the battlefield, victory and defeat dictated the fate of the realm. If she did not triumph, it was likely the people of Lan and Feng would bear the brunt of the consequences. How could someone as proud as Lan Yi Xuan ever bow before another? And her brother—how could he submit to another? And what of Lu Zhu and Yi Lan? She pondered long and hard before ultimately deciding to proceed.
"On the battlefield, showing mercy to the enemy is akin to being cruel to oneself." Such was the nature of war; casualties were unavoidable. The greater the losses, the swifter the conflict would conclude. If it were possible, she genuinely hoped to settle the matter in a single decisive battle. However, she knew Xuanyuan Hao would never agree; even in defeat, he would refuse to bow his head. Thus, she would have to adopt even more measures.
"Indeed." Bai Ping Ting replied, sitting beside Xuan Yue. "Princess, weren't you going to have me accompany you to enjoy the scenic riverside? It will surely be lively."
Bai Ping Ting leaned against Xuan Yue, demonstrating her support through action. With such a frail shoulder making such weighty decisions, the princess must have felt a profound sorrow deeper than anyone else's. No wonder she was so eager to find someone to confide in.
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