Chương 222: Imminent Confrontation
Xuan Yue followed Bai Zhanfeng to the riverbank. As midday approached, the sun had fully risen, and though a gentle breeze persisted, it lacked the biting chill of the morning. The mist over the river had completely dissipated, revealing a surging current, while the water's surface remained remarkably tranquil.
Xuan Yue accepted the telescope Bai Zhanfeng handed her, gazing across the broad expanse of the river at the bustling scene on the opposite shore, where soldiers busily launched boat after boat into the water. They stood on the decks, hauling thick iron chains to tether the vessels together, their energy palpable.
"Princess, what is happening?"
Green Pearl and the others gathered closer. Despite the river's vastness, it offered little concealment; any activity on the opposite bank could be easily discerned, especially with the scale of Xuanyuan's operations occurring in broad daylight, unabashedly visible to Bai Chu.
"What are they doing?"
Xuan Yue squinted, adjusting her focus as soldiers on the opposite shore busied themselves connecting the boats. Her pinky finger delicately arched, tapping the telescope lightly, a nearly imperceptible smile tugging at the corner of her concealed lips.
"Haven't you seen enough?"
Setting the telescope down, Xuan Yue handed it to Green Pearl and turned to Bai Zhanfeng. His hurried demeanor in bringing her here indicated he knew very well what they were up to. The officers who had just dispersed had now reconvened, a mix of Bai Chu and Lan country commanders.
"Xuanyuan is transforming disadvantage into advantage. By linking the boats, they create a bridge; on the water, it is as if they are on land."
The speaker was Lu Su, a general of both intellect and martial prowess, who easily recognized Xuanyuan's intent. With an army of three hundred thousand strong, his strategies were formidable, and if they truly managed to land, Bai Chu would be in peril.
Many of the other officers were slow to comprehend his words, but upon hearing this explanation, realization dawned, followed swiftly by concern. They glanced at Bai Zhanfeng, noting the anxiety etched in his features; it was evident he felt powerless. Their gazes then shifted to Xuan Yue in silent appeal for guidance.
Bai Pingting, Green Pearl, and others observed the situation on the opposite bank with growing unease, yet they remained composed. Even if it came to direct conflict, they were not necessarily inferior to Xuanyuan's forces; there was no need to bolster the enemy's morale while diminishing their own.
Compared to Bai Pingting and her companions, the Bai Chu generals felt a tinge of fear. They had witnessed Xuanyuan's relentless victories along the way and were painfully aware of their strength; while Bai family forces were commendable, they simply could not stand against Xuanyuan.
"Are you all at a loss and seeking our princess for solutions?"
Green Pearl's tone was far from cordial, her bewilderment palpable. She could not fathom why these stubborn individuals were fixated on Bai Chu's merits. As the princess rightly pointed out, if they could pledge allegiance to a king like Chu, why not to a prince consort? Their prince consort was infinitely more capable than the foolish Chu king. Moreover, if peace were to reign, they would be able to reunite with loved ones and pursue their desires. In the current situation, had they willingly submitted, they could have sought assistance openly.
"Green Pearl." Xuan Yue shot her a glare, signaling her to silence. Turning her gaze toward the anxious Bai Chu generals, she continued, "While Green Pearl's words may be a bit harsh, they hold some truth. If we of Lan country intend to claim Bai Chu as our own, fine. For now, I shall do nothing. When Xuanyuan lands, the consequences will be clear. Surely, all of you are intelligent enough to see this."
Xuanyuan Hao was not a bloodthirsty tyrant; however, for those who had already fallen, if the day came when they found themselves inferior even to the state of Chu, they would be nothing more than captives.
"It is not that we aim to seize; rather, it is you who lack the capability to hold your ground." Xuan Yue's voice was cold. Since the Bai Chu leaders could not devise a solution, they had no choice but to turn to her for help. Those who sought her assistance ought to temper their tempers; she did not fear their outbursts, for they would not dare challenge her. She would never afford them the chance to be courageous.
"Bai Chu and Feng Lan are currently two sides of the same coin. If Xuanyuan attacks, your Lan country may not fare any better."
Zhou Tao fixed his gaze on Xuan Yue, his expression serious.
"Do you, General Zhou, have a strategy in mind?"
Zhou Tao lifted his head, feeling the weight of her scrutiny, causing his scalp to prickle. Had he any viable plan, he would not be standing there, festering with frustration.
"And what about the rest of you?"
Xuan Yue pointed to the other Bai Chu generals, who quickly averted their gazes. After all, Xuanyuan had only recently suffered a defeat and left; they had hoped for a moment of reprieve. However, the moment they exited the tent, a soldier rushed in to report unusual activity on the opposing shore. Given such limited time, how could they possibly conjure a solution?
"No one has a plan." Xuan Yue chuckled lightly, revealing not a hint of tension.
"Xuan Yue, have you devised a strategy already?"
Bai Zhanfeng's eyes bore into her. Though her demeanor was carefree and unrestrained, she had never been one to speak ambiguously regarding serious matters.
"Do you believe I possess some supernatural abilities? I am human, just like you; I am not a deity."
Xuan Yue turned to Bai Zhanfeng, raising an eyebrow before bursting into laughter. "And why should I tell you?"
Such unreasonable remarks, capricious and irksome, would typically annoy others; yet Bai Zhanfeng found her candor endearing. He could not summon any aversion to her, no matter her quirks, good or bad.
Indeed, why should she assist him? Privately, they might be friends, but when it came to their nations, if Bai Chu refused to submit, they would become enemies.
He suddenly recalled her words during the martial arts competition at Pan City: everything under heaven that she coveted, she claimed as her own. Ever since they met, it seemed that anything she desired, she had never missed. The world itself would bend to her will; whatever occurred, in the end, it would belong to her.
"Xuan Yue, Bai Chu and Feng Lan are still allies."
Bai Zhanfeng felt a wave of helplessness wash over him. Never had he felt so powerless; it was as if he were being foolish. If he possessed the wit of Xuanyuan Hao or Lan Yixuan, perhaps the situation would not be as dire. However, whether in politics or on the battlefield, he despised the endless scheming. What did all this pursuit of power yield for the countless souls?
Bai Zhanfeng felt an explosive frustration brewing within him; Bai Chu, the Bai family? If she desired it, let her have it. Without this heavy burden, perhaps he could finally liberate himself, wandering freely and continuing his previous pursuits. He could become a martial enthusiast once more. If he found it unbearable to submit to Lan Yixuan, he could yield to Feng Xuan Yue instead. In this scenario, Lan Yixuan had not done anything at all.
He felt exhausted, genuinely exhausted.
"I understand."
Xuan Yue nodded and blinked, a playfully genuine gesture that struck Bai Zhan Feng as cruel. Did her indifference allow her to approach everything so carelessly?
"So, Bai Zhan Feng, you need not worry; even if the Xuanyuan army were to attack, I would not abandon you."
Such unwavering loyalty, yet Bai Zhan Feng found it impossible to feel moved, for her demands were steep—this time, the Bai family brought only fifty thousand troops to Bi Luo River.
"Generals, have you all risen at such an early hour? Are you not weary?"
"I cannot sleep."
At this moment, who among them, aside from Feng Xuan Yue, could manage to close their eyes?
"Princess, have you already devised a plan?"
Yi Lan tugged at Xuan Yue's sleeve, knowing that if the Xuanyuan army advanced, the outcome would surely be mutual destruction.
"Let them come; let those men see our prowess."
Lu Zhu pounded her chest with confidence.
"But we won't discern the outcome; each general should return to their camp." At this juncture, who could remain within the tent?
"Bai Zhan Feng, keep the generals within your tent."
Xuan Yue fixed her gaze on Bai Zhan Feng, her tone bordering on command, radiating an aura of authority that was impossible to defy.
"What are you still standing there for?"
Xuan Yue snapped, "Regardless of what transpires, no one is to leave without my command. Everything will proceed according to my orders. When the time comes for you to emerge, I will ensure you are notified."
Her calm and composed demeanor exuded a reassuring strength. The Bai Chu generals, who moments ago had been discontented, now found themselves inexplicably convinced.
"Military orders, please."
Xuan Yue extended her palm toward Bai Zhan Feng.
"If one day someone tells me that the only way to safeguard our soldiers' lives is to surrender the military command token to him, I would not hesitate."
Bai Zhan Feng glanced at Xuan Yue before placing the tiger talisman into her hands.
Xuan Yue examined the bronze token, weighing it in her palm. "Bai Zhan Feng, the truth will reveal that trusting me is the right choice."
She smiled, brimming with confidence, and turned to return to the military camp.
"Lu Yi, come inside with me."
Having been preoccupied with the Bai Chu's incessant inquiries since morning, she hadn't yet had the chance to ask Lu Yi about their progress. Now it seemed that things were proceeding smoothly.
"Is everything prepared?"
Lu Yi nodded, though still bearing a look of confusion. "As per the princess's instructions, everything has been readied."
"Come here."
Xuan Yue beckoned Lu Yi with a finger. Leaning in closer, Lu Yi seemed taken aback by whatever Xuan Yue whispered, her usual calm demeanor replaced with shock, her eyes sparkling.
"Go, find a few skilled individuals. Be cautious and ensure your safety."
"Yes," Lu Yi bowed deeply, replying with a heavy respect. Her look of confusion transformed into understanding, and her gaze at Xuan Yue became one of increasing admiration. "Does the princess have any further instructions?"
"Have Yue Ying come in to see me."
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