Chapter 2806: Chapter 3807: Trading Lives for Military Merits
The wedding was simple, and after it, Diao Bin and Ning Yu stayed to accompany the Empress Dowager and Mr. Yao.
When Bai Ruozhu and the others returned, they mentioned that Diao Bin and Ning Yu were traveling to the south for sightseeing, so they wouldn’t be traveling together.
Due to Diao Bin’s special status, indeed it was not suitable for her to visit places with many people. The Bai family didn’t ask much, though Lin Ping’er felt a bit sentimental, saying she didn’t know when the two would get married.
Bai Ruozhu chuckled secretly, "Mother, don’t worry about that. As long as they’re happy together, that’s enough."
"Now that your senior brother has left, with no successor in the Astrology Tower, are they expecting you to take over?" Lin Ping’er asked worriedly.
"No need. My master hoped I would assist Ning Yu back then, fearing that his naive mindset would make his future challenging. Now that he’s living the life he desires, my master would be comforted." Bai Ruozhu said.
She couldn’t help but think of Ning Ran’s grave. Perhaps he was watching over Ning Yu somewhere.
Bai Ruozhu and her group continued their journey. However, as there were elderly and children among them, their speed was quite slow, taking nearly two months to reach Beiyu City. But upon entering the city, they immediately sensed something was off. Jianqi grabbed a passerby for inquiry.
"You must be outsiders, right? Don’t you know the Turkic people are invading? Beiyu City’s unique location might soon be touched by the flames of war." The passerby said hastily and left hurriedly.
"The Turkic people invading? Is it very overwhelming?" Bai Ruozhu muttered.
Bai Yihong sighed, "Times of war and chaos are the hardest."
The group rushed back to the Bai Family mansion in Beiyu City. Bai Ruozhu and Jiang Yichun had seen Bai Zehao and his wife not long ago, so they were fine. But Bai Yihong and Lin Ping’er had been away for over a year, and the family reunion was filled with excitement and sentiment, lasting half a day.
Finally, after they all calmed down, Bai Ruozhu asked, "Big brother, what’s going on with the Turkic invasion?"
"Haven’t a clue what kind of unusual troops or artifacts the Turkic people acquired, but they fought their way here, unstoppable. They’ve already breached the five towns and two major cities up north." Bai Zehao sighed, "Many civilians must have suffered."
"We’ve come from the south, why haven’t we heard any news along the way?" she asked puzzled.
"Precisely because it’s so fast. I only learned yesterday. But there’s something odd, it suddenly spread across the city as if someone deliberately released the news to create chaos." Bai Zehao explained.
Bai Ruozhu squinted her eyes, "If it’s fast, then it must be cavalry, equipped with excellent warhorses, attacking swiftly. But such cavalry units have significant weaknesses, like carrying fewer supplies due to their speed, eventually they would run out of food and supplies. Therefore, they must raid and plunder to replenish before advancing to the next town."
Jiang Yichun said in a calm voice: "So arranging troops to encircle from behind would catch them like fish in a barrel. No matter how many towns they conquer, they are destined to be exterminated."
Bai Ruozhu furrowed her brow, "It’s rather strange. Wouldn’t the Turkic people have considered such a straightforward tactic?"
"Encircle them and we can destroy them, but the civilians who were slaughtered before are pitiful. Who’s going to give them justice?" Bai Yihong said sentimentally.
"Wait!" Bai Ruozhu suddenly exclaimed, "Dad, I think you hit the nail on the head."
"Me?" Bai Yihong was somewhat pleased, feeling he finally contributed something.
Everyone looked at Bai Ruozhu, who squinted her eyes, "The army around Beiyu City is primarily led by my adoptive father Meng Liangshen. But once the news spreads, the civilian will panic, surely demanding stronger city defenses, and advisors might suggest holding out until the enemy retreats due to lack of supplies."
Everybody nodded, that was indeed the logic.
"Who else has troops stationed nearby? Northern or northwest?" Bai Ruozhu went on.
"The northwest is mostly Meng Liangshen’s army. To the northeast, there’s the Heilin Army." Jiang Yichun explained, "Heilin Army is the name for the army at the Main Camp in the north, the commander is the General of the Northtown."
"There must be more." Bai Ruozhu looked at Jianqi, "Go get the Commerce Association to investigate."
"Yes."
Jianqi left for a while and quickly returned, saying, "There’s a troop nearby for bandit suppression, led by a young general who’s Ma Tongfang’s nephew, Ma Xingguo."
Bai Ruozhu smirked, "Another connection to Ma Tongfang, no wonder the tactics are similar. The more civilians die, the greater the military merits from purging the Turkic cavalry."
"Master, there are confidential documents from the Commerce Association indicating Ma Xingguo is likely Ma Tongfang’s biological son." Jianqi added.
Bai Ruozhu laughed even harder, "The chaos inside Ma Tongfang’s family is indeed amusing."
Lin Ping’er was anxious, grabbing Bai Ruozhu, "Ruozhu, you shouldn’t get involved. Ma Tongfang is the General of the South, how could we outfight him?"
Bai Ruozhu thought if no one challenges him, more will die in the future.
The Turkic forces, seemingly invincible as they breached towns and cities, was it really just because of their extraordinary troops? Nothing fishy seems absurd!
But to ease her parents’ worries, Bai Ruozhu immediately nodded saying, "Yes, we can’t handle it, but I’ll send the emperor a secret letter to hint."
"Also notify Meng Liangshen." Bai Zehao suggested.
"Right, I and Achun will head to the City Lord’s Residence." Bai Ruozhu pulled Jiang Yichun out.
He knew she wouldn’t remain idle, smilingly asked, "What’s your plan?"
"Firstly, claim some merits, leading the Commerce Association to fight against the Turkic invaders. Amidst the national crisis, it’s only right for the righteous to stand up. The Commerce Association has been giving me much convenience, now it’s time to return some favors."
Jiang Yichun smiled, "Secondly, take this chance to kill Ma Xingguo?"
Bai Ruozhu laughed, pinching his face, "You are the worm in my belly."
"Find a different analogy, helminths are too disgusting." Jiang Yichun frowned slightly.
Bai Ruozhu burst into laughter, "Come on, let’s first discuss with the City Lord."
They hurried to the City Lord’s Residence and soon saw Meng Liangshen, who was not alone, as Ayan stood beside him.
Ayan was coaching him in martial arts, Meng Liangshen seemed very humble and eager to learn, with a slightly different glimmer in his eyes when looking at Ayan.
Bai Ruozhu quietly tugged Jiang Yichun’s sleeve, making a face at him, Ayan was quick indeed.
Jiang Yichun suddenly grabbed her hand from beneath his sleeve, disregarding if others would notice, he held her hand firmly.
After finishing a set of boxing techniques, Meng Liangshen noticed them and faced Bai Ruozhu’s suggestively smiling gaze, feeling his old face slightly hot.
"When did you return?" Ayan, on the other hand, greeted them generously.
"Today, hence why we came at once." Bai Ruozhu replied.
Ayan smiled subtly, "That’s good, stay around for a while, I can come chat with you."
