The corners of her lips couldn’t help but lift as she sat in front of the soft couch, cradling the handkerchief Xiao Rongyan had left in her palm, scrutinizing his iron-curved, silver-hooked handwriting under the lamp. The partition was pushed open, and maidservants entered one after another, carrying washbasins and towels. After Bai Qingyan finished washing up, Wei Zhong ordered someone to serve the meal. Wei Zhong served Bai Qingyan a bowl of porridge, and then whispered in her ear, "News came at the third watch, saying Xiliang’s Li Tianjiao personally went to invite the over-eighty General Cui to lead troops to resist the alliance of the Zhou and Yan countries. The Ninth Prince of Yan, worried about the matters on the battlefield, came to bid farewell to His Majesty. It is said that His Majesty had just fallen asleep, so he didn’t let this old servant disturb him, but only instructed me to tell His Majesty that the Ninth Prince had come." Bai Qingyan knew Wei Zhong was aware that Xiao Rongyan had been accompanying her here last night. He was just pretending to be confused and explained the situation to her. She scooped a spoonful of porridge, thinking about the ghostly tactics of the former General Cui Shanzhong on the battlefield, and then recalled the dream where A Yu was covered in blood, she furrowed her brows and said to Wei Zhong, "Send someone to call A Qi, A Yu, Jinxiu, and Ah Jue over." Xiliang’s famed General Cui Shanzhong was once known as the "Jade-faced Silver Spear," with many illustrious military achievements. Not only had he faced off against her grandfather, but also her great-grandfather. Later, because he feigned surrender to Rong without informing Yunjing, he aroused the suspicion of the Xiliang royal court. His wife and daughters were all killed by the imperial clan’s knives. It was precisely because of this that General Cui Shanzhong became disheartened with the Xiliang royal court, retired from military service, and did not appear for many years. This time, with Li Tianjiao inviting General Cui Shanzhong to take command, the battle with the Zhou and Yan might be harder than anticipated. Bai Qingyan truly hadn’t expected General Cui Shanzhong to come out of retirement at such an old age. However, with Xiliang in dire straits, General Cui Shanzhong put aside personal grievances and still led troops to protect the country. Bai Qingyan held a deep respect for this old general. Yet respect aside, the battle still had to be fought. No one could hinder the steps to unify the world. Not long after Wei Zhong sent people to summon Bai Qingqi and Bai Jinxiu, the siblings, informed that Bai Qingyan had already gotten up, arrived at Bai Qingyan’s courtyard together. Wei Zhong added bowls and chopsticks for Bai Qingqi, Bai Qingyu, Bai Qingjue, and Bai Jinxiu, then had the others leave, remaining alone to serve them. Bai Qingyan gave Bai Jinxiu a piece of steamed cake and said with a frown, "This General Cui Shanzhong on the battlefield is known for his treacherous tactics. Even Grandfather exercised utmost caution when facing him. You must be even more careful in the battle to come." "I didn’t expect that our fifth brother’s words would come true... Xiliang indeed let the over-eighty General Cui take the lead!" Bai Qingjue laughed and glanced at Bai Qingyu, "This General Cui must be eighty-eight this year, right?" "Do not take him lightly just because of his age," Bai Qingyan advised Bai Qingjue. "Rest assured, Eldest Sister, Ah Jue understands!" Bai Qingjue never dared to underestimate any enemy, "Back then Yun Poxing underestimated Eldest Sister for being a woman and lost so badly in the south. Ah Jue remembers and doesn’t dare forget ever." "How are things at the Government Office today?" Bai Qingyan asked, taking a sip of porridge. "A Yun is keeping watch over there..." Bai Qingqi said, "I just went to take a look too. There are already citizens lining up in two queues. One is to register for the Zhou household, and the other is preparing to leave! More are preparing to join the Zhou registry, but a significant number want to leave. A Yun said that once the time is up, per your instructions, he will give them travel expenses and a wooden pass to let them leave, explaining that they can’t re-enter Zhou territory after leaving." "In that case, A Yu and Jinxiu, you should first set off with half the troops..." Bai Qingyan thought and then said. "Eldest Sister intends to use these departing citizens of Yecheng Pass to tell the Xiliang people about our troop strength?" Bai Qingyu asked. She nodded, "You depart first, and seeing this, those leaving Yecheng Pass will naturally think you are the Zhou troops going to attack Yunjing. Firstly, this can make the Xiliang people aware that half of the Zhou’s main forces are in Yecheng Pass, making them hesitant to seize it. Secondly, it also makes them think that we only sent out half of our main forces, reducing their vigilance. Afterwards, A Qi, Ah Jue, along with Jinzhao, Jinhua, and Jinse will take the remaining half of the forces and set off, catching Xiliang off guard." Bai Qingqi nodded, "Eldest Sister is right, Yecheng Pass was hard-won and must not be recaptured by Xiliang!" "In that case, A Yu and I will prepare early!" Bai Jinxiu said, raising her bowl of porridge, intending to finish breakfast and set out with Bai Qingyu promptly. "When you fight, don’t rush. Advance steadily according to the strategy discussed with the Yan Kingdom. If you encounter General Cui, be extremely careful with your tactics," Bai Qingyan still had some worries as she turned to A Yu, "Never underestimate him because of his age." "Rest assured, Sister!" Bai Qingyu nodded. Though Bai Qingyan knew it was just a dream, she was still troubled, fearing for A Yu’s safety. That day, Bai Qingyu and Bai Jinzhi led the Zhou’s half main force out from Yecheng Pass, heading towards Deyang. The snow had stopped, and the bright morning light pierced through the surging sea of clouds, illuminating the ancient walls outside Yecheng Pass gradually from afar. Columns of heavy cavalry formed ranks, proceeding orderly. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦•𝘯𝘦𝘵 These elite soldiers, hardened by battles, eyes resolute, held spears in hand, their golden spears shimmering with a cold light. Their movements were synchronized, and no one dared to challenge their might. Bai Qingyu and Bai Jinxiu led the troops at the forefront, the black sail white python flags flapping loudly. The massive formation marched forth like a black dragon. Bai Qingyan stood atop the city wall, wrapped in her fox fur cloak. For some reason, as she watched A Yu’s departing figure, she couldn’t help but recall that dream. "Eldest Sister, no need to worry. A Yu and Second Sister are commendable for their caution, as even Grandfather praised. They won’t act rashly," Bai Qingqi said softly to Bai Qingyan. She then looked at Bai Qingqi, who had strands of white hair at his temples, knowing he was worried too. Especially this time... she let Bai Qingyu leave first, causing Bai Qingqi anxiety. Because A Qi, like her, feared losing their brothers and sisters again. Moreover, A Qi feared more than she did... Long ago, A Qi believed their brother was dead, and personally "buried" him, turning his hair white overnight. Gaining and losing again is more heartbreaking than simply losing. "Grandfather, father, and uncles, along with the Bai family’s heroic spirits, will protect our Bai family offspring. We don’t need to worry too much," Bai Qingyan turned, walking with Bai Qingqi toward the staircase on the city wall. Bai Qingqi cautiously supported Bai Qingyan, and they descended the city wall steps at a steady pace.