Looking at the Prince of Yan blocking his way, Yuwen Yaofeng chuckled, "I'd like to learn from the Prince of Yan's reputation."
Glancing at him and the soldiers standing ready behind him, Chu Tianze said calmly, "You are no match for me." Since Xiao Xiao was eager to spar with Xiao Hong, he naturally wouldn't allow anyone else to interfere.
Yuwen Yaofeng raised an eyebrow but did not refute it; in terms of martial arts alone, he was indeed no match for the Prince of Yan.
Watching the two exchange blows, Yuwen Yaofeng was somewhat surprised. This woman's martial arts skills were not inferior to His Highness's, and were probably almost on par with the Prince of Yan before him.
"Your Highness, why are you so nervous? Could this woman be someone you like?" They've been so busy these past two days that they haven't had time to investigate the woman's identity, hence their doubts.
Chu Tianze ignored him, his eyes fixed on the red figure. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly; Xiao Xiao's swordsmanship was exceptional. He wondered how she had trained at such a young age—she was probably a prodigy.
Thinking of this, Chu Tianze couldn't help but chuckle. It seemed he couldn't let his guard down, or he really wouldn't be able to beat Xiaoxiao in the future.
In a short while, the two had already exchanged hundreds of blows, little did they know that Xiao Hong was even more astonished.
For a fleeting moment of distraction, Bai Chuxiao seized the opportunity. Xiao Hong took a few steps back and said with a smile, "Miss Bai, impressive skills."
"Same here," Bai Chuxiao knew in her heart that they were not much different in strength, and if a fight were to break out, she wouldn't be able to kill Xiao Hong.
Below, Yu Fengyang and Murong Xuan led their army into the city, and the Northern Yan army was clearly no match for them, retreating repeatedly.
Further resistance would only increase casualties. Xiao Hong and Yuwen Yaofeng remained calm; they had anticipated this outcome.
"Until we meet again, gentlemen."
After saying this, Xiao Hong led his men away from the city wall, gathered the remaining troops, and decisively withdrew from Pingliang, heading towards Beiyan.
Chu Tianze did not order a pursuit. They were already close to the Northern Yan border, and chasing would be futile. Since Yuwen Yaofeng was here, the Pillar General was likely already inclined to align himself with Xiao Hong. Provoking Xiao Hong now would bring no benefit.
After Pingliang was reorganized, the original inhabitants dared to come out and move around again. Although they hadn't suffered any massacres during the Northern Yan's occupation, they were still afraid. Unable to leave, they had no choice but to live in seclusion.
"Xiao Hong's soldiers are still very disciplined," Bai Chuxiao chuckled as she walked side by side with Chu Tianze down the street.
Throughout history, there have been countless instances of people occupying other countries' lands and committing acts of burning, killing, and looting. However, along their journey, there have been no reports of them forcibly abducting women or engaging in other such atrocities. The people have not been harmed, only somewhat fearful.
"Xiao Hong is a proud man," Chu Tianze gave a fairly good assessment.
Bai Chuxiao nodded in agreement.
When will we return to Beijing?
"The battle report has already been sent back to the capital by express courier. Let's set off tomorrow. I also want to get back as soon as possible," Chu Tianze chuckled. Naturally, he wanted to return quickly to finalize the marriage arrangements...
In the imperial study, Emperor Wenxuan looked at the memorial in his hand, laughed heartily, and said "good" several times.
Cheng Song and Eunuch Jinzhong both looked completely bewildered. Even if the north had won, His Majesty didn't need to be so happy. In the past, after so many victories, His Majesty had always kept his emotions hidden.
Noticing their puzzled looks, Emperor Wenxuan raised an eyebrow and, unusually patiently, began to explain, "The memorial states that the eldest daughter of the Bai family launched a night raid on Qing'an, killing traitors, burning provisions, and executing the deputy general..."
Cheng Song was somewhat surprised. He knew Miss Bai possessed extraordinary abilities, but he hadn't expected her to be this powerful, however…
Emperor Wenxuan twirled the jade thumb ring on his hand, and after a long while, slowly asked, "Do you think I should reward her or punish her?"
Cold sweat broke out on Jinzhong's forehead. This was not an answer he could give, so he silently lowered his head and began to pray for Miss Bai.
Cheng Song could only bite the bullet and bow his head to reply, "Your Majesty, Miss Bai is guilty of going to the military camp without permission as a woman, and should naturally be punished. However, her contributions are also enormous, so it can be considered that her merits offset her transgression."
Since His Majesty has asked this question, he is naturally considering it. It would be difficult for him to reward or punish, so he can only play the middleman and smooth things over. In any case, no matter what he says, no one can find fault with it.
Emperor Wenxuan remained silent, seemingly deep in thought about what he was saying. After a moment, he said in a deep voice, "You may all leave now."
"yes"
Once he was alone in the hall, he silently took out the painting again; it was the only portrait of Azi he had kept.
Gazing at the spirited woman in the painting, Emperor Wenxuan murmured to himself, "Azi, she really looks like you. What should we do?"
In his heart, he did admire and appreciate this kind of woman, but he also felt a sense of disgust...
After pondering for a moment, Emperor Wenxuan seemed to have made up his mind. Looking at the portrait, he spoke slowly, "So be it. How many people like you, Azi, are there in this world? I'm getting old. Let her live well... I'm sure this is what you would have wanted to see, Azi."
The vast army moved somewhat slowly. Unlike when they arrived, this time Wei Junyan brought several trusted confidants with him on the return journey. After all, rewards were to be given for meritorious service, but for him, it seemed there would be no reward, only punishment.
After a long and arduous journey, they finally arrived in the capital. Unlike in the past when the Ministry of Rites would come out of the city to welcome victories and the people would line the streets to greet them, this time no one came. After all, it was just a matter of regaining two lost territories, hardly something to be proud of.
After Chu Tianze had his men settle the army, he personally escorted Bai Chuxiao home to prevent the Bai family from gossiping.
In truth, Bai Chuxiao didn't think it was necessary, but given his kind offer, she couldn't refuse. Her horse stopped at the entrance of the Left Prime Minister's residence.
Bai Linan, having already heard the news, was standing at the door with Xie and others. "Greetings, Your Highness, Prince Yan"
Bai Chuxiao looked at Chu Tianze and smiled faintly, "Is that alright now? You should hurry to the palace to report back."
Chu Tianze first scanned the Bai family members, giving them a warning look, then looked at Bai Chuxiao, nodded with a smile, and turned to leave.
Upon entering the mansion, Xie Shi wore a sarcastic and unfriendly expression. The Prince of Yan was even protecting this wretched girl; it was truly hateful.
"Oh, so the young lady finally decided to come back. She went to the north without a word, wasn't she afraid of bringing trouble upon the Bai family?"
Hearing this, the old lady also showed displeasure, but she refrained from saying anything because of the Prince of Yan's attitude.
"Does Aunt Xie look down on Father? What is this little thing to Father? Don't you think so, Father?" Bai Chuxiao curled the corners of her lips.
Bai Linan snorted coldly. He had naturally seen the battle report, but he hadn't told the Bai family yet. He hadn't expected his eldest daughter to have such abilities, but with the Emperor's attitude unclear, there was no rush...
He then said in a deep voice, "Alright, now that you're back, go and rest."
Bai Chuxiao ignored everyone and left with Qing Shuang without looking back.
"Master, didn't we agree to teach Miss a good lesson?" Madam Xie said with dissatisfaction. Now that she's back, why are we treating her so leniently?
"That's enough, let's talk about it tomorrow," Bai Linan snapped, then turned and left.
Madam Xie twisted her handkerchief, somewhat unwilling. Was she really going to let that wretched girl off so easily this time? No…
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