Chapter 123: Assassination - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 123: Assassination

After a harmonious family lunch, Bai Xiang and the others were invited to the study to play chess.

Since they had no urgent matters to attend to and everyone was present today they decided to play a game of six-player military chess.

Six-player military chess was a game derived from the Great Jin Dynasty's military strategies. Each player acted independently, yet three players formed an alliance. The game continued until the forces of the other five sides were completely defeated, leaving the winners.

Everyone present was astute and experienced, but Feng Jinlin surged forward like a bamboo shoot, catching the others off guard.

Bai Chaohai chuckled. Youngsters were always impatient. He swiftly countered, eliminating several of Feng Jinlin's soldiers.

Feng Jinlin raised his eyebrows high and blurted out to Bai Chaohai, "Uncle, that's not fair! How could you copy your nephew's move like that?"

"Heh heh, all's fair in war."

Grumbling to himself, Feng Jinlin's momentum was dampened somewhat. Feng Jinxu immediately filled the gap by surrounding Bai Chaohai's pieces, leaving him immobilized for the time being.

If the other two factions tried to rescue him, they would inevitably expose vulnerabilities. If they didn't, Bai Chaohai's faction would be in a deadlock.

Bai Chaohai smiled bitterly. He was never good at this game. Even against his own nephew, he had no chance to retaliate. He had to admit, his eldest nephew was as meticulous as their father in strategy.

Meanwhile, Bai Xiang paid no attention to Bai Chaohai's situation and launched a fierce attack on Feng Hai, directly assaulting his main camp. Feng Jinxu and Feng Jinlin had to defend, inadvertently rescuing Bai Sifu from his crisis.

What a move—siege Wei to rescue Zhao. Feng Jinlin's admiration for his grandfather grew even stronger.

Feng Hai twirled a chess piece in his hand, pondering for a while before making a subtle move. Bai Chaohai glanced at it. "Brother-in-law, aren't you going the wrong way? Isn't this just seeking a dead end?"

Even someone unfamiliar with military chess knew that this move would lead to certain death. However, Feng Jinxu immediately turned the losing situation around in that area, and Feng Jinlin didn't hesitate to sacrifice his uncle's pieces.

The battlefield changed in an instant, just like the chessboard.

Bai Chaohai, Bai Sifu, and Feng Jinlin were all out of the game, leaving only Bai Xiang to battle it out with the father and son from the Feng family, but they didn't seem to be losing ground.

Feng Hai and his son Feng Jinxu, one attacking and the other defending, coordinated seamlessly. Unfortunately, their opponent was the resolute Bai Xiang, and the father-son duo couldn't gain any advantage.

After several cups of tea, the battle was still fierce.

Bai Chaohai sipped his tea. Although he didn't speak, there was admiration and envy in his eyes as he looked at Feng Jinxu.

Such a good child. If he could be under his guidance, there might be hope for the Bai family.

Unfortunately, even though he was surnamed Feng, he still had to support himself in the future.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but consider: if he couldn't go to Qingzhou, what position should he arrange for himself in the capital?

Although he was only a Hanlin academician, his father's authority was considerable enough to have a say in the Ministry of Personnel.

After another half an hour, the game finally ended.

Feng Hai was the first to step down, and Feng Jinxu persisted for a while longer before finally losing to Bai Xiang. However, he didn't leave many pieces on the board, so it was a narrow victory.

"Grandfather, you're truly skilled. I admire you." Feng Jinxu complimented sincerely.

Bai Xiang stroked his gray beard and looked at Feng Hai and his son with great fondness.

With the decision-maker at the central army, a frontline warrior, and a reserve at the rear, these three from the Feng family were truly formidable.

This son-in-law of his didn't miss the mark. Not only was his good to his daughter, but he also raised his child very well.

The study's chess game had just come to a temporary halt when Madam Feng's servant hurried in with urgent news, requesting to discuss matters. Feng Hai excused himself and left.

Little did he know, as soon as he stepped into the corridor, he encountered a masked assassin dressed in black. Without a word, the assassin lunged forward, striking viciously.

If Feng Hai hadn't had some martial arts skills, he might have already become a lost soul under the blade.

Feng Jinlin, with his keen ears, immediately noticed the sounds of struggle. His cheerful expression darkened instantly and he dashed out towards the commotion.

The others present were puzzled. Bai Chaohai even asked, "What's going on?"

They heard Feng Jinlin shout loudly, "Who dares to assassinate our Feng family!"

With that, he pounced on the assassin. Feng Hai's martial skills were only mediocre, but Feng Jinlin was different—both his techniques and strength were remarkable.

Watching his son engage in combat with the assassin, Feng Hai was stunned. How did he not know that his son was so skilled in martial arts!

The assassin wielded a sharp blade, while Feng Jinlin fought barehanded. As the fight intensified, Feng Jinlin felt something was amiss—why did this person's skills seem familiar? Could it be someone he knew?

Feng Jinxu's earlier cry for help brought several people from inside the house. Though Feng Jinxu lacked martial skills, he now stood before the three elders, shielding them with his own body.

Sensing more footsteps approaching rapidly from a distance, the black-clad assassin realized the odds were turning against him. With a swift move, he found an opportunity and aimed his blade at Feng Hai's heart.

Before Feng Jinxu could protect him, the blade pierced Feng Hai's chest, and a gush of blood sprayed out.

Feng Jinlin's eyes widened with fury. "Father!"

The household servants who had hurried over saw the scene and quickly surrounded the area, but the assassin, realizing the situation was turning unfavorable, leaped away and fled the scene.

Feng Jinlin wanted to pursue, but Feng Jinxu rebuked him, "Save Father first."

Halting his steps as his brother grabbed his arm, Feng Jinlin lowered his body, scooped up Feng Hai, and ran towards the main house. Seeing this, Feng Jinlin muttered that he would find Doctor Zhang, and then he left by climbing over the wall.

Bai Xiang remained calm and immediately gave orders, saying, "Eldest son, go to the Yingtian Prefecture to report to the officials. Tell them that someone has attempted to assassinate an important court official, and demand that the Yingtian Prefecture issue a warrant to apprehend the criminal. Fourth son, go home and fetch the mountain ginseng and the hemostatic powder given by the Emperor, in case they are needed."

Although the two sons had not experienced such a scene before, they only panicked for a moment and then stabilized under their father's command.

In the front hall, the women who had been talking animatedly suddenly heard the news of Feng Hai's assassination attempt and exclaimed in shock.

Madam Feng was so furious that she fainted on the spot. Fortunately, Princess Wen Yi, who was behind her, had quick eyes and quick hands and caught her falling body.