Chapter 198. Expedition - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

Chapter 198. Expedition

Additionally, Princess Fulin vouched for Bai Siruo, claiming she personally rescued her from the kidnappers. Thus, Bai Siruo became the most innocent party in the eyes of the public, and the Bai family’s reputation was largely restored.

Rumors still circulated, but not as wildly as before. Instead, attention shifted to the Wei family, which had been implicated in the arrest of the Lu family and several unscrupulous merchants in the Eastern Capital. For the moment, all eyes were on them.

"Ah Yao’s strategy is excellent, cutting the problem at its root. Now Siruo's reputation has been greatly restored and she’s been granted the title of County Princess Anping. In the future, even within the household, we don’t have to worry about her being mistreated."

Bai Chaoran said this to his father, Bai Xiang.

Bai Xiang, having been drinking Doctor Zhang's medicine for some time, felt more comfortable. He was no longer troubled by court affairs, adopting the demeanor of a relaxed elder.

Hearing Bai Chaoran’s words, Bai Xiang smiled faintly. "His Majesty’s actions are indeed a favor to our family, aiming for peace between the Bai and Wei families. Although Siruo was ennobled, nothing was done to the Wei family."

He held a miscellany book in his hand, glancing at it while speaking.

"This matter has indeed wronged Siruo. I hear the Lu family has been imprisoned, and Lu Yuanfeng has been sentenced to death by slicing, awaiting execution in autumn."

The kidnappers took all the blame, but those behind the scenes remained untouched for now.

Seeing Bai Chaoran’s dissatisfaction, Bai Xiang calmly said, "The Wei family won’t be able to jump around for long. When Ah Xu returns from the Zhejiang region, there will be people to deal with them. But have you given thought to Ah Yao’s words?"

Bai Chaoran frowned, "Father means I should strive for higher positions?"

"Yes. In the past, I thought that as long as I was here, I could protect you for a peaceful life. But now, having been manipulated, I realize that self-preservation requires having a position that makes others fear you. If you can’t retreat, then move forward!"

"I think so too. It's just that the timing isn’t right yet. If the opportunity arises, I will strive for it." Bai Chaoran, having shed his previous mediocrity, was now filled with ambition.

Seeing his son’s determination, Bai Xiang felt gratified.

At the West City Gate, the originally scheduled departure for the army had been delayed until the sixth day before everything was ready.

A force of 200,000 soldiers from Jizhou stood outside the west gate, ready to depart, their morale high.

Emperor Qi personally arrived to boost the troops' morale.

"You are the elite lions of our Jin Dynasty. Now that Liangzhou is in trouble and the northwest is in crisis, the barbarians from Bei Di dream of trampling our land and humiliating our people. Such a dream is absurd! I am here to see you off. When you return victorious, I will host a grand celebration to reward the army!"

"Victory! Victory! Victory!"

The soldiers' unified shout was deafening, shaking the mountains and seas, filling Emperor Qi with emotion.

During his more than ten years on the throne, the Jin Dynasty had been relatively peaceful. Except for Prince Ding’s expedition to Nanyue, most soldiers had primarily trained rather than fought real battles.

Ninth Prince, clad in yellow armor, stood at the forefront of the army, loudly declaring, "Father, rest assured. I will return victorious from the west!"

Following his proclamation, a dozen generals echoed his sentiments.

Xiao Mu Qian, his gaze cold and firm, looked at the generals behind him. As expected, they were all arranged by Duke Wei. While they had some skills, their primary talent was claiming credit. The truly capable generals, prepared for real combat, were left overshadowed, each with a heavy heart, uncertain of their return, let alone the celebration.

General Su, experienced and composed, watched the spirited Ninth Prince with growing concern.

After the send-off banquet, with spirits high, it was time to mobilize the troops.

Ninth Prince held the command seal, and at his order, the soldiers obeyed.

"March!"

The grand expeditionary force finally set off to the rescue. At Prince Ding's mansion, Xiao Tingyi listened to Yang Zhao's report without any change in expression.

"From what I see, by the time the Ninth Prince's army reaches Liangzhou, it might be three months later. Can General Xiao Ji hold out until then?"

"Liangzhou has 50,000 troops, while the Beidi army numbers over 100,000. It's not easy to deal with them. There aren’t many troops available near the northwest, but we might find a way in the exile camps."

Hearing this, Yang Zhao's eyes lit up. "You mean we could have the exiles atone for their crimes by joining the city's defense?"

"Yes. Among them are skilled fighters. If we can recruit them, they could become a formidable force."

A brilliant plan indeed!

Since the founding of the Jin Dynasty, the northwest had been a place of exile due to its harsh conditions and inescapability. There were four or five exile camps, two of which were near Liangzhou.

"I’ll send the message urgently!"

Yang Zhao left in haste, while Xiao Tingyi pondered other schemes.

Each exile camp held about 2,000 people, with at most 30% being useful fighters. Even if fully mobilized, they would number no more than 10,000. The key was still the western expedition army.

The Ninth Prince clearly intended to delay. However, if there was news forcing him to speed up, the situation might change.

For a moment, the northwest mines became the bait. If false news was spread, the anxious Ninth Prince might rush there.

The northwest mines were mainly controlled by the Feng family, bringing a faint smile to Xiao Tingyi's lips. The Feng family seemed destined to be intertwined with him.

Unaware of falling into Prince Ding's trap, the Ninth Prince was riding high on his mission. Meanwhile, Noble Consort Wei, enjoying unprecedented favor, outshone even the Empress, who held the Crown Prince.

Watching the emperor's boxes of rewards entering Hanzhang Hall, her pride was evident.

What about the Empress? Her son was foolish and her daughter-in-law came from a declining family with a frail grandson.

What about Consort Shu? She was merely a beautiful wooden doll with no foundation or offspring. Even if she bore a son now, he couldn’t compare to her Yunli.

The Ninth Prince’s expedition was a great honor for her.

The ban on Hanzhang Hall had long been lifted. She was still the powerful and favored Noble Consort Wei.

"Yue Shi, pick some suitable gifts. Let's visit the precious Crown Prince."

"Yes."

The Crown Princess gave birth to the Crown Prince during the palace banquet. Chang Le Palace was rewarded, and although she was supposed to return home to recuperate, the Empress couldn’t bear to part with the Crown Prince, finding an excuse.

Since the Crown Prince had been granted the title of Prince Ke, his original residence required renovation to match the status of Prince Ke's Mansion.

Thus, Princess Ke and the Crown Prince remained in a side hall of Chang Le Palace, awaiting the completion of the renovations before moving in.