Chapter 205: Chapter 203: Beating a Retreat_1 Chapter 205: Chapter 203: Beating a Retreat_1 “If you eat all of these pastries right here and wait for the news of Xiliang’s provisions being raided, I, as a member of the Bai family, will naturally keep my word.” Her gaze was indifferent as she looked at Yun Poxing. “But if you refuse, then today will be your burial ground.”

Yun Poxing, struggling to his last breath, exclaimed angrily, “Bai Qingyan, in a conflict between two armies, I came personally to negotiate peace. Aren’t you afraid of what people will say if you dare kill me?!”

Bai Qingyan’s brows were clear, and she chuckled softly. “I slaughtered tens of thousands of Xiliang’s surrendered soldiers at Wengshan. Do you think I still care about what people say?!”

Yun Poxing closed his eyes.

Both sides remained on guard. Silence spread between Yun Poxing and Bai Qingyan, broken only by the rushing sound of the river.

Before long, a swift horse emerged from Xiliang’s military camp, galloping to the banks of the Jinghe River. Not seeing Yun Poxing, the rider looked around in confusion, glanced at the hoof prints in the wetland by the river, and uncertainly rode westward. After several miles, the Xiliang soldier indeed spotted Yun Poxing.

“Commander! Commander…” The Xiliang soldier, riding swiftly, reached the southern bank of the Jinghe River and saw that both sides were at a standoff. He was too terrified to speak or cross the river.

“It seems urgent. Let him come over… You might as well hear what it’s about!” Bai Qingyan said with a hint of a smile, looking at Yun Poxing.

Yun Poxing knew well that if his soldier had come, it was either to bring news of the provisions being raided, and they’d leave together, or to deliver some urgent news, and then they’d wait here together for the news of the raid. Otherwise, there was no way out.

Having no other choice, Yun Poxing motioned for the soldier to come over.

The Xiliang soldier rode across the river. Just as he was about to whisper in Yun Poxing’s ear, Yun Poxing said, “No matter the news, say it out loud!”

The messenger lifted his head and glanced at Bai Qingyan, who was perched high on her horse, then softly said, “Nanyan has sent troops to seek aid. They said… they were ambushed at Yao Pass last night! They request reinforcements, Commander.”

Yao Pass…
Bai Qingyan’s eyes remained calm and steady. If it was still at Yao Pass, it meant… Xiao Rongyan indeed intended to reclaim Nanyan ahead of time.

Hearing this, Yun Poxing suddenly felt aged.

He thought that by killing all of Bai Weiting’s descendants, he would no longer have to fear the Bai family army. Yet, fate played a cruel joke by sending an even more formidable Bai Qingyan.

His underestimation had been a grave mistake. Even if he hadn’t underestimated her, he wasn’t sure if he could defeat Bai Qingyan.

They said each generation of the Bai family surpassed the previous one, and by Bai Weiting’s time, the Bai family had reached its peak. This seemed true! Bai Weiting’s granddaughter was so formidable. Luckily… someone inside had colluded with him to eliminate all of Bai Weiting’s descendants; otherwise, Xiliang would face a frightening future against the Jin Kingdom commanders.

Reflecting on this, Yun Poxing’s grief and regret over his descendants’ deaths lessened. Though his sons and grandsons were dead, the backbone of the enemy Jin Kingdom had been broken. This expedition hadn’t been a total defeat.

He opened his eyes to look at Bai Qingyan. Yet… this Bai family woman remained, and was a great menace to Xiliang!

In a flash, Yun Poxing had a plan.

If Bai Qingyan didn’t die this time, he would have to wait for their next encounter in three years, hoping by then to have grasped her military tactics.

“It seems, Commander Yun intends to launch a night raid on my camp!” Bai Qingyan said with a smile, seeing the spark in Yun Poxing’s eyes. His face turned darker at that.

“Old man… is it that obvious what I’m thinking?” Yun Poxing asked seriously, instead of being angry.

“Indeed. Your gaze changed from despondent to determined! You must have thought of a way to kill me. You probably believe that only my death would make Jin’s threat insignificant to Xiliang.” Bai Qingyan looked at him, her pupils dark and deep, yet bright and resilient. Her voice was gentle, with a hint of arrogance. “But can you be sure that killing me means Jin will never produce another capable person? You thought that by wiping out the Bai family’s men, Jin would cease to be formidable. But Xiliang’s elite soldiers lost to a ‘worthless’ me!”

Xiao Ruojiang was somewhat surprised. Drawing further criticism wasn’t the Eldest Young Lady’s style. Arrogance wasn’t her nature, either. Why would she say such things to Yun Poxing?

Yun Poxing pursed his lips and fell silent, saying no more.

Soon, someone from Yun Poxing’s camp arrived to report that the provisions and supplies had been burned.

Yun Poxing glared at Bai Qingyan with a look that could almost tear her apart, but he was helpless against her. He sat dejectedly on his horse.

Besides provisions, a large batch of arrows had been transported this time…

Last time, Bai Qingyan burned Xiliang’s arrows. Yun Poxing sought aid from Xiliang and borrowed arrows from Nanyan… But Nanyan refused to lend.

Finally, receiving the arrows and provisions transported from the homeland, Bai Qingyan intercepted him!

He harbored a sliver of hope, wishing to at least save a batch of arrows, but Bai Qingyan burned them as well!

Was Heaven determined to make things difficult for Xiliang?!

Over on Bai Qingyan’s side, Shen Liangyu and Bai Jinzhi came to report, stating that Xiliang’s delivered arrows were also burned. Bai Qingyan’s brow twitched lightly, then she ordered the bows collected, and rode off.

Yun Poxing sat motionless on his horse, then scoffed…

So, young people lack patience! If it were him… Knowing the enemy planned a night raid, he would have remained silent and let them act, setting traps early. As soon as they stormed the camp, he’d ensure they had no return.

Bai Qingyan won a few battles and thought herself perfect, underestimating him. Tonight, he would teach Bai Qingyan what veteran cunning truly means!

Yun Poxing returned swiftly to his camp, glancing in Jin’s direction. Faintly, he saw his son’s head hung high. He vowed to reclaim his son’s head tonight.

*
In Jin’s command tent.

After hanging up the Sun Shooting Bow, Bai Qingyan turned and called out, “Summon all commanders.”

Bai Jinzhi, puzzled, asked, “Eldest Sister, has something happened?”

“Yun Poxing plans to raid the camp tonight,” Bai Qingyan replied.

Xiao Ruojiang paused, his confusion clearing swiftly. The Eldest Young Lady had intentionally revealed Yun Poxing’s intent with arrogance to make him believe she was becoming arrogant herself after a few victories.

So tonight, regardless, Yun Poxing would raid the camp.

Having been exposed by the Eldest Young Lady’s arrogance, Yun Poxing would think she had become conceited after her victories… no longer viewing him as a threat, and would indeed strike. For most, when their plans are unveiled, they retreat.