CHAPTER 747: CHAPTER 333: THE WAR BEGINS (PART 1)

Three days later.

The great war between Daxuan Kingdom and Beimu Country finally erupted.

The Bai Family’s army of six hundred thousand troops faced off against the Beimu army of five hundred thousand in a head-on confrontation on the plains.

On the battlefield, smoke from gunpowder filled the air. Soldiers charged forward recklessly, brandishing their swords and fighting bloodily, with blood splattering in all directions. As one fell, another took his place, and in an instant, the ground was littered with corpses, with blood flowing like rivers!

As the blood-red afterglow of the sunset gradually faded, the Bai Family’s army and the Beimu army stood deadlocked, after a day of battle with equal force and countless casualties!

At this point, neither side retreated, nor did any press forward, leaving only the heaps of corpses and the abandoned chariots and supplies scattered across the hills and fields.

Both armies, at this moment, were like two tigers staring each other down, neither willing to be the first to leave the battlefield.

The night was hazy.

On the battlefield, under the cold white moonlight, the logistics teams continued their ceaseless search for wounded soldiers.

The scene was too horrific to bear.

War, it seemed, was synonymous with blood and iron.

Ye Qichi led all the military doctors in a non-stop rescue effort.

In the temporary tents on the battlefield.

Generals from both sides were analyzing and summarizing the first day of the conflict.

"Today on the battlefield, our army and Beimu’s forces were evenly matched in strength, with casualties about the same. However, logically speaking, after the last battle, Beimu’s army should have suffered the loss of tens of thousands and thus should not be as large as our army. If the battle drags on like this, Beimu’s army will not be our match," Bai Wenwu began, "Speaking from experience, after fighting for another five days, the outcome of the war could be foreseen. The Beimu army will certainly be no match for ours."

"Father is right, as long as our morale doesn’t falter and the troops’ spirit remains, we are bound to win this war," Bai Moyi said excitedly, with a hint of pride, "I said it before, we should have fought earlier. Beimu’s forces could never be our match. Our Bai Family’s army has been known for its valiant and adept warfare for decades, and this is well-deserved reputation."

Xiao Jinxing listened to the conversation between Bai Wenwu and Bai Moyi.

He knew there was reason in what they said.

In a direct confrontation, Beimu’s chances of winning were not great. Even if both sides suffered heavy losses, the victory would be hard-won, but based on the current situation, with the Bai Family’s army’s high morale, they would certainly win comprehensively in the end.

Yet.

What he couldn’t put his mind at ease about was Xiao Jinsen.

Xiao Jinsen could foresee such an outcome as well.

Engagement in battle was indeed a necessity. With the situation stalemated to this point, it could only be resolved through combat.

But if the result after the battle wasn’t good, would Xiao Jinsen dare to fight with their backs to the wall?!

"Prince, do you have any concerns?" Bai Mowan, noticing Xiao Jinxing’s expression, quickly asked.

"I agree with General Bai’s analysis of the situation. If this continues, the Beimu army will certainly not be our match. My only concern is that the Beimu forces might have some cunning moves up their sleeve."

"The people from Beimu Country are only good at petty thefts, they’re really not fit for high society!" Bai Moyi sneered.

"In any case, even if the situation is currently favorable, we must not let our guard down or become complacent. We will continue the battle according to our previous troop deployment and strategy without fail! I specifically remind everyone not to act impulsively or rashly on the battlefield, no matter the situation. If you encounter any urgent circumstances, inform me first, and I will respond as quickly as possible based on the situation," Xiao Jinxing instructed.

"Yes," all the generals accepted the command.

"Yanqing, what are your thoughts on this?" After giving his orders, Xiao Jinxing turned to Song Yanqing.

Clearly, Xiao Jinxing highly valued Song Yanqing’s opinions.

At that, Bai Moyi’s expression soured.

What’s so good about Song Yanqing after all?!

Even a mere three-day march has nearly taken Song Yanqing’s life, who even now coughs incessantly. One gets the sense that a bit more turmoil, and he might well kill himself on the battlefield.

How could someone so frail command such generous favor from the Prince?

"This subject agrees with the Prince’s view," Song Yanqing said, suppressing his cough, "The King of Chu is sly and cunning. Even if he has incited the Beimu army to face our troops in direct combat, he wouldn’t do so without securing a fallback plan for himself..."

"Are you that afraid of the King of Chu?" In his heart of hearts, Bai Moyi looked down on Song Yanqing.

That’s why whenever Song Yanqing spoke, Bai Moyi naturally had a few sarcastic remarks to make.

Song Yanqing did not take offense; he explained, "It’s not that I or the Prince fear the King of Chu; it’s that one must always tread carefully and consider all possibilities in anything they do. Even when the King of Chu forced the abdication, with such favorable circumstances, he thought to leave himself an escape route. A person like that would definitely not be reckless if he knows he can’t win. Therefore, I believe that the King of Chu surely has ulterior motives."

"Wasn’t it you who helped the King of Chu escape back then?" Bai Moyi sneered, "Are you praising your own intelligence, or the King of Chu’s?"

"The strategy to secure an escape route was the King of Chu’s idea; I merely carried out the order," Song Yanqing responded.

"Tch," Bai Moyi scoffed disdainfully.

"What do you think Xiao Jinsen is most likely to do?" Xiao Jinxing asked.

"Although I’ve served by the King of Chu’s side for more than a year, I can’t fully fathom his thoughts, knowing only bits and pieces," Song Yanqing modestly said.

"But speak your mind anyway."

"Yes," Song Yanqing respectfully said, "All of the King of Chu’s strategies favor exploiting human nature. He has wooed faction within the martial arts community, court officials, nurtured scholars, and the special favor he received from the previous emperor all serve as testimony that the King of Chu is a master at manipulating people’s hearts. I don’t know what the King of Chu is planning this time, but I do feel that he may threaten the Prince by exploiting something to his advantage."

"What might that be?" Xiao Jinxing asked.

"Perhaps something that the Prince cares deeply about," Song Yanqing speculated.

Xiao Jinxing’s eyes narrowed slightly.

In the event of facing an unbeatable enemy head-on, someone as crafty as Xiao Jinsen would undoubtedly resort to dirty tricks.

And the threat Song Yanqing mentioned is exactly the sort of thing Xiao Jinsen would likely do.

Xiao Jinxing’s eyes tightened, "Song Yanqing’s concern is not unwarranted. I even believe that this is precisely what Xiao Jinsen plans to do next. Thus, all commanders present should take to heart the matters I’ve just discussed, refrain from acting on your own accord. At this time, I do not know what Xiao Jinsen intends to do, but we must ensure that we do not give Xiao Jinsen any openings to exploit."

"Understood," all commanders complied.

But Bai Moyi did not take it to heart at all.

If it’s warfare we’re talking about, he has fought numerous battles at the border; as long as he can kill the enemy, victory is assured.

How can one be so cautious and trepidatious to the point of creating panic, which only results in more harm than good?

"Everyone has worked hard today; rest for now, and be ready to be called to action at any moment. A surprise night raid from the Beimu army could not be ruled out."

"Yes."

All dispersed from the tent.

Xiao Jinxing, accompanied by Xiaowu, returned to his own tent.

Most soldiers rest out in the open, with only commanders having their own tents.

Upon reaching the entrance of the tent.

"How’s the logistics army?" Xiao Jinxing suddenly questioned Xiaowu who was following behind.