Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 344

Chapter 344: Chapter 341: Competing for the Central Plains_1

They continued their journey to Jinghe, where they sensed something amiss and wanted to turn back to protect Bai Qingyu, but they encountered an ambush...

Bai Qingjue’s loyal steed died while protecting its master, and Bai Qingjue himself was severely injured. He urged Bai Qingyun to abandon him and escape, but Bai Qingyun insisted that their grandfather had commanded them to protect the legitimate heir at all costs. Since they couldn’t return in time to protect their fifth brother Bai Qingyu, Bai Qingyun would risk his life to protect his seventh brother, the legitimate son, Bai Qingjue.

As the battle grew dire, Bai Qingyun hastily helped Bai Qingjue change into ordinary soldier’s armor and pushed him into the Jinghe River, giving him a slim chance of survival.

Later, Bai Qingjue was rescued by slave traders who, after taking all the valuable items from his body, still called for a doctor to treat him. This act of kindness saved Bai Qingjue’s life.

During this period, despite several attempts to leave and return to the southern battlefield, Bai Qingjue couldn’t even stand, let alone run due to his weakness.

It wasn’t until Bai Qingjue attempted to rescue a girl at Mengcheng Market that Xiao Rongyan saved him in turn.

"Mr. Xiao?! Is it Mr. Xiao from Wei, the wealthy merchant?" Bai Jinzhi’s eyes lit up.

Bai Qingjue could tell that Bai Jinzhi seemed unaware of Xiao Rongyan’s true identity, so he did not reveal it, simply nodding.

"Eldest Sister, Mr. Xiao is truly a great benefactor to our Bai family, helping us multiple times!" Bai Jinzhi genuinely admired Xiao Rongyan, having already considered him a future brother-in-law in his heart.

Bai Qingyan remained silent, thinking about the famine crisis in Yanwo. She told Bai Qingjue, "Regarding the famine in Yanwo, I’ve already written to Uncle Shen, asking him to send reliable people during King Liang’s disaster relief to divert some refugees who have not yet entered Pingyang City to Youhua Road for you to take care of. Uncle Shen and General Wei will arrange for food to be delivered to you in advance."

"Eldest Sister... I have already started working on it," Bai Qingjue said. "Our soldiers come from the people. Grandfather once said... I remember it all."

The aspirations of the Bai family were deeply ingrained in the blood of every Bai descendant.

So, he understood what his eldest sister intended to do, what she was planning for the future, even if they hadn’t met. He knew exactly how to proceed.

Training troops in Tonggu Mountain, Zhongshan City, and Bailong City areas required a source of soldiers.

"However, it seems that Yan has already started leading the refugees into their territory," Bai Qingjue said slowly to Bai Qingyan.

Yanwo was close to Pingyang City, also near Yan.

This time, Yan made significant efforts, sending people to spread the word among the refugees that those who entered Yan would benefit from the new policies. Everyone who settled in Yan would receive good land and houses and be exempt from taxes for three years.

The Empress of Yan’s new policies encouraged farming, allocating farmland based on headcount, allowing every household to have land to cultivate. Those who provided effective farming strategies to increase yields would be granted titles, ensuring that every household in Yan had surplus grain.

The nobles across the countries were well aware of these policies, but the commoners knew little of them. Even if they knew, as long as they could get by, who would want to leave their homes?

However, now, with the famine in Yanwo, the lives of the disaster victims were at stake. Yan extended a helping hand to save the people, naturally drawing the refugees into their territory.

Subsequently, once the people experienced the benefits of the Empress Ji’s new policies, they would be reluctant to leave Yan, becoming its citizens.

In truth, all common people wanted were four things: to have enough food and warm clothing.

Bai Qingyan pursed her lips. It seemed that Yan and Xiao Rongyan had received news of the famine in Yanwo far earlier than both the Jin Imperial Court and herself.