Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 438

Chapter 438: Chapter 435: Leave the City Immediately_1

Bai Qingyan turned to look at the mismatched ships of varying sizes. She then turned back to Longyang City, pressing her lips tightly together without speaking. She had initially suggested to Liu Hong that due to the limited number of ships, she should split forces with General Fu. General Fu would stay behind with the troops to eliminate the remnants of the Liang Army in Longyang City.

She would then lead her troops around Longyang City to Puwen and the central region, lying in wait to completely annihilate the retreating Liang soldiers. Only by doing so could they instill such fear that the Liang soldiers would hesitate to confront the Jin Army again after this battle.

However, Liu Hong thought this was too risky, especially with the torrential rain and unknown road ahead, fearing something might happen to Bai Qingyan.

For Liu Hong, there was no need to achieve complete victory in one go. Ensuring Bai Qingyan’s safety while gradually reclaiming the lost Puwen City and Chunmu City, and then driving the Liang Army back seemed more prudent.

General Liu Hong was cautious, and Bai Qingyan did not force the issue since General Liu Hong was the Commander.

Nevertheless, if they left room for the Liang Army to retreat to Puwen City, it was uncertain whether the Liang Army would send reinforcements back. Such back and forth would deplete the Jin Army’s strength.

For the Jin Kingdom, which had just lost hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the southern battle, the north, adjacent only to the Jin Kingdom and the Rong, was the perfect opportunity for expansion. The Liang Army was strong, but with the Rong in internal turmoil, if she were the Emperor of Liang, she would not miss this chance either.

Opportunities must not be missed.

Bai Qingyan had already analyzed the stakes with Liu Hong, hoping he would realize during the retreat that sending troops around Longyang City to Puwen City and the central region was also to prevent Xun Tianzhang from seeking reinforcements from Puwen City.

The Liang Army had nearly turned upside down a residence labeled Xiao Residence, digging and smashing walls without finding any clues.

Though exhausted, the Liang soldiers acted like they were in a competition upon entering the Xiao Residence. No one wanted to rest, fearing they would miss Xiao Rongyan, the world’s richest merchant, hiding treasures in Xiao Residence.

Perhaps due to the heavy rain preventing the city’s drainage system from working, the water in Longyang City had already risen above the ankles and was continuing to rise.

Xun Tianzhang and his son, resting in the pavilion, had not noticed anything unusual. But Zhao Sheng, who had rescued his brother from prison, sensed something was wrong while taking care of him and immediately summoned the Zhao Family’s soldiers.

Zhao Sheng had already moved Zhao Tong to the second floor. Kneeling under the lantern’s light, drenched Zhao Family commanders ascended the stairs and knelt on one knee to greet Zhao Sheng: "General!"

"I overheard people outside saying that after entering the city... they haven’t seen a single civilian or Jin soldier?!" Zhao Sheng asked.

"Naturally, we have slaughtered the Jin soldiers completely. Where would they dare to stay?!" The burly commander boasted with pride.

However, a scholarly-looking General spoke truthfully: "Not completely. Some Jin soldiers who couldn’t escape were all killed by us. But after entering the city, everyone was busy plundering treasures, letting many Jin soldiers escape!"

Zhao Sheng frowned, lowering his gaze in deep thought: "Civilians... did you see any?!"

The Generals kneeling in the pavilion looked at each other. It seemed no one had paid attention to the civilians. Even if there were civilians, they weren’t from Liang. If seen, they would naturally be killed with a single strike; who would notice them?!

Seeing the expressions of the generals, Zhao Sheng suddenly stood up: "Something’s wrong!"