At this moment, the soldiers finally realized that Zhu Meng was right; the soldiers of Da Cang Kingdom had already fled.
After shouting and roaring, they rushed into the tents of Da Cang Kingdom, only to find them completely empty except for some tents.
After hearing the report, Crown Prince Qiao Na was furious.
"It's a pity, it's a pity they only had tens of thousands of men, and we didn't get a chance to annihilate them all. It was all my carelessness."
After speaking, Qiao Na looked at Zhu Meng, "What should we do next?"
Zhu Meng clasped his fists again and bowed, "Your Highness, I think we should cross the river as soon as possible and head towards Wannian City. Da Qing River is only two hundred miles from Wannian City. If we march rapidly, we will arrive by tomorrow morning."
Hearing this, Qiao Na nodded gently, "Well, what you said makes sense. I will then appoint you as the vanguard officer and lead your troops to clear the way ahead."
Zhu Meng agreed and turned to leave.
After he left, a burly man with a beard stood out and clasped his fists to Qiao Na, "Your Highness, I think Zhu Meng is deliberately delaying time and is untrustworthy."
Qiao Na revealed a cold smile, "Let him be. Whether he delays or not, it doesn't matter much to us."
Hearing his words, the burly man was confused, "Your Highness, Bazahan does not understand your meaning!"
Qiao Na smiled slightly, "Although Zhu Meng has surrendered to me, this person is two-faced and unreliable."
"If it weren't for the tens of thousands of elite soldiers under his command, I would have cut off his head long ago."
Hearing this, Bazahan finally understood and gave Crown Prince Qiao Na a thumbs-up, "Your Highness is wise. Only by constantly sending Zhu Meng to fight can you find his weaknesses."
"Yes," Qiao Na nodded, "That's right. If we don't get rid of him, the soldiers of Da Cang Kingdom will never truly listen to our command."
At this time, Zhu Meng knew nothing of this. He led his troops and galloped towards the north of Wannian City.
At noon, Xue Feng returned with his troops. Wannian City was instantly in an uproar. His ability to retreat unharmed was already a great comfort to Xiao Jingyun.
However, Xue Feng's safe return meant that the decisive battle was about to begin.
Before the decisive battle began, Xiao Jingming had to try to persuade his father again.
Seeing his son arrive again, Xiao An's face was unusually solemn, "Have the troops of Da Tu Kingdom arrived?"
Xiao Jingyun bowed respectfully again, "Father Emperor, Xue Feng has retreated from Da Qing River. I estimate that the army of Da Tu Kingdom will surround the city tomorrow."
"Just in case, you should go and hide."
Xiao Jingyun said with all sincerity. Xiao An, however, waved his hand again, "I am the ruler of a country, how can I leave?"
"If you want to leave, you leave."
His words choked Xiao Jingyun speechless. At this moment, footsteps were heard.
Xiao Shunzi reported, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Princess has arrived!"
Xiao An raised his hand, "Alright, let her come in."
Soon, Princess Zhaoning strode in and bowed to the two, "Father Emperor, Elder Brother, I heard that Xue Feng, who was guarding Da Qing River, has also returned. What is the situation?"
Xiao Jingyun's mouth twitched a few times, "Ah, this was my arrangement. I only asked him to guard for three days."
"Elder Brother, your idea is wrong. Da Qing River is a natural barrier. If we can hold Da Qing River, our Wannian City will not be under pressure. With your actions..."
Before she could finish, Xiao An, with a stern face, gently tapped the table, "What does a girl know?"
Seeing her father's gloomy face, Princess Zhaoning was sensible and immediately changed the subject.
"Father Emperor, I don't understand military strategy, but I understand people's hearts. The people in the city are restless, and they all say that Xue Feng suffered a defeat in the front lines."
Xiao Jingyun appeared very calm, "This is within my expectations."
"Jing Feng, I have a task for you: protect Father Emperor as he withdraws from Wannian City."
"I've said it before, I will not leave," Xiao An flatly refused.
Princess Zhaoning was stunned, looking at her elder brother and then at her father.
"Elder Brother, why do you want Father Emperor to leave? If Father Emperor leaves, won't the people become even more restless?"
Xiao Jingyun looked at his sister and sighed slightly, "What do you understand?"
"If anything happens to Wannian City, won't our Xiao family be wiped out in one fell swoop?"
At this point, Xiao Jingfeng finally came to his senses and clasped his fists to his father, "Father Emperor, Elder Brother is right. You should listen to him."
Xiao An's expression remained firm, "I will not leave. Alright, you two withdraw."
Xiao Jingyun and Xiao Jingfeng, helpless, had no choice but to bow and retreat. Before leaving, Xiao Jingyun exchanged a glance with Bai Han, and they smiled knowingly.
After leaving the imperial study, Princess Zhaoning cautiously asked, "Elder Brother, will this work?"
Xiao Jingyun chuckled, "Don't worry, it's fine."
After they left, Xiao An looked at his guard, Bai Han.
"Bai Han, send a few men out to inquire about how many troops Da Tu Kingdom has sent? You seem so nervous, Jingyun."
Unexpectedly, Bai Han bowed to him, "Your Majesty, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should say it."
Xiao An raised his hand, signaling him to continue.
"Your Majesty, since you have already appointed the Crown Prince to oversee the state affairs, you should establish his authority. You should leave Wannian City."
"If the Crown Prince can single-handedly hold off Da Tu Kingdom and defeat the enemy, he can then ascend the throne, and you can rest assured and let go. If the war in Wannian City is unfavorable, you can issue orders from the outside and mobilize the entire country's forces. Otherwise, if we are all surrounded in the city, the armies outside will be deaf and blind."
Hearing Bai Han's words, Xiao An fell into deep thought. After a long while, he let out a long sigh.
Xiao An paced back and forth in the study with his hands behind his back. Unknowingly, he walked in front of Bai Han. Bai Han, who had been standing with his hands by his side, suddenly took a step forward. Before Xiao An could react, he struck Xiao An's back of the neck with a palm.
Xiao An's body went limp before he could even let out a groan.
Bai Han reached out and supported Xiao An's body, then carried him to a chair. He then quickly walked out of the imperial study and bowed to Xiao Jingyun and Princess Zhaoning, who were guarding outside.
"Crown Prince, Princess, please come in."
Xiao Jingyun nodded in approval, "I will reward you handsomely."
Bai Han waved his hands repeatedly, "As long as Your Highness does not pursue me for insubordination, Bai Han will be content."
Xiao Jingyun entered the imperial study. Xiao Shunzi, standing beside him, was already dumbfounded and stood there, somewhat at a loss.
Xiao Jingyun waved his hand at him, "Alright, don't be afraid. Quickly prepare the carriage. We will leave the city together later."
Then Xiao Jingyun untied his jade pendant from his waist and handed it to his sister.