TNIBFT -Chapter 327 It’s Our Turn to Act

At this moment, on the snow-covered plains.

The banners of Daliang flapped across the vast white expanse. The soldiers of Daliang, covered in dust and grime, were returning from Sifang City, most waiting for medics to tend their wounds. The camp was filled with cries of pain, and the air reeked heavily of blood.

The horses neighed continuously, one after another.

The atmosphere in the entire camp was grim. Their pride and joy, Lin Qingyao, had just gone to the battlefield—and was dead!

“Bang!” A sharp sound rang out, followed by the crash of porcelain shattering on the ground. Someone roared in anger, “What?”

“Dead?”

“Lin Qingyao was a martial prodigy! Her strength, even in the capital, ranked among the best! How could she die so easily?”

A woman’s voice bellowed in fury.

The surrounding soldiers fell silent, terror-stricken.

“Where’s that wretch?”

“Bring her to me!” Princess Leyang said coldly and ruthlessly. Immediately, two subordinates dragged Xiao Xun’er from either side and tossed her to the ground at the princess’s feet without any ceremony.

Xiao Xun’er’s long hair had been cut unevenly, the left side of her face bore fresh, bloody wounds, and the injury on her chin had not yet fully healed. Shivering, she lay on the ground, hands pressing against the snow as she tried to pull herself up.

“Hmph!”

Princess Leyang sneered. She wore an ink-green dress trimmed with gold, a thick white fur collar, and beneath it, a bright red bodice. The vivid colors made her skin seem like snow, radiant and flawless.

Her eyes glinted viciously as she stared at Xiao Xun’er on the ground. Seeing Xiao Xun’er attempt to rise, Leyang smiled coldly, stepping on her face to pin her back down.

Xiao Xun’er said nothing, fingers digging into the snow, eyes resolute.

Leyang sneered, “What, seeing your lover makes you abandon your brother?”

“You and your brother are the same—selfish, ungrateful.”

With that, Leyang crouched, pinched Xiao Xun’er’s chin, and continued, “Tsk… I heard from Shen Jie that his half-sister, unlike other women, was full of heroic spirit. She was cherished by Xiao Haoyang from childhood.”

“Even he, upon first seeing you, would be captivated. And now, in this pitiful state… tell me, do you think he regrets seeing you?”

Xiao Xun’er turned her face away.

Leyang’s expression darkened instantly. “Smack!” She delivered a sharp slap, knocking Xiao Xun’er fully onto the ground. “You dare resist me?”

“You wretch! I am a princess! In front of me, you are nothing but a dog!”

“Since you don’t care about your elder brother, I see no reason to spare his life either.” Leyang laughed madly. Slowly, she straightened up and signaled to her subordinates. Xiao Tianchen was dragged out and thrown beside Xiao Xun’er.

“Brother!”

“Brother?”

Xiao Xun’er scrambled over using both hands and feet, her eyes wide with fear as she shook her bloodied brother.

Inside the camp tent, the onlookers watched coldly, some even sneering.

Xiao Xun’er shouted in panic, “You’ve killed us!”

“Killed us!”

“You think you can take Sifang City? Dream on! Even if you’re a princess, even if the Daliang emperor himself comes—he still can’t take Sifang City, hahaha…”

Xiao Xun’er laughed recklessly, seeking death with all her heart.

In Leyang’s hands, they were merely pawns to manipulate Ye Tian. But Xiao Xun’er and Ye Tian had no ties—why risk him every time?

Leyang’s gaze was fierce; her anger spreading.

Xiao Xun’er glared at her viciously, sneering, “The thing I regret most in this life… is that I didn’t kill Shen Jie with my own hands back then. He is the real ungrateful hypocrite of this world. Ugh!”

“Bang!” Before she could finish, Leyang kicked her down again.

No one could speak Shen Jie’s name!

Leyang’s expression turned manic. “The world doesn’t understand Shen Jie, but you, his sister, dare curse him?”

“He is unique, broad-minded, insightful, sincere, and kind. He is the best person in the world, unlike you two!”

“From birth, you’ve monopolized Xiao Haoyang’s favor, enjoyed wealth and privilege, and taken everything that should have belonged to Shen Jie. Now that he’s finally getting his due, you, Xiao Tianchen, refuse to accept it and keep scheming against him. Half-siblings, without heart—but Shen Jie?”

“He begged me to spare your worthless lives. Otherwise… do you think you’d still be alive?”

Leyang, filled with righteous anger, defended Shen Jie.

Xiao Tianchen, lying on the ground, barely alive, gave a cold, sarcastic laugh.

How could Leyang say such things aloud?

Xiao Xun’er gritted her teeth in fury, “Leyang, stop being disgusting. It was you who ignored my brother’s wishes, forcing an engagement. My brother, as the future consort, had to leave home…”

“Everyone knew you were the real betrothed couple, but you and Shen Jie colluded. When my brother requested to dissolve the engagement, Shen Jie, fearing reputational damage, conspired with you to send my brother to his death. And now, you say this? Justice is clear—both you and Shen Jie deserve death!”

“Wanting my brother is his fortune. I am a princess; he is a subject. If I command his death, he dies!”

Leyang pointed at Xiao Xun’er, shouting.

She had always been capricious, and no one dared oppose her. Easily angered, she roared, “Bring swords! I will personally kill them!”

“Princess!”

“Princess, calm down!”

A loyal subordinate stepped forward to advise her. Leyang’s face darkened; her chest heaved with anger. She glared at the subordinate. The subordinate bowed, speaking softly, “If Ye Tian stays hidden in Sifang City, we cannot touch her. Killing Xiao Xun’er and her brother would be effortless.”

“But if we lure Ye Tian to Heng City and kill them together, I believe Young Master Shen would be more grateful to the princess. After all, Ye Tian is the one Shen Jie hates most.”

Leyang nodded.

The subordinate continued, “Send a message now. Within two days, lure Ye Tian alone to Heng City. Once he arrives, it’s his death sentence! If he doesn’t come, we can still kill the Xiao siblings later.”

…

The next day, inside a hotpot restaurant in Sifang City.

Everyone discussed strategies in the main hall. Nanfeng looked up at Qin Fengyi. Qin Fengyi nodded and stood, heading toward the backyard.

Nanfeng followed closely.

Seeing his wife enter the courtyard, Nanfeng still trailed behind. Ye Tian glanced without expression.

Qin Fengyi led Nanfeng to the room she had previously occupied.

Creak! The door closed.

Nanfeng clasped his fists, “Leader, our men have taken the nine surrounding cities near Lindong City. Now we just wait for Lin Xianzhong to return and manage them. Here’s the military tally. Except for Lindong City, all the rest are under our control.”

Qin Fengyi nodded.

Nanfeng was about to leave when Qin Fengyi said, “If Daliang presses forward step by step, then it’s our turn to act.”

Her gaze was cold and sharp.

Nanfeng looked up briefly, hesitant. Seeing Qin Fengyi glance at him, he bowed and said, “Leader, if we act while the main army is engaged, our identities will surely be exposed. So we must prepare, in case Ye Tian discovers us…”

Qin Fengyi nodded, “I have arrangements.”

“We are married now. Husband and wife share honor and disgrace. How can I let the people of Daliang bully Ye Tian?”

“Yes!”

Nanfeng agreed. The empress’s protective nature hadn’t changed in the slightest.

After giving instructions, Qin Fengyi and Nanfeng left the room, one after the other. The backyard was silent, empty of anyone.

“Ha ha ha…”

“Really… Miao Changqing, that’s great…”

Joyful laughter came from the front hall. Qin Fengyi paused, her delicate brows slightly furrowed.

Nanfeng looked thoughtful.

The two of them didn’t speak and quietly reentered the hall.

Creak!

Qin Fengyi pushed open the wooden door. The door creaked, and the laughter abruptly stopped. All eyes immediately turned to her.

Her expression was calm, yet her mere presence seemed to make everyone uneasy.

They all looked serious, as if attending a formal court session.

To ease the awkward atmosphere, Ye Tian stood and extended his hand toward Qin Fengyi. “Have you finished speaking?”

“Mm!”

Qin Fengyi was momentarily taken aback but naturally walked to Ye Tian’s side. Ye Tian smiled and said, “Everyone was just happy, saying that this Miao Changqing is an old subordinate of my father. He was originally a fierce general. Recently, upon hearing that Daliang was attacking Sifang City, he personally led troops to support us—with ten thousand men?”

Ye Tian looked at Zhu Heyu.

Zhu Heyu’s face lit up with emotion. His worn face now broke into a broad smile. Hearing Ye Tian’s words, he quickly cupped his fists. “Yes!”

“Over ten thousand troops! That’s great. With the forces from Sifang and Lindong Cities, we can finally stand up to Daliang. This might even be a good start—more people may come to join us later!”

Zhu Heyu finished speaking, his eyes gleaming as he looked around.

Fang Shenghu and Liao Fan’s troops nodded in agreement.

For those who had followed Ye Zhengyang for decades, this wasn’t just reinforcements arriving—it was a reunion of brothers. The emotions were deeper.

Everyone was overjoyed.

Qin Fengyi and Nanfeng exchanged a glance, their expressions strange.

Qin Fengyi hesitated, as if wanting to speak.

She wanted to say something, but given her special identity—everyone knew she was from Dazhou—saying anything dampening at this moment might embarrass Ye Tian.

“What is it?”

Ye Tian looked at her with concern.

Qin Fengyi considered for a moment and said, “I’ve heard of this Miao Changqing. He has a reputation—he’s not exactly a good person.”

“Oh?”

Before Qin Fengyi could finish, Ye Tian frowned and asked.

Zhu Heyu immediately became anxious. “I assure you, Miao Changqing may be inflexible and unaware of human ways, but he is absolutely loyal to the general. Young master, I stake my life on it.”

“Father!”

Zhu Zhongyi was speechless. He reached to tug Zhu Heyu’s sleeve, but Zhu Heyu brushed him off.

Fang Shenghu also said, “Young master, I trust Brother Zhu.”

Qin Fengyi looked at everyone. “It’s not that I don’t trust Miao Changqing, but during a battle between two armies, opening the city gates lightly—what if the enemy is lying in wait nearby? Wouldn’t that give them an opportunity to slip in?”

“This…”

Everyone fell silent.

Even the always-quiet Tao Lichun said, “I agree with Miss Qin.”

“After all these years, it is indeed worrying. Entering the city is fine, but the soldiers must, for now, stay outside the walls.”

Ye Tian nodded. “Then let’s do as Master Tao suggests!”

“Uncle Zhu, you go to the city gates to greet Miao Changqing!”

“Yes!”

Ye Tian made the decision. No more discussion was needed. Zhu Heyu, accompanied by Zhu Zhongyi, rode to the city gate to welcome Miao Changqing.

“As long as we don’t open the gates, the city’s provisions can last about three months.”

“This may turn into a prolonged battle!”

“Not necessarily. The Dazhou Empress is ambitious. I hear she has some major moves coming soon. By spring, she might send troops to reclaim Lindong City.”

“The Dazhou court is in chaos. They say the Empress has been unwell and incompetent, making many blunders. She may never regain her former glory!”

Several people discussed among themselves.

Qin Fengyi remained expressionless. Nanfeng gripped his sword so tightly he almost drew it.

“Incompetent and ignorant?”

Who are they talking about?

Ye Tian raised his hand to cut off their chatter. “The Empress isn’t having it easy either. Managing a country at such a young age isn’t simple. I think Dazhou is stronger than Daliang in troops and resources.”

Everyone fell silent.

Qin Fengyi looked at Ye Tian, surprised. This was the first time he defended her in front of everyone—why did it feel so sweet?

Then Ye Tian continued, “People say the Dazhou Empress is strong and imposing, fit for ruling as a sovereign. She dedicates herself entirely to governance. That’s why Dazhou is stronger than Daliang. Daliang’s emperor is surrounded by beauties, who influence him—he doesn’t know whose advice to follow.”

Everyone chuckled lightly.

Ye Tian’s words made sense.

Men with power want beautiful women around them. Women with power, if unattractive, are less likely to compromise their principles for money or influence.

Strong as a bull?

Qin Fengyi glanced at her shoulder. Ye Tian, you wait—there will come a day you regret this!

Ye Tian continued, “We need to find out who controlled Xiao Tianchen this time.”

“This person seems very capable. In such a short time, he managed to bring in so many troops and keep them disciplined.”

Everyone nodded with concern.

“City Lord!”

“Urgent message via carrier pigeon outside the city!”

A government soldier galloped, holding a letter while bouncing on horseback toward the hotpot restaurant.

The young soldier dismounted hastily, almost stumbling to the ground. Zhao Kang stepped forward to take the letter.

He frowned as he looked at the envelope.

“For Ye Tian personally!”

Zhao Kang entered the restaurant, handing the letter to Ye Tian under everyone’s gaze. “City Lord… this…”

“Open it and see.”

Ye Tian instructed. Zhao Kang carefully tore open the envelope. After reading a few lines, his expression changed dramatically. Everyone anxiously stepped closer, surrounding him. Tao Lichun asked, “What happened?”

“Did Daliang make another move?”

Zhao Kang put the letter down, eyes wide with panic. “It’s Daliang. Princess Leyang is personally overseeing the army!”

“She demands the City Lord personally visit Heng City. If you are not at the city gates by noon in two days, she will hang the Xiao siblings in front of the gates, then lead her army to personally crush Sifang City!”

“But, if you surrender to Princess Leyang, she guarantees no one will die!”

When Zhao Kang finished, the hall fell deathly silent.