Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

Baili Xi, along with the Fourth Prince Luo, led the army on their return journey. Morale was high, the soldiers marched with a firm, powerful stride, and an orderly march. They had successfully quelled the unrest on the northwestern border, rendering significant service to the nation. Everyone longed to return to the capital soon, to receive the cheers of the people and the accolades of the court.

Upon hearing the news of the army's triumphant return, the common people poured into the streets. Bringing food and drinks from their homes, they lined the streets to welcome the heroes who had defended their country. Children ran joyfully alongside the procession, curiously observing the mighty soldiers. Bailixi and Luo, perched on their majestic horses, waved to the common people, their hearts filled with joy and pride. They knew the people's support and love was the greatest recognition of their lives.

Li Jing, however, remained in the northwest, shouldering the heavy responsibility of defending the city. Standing atop the northwest city wall, Li Jing gazed at the retreating army with a determined look. He understood that his purpose was to protect this newly settled land and build a solid defense for the nation's northwestern border.

Li Jing turned and looked at the people in the city. Their lives were gradually returning to normal, and smiles were returning to their faces. Knowing the weight of his responsibility, Li Jing quickly began deploying various defensive measures. He conducted a comprehensive inspection of the city's defenses, strengthening the walls and repairing damaged fortifications. He also reorganized the military's garrisons and increased patrols, ensuring that no disturbance escaped his notice.

Under Li Jing's meticulous governance, the northwestern border region gradually stabilized. People were able to engage in productive activities with peace of mind, farmland became bustling again, and markets regained their former bustle. Li Jing frequently visited the people, understanding their needs and helping them resolve their daily challenges. His actions earned the heartfelt support of the local people, who praised the garrison commander with endless praise.

Elsewhere, Baili Xi and Luo's army arrived safely in the capital. The city was ablaze with lights and decorations, a scene of great bustle. The emperor personally led the civil and military officials to greet them outside the city gates. When Baili Xi and Luo dismounted and knelt in obeisance, the emperor beamed, saying, "My two beloved ministers, rise! You have lived up to my expectations on this expedition, quelling the rebellion in the northwest. This is truly a great achievement. I will reward you handsomely!"

Bailixi and Luo stood up and said in unison: "Your Majesty is wise. This is the achievement of the soldiers who bravely killed the enemy. We dare not take credit for it." After hearing this, the emperor admired their humility even more.

Afterward, the emperor held a grand banquet in the palace to reward the soldiers who had gone on the expedition. The atmosphere was filled with singing and dancing, and the emperor bestowed rewards upon Bailixi, Luo, and other meritorious soldiers. Everyone drank heartily, celebrating the victory together. However, amidst this joyous atmosphere, some ministers grew jealous. Seeing Bailixi and Luo enjoying the emperor's favor, they secretly resented it and began to plot ways to cause trouble for them. Thus, an invisible struggle quietly began to unfold within this seemingly peaceful palace.

At the celebration banquet in the imperial palace, Bailixi and Luo enjoyed the joy of victory with the soldiers. However, the Minister of Revenue Lin Yu and the Vice Minister of Personnel Zhao Guang sat in a corner, their faces gloomy and their hearts filled with jealousy.

Lin Yu whispered to Zhao Guang, "Look, Bailixi and Luo only won one battle, and yet they are so glorious. His Majesty's reward to them is simply extremely generous. We have served the court diligently for many years, but have never received such an honor."

Zhao Guang snorted coldly, "Hmph, they're just lucky. Baili Xi has always been favored by His Majesty, and with his military achievements, I'm afraid his position in the court will be even more secure in the future. I'm afraid our days will be difficult."

A fierce look flashed in Lin Yu's eyes: "We can't let them get away with it. We have to find a way to suppress their arrogance." The two of them whispered to each other, with malicious looks on their faces.

A few days later, rumors began to circulate in the capital. Some claimed that Baili Xi had lied about his military exploits in the northwest campaign, claiming far fewer kills than reported, in an attempt to gain the emperor's trust and a reward. Others claimed that Luo had withheld soldiers' rations and wages during the march, pocketing the profits and causing hardship for some. These rumors spread like wildfire through the capital, robbing the people of their turmoil.

Bailixi and Luo were furious when they learned of these rumors. Bailixi angrily said, "These rumors are absolutely ridiculous! We fought bravely on the battlefields of Northwest China to protect our country and its people. How can we be slandered like this?" Luo was also indignant. "Someone must be behind this, trying to destroy our reputation."

They decided to go to the palace and report the matter to the emperor. When the emperor heard this, he was furious: "How could this happen! I will investigate thoroughly and clear your name. If I find out who is behind this rumor, I will not take it lightly.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Qian was furious. "How could this happen! I will investigate thoroughly and clear your name. If I find out who is behind this rumor, I will not let you off lightly!"

Bailixi and Luo thanked the emperor and left the court. However, the rumors continued to spread. Some ministers in the court also became disillusioned with the rumors and became cold towards them. Some officials who had previously been on good terms with them also waited and watched the situation, not daring to express their opinions.

Bailixi knew that if the matter wasn't resolved quickly, not only would his reputation and Luo's would be damaged, but it could also affect the morale of the army and the people. So, after consulting with Luo, he decided to take the initiative. They gathered various evidence from the Northwest War, including soldiers' testimonies, detailed combat records, and lists of captured enemy supplies, ready to use facts to dispel the rumors.

Meanwhile, Li Jing, in the northwest, had also heard the rumors in the capital. He immediately wrote a letter and sent it to the capital at full speed, describing in detail the heroic performance and outstanding command of Bailixi and Luo on the battlefield to set the record straight.

Back in the capital, the emperor's secret guards, after careful investigation, finally traced the source of the rumor to Minister of Revenue Lin Yu and Vice Minister of Personnel Zhao Guang. Upon learning of this, the emperor was furious and immediately ordered the two men to be dismissed and investigated.

In the court, the emperor read out the imperial edict punishing Lin Yu and Zhao Guang in front of all the ministers: "Lin Yu and Zhao Guang, out of jealousy, maliciously spread rumors, attempting to undermine the reputation of the court's meritorious officials and disrupt order. Their intentions are deserving of death. I hereby dismiss them from their posts, confiscate all their property, and never employ them again!" Upon hearing this, the ministers knelt and shouted, "Your Majesty is wise!"

Bailixi and Luo returned to the palace to express their gratitude. The emperor looked at them and said earnestly, "I'm sorry you've been wronged this time. I'm fully aware of your loyalty and achievements. You must work even harder in the future and make even greater contributions to our dynasty."

After this incident, Bailixi and Luo's positions in the court became more secure, and their determination to serve the country became even stronger. After the people of the capital learned the truth of the rumors, they admired and respected Bailixi and Luo even more, and their previous doubts disappeared.

However, they also understand that the struggle in the court is endless, and there will be more challenges and conspiracies waiting for them in the future. But Bailixi and Luo are not afraid. They work hand in hand, ready to face the new storm and protect the peace and prosperity of the Daqian Dynasty.

After the rumors died down, the court returned to its former tranquility. But beneath the calm lay a new crisis. News arrived from the southern border: barbarian tribes were stirring, frequently invading border towns, burning, killing, and looting, causing untold suffering for the people.

At the morning court, the emperor solemnly informed his ministers of this matter: "The southern border is in crisis. The southern barbarian tribes are acting recklessly. I would like to send someone to pacify them. Do you have any suitable candidates?"

The ministers began to discuss the matter. At this time, Baili Xi stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to go. The war in the south concerns the safety of the people. I will do my utmost to repel the southern barbarians and maintain peace on our border."

Luo Ye then said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to accompany the Fourth Prince and contribute to the suppression of the rebellion in the south."

The emperor looked at them with a look of relief in his eyes. "Very good, I am relieved to have you two go. This expedition carries a heavy responsibility, so you must proceed with caution and return victorious as soon as possible."

After receiving the order, Bailixi and Luo immediately began preparing for the expedition. They selected a group of elite soldiers and gathered supplies such as food, fodder, and weapons. At the same time, Bailixi also sought out generals familiar with the southern terrain and the barbarian tribes, inquired in detail about the local conditions, and formulated a battle plan.

On the day of the expedition, the people of the capital came to see them off. They offered food and blessings to the soldiers, hoping for a swift victory over the southern barbarians and a safe return. Bailixi and Luo Qi, perched on their horses, watched the people see them off, their hearts filled with a sense of mission. After waving goodbye to the people, they led their army towards the southern border.

After many days of trekking, the army finally reached the southern border. Bailixi and Luo looked upon the towns ravaged by the Nanman, filled with grief and indignation. They quickly settled the troops and began surveying the terrain, understanding the distribution and activity patterns of the Nanman tribes.

During a reconnaissance mission, they discovered that the Nanman tribe was adept at using the mountainous terrain for guerrilla warfare. Their weapons were crude but very sharp, and their fighting style was brutal and ferocious. Bailixi realized that this battle could not be fought head-on, but must be won through wits.

After careful consideration, Bailixi formulated a plan to lure the enemy deep into their territory. He had some soldiers pretend to retreat, luring the Nanman army into the encirclement they had set up in advance, and then attacking them from both sides to annihilate them in one fell swoop. Luo agreed with the plan, and the two of them immediately began to deploy their troops and wait for the Nanman army to arrive.