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.