Return of the Swallow c1-644

by Edited by Deyna up to chapter ~100.

  Reluctance sprang forth when she heard that he needed to leave on the morrow. Qin Yining stopped protesting and laid her head quietly on his shoulder.

  Pang Xiao encircled her with one arm and rested his head on her inky locks. He raised the other to softly carrels her cheek.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll end this war as soon as possible. The faster it’s over, the less suffering we both endure, and the faster the people can lead lives of peace.”

  Since she lived in the capital, Qin Yining didn’t want for food or clothing. She didn’t know what the outside world had turned into, and Pang Xiao couldn’t bear to tell her. But when war erupted, accidents and mistakes involving civilians always happened, regardless of how strictly trained the army was.

  The girl knew that she couldn’t ask him about the military. They were on opposite sides, after all. If he said too much and something happened in relation to it, it would give rise to unnecessary misunderstanding and conflict between the two of them. “Just leave everything up to heaven. Do whatever you want to do as long as you’re safe.”

  Moved, Pang Xiao kissed the top of her head. “I know.”

  “Miss, the medicine is ready.” Jiyun’s voice traveled in from outside the bed, prompting a blush to Qin Yining’s face. She hastily threw off his arm and rose to take the medicine.

  But at this time, née Sun sounded from the outer room. “Bingtang brewed medicine? How is daughter Yi doing?”

  Qin Yining started with fright and almost dropped the bowl. She turned and hissed, “Hide!”

  * * *

  Chapter 260: Hide and Seek

  Chapter 260: Hide and Seek

  Qin Yining put the medicine down and yanked Pang Xiao’s hand, turning round and round like ants in a hot pan, looking for a hiding place.

  The prince was utterly amused by her antics. He’d always felt tender affection for her mature, crafty, and serene demeanor, but she was even cuter when she panicked!

  That reaction earned him a glare. “Stop grinning! Go hide in the cabinet. …wait, you’re so tall that you won’t fit. You should hide in the washroom!” She pushed and stuffed him in with the toilet and whispered a reminder, “Don’t make a sound whatever you do. If my mother learns of this and throws a fit, we’ll both be in for it!”

  Pang Xiao allowed himself to be shoved forward and chuckled lowly at her nervousness. “Don’t you think we look like a pair of illicit lovers caught in the act?”

  “What the heck?? You look like a proper gentleman, but your words are anything but proper.” She finally crammed him into the washroom. “I’m telling you to hide for your own good.”

  “I know, I know everything.” The prince brought Qin Yining close and gave her a quick peck on the lips.

  Her face flamed red again. She wanted to push him, but was afraid his wound would open up again. She had to settle for pinching him. “Cut that out! I can hear my mother coming up the stairs!”

  “That doesn’t hurt at all.” Pang Xiao laughed heartily and stole another kiss from her forehead before releasing her with satisfaction.

  Qin Yining rolled her eyeballs fiercely and patted her burning cheeks, adjusting her emotions as she checked her clothes and headed outside. She couldn’t let her mother discover Pang Xiao, no matter what.

  It didn’t just have to do with her reputation, but it had to do with matters between the two nations.

  She could look at war and her emotions separately, but others might not be able to. If the enemy commander-in-chief fell into their hands, it would be an event worthy of much jubilation for Great Yan. She couldn’t be certain that her family wouldn’t hand him over for that.

  He’d already taken a big enough risk in coming to see her, she couldn’t let him fall to any harm on her behalf.

  She’d regained her calm by the time she reached the door. Née Sun was making her way upstairs with support from Jin-mama and Bingtang.

  “Mother, what brings you by now?” Qin Yining took née Sun’s arm with a smile as the two took a seat in the outer room.

  “I was bored, so decided to come by for a chat.” The madame sized up her daughter’s complexion. “Are you not recovered yet? I see that Bingtang is brewing more medicine.”

  “I’m fine, that’s just a nutritional supplement.” Qin Yining smiled at her maid.

  Bingtang joined in obligingly. “Don’t worry madame, the miss just needs to rest and eat well. She’ll be up and about in no time at all.”

  Née Sun nodded, reassured. “Since the medicine is ready, go ahead and take it.” She thoughtfully lifted the bowl that’d been meant for Pang Xiao.

  In the washroom, the prince frowned anxiously.

  Jiyun and Bingtang looked at each other.

  Jiyun shared the same concerns as her master, worried because she didn’t know if Qin Yining could take this without harm.

  Bingtang had looked at her colleague out of amusement. Though their mistress usually took her medicine straightforwardly with nary a frown, she was quite afraid of anything bitter. In fact, she’d even asked Bingtang before if it was possible to add some of the licorice plant into the herbs.

  Both maids stared at Qin Yining, wondering how she would respond.

  The subject of their attentions calmly placed the bowl back on the table. “I’ll take it later, it’s too hot right now. Plus, I just took some other medicines. Bingtang says that these two can’t be taken so close together.”

  Jiyun heaved a silent sigh of relief and commended Qin Yining’s fast thinking. Bingtang ducked her head and choked down laughter.

  Qin Yining pretended not to see her maids’ antics and turned to her mother with a smile. “You’ve usually turned in for the night by now, mother. Are you worried for father?”

  “Yes.” Née Sun nodded with some dejection.

  After the Duke of An, Li Mian, had accepted command of the armies, he’d refused to meet the enemy in the field at all. Compared to the late Prince of Ning, the duke was far lacking when it came to courage and resolve.

  Meanwhile, the Valiant Tigers were unmatched in valor and Pang Xiao adept at setting up battle formations. The duke had lost countless battles in the past month, with the Valiant Tigers whittling away 30 thousand of a 350 thousand strong army.

  As ill-suited to games of power and strategy that Weichi Yan might be, even he could tell that this wouldn’t do. Thus, an imperial decree had come yesterday that delegated Qin Huaiyuan as the army strategist. He was to head for the army camp and fight alongside the duke.

  After the marquis had set off on his way, Cao Yuqing had packed a bag and followed his footsteps without another word.

  When the Qins had been attacked, Silver Masks had come to protect the family. When the household had been vindicated during the new emperor’s reign, Cao Yuqing had also marshaled her people to help. Even though outsiders might be in the dark, all of the Qins knew that this beautiful woman was the leader of the Silver Masks, a group of secret service under the emperor emeritus’ command.

  Née Sun was very happy that such an expert was at Qin Huaiyuan’s side to protect him.

  But when she thought of how young and beautiful Cao Yuqing was, how skilled in martial arts and how true her feelings ran for Qin Huaiyuan, sadness and resignation assailed the madame.

  It was difficult to say if feelings wouldn’t develop in a battlefield of shared hardships. This had cause the senior madame to be unable to sleep. But she would never speak of such embarrassing things with her daughter.

  However, Qin Yining had guessed a lot of what was on her mother’s mind given her constant flickering expressions. But as a junior, she had absolutely no right to comment on the relationship between her parents.

  Her father wasn’t someone who wouldn’t take a concubine. The Caos were destroyed and the emperor emeritus grounded because of the embezzled funds. Cao Yuqing had been cast adrift. Though she controlled the Silver Masks, she now wholeheartedly worked for Qin Huaiyuan and neither did the former emperor seem keen on tak
ing back his secret agents.

  Qin Huaiyuan was in the prime of life: brave, intelligent, and handsome. Cao Yuqing had carried a torch for the marquis for many years, and it was quite easy to see the sincerity of her feelings. The former emperor had once been a factor of consideration, but now that restraint was a non-issue.

  Even water could drip a hole through stone given enough time, so nothing was impossible or unacceptable. But as logical and appropriate as this matter might be, it was still a blow to the official wife.

  Qin Yining wanted to comfort her mother, but she couldn’t say anything if née Sun didn’t bring it up herself. The girl would just be making her sad in that event. “Don’t worry, mother. I’ve heard that the duke is avoiding battle lately, so father won’t be in any danger. Even if there’s fighting, father won’t have to be on the frontlines. Don’t worry.”

  Née Sun nodded and forced a smile on her face to chat a bit longer with her daughter. However, her interest quickly flagged and she departed with Jin-mama.

  Qin Yining was a bit downcast after sending her mother downstairs. It wasn’t until she reached the door that she recalled Pang Xiao was still in the room. She turned to her maids. “You can go rest. I won’t need you on night duty tonight.”

  Bingtang arched an eyebrow and flashed a teasing smile at her mistress, making Qin Yining blush furiously.

  Jiyun bit back a giggle and still acted very much the loyal servant. She curtsied and tugged Bingtang away.

  Qin Yining actually found herself a bit nervous when she pushed the door open. But this is my room! What am I being nervous for?

  * * *

  Chapter 261: Only You

  Chapter 261: Only You

  Qin Yining prepared herself mentally and pushed the door open with a clenched jaw. She hadn’t even made it inside the room before a large hand grabbed her into a tight embrace.

  The door creaked shut behind her before the room spun. Her back was up against the cold wall as a burning presence dominated her front. She didn’t have time to speak before her lips were caught in an urgent kiss.

  There was the faint scent of bitter herbs in Pang Xiao’s mouth, but even more present was a fire that threatened to consume her whole. Qin Yining felt like she’d been set on fire as she sank bonelessly into the embrace. If it hadn’t been for the prince’s arms holding her up, she would’ve melted to the ground.

  The room was pitch black, the lights having been extinguished long ago. Only the sound of heavy breathing in between kisses could be heard. Pang Xiao had one hand around the back of her head to prevent her from shrinking back, while the other caressed her slender waist.

  The two only parted when they felt they almost couldn’t breath anymore.

  Qin Yining had her arms around the prince’s neck, panting as she looked at the handsome face so close to her. She murmured, “Pang Zhixi.”

  It was the first time she’d voiced his secondary name in such tones.

  Twin flames erupted in the prince’s eyes. He answered with a low rumble next to her ear.

  Qin Yining buried her face in his neck, whispering, “How nice would it be if you didn’t have to go back.”

  Something squeezed Pang Xiao’s heart tightly, dispelling the romantic atmosphere from seconds ago. He only felt protective and guilty towards her. He hugged her tightly and dropped a pious kiss onto her forehead.

  “It’ll all get better. There will be a day when we can grow old together.”

  Qin Yining nodded, but was still downcast when she thought of Qin Huaiyuan and née Sun, Weichi Yan and Li Yanyan. However, she was an exceedingly rational person and would never easily speak of her desires.

  Yet, Pang Xiao was highly attuned to the dip in her mood. He thought for a moment. “Are you worried about your father?”

  Qin Yining nodded, going with the flow.

  “The battlefield is indeed dangerous when things are a mess. When I go back, I’ll send four Elite Tigers to protect father-in-law. Don’t worry, nothing will happen to him in any situation that I can control.”

  Qin Yining nodded docilely.

  Pang Xiao squinted thoughtfully when he noted that she was still depressed. She was fine before née Sun came, but she’s like this after talking with her mother.

  The prince was an exceedingly sharp person and had a deep understanding of the people important to him. When he thought of Qin Huaiyuan being away in the military camp and how there was a very beautiful woman by his side, he guessed some of what was going on.

  He probed again. “If you marry me, I promise not to take concubines, not to bed the servants, and not to attend drinking events with females dancing attendance. I’ll have only you. How does that sound?”

  Startled by his sudden promise, Qin Yining tilted her head up at him with surprise. “You… are so weird. Why are you suddenly talking about that?”

  I guessed right. The silly girl was sad about matters between Qin Huaiyuan and née Sun. He pinched her pale cheeks with amusement. “So you wouldn’t like that?”

  Qin Yining glared at him with a red face, but couldn’t hide the happiness in her limpid eyes. She countered insincerely, “You say that, but it’s quite normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines. Some never even make it home. It’s quite a common sight for this to happen when it comes to socializing or even joining in on the fun.”

  Pang Xiao grinned. “So you’re already thinking about our future, eh?”

  Qin Yining realized what she’d said and walked off with a flaming face.

  Pang Xiao ran after her with a chuckle. “I’m very happy that you’re thinking this way. You’ve suffered so much for me, I’d be less than human if I didn’t treat you well! Besides, you’re my one and only. I couldn’t ever fall in love with another.”

  He followed the girl and took a seat on the bed.

  “You sure have a pretty way with words.”

  “But I mean them,” Pang Xiao responded seriously. “A man’s word can’t be taken back once it’s given.”

  His seriousness made Qin Yining feel slightly awkward. She took out a pillow and thin blanket from the drawers. “Hurry and rest. You sleep in here, I’ll sleep outside.”

  Pang Xiao grinned to see her change the topic with a red face. He didn’t continue to protest his explanations, but placed the pillow on the bed. “It doesn’t matter if you believe me or not right now, and you don’t have to remember what I’ve said either. Just watch what I do in the future.”

  He pressed the girl onto the bed. “You sleep here and I’ll sleep on the footrest. We can keep talking that way.”

  “You’re still feverish. How could I let you sleep on the footrest?”

  “Do you think life is soft and easy in the army? I’ve slept in huts and stables, so a footrest is actually a luxury.” Pang Xiao placed the blanket on the footrest with a chuckle and the pillow on one end. He laid down stiffly and sighed with comfort. “Lying down feels the best after a long day.”

  Qin Yining sat at the edge of the bed, looking down at the man lying stiffly with his legs curled beneath him. Pain squeezed her heart when she saw that he didn’t dare shift at all.

  “Why don’t you come onto the bed?”

  Pang Xiao’s eyes widened at this and he slowly sat up to look at her.

  The girl kept a straight face though her cheeks burned. “Don’t think too much. The bed is so big that two of us and a table between us will fit. You can sleep on the outside — it’ll be easier for you to hide if anyone comes. Even though it’s summer right now, there’s still a draft on the floor. You’re injured and feverish. Do you want to sleep on the ground and get worse?”

  Pang Xiao smiled. “Then I hear and obey.”

  That earned him a glare as Qin Yining took off her shoes and moved her pillow and blankets further in, placing a small table in between the two of them.

  Pang Xiao plopped his pillow on the outermost part of the bed and placed his blankets near the foot as well. He carefully rearranged the curtains
and veils of the formal bed and put the two pairs of shoes next to each other. Sweetness welled up in his heart when he looked down to see her exquisite, soft-soled embroidered shoes placed next to his black boots.

  He blew out the lamps and laid down slowly. The delicate fragrance that emanated off the blankets was unique to Qin Yining. There even seemed to be the jasmine scent of her hair on the pillow. Pang Xiao turned slowly and buried his face in the blanket for a deep breath. An involuntary grin crossed his face.

  “They all say that girls are made of water, but my darling is made of flowers. Just lying next to you fills my nose with perfume.”

  Qin Yining was lying on her side with her back to him. Though there was a small table between the two of them, his voice seemed to echo right by her ears. She screwed her eyes shut, not entirely sure how to respond.

  Not that the prince was waiting for a response from her either. “I must remember today well. It’s our first time sleeping together.”

  Okay, seriously? That’s too much.

  A large hand landed on her head and Pang Xiao light scratched her head, sending numbing tingles throughout her entire body. He lightly twisted her earlobes lovingly before whispering, “Sweet dreams, my dear.”

  Qin Yining’s eyes fluttered shut. Though her heart was pounding, she was also incredibly buoyant.