Return of the Swallow c1-644

by Edited by Deyna up to chapter ~100.

  Pang Xiao nodded slowly.

  “You don’t need to worry about people causing trouble at the wedding either. I feel that with the emperor’s ties of brotherhood with Your Highness, he’ll make all suitable arrangements for a wedding that he himself bestowed. Perhaps the emperor might even be in attendance with the empress! With His Majesty present, we naturally won’t need to worry.”

  “And even if the emperor doesn’t come, you still have the Elite Tigers, Your Highness. The Elite Tigers belong to our manor, so a command token isn’t needed to deploy them.”

  “Precisely,” continued Xie Yue. “Your Highness can even contact Prince Consort Ji. As he now commands the Valiant Tigers, he too has around a hundred troops at his manor. We can borrow them to maintain the peace.”

  Xu Weizhi and Xie Yue didn’t blatantly point out their meaning, but Pang Xiao already understood what they meant.

  Though Ji Zeyu was now the commander of the Valiant Tigers, Pang Xiao himself still boasted high prestige amongst the troops. The men at Ji Zeyu’s manor were selected from the Valiant Tigers, so borrowing them was the same as deploying his own men.

  “Alright.” Pang Xiao nodded again and continued with satisfaction, “Setting aside everything else, our own men have the best martial arts skills.”

  You’re not going to a brawl! What do you need martial arts for??

  Our prince really has lost his mind from joy with the impending marriage.

  An amused Xie Yue picked up the conversation. “The most important thing is for you to select some sharp-looking men. Just think about it, Your Highness, how impressive will it be to see a group of young men in military uniform, marching out in neat lines and standing with great dignity?”

  “You’re right, you’re right.” Pang Xiao bobbed his head. “Then it’s settled. I’ll go discuss with Ji Lan. As for the betrothal gifts…”

  Xu Weizhi answered this time. “The grand-madame and grand-lord have already decided on the gifts. Due to considerations of overstepping custom, we’ve prepared 208 litters of gifts. They’re all fine selections. You don’t need to make a showing when they’re delivered, Your Highness. The grand-lord will arrange proper bearers to deliver them.”

  “That is most excellent.” Pang Xiao suddenly felt it insufficient after his nod. “Add two more litters of gold to that. Choose little gold fish for them and put them all nice and orderly like. 210 litters makes for a nice, round number.”

  The crowd reeled, stunned.

  Two litters of little gold fish?? At one tael of gold per fish, how much gold would that be!?

  They could already imagine how blinding the sight would be, beneath the sun.

  “Your Highness, ah, your gold is too eye-catching. What if people talk about it? Besides, the emperor happens to lack money.”

  Pang Xiao waved a hand, nonplussed. “He can come rob me if he wants them. This is the only marriage that this prince will ever have in my life. They’re giving me such a fine girl that they’ve raised for so many years. My darling will suffer if my betrothal gifts are too meager. Besides, my steady mountain of a father-in-law is no ordinary official. He’s an existence who can rewrite the heavens with a flip of his hand. Two more litters of little gold fish isn’t that much at all.”

  Xie Yue didn’t have a response to that, but his master’s words seemed true upon further thought.

  Who didn’t have a bit of silver at home? The national treasury and imperial coffers were likely the poorest in the nation. That was an unavoidable fact.

  Chapter 409: Brother

  Since the old Northern Ji officials had come from voluntary surrender, they were no patriotic loyalists either. They were fence-sitters who’d seen which way the wind was blowing. Even if they hadn’t ravaged a good sum from the citizens, they undoubtedly still had a vast fortune on their hands.

  The Faithful Prince of the First Rank was rather poor in comparison, and the emperor naturally knew of this social order.

  If he wanted money, everyone would have to empty their pockets, not just Pang Xiao.

  The crowd relaxed when their thoughts travelled here.

  Having discussed these issues, Pang Xiao was much more at ease. After a moment’s thought, he commented, “You are all highly intelligent people, and there are those among you with a penchant for literary flair. You will write the poem for fetching the bride, and write it well! Also, think of the questions that they might ask at the door. Write out a list of them. This prince will memorize them later.”

  Xu Weizhi and Xie Yue rose, standing at the head of the crowd to lead them in a bow. “Understood.”

  Homework duly assigned, Pang Xiao left.

  The strategists looked at each other, all holding in laughter. Those with talent for prose gathered together to study the best poem they could craft. A few others pooled their experiences of attending previous weddings and listed out questions and answers, creating a final review guide before their prince’s exam.

  Xu Weizhi headed to the inner residence to discuss with Yao Chenggu and née Ma regarding adding two more litters of little gold fish.

  Pang Xiao gave orders for his horse to be readied and slipped outside the city for a ride.

  Following orders, Huzi snuck over to the prince consort’s manor and set up a meeting with Ji Zeyu.

  The prince consort came as requested, glimpsing his sworn brother in inky brocade robes, a belt with a jade buckle, and a small crown of pure gold in his hair. The prince was racing Thundercloud, his prized battle stallion with an equally dark coat, along the moat of the capital.

  Thundercloud’s gleaming fur sparkled beneath the sunlight. Its rider seemed to be one with the horse. Crouched low over its back, they sped across the prince consort’s line of sight and vanished into a verdant copse of trees and shadow.

  Ji Zeyu hadn’t brought his fiery chestnut today, opting instead for the snow white battlesteed that he’d intercepted from Qin Yining. The silvery-white horse, named Whitecloud, had once been a gift to the Qin fourth miss. Ever since coming into Ji Zeyu’s hands, the prince consort had devoted time and care to it. It was now very close to its newest owner.

  Clad in flaming red fighting robes, Ji Zeyu sat primly on the light-colored battle horse. His hair wrapped up in a topknot, it trailed down in a ponytail that fluttered in the light breeze. His back ramrod straight, a removed expression graced his unparalleled looks. The bright red shade on him didn’t appear girlish at all; it only served to reinforce a severe air of aloofness.

  Pang Xiao took a lap around the willow-graced banks of the city moat and came thundering back soon thereafter. He flashed a grin when he saw Ji Zeyu and raised the whip in his hand. “Ah Lan, let’s do a circle?”

  A slight curve quirked Ji Zeyu’s lips and he nodded. He raised his whip in answer. “Giddyup!”

  Whitecloud transformed into a streak of silver light and bolted forward. Pang Xiao also urged Thundercloud on. The two Ferghana horses surged to the fore as the two Great Zhou war gods on their backs snapped their whips in the air, carefree glee filling their hearts.

  They could rarely be themselves at court. Such indulgence and joy in sheer speed was often lacking in their lives.

  The two did a few laps before finding a small path to walk their horses.

  “Zhixi, what do you need me for?”

  “I have a favor to ask of you.” Pang Xiao smiled faintly. “At my wedding next month, I’m worried that troublemakers will pay a visit. I’d like to borrow your manor’s soldiers to help keep the peace.”

  Ji Zeyu raised surprised eyes and met his brother’s humorous phoenix-shaped ones. He grinned. “I’ll bring my men in person.”

  Not having anticipated that the prince consort would agree so readily, Pang Xiao remarked worriedly, “His Majesty will undoubtedly think too much when that happens.”

  “No matter. If he asks, I’ll say that I was worried your troops might rebel, so brought mine to keep yours in order,” responded the prince consort without a moment
’s thought.

  Touched, Pang Xiao stretched out his arm and clapped Ji Zeyu’s shoulder.

  “Thank you, my good brother.”

  Ji Zeyu looked at the large hand on his shoulder and smiled. “Lord Guan saw my kowtow, clear as day, all those years ago. Brothers once, brothers for life.” [1]

  Pang Xiao’s own smile widened as he looked into his brother’s merry, handsome face.

  “You’re my brother alright. We fetch the bride on the tenth day of the month—you have to come with me.”

  Ji Zeyu nodded with a warm smile. “Of course. I also want to see what kind of family’s raised what kind of daughter that’s snared your heart so.”

  When his thoughts travelled here, the prince consort’s tone turned a bit lost. “Zhixi, have you really accepted this marriage and put down your hatred?”

  That day in court, Ji Zeyu had gone back and fumed for multiple days after Qin Huaiyuan’s wailing fit resulted in an imperial decree.

  “Minister Qin was too wily. He forced the emperor into making an imperial edict. This way, it’s either a punishment on you so that you don’t have the room to take revenge, or it’s to recruit you so that you won’t take revenge because you’re his son-in-law. This man is unfathomably shrewd. I’m really worried that you’ll fall into one of his plots.”

  Ji Zeyu could tell that Pang Xiao really did like Qin Yining, so there was another concern he didn’t voice. What if the girl was just a honey trap that her father was using on Pang Xiao?

  That particular concern seemed absolutely extraneous now, however.

  Judging from how happy Pang Xiao was, he’d obviously put down the feud of his father’s generation and was thoroughly enjoying being plotted against, as if he were eating sugarplums.

  What else could they do, with how things were now?

  The imperial edict had been given and the beautiful trap sprung—yet his brother was so utterly delighted that it seemed he was someone else entirely.

  They were friends since young, and it was the first time in all these years that Ji Zeyu had seen Pang Xiao lay aside his anger and bitterness to smile with such carefree lightness.

  “Your marriage is no small matter. Now that I’m commanding your old troops and the Tartars are too busy with their internal conflict to invade the south, you’re very likely to be sent north with the Dragon Riders if war flares anew. I’m the emperor’s brother-in-law now and he trusts me. He’ll naturally want me to stay in the capital to protect him. It’s more probable that you’ll be sent out.”

  “I agree.” Pang Xiao nodded earnestly after hearing the analysis. “I’m thinking His Majesty will make that sort of arrangement as well. Switching between you and me is a good plan for him.”

  “Therefore, the Tartars will definitely take note of your marriage. You’re so happy now that you seem like a different person, so you might be off your guard during the wedding as well. The Tartars are wary of me and even more frightened of your vicious reputation. They’re very cunning, so they might take advantage of the occasion to get up to no good. With both our troops there, we’ll be able to exercise vigilance against any developments.”

  “You’re as thorough as ever.” Pang Xiao smiled gratefully at his brother. “With how things are, I no longer wish to dwell on old feuds. I admit that I do like née Qin. Perhaps this is all a joke from the heavens. Because of her, I can let go of past hurts. Our situation now is also tense, so there’s no effort to spare for days gone by. We should look ahead to the future.”

  * * *

  1. Lord Guan AKA Guan Yu is a legendary character during the Romance of the Three Kingdoms period. Deified after his death, he’s associated with loyalty and brotherhood.

  Chapter 410: A Question

  Ji Zeyu lowered his eyes with a faint smile upon hearing this. “There’s nothing wrong with letting go of enmity and hate. You and your family don’t share much of a bond to begin with, and your father wasn’t even aware of your existence.

  “You are now absolved of all that emotional burden and stress, which frees you to live your days as you will. What’s so bad about that? You don’t have to follow those silly conventions anymore. Your happiness is what counts. ”

  Pang Xiao was deeply moved by his brother’s heartfelt remarks.

  Only those who truly cared for him would take to heart his emotional welfare and happiness.

  The two sworn brothers had partnered seamlessly with each other for the longest time; they took what they wanted from each other, and kept each other on their respective toes. However, the prince was well aware that this was just for self-protection. They never meant hurt each other intentionally. Keeping this friendship intact despite the mayhem and destruction that plagued the imperial court was truly a triumph. The prince smiled at his friend. “Ah Lan, I can’t thank you enough.” His smile brimmed with pure joy. Ji Zeyu looked into his brother’s handsome face and felt an involuntary smile tugging at his lips. “There’s no need to stand on ceremony between brothers.”

  Pang Xiao grinned again at his friend’s comments. The pair journeyed forward slowly on their steeds. Pang Xiao asked with amusement, “I wonder how beside himself His Majesty would be if he ever figures out how we truly are?”Ji Zeyu beamed at the common-born prince’s comment. “There would be nothing for it. Life goes on. You and I can talk to His Majesty about the importance of fraternity, but with the caveat of staying alive! Besides, you’re a family man now, you can’t risk everything without a thought of the elders and wife at home.” Pang Xiao nodded at the prince consort’s admonition. “You and I and His Majesty used to be sworn brothers. If he weren’t so overly suspicious of me and plotted like this against me, I wouldn't mind at all sacrificing myself for him. It’s too bad that things didn’t pan out the way we hoped.”Ji Zeyu nodded with regret, but grinned a tad later. “Don’t take it so hard, my friend. Friendships are reciprocated in kind. He’s schemed against us, which is why our guards are up against him. But things are different between you and I. Although we share a tacit understanding with each other at times, I am still willing to lay down my life for you.”Pang Xiao knew only too well how cold and reclusive his friend was. And yet, the prince consort was able to make that declaration with candor and sincerity after all they had gone through. He saw only guilelessness when Ji Zeyu looked at him. Not a hint of falsity or scheming were to be found in those eyes. “You and I both, brother,” replied Pang Xiao with earnestness.

  Ji Zeyu laughed heartily upon hearing this answer. “That’s more than enough for me. How fortunate are we that our commitment to this brotherhood remains as strong as it was in the beginning!”

  Pang Xiao felt equally blessed.

  The two prodded their horses and made another circuit in the woods, returning to the city through different gates after bidding farewell. Ji Zeyu didn't return immediately to his manor after returning to the city. Instead, he took a detour to the Qin manor.

  He led Whitecloud to a quiet entrance of an alleyway located diagonally opposite the manor, revealing only half of his body. The other was half hidden by a thick tree trunk. He appraised expressionlessly the bustling activities within the complex.

  The Qins busied themselves with preparations for their fourth miss’s wedding, and the manor thronged with people and their hubbub. Ji Zeyu had no inkling why he stood guard here. His heart was a great void at the moment as he stared at the doors that opened into the manor, now awash with the Qins.

  On his way back to the city, a flash of an impulse drove him to go interrogate Qin Yining about her feelings for Pang Xiao—whether they were genuine, or if they were a honey trap borne of her family’s fear of Pang revenge.

  But now, he felt that he was in no position to demand such answers.

  For one thing, he’d be out of bounds. Secondly, this marriage was set in stone to begin with after the imperial edict. In all honesty, Pang Xiao and the fourth miss had to tie the knot, come hell or high water. So what good would it do to stick his nose in this busi
ness now?

  Not to mention, the prince was deeply enamored with Qin Yining. Even if Miss Qin bordered on being willful and arrogant, it might appeal to that brother of his as part of the fun. Lowering his eyes for a minute to collect his thoughts, Ji Zeyu smiled self-deprecatingly and took the reins, getting ready to be on his way. No sooner had he taken his leave than a carriage rounded a corner to slowly roll to a stop by the front gate of the Qin manor. A svelte figure that the prince consort knew well alighted from the carriage with the support of a maid and headed inside.

  At Ji Zeyu’s side, Whitecloud seemed to recognize the figure and clip-clopped anxiously. He sneezed and whinnied loudly. The prince consort smoothed Whitecloud’s mane reassuringly, but Qin Yining seemed to intuit his presence and looked directly his way.

  Their eyes locked, taking the girl slightly aback. She’d just paid Grand Steward Zhong a visit to discuss opening an inn in the capital, and to elicit a promise from her trusty steward to attend her wedding banquet.

  Little did the Qin fourth miss expect to be greeted by a fleetingly familiar neigh as soon as she returned home. As she turned for a look, she saw a young man clad in red, a man whose presence could still be strongly felt even if half of his body was concealed by a large tree trunk. The prince consort was strikingly handsome, so much that his presence couldn't at all be ignored. Qin Yining looked around. She wasn’t sure whether there were scouts on His Majesty’s order in the neighborhood; nor could she be certain whether Ji Zeyu was aware that the Qins were possibly under watch. Yet if they were indeed under surveillance, the scouts undoubtedly had spotted the prince consort as soon as he arrived. If she didn’t make a move to talk to him, it would rather seem that something illicit was going on.