Pang Xiao released the last messenger pigeon after You Meng and his men labored for two days.
His letter reported on the number of chests in the caravan and what was stashed in each respective chest. The prince also cautioned the emperor to be on guard against embezzlement.
Chapter 439.1: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Mixed emotions brewed in Li Qitian’s heart when he received Pang Xiao’s report from the last messenger pigeon.
Apart from the tiny grumble in the first note, every report afterwards had been sent on time with minute descriptions of the secret stash. The prince also carefully listed the number of chests and composition of the convoy, lest any be ‘lost’ during transport.
Those letters, combined with You Meng’s report, demonstrated that Pang Xiao was a person of unquestionable loyalty, despite the prince’s overbearing insolence and raising a hand against others.
Li Qitian even felt some soul-searching was in order. Had he been too harsh on Pang Xiao?
At long last, the impressive fortune was his! Although the treasure wouldn’t fully replenish the imperial treasury, it was enough to keep the nation afloat. The amount of silver within was sufficient to pay the Valiant Tigers and the Dragon Riders for five years.
Li Qitian could finally breathe a hefty sigh of relief with possession of this substantial sum. Sleep of utter assurance was his for the taking.
He rounded the large paulownia desk that was covered with a golden tablecloth. Strolling toward the wide-open doors, he gently rubbed his clammy hands against each other.
Highly polished black marble floors shone with a bright gleam. Not a faintest sound echoed from Li Qitian’s footsteps. The eunuchs guarding the entrance lowered their heads and bowed from the waist when they noted their master’s movement.
Spacious hall doors opened onto a large expanse of a plaza, whereupon white stone-bricks patterning the ground, scarlet facades and brightly glazed tiles, and cottony clouds floating through cerulean skies came into full view.
Li Qitian took another deep breath in. Refreshment and rejuvenation in both body and mind!
“Servants!”
“This servant is here.” Li Guanwen immediately shuffled forward and bowed with a smile.
“Summon beloved subject Qin to come see Us.”
“Understood.” The head eunuch left straightaway to deliver the imperial summons.
Qin Huaiyuan bursted with questions on his way to the palace. However, he merely bowed to Li Qitian in a show of utter respect, awaiting further instructions upon arrival.
“We used to consider the Faithful Prince of the First Rank a stubborn, bad apple,” smiled the emperor. “But with beloved subject Qin to mentor and guide him, he has matured quite a bit. You have taught him well.”
Suspicious, Qin Huaiyuan nonetheless waved a self-deprecating hand and bowed again.
“Your Majesty offers praise that is far too rich. This old subject is truly unworthy. Although the prince is rash and irritable, and there is also an old grudge between us, we are now one family. No matter out of loyalty to Your Majesty or consideration for my daughter, this old subject should issue reminders at appropriate moments.”
Qin Huaiyuan’s answer was expertly crafted: he neither exaggerated his loyalty nor pretentiously swore his allegiance to the country. Half-truths were coated with half-lies, creating the veneer of honesty.
These days, Li Qitian held Qin Huaiyuan in increasingly higher regard. That wasn’t based solely on the former minister’s capabilities and talent; his looks were also pleasing to the eye. In particular, when Qin Huaiyuan had still served Great Yan, he’d risen against the decrepit emperor of Northern Ji. Given Li Qitian’s own history, he didn’t find Qin Huaiyuan completely objectionable.
In hindsight, Li Qitian lamented that Qin Huaiyuan’s career had been impeded by his previous trash of a master. The best years of his life had gone to waste as he’d unfortunately been born in Great Yan and forced to swear allegiance to a buffoon. Had Li Qitian appeared several decades early, this talent would’ve long joined his ranks!
History would have witnessed another glorious era.
An amiable Li Qitian instructed Li Guanwen to move a seat forward and actually stepped out himself to join the minister on the same side.
Startled by the show of imperial favor, Qin Huaiyuan allowed himself to occupy only half of the seat’s edge.
Li Qitian smiled. “We summoned you merely to convey a matter of great urgency. Nothing else.”
“Please, Your Majesty
“The treasure has been found. It now awaits Our instructions for transport back to the capital.”
Li Qitian watched Qin Huaiyuan’s expression intently as he spoke. His remaining vestiges of suspicion vaporized when the minister’s eyes widened with shock.
“We refer to the treasure of Great Yan. What does beloved subject Qin think of this?”
The question was very artfully created. The emperor didn’t focus on one singular aspect of the affair. Rather, it was up to the minister to deduce the emperor’s intentions from a simple, overarching inquiry.
“Your Majesty,” Qin Huaiyuan stood with a prim bow. “What has been recovered can be called treasure, but in actuality, it’s hard-earned possessions of the people, looted by the emperor emeritus of Great Yan.
“It is living proof of his crime in denying the people the basic right to live. Neither buried underground nor wasted by a privileged few to slake selfish desires would be the most appropriate usage. This humble subject offers that only when the wealth is used for the good of the people will the sins staining it be cleansed.”
Qin Huaiyuan paused and bowed again after looking up at the emperor. “This humble subject feels it is heaven’s design that Your Majesty has recovered the treasure. They know that Your Majesty is a noble emperor dedicated to the people. That this happened when the earth dragon turned over in the south and plague rampages means that it is a door of survival the heavens have flung open for the people. Your Majesty was destined to find and allocate the treasure!”
Qin Huaiyuan’s expression was etched in solemness. He delivered every word, every sentence with authority. And unsurprisingly, every one of these words was a ticket to Li Qitian’s heart, scratching where it itched the most.
Only upon becoming emperor did understanding of being lonely at the top sink in.
Li Qitian was responsible for all of his followers now that he’d ascended to the throne. Everyone—his subjects, people, and even his mother, endlessly solicited things from him, but no one truly understood him.
Chapter 439.2: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Ironically, the words that resonated with him the most were the ones uttered by a subject, and a surrendered official of Great Yan at that! Qin Huaiyuan’s presence in the Great Zhou imperial court stuck out like a sore thumb.
Perhaps it was the relief of an immense burden lifted after finally finding the treasure—Li Qitian found more compassion within himself, which made Qin Huaiyuan’s response more impactful.
“Beloved subject Qin.” The emperor helped his minister up with both hands and patted him on the arms with gratitude. “We have not read you wrong. We decided on using the treasure for people when it was found, as it was pilfered from them in the first place. May that soothe some of the victims who paid the ultimate price for it.”
Qin Huaiyuan nodded solemnly. The look in his eyes and expression radiated exactly the appropriate level of obedience to his overlord, which was also mixed in with subtle veneration.
Just a single glance from one of these looks was a more satisfying balm than two hours of empty flattery.
“Beloved subject Qin, what do you think the follow-up steps should be, now that the treasure’s been recovered?”
Wise Pan An mulled over the question before answering.
“At this moment, this subject feels that there are three arrangements that must be made. Firstly, the Faithful Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank, Command
ery Prince of Yan, and Old Master Gu are to remain where they are for further instructions. Troops should keep them under guard, lest any secrets be divulged. Secondly, deploy Prince Consort Ji to meet the convoy so that nothing will happen en route back home. Thirdly, make plans for allocating the treasure and release updates to herald Your Majesty’s deeds.”
Qin Huaiyuan’s suggestions were sufficiently clear, but not overly thorough that Li Qitian didn’t have space to think things over.
This manner of suggestion-making best demonstrated one’s sincerity. It also left no room for others to think that he was unduly dictating imperial decisions.
Li Qitian nodded repeatedly, deeply moved by the minister’s sincerity.
“My beloved subject, you proposed having the prince and others remain where they are until further notice. How long shall they wait?”
Qin Huaiyuan answered unequivocally, “Until Your Majesty’s men take control of the treasure.”
Li Qitian remained deep in thought for another moment. A question he desperately wanted to ask didn’t make it out in the end.
Pang Xiao and Qin Yining are your son-in-law and beloved daughter. Aren’t you concerned at all that the newlyweds will suffer where they are?
But after thinking it over, Li Qitian saw to the crux of the matter.
Qin Huaiyuan was indeed seeing things clearly. Not only would his suggestion ensure the integrity of the treasure’s location, it’d also clear the couple of all suspicion.
Li Qitian shook his head, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. He wasn’t irked by Qin Huaiyuan’s style. Had the minister been overly selfless, indicating no bias towards his own daughter, sure doubts would arise regarding his loyalty. On the contrary, his behavior now came across all the more genuine.
Li Qitian moved quickly and instructed a messenger to deliver his orders as quickly as possible.
…...
When the messenger came, Qin Yining and Pang Xiao were crowded around a bonfire, roasting fresh game with Huzi, Jiyun and Bingtang.
The princess consort was a true survivor of the mountains who’d endured her fair share of hardships. This kind of simple living was actually more to her taste. Her abilities for eking out a living in the wild greatly impressed her husband and the soldiers.
She had a knack for identifying which paths in the mountains were easiest to walk, which fruit was delicious, and which wild vegetables were edible. She hunted with the skill of an expert huntsman, far better than the guards by Pang Xiao’s side.
After such a long period of time, Qin Yining’s skin was fully rejuvenated by her new life. There was no trace of weathering by the elements, but this appearance made Pang Xiao’s heart ache.
“Your Highness, we’ve got company at the foot of the mountain,” whispered a guard.
Pang Xiao nodded. “I heard them.”
The three hundred Dragon Riders standing guard at the foot of the mountain had established a sentry system on shifts. A sentinel brought the messenger up to see You Meng.
Yuchi Yan and Gu Shixiong, along with their band of twenty-plus followers, were tied up in a heap not too far away. They looked nervously in the direction of the newcomer.
You Meng accepted the secret edict from Li Qitian and read it twice. He grinned when he turned around.
“His Majesty has decreed that the Faithful Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank, and their followers, remain put for further instruction. The Commandery Prince of Yan and Gu Shixiong as well. As for the rest…” The vice general slid the edge of his hand across his throat.
His personal guards immediately shoved Gu Shixiong and Yuchi Yan over to Pang Xiao, Qin Yining and their entourage. Meanwhile, those who’d followed Yuchi Yan, including Little Lu, screamed with panic and despair.
“No, no, no!! Your Highness! Help us!”
“We didn’t do anything at all! We’re innocent!”
“Help!”
……
The executioners selected from the Dragon Riders muffled their screams as they were dragged away. The men returned before long, taking up their positions behind You Meng once more. Any closer looks would reveal the bloodstains on their faces and bodies.
“No, no, no no…”Yuchi Yan shook his head, his eyes closed as he mumbled in pain. “It shouldn’t be this way, it shouldn’t be! They’re all innocent!”
“Innocent?” You Meng scoffed derisively. “What, can’t bear to see if with your own eyes? Why don’t you think about the women you left behind at the capital?”
“No, no….” Yuchi Yan’s eyes were round and big, brimming with anguish.
Chapter 440: Whisper
A career soldier, You Meng had always been scornful of men without backbones—as perfectly illustrated by the likes of the commandery prince. He sneered. “No? Had Your Highness not been a fool, you would’ve foreseen this result before setting out.
“When you surrendered, His Majesty treated you accordingly. You were his subject and your family a subject’s dependents. The emperor took good care of you, but you bred mutinous thoughts. You talked your way into being let loose so you could hunt for the treasure and claim it as your own. You even wanted to revolt and restore your position! Are you really worthy of His Majesty’s trust, the traitor that you are??
“You were a piece of trash emperor! Your subjects and people didn’t have enough to eat or wear, and when you surrendered, you revolted instead of playing the part of a good subject! You even threw away those who shared your bed! And now what, you scared of a little blood? Think about what you did in the first place!”
Color drained from Yuchi Yan’s face. His lips twitched, but formed no coherent sentence in the end.
Having vented his anger, You Meng was finally able to breathe easy. He turned to the frostily stern Pang Xiao. “Your Highness, the emperor means for you and the princess consort to remain where you are. These two are also in your charge.”
Pang Xiao’s face was as dark as a looming thundercloud. He roughly snatched the decree for himself and gave it a quick scan to verify its contents. Suppressing his fury, he grumbled his assent when he determined it wasn’t some drivel that You Meng had concocted.
The vice general left a crew of twenty Dragon Riders behind. “Remain here to protect His Highness. The rest of you shall return with me.”
“Aye!” The designated contingent began their escort of the long fleet of carriages.
To avoid rousing suspicion, Pang Xiao had brought only Huzi and four Elite Tigers on this trip. Meanwhile, Qin Yining had chosen Bingtang, Jiyun and the four led by Xiaoman to accompany her.
The twenty Dragon Riders had been left behind ostensibly to protect the prince, but really, they were tasked to watch Pang Xiao and his contingent, lest the latter wander off or divulge the treasure’s location.
Qin Yining pillowed her husband’s shoulder, her expression solemn and slender brows furrowed. All pretenses of cordiality between Li Qitian and Pang Xiao had at last been shed.
Although the emperor maintained a veneer of politeness, what did he actually say with his actions? Divestiture of military command, lack of trust when placed in the council, and overlooked for any important missions.
Pang Xiao had finally been tasked with a relief mission; yet it was in the capacity of overseeing a former love rival. Meanwhile, the object of both their affections was sent along for the ride!
Everyone knew that she’d once been tapped as an empress candidate for Yuchi Yan. No one knew that Pang Xiao had successfully schemed to the detriment of that plan, but anyone with a bit of common sense would understand the enmity between the two.
Such arrangements were obviously to incite greater estrangement between Pang Xiao and Yuchi Yan.
Things had gone from bad to worse. The treasure had been found, and Pang Xiao had now been utterly, thoroughly ostracized and tossed aside. Even You Meng, a lowly vice general whose military exploits and rank were no match for those of Pang Xiao’s, dared to taunt the prince.
&n
bsp; These developments forced her to contemplate the future, and brainstorm what precautions she should take to protect her husband and those around her.
Li Qitian was the quintessential ingrate who’d turn backstabber in a heartbeat. Death was the only outcome for one who placed their trust in him.
“My dear?” Pang Xiao tilted his head sideways at her.
She snuggled meekly against his shoulder. He could see her fluttering long lashes and dainty, pert nose when he lowered his gaze. He reached out to stroke her cheek. “Did that scare you?”
Only until then did Qin Yining come back to her senses. The guards and maids were watching her with concern.
Awkwardness pricked at her when she realized she’d curled up against Pang Xiao as if there was no one around. She’d momentarily forgotten her surroundings!
“I’m alright, just a bit tired.”
“Why not take a nap? There’s nothing left for us to do here at the moment. We need to wait for His Majesty’s instructions before resuming our mission anyhow. Not to mention, we have no inkling how rations and provisions are coming along.”
Li Qitian hadn’t set up a supply train for the trip before they departed the capital. Though disaster relief was the word of the day, the cavalcade of three hundred Dragon Riders made it seem more like law enforcement escorting prisoners.
Pang Xiao knew how low the national treasury was. Li Qitian was perhaps having problems scraping up enough provisions all at once. He might need more time to put things together and would send the supplies later.
The emperor must’ve also surmised that Yuchi Yan had his ways to recover the treasure on this trip back to Great Yan, though having everything pan out as Pang Xiao and Qin Yining had speculated left the prince in a despondent mood.
Qin Yining was meticulous and astute, perceptively plumbing the depths of Li Qitian’s intentions. Yet at times, Pang Xiao really wished that it was they who were being too small-minded in their understanding of the emperor.
Return of the Swallow c1-644 Page 244