The princess consort set off towards the bamboo shack. No sooner had she taken a step than Yuchi Yan, his head lowered all this time, called out, “Don’t go!”
The girl started and looked over her shoulder in surprise at the commandery prince. The sight of disheveled salt-and-pepper hair, a sallow and pallid face, and vacant bloodshot eyes answered her glance. Streaks of tear trails ran down his face, painting an air of derangement to his looks.
In her mind, the image of that noble, scholarly gentleman she’d first encountered at the Prince of Ning’s floated to the forefront. Qin Yining found herself unable to reconcile that young man with this dispossessed outcast.
“You go on and rest.” Pang Xiao watched his wife with concern and commanded the Dragon Riders left to stand guard. “Go help the commandery prince and Secretariat Gu settle in. Keep a close eye on them. There’s no telling what’s out here in the mountains. Don’t let them wander off at will.”
“Aye!” The guards answered with great respect.
The Dragon Riders had previously garrisoned in the northern frontiers. Though they were under the command of Ji Zeyu, their discipline and training were indubitably on par with the Valiant Tigers’. They were also a tad bit curious about and admiring of Pang Xiao, and had learned more about the prince’s dominating competence and affability on this trip.
Even though the emperor distrusted the prince, he would always be a war god to these Dragon Riders. They were responsible for protecting and watching their charge, but also willing to do as they were told when Pang Xiao asked.
A few of them together hefted the trussed-up chickens that were Yuchi Yan and Gu Shixiong and brought them to a tent not too far away, shoving them inside.
Inside the bamboo shack, Qin Yining burrowed beneath the covers. Pang Xiao stepped in before long.
The guards were used to seeing Pang Xiao dote on his wife and immune to seeing the couple rest in the shack in broad daylight. The group gathered by the bonfire, roasting game and chatting merrily. Only a handful of Dragon Riders checked now and then to ensure that Pang Xiao was staying put.
He blocked the entrance with a trellis of lashed-together bamboo. That sealed the triangular enclosure. Faint sunlight dappled through the fissures between the bamboo. Within the dark corner, one could see dust motes dancing in the faint light.
Hugging her covers, Qin Yining watched Pang Xiao and beamed, coaxing an answering smile in return.
Pang Xiao disrobed and kicked off his boots before lying down on the mat that was covered with a thick quilt and pad. He enfolded the covers and his wife’s slender frame into him.
“Are they roasting game, Your Highness?” Are we being eavesdropped on?
Pang Xiao didn’t answer right away. He kept his eyes closed and focused all of his attention on his hearing. He listened closely before answering in a whisper, “Yes they are.”
Thus reassured, Qin Yining responded in a low voice. “We don’t have any pigeons left. But I think my men are already lying in wait.”
Chapter 441: To Detain
“Though Azure Justice is a motley group, they still have some courage and fighting spirit to their name. There may only be six Silver Masks, but they’re all elites. They knew a long time ago that there’s almost three hundred Dragon Riders escorting the treasure back, and they know roughly when the return trip was to set out. They’ll have made detailed plans and know where and when is best to make their moves. So I think we don’t need to worry about this.”
Pang Xiao breathed his words out softly, sending shudders down Qin Yining when his hot breath huffed into her ear.
She wanted to rub her ears, but her arms were firmly ensconced in the blankets by her husband. She could only nuzzle his shoulders with her ears.
The prince chuckled softly as the motion made Qin Yining seem so much like a cute, little woodland animal.
She didn’t know what her husband was thinking as she bent her mind to analysis. After a while, she whispered back, “The Silver Masks will be the more loyal. I’m not so sure about Azure Justice.”
“Oh?”
She lowered her voice even further. “The alliance head was once my maternal grandmother, and she only formed the alliance so she could seek revenge. After obtaining justice, she no longer wanted to be involved. Perhaps she could already tell that the alliance was becoming hard to control. She pulled out and gave it to me.
“Though I’m their leader in name, and they might come to me for help or even to take responsibility when something goes awry… in all honesty, they wouldn’t listen to my orders at all if there’s nothing in it for them.
“They were once traitors in Great Yan and aren’t legitimate citizens of Great Zhou even now. All of them do business with the Tartars along the borders. They only obeyed me this time because there’s some profit to be made. But I really have no faith in their loyalty.”
Pang Xiao thoroughly understood her concerns now. He kissed her temples and comforted her in whispers. “Don’t worry, this isn’t your fault no matter what. My men are all under surveillance and you’re the only one we can rely on. We had no choice in this matter. Better utilizing them than having the treasure fall into Li Qitian’s hands.”
“I’m actually very conflicted myself. If we don’t do anything, I’m afraid Li Qitian won’t end up spending much of the silver on the people. He’ll pour it all into the army, which will only be bad for you. That’s why I decided to intercept it. Whether it's the aristocracy or Li Qitian, none of them can have it fall into their laps. In our hands, we can at least ensure that it will be used for good.
“If it comes down to all out hostility between you two one day, we’ll be in a stronger position then. But sometimes, I still feel guilty.” Qin Yining sighed softly.
Trapped in the game as they were, she could find no other way to protect her loved ones and survive.
The prince quite understood her feelings, because he felt the same. None of them represented only themselves now. They were responsible for those who followed them, which meant that every action entailed more consideration.
“Don’t think too much, we were forced into this as well. It’d be best if it’s a success. If it’s a failure, then we’ll just deal with it,” Pang Xiao murmured into her ear. “But this is one of the trips that I’ve felt most peace of mind on, because I have you by my side.”
Qin Yining smiled as well. “That’s right. Thank goodness I’m here with you, or I would’ve fretted myself out of my mind in the capital.”
She dodged with a soft chuckle when he kissed her neck. The two bantered for a while longer before closing their eyes to rest. Looking like she was asleep, Qin Yining’s mind raced furiously onwards.
She was still worried.
Things would still be fine if the operation failed and their people got away cleanly. If not, and a couple were captured, all would be a mess if they were outed.
It was naturally for the best if Li Qitian didn’t get his way in things, but further conflict might occur between Azure Justice and the Silver Masks with the treasure in hand.
The Silver Masks in the capital that Li Qitian was aware of didn’t dare do anything remotely suspicious. The four she’d brought with her were counted for as well. Therefore, the only ones they could mobilize this time were the six floating around outside.
Those six possessed adept martial arts and professional training. She really didn’t know which side would come out victorious in a scuffle—Azure Justice with the advantage of numbers, or the Silver Masks with superior skill.
All she could pray now was for something like that not to happen. They had no more messenger pigeons and no way to contact the outside world given the heavy guard. In such isolated circumstances, the only thing they could do was wait.
Half a month quickly passed by.
The days grew hot and bugs appeared in multitudes. It was almost two months since the earthquake, yet the disaster relief convoy was trapped in the woods because of an imperial de
cree having to do with the treasure.
Life may be inconvenient, but their day-to-day was guaranteed. Unfortunately, Qin Yining had been bitten by a venomous mosquito two days ago. The bite had hardened into tough lump that itched and ached. It even showed signs of infection, and she burned with a low fever the two days.
“How are you feeling, my darling?” Pang Xiao fanned her with a round fan and rubbed the palm of her hand with sympathy.
“Don’t be so worried, I’m not that frail and pampered. It’s just a little infection from a bug bite. I’ll be fine.” Qin Yining smiled.
“This is all my fault. If I hadn’t brought you out with me, you could’ve stayed at home and not live in a forest full of mosquitoes.” Vexed regret flapped at Pang Xiao, and his resentment of Li Qitian grew a bit larger.
“Don’t think nonsense. Do mosquitoes only live in the mountains? Besides, we brought Bingtang with us. We can be at ease with her here.”
Pang Xiao nodded and responded with some gratification. “Thank goodness you brought her. Who would’ve thought that we’d be stuck in these mountains for so long? There are a lot of bugs and snakes now that the days are hot. It’s no difference to us coarse men, but you’re in weak health and have to suffer with us for no reason at all.”
The princess consort flung open her arms and grinned at her man. He was so much like a child sometimes, and now resembled a long-suffering, large dog with his tail stepped on.
The joy and delight that blossomed in his eyes when she opened her arms was infectious. Pang Xiao placed his arms next to her her and buried his face in her shoulder and chest. Enveloped by her faint, elegant fragrance, he couldn’t refrain from taking a few deep breaths in.
“My darling, you smell so good.”
Her arms around his head and shoulders, Qin Yining blushed and mock-retorted, “What silliness is this. I don’t have any lotion on me, so how would I smell good?”
She rarely put on makeup since they lived in the woods now.
Skeptical, Pang Xiao buried his face even more firmly and inhaled deeply. “It’s not the smell of lotion, it’s you. You smell good.”
The deep notes of conviction made Qin Yining’s face flame. She didn’t let go and simply enjoyed the peaceful moment of the two of them hugging each other.
“Your Highness, an imperial decree’s arrived!” Huzi’s call from outside the door broke the serenity.
Pang Xiao and Qin Yining blinked at each other before quickly rising to accept the decree.
Chapter 442: Digging One’s Own Grave
Qin Yining’s head spun when she rushed to her feet. She leaned against the entrance to the shack and took a few deep breaths, waiting for the vertigo to pass.
Pang Xiao was a few steps out the door before registering his wife’s absence. His head whipped around to see her leaning against the doorframe and hurried back to hold her. “What is it? Are you feeling dizzy?”
“I’m alright, just a little woozy. I’ll be fine in a bit.”
Brows knitted in worry, Pang Xiao supported his wife as she steadied her legs to walk forward.
All of the guards and Dragon Riders knew that the princess consort had fallen ill over the past couple of days.
After this period of time together, they’d found Pang Xiao and his wife to be easygoing and affable. The couple neither put on airs and pulled haughty faces, nor did they vent their frustrations on others at will. The guards and Dragon Riders had since had a complete change of heart of the young couple.
Seeing a delicate beauty trapped in the mountains for half a month and put through this much ordeal inspired much sympathy and compassion.
Hence, it gutted them to see Pang Xiao supporting the frail princess consort—a wisp of a girl—out the shack.
It was an imperial guard who delivered the decree. Everyone fell to their knees as he unfurled the golden cloth.
The content in the decree was rather concise: The Faithful Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank was to leave for the disaster zone straightaway to oversee relief efforts. The Commandery Prince of Yan and Old Secretariat Gu were to be escorted to the capital.
Pang Xiao kowtowed before accepting the decree. He asked the guard with a smile, “His Majesty has received the delivery of the treasure, I assume?”
The guard shook his head and forced a smile out. “His Majesty never received the treasure. The guards sent by Prince Consort Ji traveled a long way and in fact, almost made it to the disaster area. Not once did they spot the treasure escorts. It seemed that they just vanished into thin air. Even the chaperones of Vice General You Meng and the Dragon Riders disappeared as well.”
“What!!!” Pang Xiao’s eyes widened from shock. “How is that possible? This prince saw the treasure boxed up and loaded onto the carriages with my own eyes! They didn’t set off until I was sure that everything was organized and accounted for! Was…was it You Meng who did it?”
The guard shook his head again and sighed. “His Majesty is furious and hasn’t been able to sleep a wink since receiving word. He asked that I deliver the imperial edict to Your Highness, along with a reminder.”
“Please.” Pang Xiao listened with respectful attention.
“His Majesty had intended for that treasure to cover the cost of food and supplies for the relief mission, but it looks like a delay is inevitable now. His Majesty knows that the prince is truly capable and asks that Your Highness do everything possible to help the people and reassure them. This is, after all, Great Yan territory. It’s been a long while and the most current situation is unknown, we’re hazy about the happenings in the disaster area. Your Highness will be handling with a hot mess not unlike a pot of porridge. But His Majesty has every faith that Your Highness will be resourceful enough for a solution.”
The furrows on Qin Yining’s forehead grew deeper as she listened. What was that supposed to mean?
They’d been stalled here for more than half a month and was already late to deliver aid. Did Li Qitian not send other backup at all?
There was no money in the national treasury, that much she knew. But as an emperor, having no money didn’t justify having no conscience!
It’d been nearly two months since the earthquake ravaged Great Yan. Local officials had taken on every responsibility to preserve social order. How would the refugees sustain themselves without food, medicine, supplies, and emergency funds to fall back on?
Those who’d been buried under the debris when the earth dragon had first turned over would’ve had a chance at survival, but the delay in the rescue mission had likely cost them their lives.
Yet, the treasure was the only thing in Li Qitian’s sights. He had all but forgotten the people!
Instead of sending someone to comfort them after dragging his feet for such a long period of time, he was now sending Pang Xiao to pick up the mess without food, money, or supplies! The prince had to fend for himself; it was an impossible mission!
Was the emperor expecting Pang Xiao to cut off his own flesh to feed people??
Or did Li Qitian think a glib tongue would suffice to keep everyone mollified?
The emperor was practically having Pang Xiao dig his own grave by thrusting to him a territory that hated him the most! Putting him at the mercy of mounting public anger was to kill him with a borrowed knife!
Li Qitian was simply too malevolent and ruthless; he was determined to destroy Pang Xiao by hook or by crook!
Pang Xiao was clued in to these truths just as the same realizations flashed through Qin Yining’s mind. However, he had no choice but to put on a mask of great delight.
“It is my great honor that His Majesty thinks this highly of me! Please return and convey my assurances that I will not disappoint him. I will see it be done.”
The imperial guard—the edict bearer—was nonplussed.
Anyone not a fool could easily point out the twists and turns of this particular game. Someone as courageous and intelligent as the Faithful Prince of the First Rank would
never fail to see through the emperor’s plan, yet he accepted the edict with joy. What did that say about him?
That the Faithful Prince of the First Rank was loyal, with nothing to hide.
Visibly touched by Pang Xiao’s assertion, the imperial guard answered with emotion, “Rest assured, Your Highness, I will report back to His Majesty what you said."
Nodding with a smile, Pang Xiao added, “I’ll be troubling you, then. His Majesty must be emotionally and physically wearied these days. Please ask Grand Supervisor Li to keep a closer eye on His Majesty’s diet and sleep. Summon the imperial physicians to check on the emperor as often as need be. State affairs are crucial, but His Majesty’s health takes precedence.”
“Very much so.” The guard nodded solemnly and presented the edict to Pang Xiao with both hands. Afterwards, he mobilized his men to get Yuchi Yan and Gu Shixiong ready for arrest back to the capital.
The Dragon Riders left behind to stand guard remained by Pang Xiao’s side to protect the young couple. Pursing her lips, Qin Yining stumbled into the bamboo shack.
The entourage of guards and maids dared not urge the couple to set out straight away. Bingtang and Jiyun rushed into the shack on Qin Yining’s heels.
Pang Xiao cupped his fists at Dragon Riders apologetically. “This period’s been hard on all of you, brothers. Let’s get preparations underway before we take off.”
“Your Highness need not be this polite. It’ll be good for the princess consort to rest a bit more. It’s no trouble at all.”
“This prince thanks you for your consideration.” Pang Xiao cupped his fists again gratefully.
The men hurried to return the salute.
Watching Pang Xiao’s tall and strapping back, they couldn’t help but feel admiration for the prince as he walked toward the shack.
How could anyone not be inspired by a legendary god of war who had trampled over so many enemies? Not only that, but he’d proved his prowess as an official in the imperial court and cherished his wife in private as a doting husband! His straightforward character and dominating bearing inspired reverence from the heart.
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