Return of the Swallow c1-644

by Edited by Deyna up to chapter ~100.

  Pang Xiao wrapped his arms tightly around her and gently patted her back. Apart from Qin Huaiyuan, everyone around her depended on her. Yes, she was very smart and sharp, able to fully handle things on her own when issues arose. She was more decisive than most men.

  However, everyone forgot that no matter how strong she was, she was just a young girl. He was eight years older than her! Was she still to worry and fret with him by her side?

  “Don’t worry, leave it all to me,” whispered Pang Xiao softly, like he was swearing an oath.

  Qin Yining nodded quietly in his embrace, a docile pet; her hair quite tickled his chin when it brushed past.

  In silence, the two held their positions for a moment, then went out to busy themselves with relief preparations. They followed the same plan of attack as in the old capital: clearing away debris, setting up soup kitchens and medical tents, and calmly rolling out other steps.

  Prefect Gong even split part of Pang Xiao’s donation with Magistrate Li; the two were plainly in the same straits.

  “Your Highness, we have nowhere to obtain provisions from at the moment. The available commercial stock fell into the hands of the large families long ago, and they seem to have come to an agreement about the price! They won’t budge no matter what, and they want ten taels of silver for one stone of coarse rice!”

  “Ten taels??” The prefect sucked a shocked breath in and exclaimed with fury, “Those profiteering bastards! They’ve gone up two more taels in the last two days!”

  The magistrate looked at Pang Xiao. “Your Highness, what should we do next?”

  Pang Xiao stroked his chin and turned to Qin Yining. “Negotiations are the only thing left. Ah, if only I had my soldiers with me.”

  “And what of it if you did?”

  “I would be a wolf with fangs if I had my men. I’d go in for the kill if I didn’t get the answer I want! If I had my cubs go for a stroll in front of their doors, negotiations wouldn’t even be necessary! All I need to do is ask them if they want their lives or money—that’d be enough to intimidate them into selling at the regular price.”

  “Ai, why would we bother talking if Your Highness had your troops! We’d just charge straight in and drag those heartless bastards out. We don’t need anything else other than Your Highness standing close to them. That’d scare them into peeing their pants!” A yamen soldier concurred spontaneously.

  Without military authority, Pang Xiao was a defanged wolf. So what of his personal prestige? He had to take orders from others all the same.

  The prefect and magistrate both sighed at this. Being minor officials far from the capital, they didn’t know much of what went on in the central city. But the Faithful Prince of the First Rank looked like a kind, loyal, and righteous person no matter how they sliced it. How would he possibly start any rebellion?

  It was understandable that the one under heaven had his concerns.

  But when such wariness impeded proper business and honed in on a meritorious official who’d bled and sweat to establish the nation… it really thoroughly disappointed the soul.

  When one so deeply wronged still quietly donated such a large sum of personal property for the people’s food and medicines, how could they not respect him from the bottom of their hearts?

  “Forget it. Our only plan of attack now is for me to personally speak to them. I’ll use both arguments of the heart and mind to see if I can get them to lower the price.” Pang Xiao rose to summon Huzi and the Elite Tigers.

  “I shan’t be going with you,” commented Qin Yining. “I plan on visiting the farmstead today and seeing if I can locate some food. I don’t know how bad the damage is there either.”

  The prince nodded. “Be careful. I’ll send some men with you.”

  “That’s alright, you need them more. Bring some more guards with you. Four’s enough for me.”

  Pang Xiao scanned Jingzhe and the others behind his wife. He nodded with assurance.

  The two local officials sent the married couple off, watching their departing figures with immense hope in their eyes. They looked at each other and heaved an emotional sigh.

  “The prince and princess consort are all wonderfully good people, especially the princess consort. She’s out here eating watery porridge with us and having to run back and forth trying to find supplies, but I haven’t heard a word of complaint. Only a woman like her is worthy of someone as magnanimous as the prince.”

  “That’s right.”

  Though their stomachs constantly growled from hunger, the fact that such important personages like the prince and princess consort were down in the trenches with them was highly motivating. They rushed off to look after the refugees and handle all sorts of matters.

  Meanwhile, Qin Yining, along with Bingtang, Jiyun, and the four Silver Masks, made their way to a farmstead not too far away.

  A child wearing a rough cotton jacket, hair in twin buns, answered the door. She looked roughly seven years old.

  The girl exclaimed with delighted surprise when she saw the visitors, “It’s the fourth miss! The fourth miss is here!”

  Qin Yining thought carefully for a while before recognizing the child in front of her.

  “Are you Ping Ya’er? You’ve grown so much taller, I almost didn’t recognize you.” Back on Mt. Eternal Spring, Qin Yining had sheltered many refugees in the Ning Park that Pang Xiao had gifted her. Ping Ya’er was one of them, and it seemed that Steward Zhong had sent her to the farm in Yang County.

  “Aiya, it really is the fourth miss!” Others ran out from the farmstead when they heard the girl’s cries. They all made the grand gesture of greeting upon seeing the Qin fourth miss. Statements of welcome tumbled out one after another.

  “Fourth Miss!”

  “What brings you here, Benefactor!”

  “Come come, please come inside and sit down, Benefactor!”

  Feted by a bevy of supporters, Qin Yining sailed into the house.

  Chapter 452: The Issue of Provisions

  Though she was the landlord, Qin Yining felt much more at ease upon seeing familiar faces that she’d once helped.

  “Benefactor, what makes you come here in person? The roads aren’t in good condition after the earth dragon turned over,” inquired Zhang Zhuangtou.

  “That’s right. It’s dangerous to travel, and did you know the earth dragon still isn’t quiet? There’s a shake every few days, whether big or small. Who knows just what’s going on here!” remarked née Ding, Zhang Zhuangtou’s wife.

  “Is everything alright on the farmstead? Has anyone been hurt?”

  “Ai, some families’ homes were destroyed and we have roughly a dozen casualties. A beam landed on one of the families’ granny. She died on the spot.”

  Qin Yining sighed. “Ai. Whether it be natural disaster or manmade, it’s always the people who suffer.”

  “Our benefactor is kind, it’s all because of you that we survived those times. We’re so lucky that we can settle down here and have food to eat, clothes to wear, and houses to live in. We even spent the new year in peace. You’ve done your best for us, so please don’t be sad,” comforted née Ding.

  Zhang Zhuangtou concurred eagerly, “That’s right, our farm is actually better off, thanks to Steward Zhong building sturdy houses for us. Most of them were just fine after the earthquake.”

  “That’s good,” sighed Qin Yining. “I’m here with the prince at this time because of an imperial decree The nation’s coffers are empty and His Majesty hasn’t given us silver or provisions for relief aid. I’m sure you all know of the ghastly conditions within town. It really pains me to see so many starving in the streets. Do we have any extra food stored here?”

  “Benefactor, we had the drought last year and then too much rain this year. We have some food stored away, but not much. We do have a bit of sweet potatoes though.”

  “Leave enough food for everyone on the farmstead and put the rest onto carts for me. I’ll bring it back to the soup kitchens in t
own. Hopefully, that helps more people survive.”

  Zhang Zhuangtou nodded and ran off to execute his orders. Née Ding looked like she had something to say.

  “Missus Ding, please feel free to say whatever’s on your mind.”

  “Mm, Benefactor, I know it’s not my place to say any of this. You’re selfless, big-hearted, and only think of saving more people. But how does such a large imperial court fail to send a single bank note? I feel that some people are counting on your kindness, that you won’t be able to help yourself with donating money and food when you see the people suffering.

  “Secondly, our abilities are limited. Even if you donate all of the food, it won’t save that many people. At that time, the people won’t remember how much you donated, just how many died. Ai! I know these are your possessions, but I really can’t stand to see you come off worse for the wear.”

  Touched, Qin Yining smiled when she heard this. “Thank you for your candor, Missus Ding. I understand what you mean. I’ll consider this carefully, and the prince will also be brainstorming ways to solve the food shortage. I’m just trying to help more people survive until the solution hits him.”

  “You are such a kind-hearted person. It’s because of your caring tendencies that we were able to survive. We’ll do everything you say.” Née Ding suddenly felt that her thoughts were so very dirty. Was the princess consort only allowed to spend her wealth on saving the Ning Park refugees? Her benefactor wanted to save more people, but here she was, being petty and small-minded!

  Qin Yining rested in the house while those on the farmstead bustled with action. Deeming the poor road condition too difficult for carriages, they strapped the food onto the backs of mules. All of it added together was the equivalent of a large wagon.

  The princess consort pulled Zhang Zhuangtao aside. “You’ve brought out so much, does that leave enough for the people on the farm? Don’t donate your own dinners just because I said something.”

  Warmth wrapped itself around the man’s heart. “Don’t worry, Benefactor. We kept enough for ourselves, like you instructed. Don’t worry at all. I hear that some plague is starting in the city though. Please be careful when you go out and about!”

  “You too.” Qin Yining nodded with a smile. “Look after the farmstead well. Don’t be in a rush to do anything these days. Just live well. The days ahead are long as long as we’re alive.”

  “Understood!”

  She couldn’t delay any further. Any food she got her hands on had to be transported back as soon as possible. Saving lives was as urgent as putting out a fire. She didn’t want to see the people die for nothing, their only crime to live under an useless emperor.

  The roads were indeed very difficult to travel. Thankfully their group consisted only of four-legged creatures, so any obstacles were surmounted by carefully leading their steeds across.

  Even so, it was late afternoon by the time they returned to Yang City proper.

  Worried about his wife, Pang Xiao had taken up residence by the door. Happiness brewed in the bottom of his eyes to see her return; even more so given that she led mules laden with provisions. However, heartache overpowered his joy at seeing Qin Yining.

  “You’re back.” He welcomed the group with a smile.

  The princess consort flipped down from her horse. “You guys came back first!”

  “Mmhmm, we came back right after noon. How are you feeling? Are you tired after riding for so long?”

  “I’m doing well.” The two walked side by side back to the yamen. Qin Yining added in a low chuckle, “Just a bit chafed from the saddle. This used to never happen to me before, but I’m afraid I’ve become spoiled after living in the lap of luxury.”

  “How is that spoiled? You’re a tender, fragile lady to begin with! But here you are, having to suffer with me.” Pang Xiao reached out to flick her messy hairstyle.

  The tow stood beneath the shade of a tree, watching their men lead the horses back inside.

  When there was no one around, Pang Xiao whispered, “My scouts have discovered that the entire old capital is surrounded by Dragon Riders. They’re most likely the emperor’s personal escort. Some of them are headed to Yang County. They’ve been delayed by the road conditions, but I’m sure they’ll be here soon.”

  Qin Yining’s heart skipped a beat. “Then that means the treasure really is in Yang County.”

  “That’s right, he wouldn’t act like this otherwise. We just don’t know where the treasure is yet, and don’t know what side Azure Justice has taken. Who knows if their marks really lead to the treasure?”

  “Since troops have been deployed and the emperor’s secretly made his way here, we need to stay on our guard,” huffed Qin Yining with resignation. “We can’t go probing the waters no matter how curious we get. It would be much more of a loss than a gain if we were to be dragged into everything. Finding a proper way to handle the earthquake aftermath is what we should focus on. Our little bit of silver won’t hold out for long, and court isn’t sending any provisions. We still need to find a way to deal with those rich families.”

  Pang Xiao smiled wryly. “All of them are highly dissatisfied with Great Zhou, and they’re also heartless bastards as well. Nothing panned out from visiting one family, so I’ll have to keep thinking of better plans.”

  “I’ll go with you tomorrow. Maybe there’s a way.”

  Chapter 453.1: Riots

  It took a moment for Pang Xiao to process what she’d just said. Hesitantly, he replied, “It would be unwise for you to be publicly involved. I have my ways to convince them. You should stay out of this.”

  The rich families were sitting around, waiting for people to grovel at their doors—what decorum would they show? What's more, many of them had once served in the court of Great Yan. It was possible that some still didn’t recognize Great Zhou as the lawful government.

  The true integrity of their character notwithstanding, if they were to condescend Qin Yining from their moral high horses, it was sure to get ugly.

  As the daughter of the once-Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent, she’d also been considered for empress. Now that she was the princess consort of the one who’d trampled their nation, she was the biggest traitor in their eyes.

  Pang Xiao knew Qin Yining had undergone much hardship since throwing her lot in with his. How could he possibly stand to let others wag their tongues about her now?

  Seeing the doubt written over his face, Qin Yining had more than an inkling of what he was concerned about. Warmth spontaneously burst forth in her heart. Wrapping her hands around Pang Xiao’s arms, she nuzzled his shoulder.

  “Don’t worry. Am I someone who cares what others think of me? Besides, is it even possible to gain everyone’s approval? Our positions are all different, so I understand if they want to curse at me.”

  “That may be, but listen to me on this. I’ll go myself. Don’t get involved or try to come along.” Pang Xiao’s heart ached for Qin Yining as he drew her close. The more sensible she was, the more he felt for her. Why else would she have had no choice but to be well versed with the dark side of human nature, at an age when she should’ve been innocent and carefree, if not for the many hardships of life?

  Though they were obscured by the dark of the night, they were still out on the streets. Qin Yining gently pushed Pang Xiao aside, her cheeks flushed.

  Even when no longer holding her, he still kept an arm around her shoulders as they strolled back to the yamen.

  “If you insist, then I will say no more. It’s true we should err on the side of caution for the time being.” Qin Yining also didn't want to be conspicuous and attract trouble for Pang Xiao. Li Qitian had already surrounded the old capital, after all.

  Her husband nodded as he understood what she meant. “That’s right, we only need to concentrate on the disaster relief efforts and watch how we speak about other matters. We can’t give anyone anything that can be used against us.”

  “I understand. If I can’t par
ticipate in the negotiations, I have no reason to meander about outdoors either.” Qin Yining had witnessed the chaos and cruelty of war before with her own eyes.

  When people lived in constant fear for their lives, morality was a luxury. It was to go outside during such times of duress; some might jump at the opportunity to cause trouble.

  Seeing how sensible she was being, he would’ve pulled her into his arms to show her the depths of his love if they weren’t out on the streets.

  When the two neared the soup kitchens, they saw a restless crowd struggling outside.

  In a crowd of several hundred, the able-bodied had forced their way to the front, leaving the elderly, the weak, women, and the young cut off on the outskirts. Dirty, withered hands raised high broken bowls and scraps of pottery, fighting for a ladle of porridge. Amid rubble and old trees plucked clean of their leaves, children wailed while the elderly choked back their sobs...

  The sight slammed into Qin Yining and Pang Xiao’s; hearts dropped and tore with anguish.

  So what of treasure or power struggles? Right now, they meant nothing compared to a stone of rice!

  These were the citizens left to fend for themselves for two months in the aftermath of the earthquake! No one cared or asked about them! They’d gone through series of misfortunes—their old emperor a tyrant and their current emperor treasure-hunting without a care for his people.

  When gods fight, the mortals are the one to suffer. But what had the common folk done wrong?

  Pang Xiao gnashed his teeth so hard they ground on each other, then pulled at Qin Yining to walk away.

  It was only after they’d distanced themselves from the commotion that Pang Xiao denounced, “We can’t go on like this. Our provisions won’t last much longer. I need to get those rich families to cough up some of their stores, or more people will die! They escaped being crushed to death only to be starved to death by their own emperor… f*cking hell!”