“Don’t worry, I’ll handle it all.” Pang Xiao nodded with a smile that was only surface deep. He had limited men and wouldn’t be able to quickly quell the disturbance. It was even more unfeasible to quietly slip in for a rescue mission. It would also give rise to the possibility of unscrupulous people using this incident for their own purposes.
The married couple had indeed used the refugees, but their intent was that more of them would live on. They wanted to trade the smallest sacrifice possible for more lives.
The riots continued for a day and a night, with the curtains falling on three dozen civilian casualties and the extermination of the Dings and Peis. After seizing the food stashed away by the two families, smoke from long-vanished cooking fires rose in the city again.
With this development and Pang Xiao’s arrangements, strong security returned to Yang County and the two hapless families were quickly taken care of.
News of the refugees rioting in Yang County traveled like it’d grown wings, reaching the more populated old capital in no time at all. When Prefect Gong returned to his city, some of the wealthy families actually approached him for a change. Coarse rice that’d been going for twelve taels a stone returned to one tael a stone. With this change, Pang Xiao’s donation would keep the people going for some time.
Everything seemed perfect on the surface, but Qin Yining had already endured two sleepless nights. Images of innocent Ding women and Pei children surfaced to her mind whenever she closed her eyes.
Her idea had indeed saved more people, but it also meant the doom of more than fifty people that comprised of the two affected families. When the refugees transformed into rioters, they looted, raped, and pillaged. Though Pang Xiao hadn’t described the scene to her and refused to let her accompany the cleanup, it was easy enough to imagine what the families’ gruesome ends had been.
Casualties had already been incurred. If one treated the situation as a math calculation, it was perfectly right and proper from a moral standpoint to trade fifty lives for those of thousands.
But from the dead’s perspective? Were they all evil villains deserving of death? What about the innocent women and children?
Knives scraped across Qin Yining’s heart when she thought of the situation.
After treating her with medicines for two days, Bingtang could tell from her mistress’ pulse that the knot of depression yet remained. “Your Highness, please don’t be too sad. Those people were doomed by their stupid patriarchs. The people wouldn’t have resented them so much if it wasn’t for the Dings and Peis being rich on wealth and short on kindness. They tried to profit off of a disaster and refused to share all that food they’d hoarded. Perhaps they committed a great deal of evil when they were alive—it’s just that the people didn’t dare speak of it.”
Bingtang couldn't bear to see her mistress so miserable, so she tried her best to offer comfort.
Qin Yining offered a sad smile. “I know. My mind understands, but my heart thinks otherwise. I think I’ll be better after a while longer.”
The maid could only nod with a sigh. Time was indeed the best balm for any pain.
“Your Highness.” Jiyun entered the room with a slightly strange expression.
The princess consort lowered her voice. “What is it?”
“There’s a friend you once knew who’s here to see you, a woman whose husband’s surname is Liao. She was conducting business in the old capital when the earth dragon turned over. She came to make her greetings after learning you were here. Would you like to see her?” Jiyun nodded meaningfully.
Qin Yining’s heart skipped a bit. It was Missus Liao from Azure Justice, her designated contact with the alliance. Why had she come knocking? Was it for the treasure?
“Show her in, since we’re old acquaintances.” Palms sweaty with nervousness, Qin Yining had no idea why Missus Liao was here or if the emperor’s spies had picked up on the peculiarities.
Chapter 457.1: Betrayal
Considering how His Majesty had arrived in secret and surrounded the old capital with soldiers, Qin Yining wouldn't have sought out Missus Liao if the woman hadn't come of her own accord. There they were on the cusp of a crisis, with people causing problems left and right; why would she agree to meet with a complete stranger at a time like this?
After a moment of contemplation, she decided someone as sharp as Missus Liao must have realized just as much. If she’d come despite the risks, it could only mean that a major problem had come up.
If it wasn't an internal problem Azure Justice couldn't take care of themselves, then it must have to do with the most urgent matter at hand: the treasure.
Qin Yining wasn't sure if it was her own paranoia or the devastating circumstances they were in, but she’d been on tenterhooks ever since arriving at Yang County, constantly anxious that something bad was about to happen.
As her thoughts ran wild, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Jiyun escorted Missus Liao inside. The woman wore an embroidered, silk aqua jacket and her hair was held in place by a silver hairpin. Now in the presence of Qin Yining, Missus Liao hastily knelt on the ground in the grand gesture of greeting. "This commoner greets the princess consort."
"Please rise, big sister Liao, we're old acquaintances by now. There’s no need for such formalities." Qin Yining occupied the head seat and pointed at the empty spot beside her. "Please, sit and have some tea."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Missus Liao sat beside Qin Yining, her body turned slightly to the side and her gaze lowered. "This commoner is but the wife of a mere merchant. I dare not trespass on your generosity for associating with someone as lowly as myself, Your Highness."
Qin Yining dimpled at her words. "Sister Liao grows aloof with every blink and spoken word. I recall you went on a business trip with your husband. What brings you here?"
Missus Liao smiled bashfully. "Indeed, I was traveling with my husband. However, I received word of the disaster and wanted to help in what little way I can. I've brought some provisions and medicine with me, but it took awhile to get here as the mountain roads are difficult to navigate. Upon arrival, I learned that the disaster relief ambassador is none other than the Faithful Prince of the First Rank, and that Your Highness had come along. I just had to pay you a visit."
Qin Yining beamed with joy, deeply moved by her words. "How righteous of you, sister Liao! This is a great deed for the people! I thank sister Liao on their behalf!" At that, she stood to curtsey.
Taken aback, Missus Liao leapt to her feet and protested the courtesy she was being shown.
"This won’t do, Your Highness! This isn't proper! The Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank are the ones who have done much for the people. People like us don’t have much skill to our name and can offer paltry supplies at best. I am unworthy of such grand displays of gratitude."
As Missus Liao helped Qin Yining up, she pressed a small ball of paper into the princess consort’s palm, her movements concealed by their sleeves.
Though Qin Yining didn't visibly react, she clutched the paper tightly and exchanged a few more pleasantries with Missus Liao. She had servants take stock of the supplies and update the inventory records accordingly. She then personally saw the madame out and thanked her once again on behalf of the refugees.
Even long after Missus Liao had taken her leave, the servants tasked with putting away the provisions and medicine exclaimed with wonder. "It looks like there are a lot of kind-hearted people in the world after all. There are still upstanding merchants who are willing to donate to complete strangers."
"His Highness himself donated fifty thousand taels of silvers. The princess consort even sold her dowry."
"Ai. If only the Dings and the Peis had even a sliver of kindness—then they wouldn't have been exterminated. When His Highness went to negotiate for rice, they insisted on twelve taels per stone! Those immoral scumbags blinded by money were more despicable than robbers! And now they’re dead because of it. Serves them right!"
Shame rose in Qin Yining as she heard their criticism of the Dings and Peis. The elderly, children, and women of those families hadn’t participated in the atrocities at all, yet she’d sentenced them to death all the same.
With a heavy heart, she returned to the back office and dismissed her servants, leaving only Jiyun and Bingtang. After everyone made themselves scarce, Qin Yining asked Jiyun in a low voice, "Take a look around and see if the coast is clear."
The guard’s face sobered in an instant. After carefully surveyed their surroundings to confirm a lack of surveillance, she gave her mistress a nod.
Qin Yining quickly unfolded the piece of paper and perused its contents. She reread the lines of tiny characters twice over. Her worst fears were realized.
The treasure had indeed been carried off by the joint efforts of Azure Justice and the Silver Masks. Missus Liao had received daily updates on the treasure's whereabouts via carrier pigeon. The last pigeon carried a message from Azure Justice, informing her that the treasure was in jeopardy due to traitorous intent growing amongst the Silver Masks.
That was the last time she received any messages. After colossal effort, she finally recently learned of the treasure’s location in Yang County. She came with a group of people to investigate, but neither found the treasure nor the whereabouts of the original group of Silver Masks and Azure Justice members.
Chapter 457.2: Betrayal
Though Azure Justice was larger in size, it lacked discipline. It was unlikely that its members could best the Silver Masks—the elite of the elite—in combat. If any of the former secret agents harbored duplicitous intentions, it was entirely possible for them to wipe out the alliance.
Such was the disadvantage of not having anyone under her personal command. Though it would seem as if she had the power of both groups at her disposal, few could resist the siren call of riches. In the end, internal discord had risen between the two.
Qin Yining’s face fell. It took a long moment before she was able to breathe again. Lifting the ed embroidered covering of a lantern, she lit the note on fire and watched its ashes flutter to the ground.
"Your Highness, are you alright?" Worried, Bingtang took Qin Yining by the arm and helped her sit down. Her mistress’ ice-cold fingers deepened her concerns.
"Summer has just arrived, but your hands are so cold. Please listen to my advice.” Bingtang covered her mistress’ hands with her own in entreaty. “You have yet to fully recover from your previous injuries, so don't worry yourself with these matters for the time being. You may have the prince to support you, but you must take care of yourself as well."
Jiyun sighed as well. "We know it's a tough situation to deal with, but you mustn't shoulder all of the responsibility or you'll fall ill. It's not worth the stress."
Qin Yining smiled wryly and nodded. "I'm aware of what you’re saying. But when things like this actually happen, it is difficult not to take it all to heart."
SinceBingtang and Jiyun couldn't ask about the details of what had transpired;,ll they could do was change the subject to divert her attention. When the prince returned, Qin Yining whispered the latest developments into his ear.
Pang Xiao wrapped his arms around her thin shoulders and pressed his lips against her forehead in comfort. "I see. Don’t worry—I’ll send people to investigate. I’m the one His Majesty distrusts the most, and seeing how he has soldiers lying in wait outside the city, we must act carefully to avoid suspicion."
"I know. Missus Liao came in the name of donating provisions and medicine, so that shouldn't be much cause for doubt."
"Indeed. Neighboring provinces have also gotten word of our situation and begun donating food. Things are slowly improving for the people."
Hearing this, Qin Yining's mood lightened a bit. "That’s the only thing we can feel good about lately," she sighed.
Pang Xiao gave a long sigh and held her tightly in his arms. His darling had been thrown into the same dangers he faced when she married him. There were times when even he despised his own selfishness—if it weren't for him, would Qin Yining have been bogged down by the mire?
The prince’s face darkened. Having seen those dear to him suffer, vague notions that had taken shape in his mind gradually began to solidify.
After a few days of investigation, it seemed Yang County was the worst hit during the earthquake, so Pang Xiao and Qin Yining kept themselves stationed there while giving Sir Gong full jurisdiction over the old capital.
The issue with provisions resolved and their survival ensured, the people simmered down and became much easier to manage. After what had happened to the Dings and Peis, other local wealthy families lowered their prices and even donated rice on their own accord.
In a short amount of time, they found themselves with much to do.
Pang Xiao and Sir Gong first arranged for the roads leading to the old capital to be cleared out to facilitate the smoother transportation of provisions. Meanwhile, Qin Yining spent most of her time in the yamen and quietly looked after her health at Pang Xiao's urging.
One day, while she read in her room, two light knocks sounded against her back window.
Jiyun started with alertness. "Who's there?" she called out quietly.
Their visitor remained for a moment, then abruptly opened the window and somersaulted into the room.
Qin Yining stared at the person before her, stunned. "Guard Captain Cao? What are you doing here?" she whispered. It was none other than Cao Yuqing, disguised as a man wearing a cropped, dark blue jacket.
The princess consort pulled her close and barraged her with a series of worried questions. "Has something happened in the capital? Is my father well? Is the rest of my family well?"
Seeing Qin Yining so nervous, Cao Yuqing couldn't help but chuckle. "Don't worry, everything’s under control in the capital. Your father is well. However, he felt that something big is sure to happen on your end after he heard of a few things. The identities of His Highness’ people have been exposed, so we couldn’t send them to you. Presently, the other Silver Masks can’t leave the capital either, but it’s easy for a woman like me to come up with an excuse. I said I was ill and needed to leave the city for a few months of solitude. This gave me the chance to come here in secret in case you required my protection."
Qin Yining blinked a few times before the truth dawned upon her. "My father announced he took you as a concubine, didn't he?"
Cao Yuqing blushed. "Yes. He planned to send me to you a month ago, but couldn't find a legitimate reason for me to leave. Thus, he came up with the excuse that I needed to recover from being frail and bedridden after childbirth. That created the perfect opportunity. Your mother is extremely jealous though—she still wasn’t speaking to your father when I left."
Qin Yining was intimately acquainted with her mother’s temper. She was deeply moved that her father had given up his reputation and peace just to send someone to protect her. However, the one she needed to thank the most was Cao Yuqing. Would anyone else have been willing to sully their name like this?
Qin Yining knew Cao Yuqing still carried a torch for Qin Huaiyuan. Because of this, the former concubine swore off marriage so she could continue serving him as a bodyguard; it was also her devotion that propelled her to agree to any of his plans. Such was the tragedy of unattainable love.
Chapter 458.1: Spy
After getting married herself, Qin Yining gained an increasingly better understanding of Cao Yuqing’s infatuation and heartache. The leader of the Silver Masks was no ordinary woman like those who fell prey to pettiness because of love. Her free spirit and open mind were both qualities Qin Yining truly admired.
“This must be difficult for you,” Qin Yining lamented, not knowing what to say.
Strictly speaking, Cao Yuqing was née Sun’s love rival. Though Qin Huaiyuan always treated Cao Yuqing civilly, he never overstepped the bounds of propriety. If Pang Xiao also had such a devoted woman by his side watching over him, wo
uld Qin Yining—as his wife—not feel vexed, even if her husband didn’t fancy the woman in return?
And yet, even if she felt Cao Yuqing’s presence was upsetting, she couldn't bring herself to hate such a reasonable person who knew their place.
The guard captain seemed to read Qin Yining’s thoughts. “Don’t think too much,” she reassured with a smile. “This is my duty. I promised your father I would be his guard. Since his orders are to lend you my strength, of course I will do everything that’s within my abilities.”
Even so, it was impossible for people to be completely emotionless. Qin Yining knew Cao Yuqing only said this to give her a little peace of mind, so she didn't refute the guard’s words.
Cao Yuqing continued, “Let’s discuss serious matters while we have the luxury of being alone.”
“Very well,” Qin Yining assented. “Do you know that something has happened to the treasure?”
“I guessed that something went amiss,” Cao Yuqing replied, “as not one of the six has responded to my letters. I discussed this with your father, and he thinks it’s safe to assume the treasure has gone missing. As for the traitor’s affiliations, the probability of them being an Azure Justice member is just as likely as it being a Silver Mask.”
“How likely do you think it is that the traitor’s a Silver Mask ?”
Cao Yuqing couldn't help the laugh that escaped her. “You certainly are forward. As the leader of the Silver Masks, it’s natural for me to trust my subordinates. Perhaps you’re unfamiliar with how we work, but I can say with confidence that once chosen, we train starting from childhood. Though it seems we work for money, above all, we are taught to be loyal and steadfastly dedicate ourselves to the mission.
“In simpler terms, though silver is how we’re compensated, we don't see money as the most important thing in our lives. Don’t expect people who have been trained to be tools to be much interested in anything else.”
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