Worry began to gnaw at Qin Yining when she understood what Cao Yuning meant. “So you mean it’s pretty much impossible for any of the six to have betrayed us?”
“Correct,” Cao Yuqing asserted with utmost confidence. “I don’t know what Azure Justice has told you, nor do I know what happened with them, but the fact of the matter is that the treasure has disappeared, along with certain people. You have no concrete proof, but decided the turncoat was a Silver Mask spy who after only a handful of words from the alliance. That’s rather biased of you, no?”
To be honest, the guard captain had a point. The question of how much Qin Yining’s father trusted the Silver Masks aside, she herself didn't have a good impression of Azure Justice.
Back when they fought to overthrow the decrepit emperor, they were more akin to a ragtag group of wandering street performers with a few simple tricks up their sleeves. Though shared hatred of the emperor brought them together, bandits joined their ranks after revenge was obtained.
Since Azure Justice of the past was comprised of Great Yan rebels, most weren’t registered in the nation’s census, even more easily allowing felons with questionable character to slither in unnoticed.
After Great Yan surrendered to Great Zhou, these undocumented individuals were marginalized even further.
The household registry of Great Zhou was based on that of Great Yan. Thus, these hoodlums who were unable to previously obtain citizenship remained illegal citizens in the eyes of Great Zhou.
It wasn’t that Qin Yining looked down on these people—it was just a fact that they were a large group lacking organization, every member acting on their own. Not only were they uncooperative, they often conspired against her at their own whims. They didn't really trust her.
Compared to the highly disciplined and professionally trained Silver Masks, Azure Justice was a pile of scattered sand. It was clear who was the more competent of the two.
Qin Yining spiraled into her thoughts, but the outside world remained a mere breath away.
“Why don’t you tell me the current status so we can figure out a solution,” Cao Yuqing suggested. “I often discussed matters concerning you with your father, so I more or less know how he views the situation. If you trust me, I can even tell you what your father said to me if I find we’re dealing with the same problems.”
Qin Yining was overjoyed at this and gushed, “Yes, please do.”
Without further ado, she first recounted how she and Pang Xiao discovered the treasure and were forced to stay in that very same cave. After being placed under house arrest in the mountains, they found a way to get information out. Then came the journey to the old capital and Yang County, after which were their disaster relief and rice procurement efforts.
Finally, she explained what had happened following Madame Liao’s arrival.
“You’re saying the emperor already has the old capital surrounded? I didn't see any of his soldiers on my way here though.”
“They have barracks set up, of course, but they can’t afford to be too conspicuous. I assume they’ve made camp in concealed grounds and have split up to hide themselves.”
“Fascinating.” Cao Yuqing couldn’t help but smirk from the irony. “The minds of those who occupy the throne are just different from us ordinary folk. The lives of the people mean nothing to them, hmm? I’d say our self-proclaimed noble emperor has chosen the treasure over the refugees.
“If you and the prince hadn’t wracked your brains to help to the point of emptying your own pockets and becoming scapegoats, I fear this place would have long gone to madness. How would His Majesty have the spare energy to search for the treasure then?”
Qin Yining smiled wryly as well.
Chapter 458.2: Spy
“One must keep their heads low when passing through a low doorway. We are at our wit’s end too. Now that the treasure has vanished into thin air, I’m concerned that Azure Justice members or the Silver Masks are in peril. I’m truly at a loss as to what I should do.”
Cao Yuqing pondered for a good moment. “I would say it’s a certainty that the treasure went missing because someone turned against you. I also don’t believe that a Silver Mask was the one to do it. Our people are trained to be tools, so they really wouldn’t do such a thing. Few can resist the siren call of riches—it’s likely Azure Justice used this mission as an excuse to take it all for themselves. That, or the treasure has been hidden to lure people out and finish them all off at once.”
“I worry the same,” Qin Yining sighed. “Though the prince has no interest in overthrowing the emperor, His Majesty continues to doubt and think the worst of him. It’s only a matter of time before he strikes, so it won’t be safe for the treasure to be in his hands. If His Majesty would just spare a thought for the people, we wouldn’t have sprung into premature action to obtain it.”
It was precisely because they didn't have enough manpower—what with Pang Xiao’s men having been placed under strict surveillance—that Qin Yining had turned to the Silver Masks and Azure Justice for lack of a better option.
And yet, things had still gone awry.
Cao Yuqing patted Qin Yining’s shoulders. “Don’t worry. I’ll continue investigating for a few days. The other Silver Masks and I have our secret codes we use to contact one another. After I’ve looked into the situation further, I’ll come back to discuss what I’ve discovered.”
Qin Yining’s eyes brightened at this. “No wonder my father sent you.”
Cao Yuqing couldn’t help smiling. “Your father is an astute strategist.”
A laugh burst from Qin Yining’s lips. Cao Yuqing blushed and chuckled softly along with her.
By nature, Cao Yuqing had a gentle charisma about her. Her laughter shook her like flowers atop a tree. Though she was dressed as a man, her every move exuded an exquisite air of beauty amid a masculine charm.
Even as Qin Yining took delight in her mirth, she couldn’t help a sigh.
It was no wonder née Sun disliked Cao Yuqing as much as she did. The more time one spent with this woman meant the more endearing qualities they would uncover. The heart of a fighter, as strong as any man, beat beneath her beautiful physique.
Cao Yuqing stayed for a brief moment more before taking her leave without a sound.
When Pang Xiao returned, Qin Yining sat with him in the quiet back office as she whispered today’s happenings into his ear. His first reaction was baffled shock, then curiosity about the note from Azure Justice.
Clever as she was, Qin Yining had it committed to memory after reading it thoroughly twice over. So when Pang Xiao asked, she recited its contents word for word.
He caressed her shoulders, murmuring, “It seems this will be forced into the open after all.”
Qin Yining grew uneasy at his words. “Does His Majesty already know?”
Pang Xiao considered this carefully. “We aren't at a complete disadvantage. At least we’ve noticed Azure Justice’s suspicious intentions.”
“You think Azure Justice is the more suspicious one as well?” Qin Yining pressed.
“That’s also just speculation on my part,” Pang Xiao responded. “But it’s certainly been difficult making heads or tails of their actions. I also have yet to understand why His Majesty is so certain the treasure is in Yang County. The roads leading here are too difficult to travel. Considering how heavy the treasure is, they can’t have arrived with an empty carriage. How was it transported and hidden without anyone noticing?”
The prince didn’t intend to imply anything by his words, but they inspired Qin Yining to think on another level.
“In other words, they probably made their plans a long time ago. They’d already tracked down the treasure’s hiding place. Perhaps they used the carrier pigeons we sent as a signal. That allowed them to hide the treasure while avoiding others.” The more Qin Yining spoke, the more helpless she felt.
Pang Xiao’s heart ached for her. He drew her into his arms, reassuring, “Don’t think too much about this. Let�
��s wait for word from Guard Captain Cao. She’s much more adept than I am at investigating undercover and will definitely find some clues.”
As expected, when Pang Xiao was out patrolling the soup kitchens the next day, Cao Yuqing once again entered through the window without a sound.
Chapter 459.1: Fissure (I)
Qin Yining quickly ushered Cao Yuqing to a seat. "You haven’t eaten yet, have you? Have something to eat with me.”
Cao Yuqing shook her head. "I had a bite earlier. I found clues left behind by a Silver Mask."
Seeing the heavy expression the guard captain wore, Qin Yining also grew solemn.
With Cao Yuqing’s abilities, she would be able to sniff out any clues the Silver Masks left behind. Nevertheless, it was surprising that there really had been any to find. Did this mean there was something off about the Azure Justice members?
Qin Yining felt as if she were wandering in a fog of confusion; she had no idea which side to believe. How nice would it be to have unquestionably loyal subordinates under her direct command! If she had such a group of people, would they be in this mess now? Would she be this caught between a rock and a hard place?
Sensing Qin Yining's inner turmoil, Cao Yuqing patted her shoulder in comfort. "The clues led me to a fissure in the ground caused by the earthquake. It’s located on the road from the old capital to Yang County. It’s very big, and there’s no trees to bridge it, so most find a way to get around it. I pretended I was just passing by and snuck a quick look, but didn't get too close to avoid attracting unwanted attention. I suspect that’s where the treasure has been hidden."
Qin Yining pale hands clutched at her skirt so tightly that her cherry blossom pink nails grew white. The taste of betrayal was hardly a savory one—especially when lives were at stake.
She didn't fear death, but this was a life-or-death situation for both the Pangs and Qins. In a constant state of panic, she couldn't help but blame herself.
If she hadn't gotten full of herself and proposed that plan, would Pang Xiao have involved Azure Justice? Would things have devolved to this point?
As Qin Yining's eyes grew distant, Cao Yuqing looked into the girl’s elegant face. She reached out to put an arm around Qin Yining’s shoulders and pat her comfortingly.
"Don't think so much. This isn’t your fault. What's done is done, so we just need to figure out how to make up for it. Come what may, we will find a way. The prince and I will protect you, and your father will ensure the safety of both your families in the capital. You may not have faith in yourself, but you surely believe in your father, no?"
Qin Yining drew a deep breath, nodding slowly. “You're right. My father is the Wise Pan An—even if I make a colossal mistake, he’ll be able to come up with a solution." Despite her words, she wondered if she was merely trying to comfort herself.
However, Cao Yuqing smiled. "Really, don't say such a thing. On the contrary, I think you normally handle things so well that your father actually wants you to stir up some trouble—that way, you'd go crying to him for help. Though your father doesn’t have many children, he loves his little ones dearly. His brilliance may be out of this world, but he has his childish side."
When she spoke of Qin Huaiyuan, her voice grew exceptionally gentle.
Qin Yining knew the guard captain had been carrying a torch for her father for many years. In Qin Huaiyuan's greatest moments of need, she remained steadfast by his side without asking for anything in return. Such devotion was highly admirable.
At times, such feelings left her feeling at odds with herself; she should’ve treated Cao Yuqing as her enemy for her mother’s sake.
However, Cao Yuqing hadn't continued professing her feelings upon discovery that Qin Huaiyuan didn't feel the same way. She redefined herself to be his most loyal guard and subordinate instead, content to serve him in the shadows without seeking any reward. Truly, Qin Yining couldn't find it in herself to hate her.
"Auntie Cao." Qin Yining gazed at Cao Yuqing and uttered this heartfelt honorific. “Thank you so much."
Cao Yuqing's lashes fluttered slightly. Seeing the sincerity in Qin Yining's eyes, a gentle smile slowly blossomed across her face. "Silly girl. Your father and I are good friends, so it’s only right that I help him. What are you thanking me for?"
Qin Yining shook her head. She didn't elaborate any further, but she was deeply moved.
As a Silver Mask, Cao Yuning could’ve done away with née Sun in a hundred different ways and claimed the senior madame’s position. She wouldn’t have left a single trace behind if she had any impure intentions.
Yet, she hadn’t.
Qin Yining sighed and shook her head. She dropped the subject, not wanting to sadden Cao Yuqing or cause her further discomfort. "I understand the situation now. I will confer with His Highness before coming to a decision."
"Very well. His Highness' views are highly valuable, and he excels at grasping the bigger picture. You two discuss while I investigate some more. I’ll report back if I find anything." With that, Cao Yuning stood.
Qin Yining attempted to urge her to stay. "It isn't safe outside. You should stay here for the time being."
"No need, I can look after myself out there. What's more, I must keep an eye out for the Dragon Riders' whereabouts, which will be difficult to do if I stayed."
Finally, Qin Yining nodded in understanding. She walked Cao Yuning to the window and watched her swift exit.
After Pang Xiao returned, Qin Yining updated him on what she had learned, as per usual.
"You say the earthquake caused the fissure? That enormous hole we passed by when we traveled to Yang County from the old capital?"
"Indeed," Qin Yining sighed. "If Auntie Cao hadn't found those clues left by the Silver Mask, no one would’ve thought the treasure was there."
Pang Xiao noticed she addressed Cao Yuqing in a different manner from before. He wrapped his arms around her waist so that she sat on his lap. "I see you have grown quite fond of née Cao?"
"I hold her in high esteem." Qin Yining faced sideways in Pang Xiao's lap and pillowed her head against his shoulder. "I may be disrespecting my mother, but objectively speaking, I feel Auntie Cao has done a great deal for my father. Not once has she harmed my mother through petty tricks, nor did she invite herself into my father's bed. Rather, she’s content with serving as his bodyguard. Were I in her position, I don't think I could do the same."
Chapter 459.2: Fissure (1)
Pang Xiao raised an eyebrow, his arms tightening around his wife. "If I had been a married man when we first met, would you have brushed me aside without falling for me?"
At this, Qin Yining straightened and tilted her head up to look at him. Pang Xiao gazed down at her in kind. They held each other's gaze.
"You foolish man," she chided, her smiling voice thick with emotion. "Why consider something that never would’ve happened?"
He acted like such a child sometimes, fretting over impossible what-ifs.
However, Pang Xiao didn't stop at that and shook her gently. "That won't do, you have to answer me. If I’d already married someone else before we met, does that mean you wouldn't have liked me and thus wouldn't have come with me?"
The princess consort contemplated the question seriously and considered her likes and dislikes. Finally, she nodded. "If external factors left me with no choice but to go with you, then perhaps I would. But if I were to follow my heart, I’m not willing to be a concubine and steal someone else’s husband. As a woman myself, I’m all too aware of the hardships we face. Do not unto others as you wouldn't want them to do to you, after all.
"But when the heart has stirred, there's no controlling it."
Qin Yining dimpled with a shake of her head. "The heart is one thing. Your actions are another. Would it be right to disturb someone else’s family because of one’s own selfishness? Does the excuse that emotions are difficult to control entitle one to forgiveness? In my opinion, humans are superior to animals because we’re ration
al and can control our actions. If we let instinct dictate our decisions, how are we any different from the common beast?"
"Some nerve you have." Pang Xiao burst into laughter despite himself, planting a loud smooch on her cheek. "You've denounced all the men who can't resist having a mistress and those who can’t control themselves from being a side piece."
Qin Yining dimpled and rested her head against his shoulder. "Everyone thinks differently. Those are just my thoughts on the matter. Though I support my mother and have no wish to see her live unhappily, I also know Auntie Cao has done nothing wrong. Her feelings toward my father are no less than my mother's own devotion—in fact, I daresay she’s done more for him."
"You trust her, then?" Pang Xiao nuzzled his chin against her forehead.
Qin Yining could only nod at that. "I do. I do because of how she feels about my father, and because she previously showed that she loves even those connected to him. She wouldn't lie to me. Even if the six Silver Masks did turn, I don't think she was in the know."
Having heard Qin Yining's analysis, he pressed a kiss against her forehead. They were in a tricky situation.
Repairs were rapidly commencing on the roads and the disaster zone had been stabilized, so there was no risk of another revolt for the time being. However, Li Qitian was watching their every move. Furthermore, he had the Dragon Riders stationed within proximity of the old capital. If the married couple acted blindly, Li Qitian would show no mercy. The emperor was being driven mad by his lack of funds.
This wouldn't have been a concern for Pang Xiao if he was acting alone, but he now had Qin Yining to consider. If he were on his own, he could do whatever he wanted without regard for the consequences, but it was different with his wife. He couldn't have her shoulder the risks with him.
However, now that the disaster relief efforts had no real need for the treasure, he knew exactly what Li Qitian would do with it if he obtained it first. If that happened, he wouldn't be the only one in trouble—Ji Zeyu would also be forced into an awkward situation.
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