Li Qitian no longer trusted Pang Xiao, and ever since the prince had defied over thirty royal decrees for Qin Yining, that distrust had reached an all-time high. Why would such a sensitive person such as Li Qitian entrust someone he doubted with his safety?
"There’s no need to dwell too much on the matter. His Majesty won’t take the initiative in declaring war, but it’s highly possible that Utkin Khan will. Over the next few days, you should first consider how you and the Dragon Riders are to work together, as well as battle tactics to employ. Siqin is a master of deceit, it will be no easy matter to obtain any benefits from him."
"Father-in-law is right. I will consider these matters thoroughly. I shall be informing His Majesty then?" Pang Xiao confirmed respectfully.
"There’s no need to be overly apprehensive," Qin Huaiyuan replied. "Trust your judgement."
Pang Xiao had long been aware of his father-in-law’s keen foresight, and the nod he received only gave him more confidence in his decision. When he reported his discovery of the Tatar deployment of rations, Li Qitian stared at him with a mixed expression for a good while before waving a hand to dismiss him.
……
Meanwhile, Qin Yining and her band of eight hundred were carefully making their way around two border sentry posts and finally approaching Great Zhou's borders. Everyone cheered with joy, but as they celebrated getting one step closer to success, their scouts suddenly returned in a hurry.
"We've spotted a group of a hundred people escorting a lot of horse-drawn carriages."
"Who were those people?" asked Alham.
"They're dressed like merchants, but they don't look the part judging from their body and mannerisms. In fact, they look more like… like soldiers!" These words were highly alarming.
If they truly were soldiers, it meant Siqin was very likely starting a war!
Color drained from Qin Yining’s face after hearing Lu Heng’s translation.
"This is no small matter." She mused with scrunched brows. "When Siqin did what he did, I had my suspicions about his ambitions. I didn’t think that I’d guessed correctly, that his every action seems to be a step toward that goal."
Qin Yining didn't bring up Anari's murder outright. However, even if others didn't understand what she was referring to, Lu Heng knew.
"An army marches on its stomach—if Utkin Khan is truly procuring rations, I fear this means Tatar and Great Zhou will be going to war."
As the two quietly discussed the development, the other Minuo started to cheer. "Who cares about what Utkin Khan plans to do? Look at all those provisions! We're running out of food, clothes, and tents. Rob 'em blind first, talk later!"
"Rob 'em! Rob 'em!" The Minuo seemed thrilled by the prospects.
Lu Heng found their reaction humorous highly amusing. He coughed twice before turning to Qin Yining. "It seems we’ve really been overthinking things."
"What’s the matter?" Qin Yining could also tell the tribesmen were excited, but she couldn't say why.
"The truth is often the most straightforward path," Lu Heng replied. "As the tribesmen say, who cares what Siqin's plans are? It so happens that we’re low on food and clothing, so we should just steal from them. We have so many mouths to feed, after all!"
Having overheard Lu Heng and Qin Yining's conversation, Alham couldn't help laughing heartily. He turned to relay their words to the rest of the tribe. Both Caganbhara and Harbhara were elated and volunteered to lead the mission.
Seeing the tribe's enthusiastic reaction, Qin Yining couldn't help but step in. "If those are truly the provisions Utkin Khan has prepared for war, we will be heavily pursued should we steal those. It’s imperative that we exercise more caution."
Chapter 514.1: Support
“Great Zhou has only just doused the flames of civil war and bears no intention of mounting a new invasion,” said Lu Heng. “Utkin Khan’s sole purpose in his actions is to seize more territory. When I was by his side, the idea was already implicit in his words.”
“Utkin Khan really is ambitious.” Qin Yining nodded with agreement.
The current situation was very apparent. It went without saying why Siqin killed Anari, then pushed the blame onto her and Lu Heng. Since he was preparing for war, then they had to cut off his supply of army rations and fodder.
Firstly, their own tribe was lacking supplies from the start.
Secondly, what was the point of bringing so many tribesmen if they weren’t going to do anything with their superior numbers? Why would they just pass by the opportunity to weaken Utkin Khan?
Thirdly, and most important in Qin Yining’s eyes, was that the Tatars didn’t seem to have much fertile land. They were mostly a nomadic group, so their reserve of foodstuffs were nowhere near as rich as the former Great Yan’s. Having their supply cut off meant a very likely delay to potential war and slightly lessening the pressure on Pang Xiao.
Qin Yining didn’t even need to be in the capital to know what would happen if war broke out. As long as she thought things over calmly and analyzed all sides, it was an easy conclusion that no matter if conflict broke out on the north or south borders, Li Qitian would absolutely have Pang Xiao deployed to the front lines. The Great Zhou emperor trusted Pang Xiao not at all, so it was impossible that the prince would be entrusted with the capital’s safety.
Furthermore, if Li Qitian wanted Pang Xiao assassinated, it would be easier to shirk off the blame if that occurred when the prince was outside the capital.
Pang Xiao was beset by danger on all sides. Qin Yining hated that she couldn’t grow wings and fly back to the capital to help him. Unfortunately, right now, the only thing she could do was to forge onward to the border station.
Amidst everybody’s spirited discussions, Qin Yining seemed to just stand there in a daze. Lu Heng noticed the slight frown on her face and could guess at what she was thinking. His heart stung with jealousy.
Even though Pang Xiao hadn’t protected her properly, even though Lu Heng was the one who’d weathered all these hardships with her, Qin Yining’s heart would always only hold Pang Xiao and no one else. Lu Heng envied Pang Xiao’s luck to receive the wholehearted devotion of such an amazing woman and also pitied himself—no matter how much he loved her, his affections would never be returned.
After a long discussion, the final decision was that they absolutely had to fight for the army provisions. With the rations, they could think of ways to gather with the rest of the tribesmen before finding a safe spot to start a new life.
Morale was high with the anticipation of obtaining supplies. Uncle Alham led scouts in two rounds of reconnaissance missions to estimate the route of the supply trains before reconvening with everyone else to discuss the best ambush sites.
On the day of the operations, Lu Heng and Qin Yining both stayed behind in the camp. Uncle Alham and Harbhara led five hundred soldiers while Caganbhara stayed behind with the rest of the tribesmen as reinforcements, ready to provide support.
The battle lasted the entire day.
The next morning, Uncle Alham successfully returned with the entire supply train. Because Qin Yining and Lu Heng had ensured there were no holes in their tactics, the strike succeeded with only one fatality and three casualties. Not only did they manage to steal the provisions, they even wiped out all of the troops sent to guard it.
This was an incredible miracle.
Uncle Alham bore new levels of respect for Qin Yining and Lu Heng’s intellect, and the tribe’s overall admiration and esteem for the two foreigners rose to a peak. By now, all of the tribesmen knew that Qin Yining and Lu Heng were extremely remarkable military strategists. Their tactics were unmatched, foolproof—following their plans guaranteed victory at the lowest price.
After obtaining the supplies, Qin Yining and Lu Heng discussed next steps. The group didn’t loiter and rushed to the ravine they’d circled around earlier on their journey. They took advantage of the heavy snowfall to cover their tracks, perfectly evading the scouts Siqin ha
d arranged for.
At the same time, news of the supply train being cut off quickly made its way to the khan’s ear.
“What? All of the troops were wiped out? I arranged for a hundred elites to guard it, each capable of fighting off ten men! How could they’ve all been killed so easily! Who did it?!”
The reporting general was ashen-faced, his complexion growing paler and paler with every one of Siqin’s roars. He knelt in a grand gesture of greeting on the floor.
“May the great khan quell your anger, it is all our incompetence. With the snows sealing off the road, travel conditions outside are exceedingly poor. Your subjects… don’t know who did it. When our investigation team arrived, only the bodies of our brave warriors were left. The supplies, horses, and weapons had all disappeared without a trace.”
“Disappeared without a trace?’ Siqin squeezed out through clenched teeth. His lips flattened out again as he regained perfect control over his mood and expression. He postulated in an even tone, “Do the gods really disfavor the mightiness of the Tatar and do not wish for us to take revenge for Anari? Is that why such a farce has found us?”
Chapter 514.2: Support
“No, no! The great khan absolutely mustn’t think that. It’s all our fault for letting thieves sneak through a gap in our defenses. How can mighty khan say that the gods are no longer favoring us?”
“Indeed, noble khan. There must be some trail to the stolen supplies. This servant will immediately take people to investigate and we will find where they’ve gone to! They will not disappear without a trace!”
Now Siqin nodded along. “This khan is relieved upon hearing that. I also believe our nation is still under the gods’ care and that no witchcraft is involved in this. The supplies would not have just disappeared like this.”
As the officials walked out the palace, a cold wind blew over them. The gust suddenly brought awareness of the sweat soaking their backs and that a chill ran throughout their bodies.
Utkin Khan was truly a formidable khan! He didn’t fly into a rage, but just a few of his sentences were even more frightening than the former khan’s full-blown fury.
Even though Utkin Khan wasn’t in a clear temper, they still felt a tremble shake the very depths of their soul. This was the true pressure of a monarch.
……
Pang Xiao soon received a messenger pigeon, detailing that a significant shipment of Tatar army provisions had vanished without a trace. Siqin’s men were all currently trying to track down the supplies, making it likely for the war to be postponed.
His heart shook when he read the message. Although he had no proof or evidence, nor had he seen it with his own eyes, he was firmly convinced that this had something to do with his beloved Qin Yining.
Siqin was a very capable leader. After rising to power, not only did he treat all of his councilors well, but he even decreased the taxes on the common people and greatly improved the livelihood of slaves. These days, all of the Tatar held Utkin Khan in great esteem.
The cohesion of the Tatars had propelled the nation to its highest peak in the past fifty years.
They wished to start a war to take revenge for Anari, so it was unlikely that people would be tempted to rob the army’s provisions. Siqin would’ve also set up a squadron of elite guards to transport the provisions, so ordinary bandits would find no success.
Thus, Pang Xiao was sure that the theft had been a premeditated strike.
His wife also had the biggest motive in doing this. Delaying the war would greatly relieve the burden on Great Zhou and at the same time, reduce the pressure on him.
He had never been one to doubt Qin Yining’s intelligence or ability. Just knowing that she was still alive had already filled many days with joy. Now knowing that she even had the power left to undertake such a great operation elevated the prince to the clouds.
Pang Xiao quietly went to visit Qin Huaiyuan, whose face broke into a wide smile when he heard the news.
“That chit! Here I was worrying about all the hardships she must’ve gone through outside while she’s off robbing the Tatar army provisions! At least I don’t have to worry about her going hungry now.”
Pang Xiao chuckled along for a bit before going silent, his worries returning.
“What if I’ve guessed wrong and it wasn’t my darling’s doing? Then she might still be starving. It’s also much colder in Tatar territory compared to the capital. Darling Yi grew up in the south so I’m really worried that she won’t be used to it.”
Qin Huaiyan couldn’t help a chuckle as he listened to Pang Xiao fret.
“Don’t worry, I can guarantee that really was my daughter's work. I received a message today from Née Cao on the Tatar frontier. Although she didn’t confirm the news about Daughter Yi and Lu Heng killing Anari, she said they’ve already left the Tatar capital with the Minuo tribe and is currently being pursued by Siqin’s men.”
“The Minuo tribe? It used to be one of Tartar’s strongest tribes. However, there’s apparently not that many healthy, young men left in the tribe after Anari Khan’s persecution.”
“Indeed, it is that tribe. No regime is perfect, there will always be holes that need to be closed. Nowadays, Utkin Khan is highly esteemed amongst his people. He took advantage of Anari Khan’s misdeeds to make himself appear especially benevolent.”
Pang Xiao fell silent.
Siqin’s meticulous planning and methods were truly frightening. He’d started plotting from the day he approached Anari. Even when he helped the late khan seize power, he was just laying the road for his own future. His sinister and methodical schemes were absolutely terrifying.
Pang Xiao couldn’t help but compare the situation to himself.
His wife was a very intelligent and resourceful person, but would only ever help and not harm him. Even when trapped in a dangerous situation, she didn’t forget to lead people and raid Siqin’s supply train to relieve some of his pressure. That didn’t even mention the invaluable help she’d provided at the earthquake disaster zone!
Pang Xiao felt like his heart had been doused with honey.
But the more he felt like this, the more uncontrollable longing nibbled at his mind. If possible, Pang Xiao really wished that Qin Yining could just always stay by his side, where she would remain safe and sound. It was fine if she couldn’t help him, as long as she could safely keep him company.
“With Siqin’s cunningness, it’s very dangerous for my darling to be in Tatar territory.” Pang Xiao frowned, worry locking his features, “If it was possible, I would’ve personally charged into Tatar territory to bring her back myself.”
Qin Huaiyan patted Pang Xiao’s shoulder comfortingly. “Don’t be too worried, things haven’t reached that stage yet. Daughter Yi’s with the Minuo. Even though we still don’t know the details, we can ascertain she is safe for the time being. We currently have a strained relationship with the Tatars, so if you rush in impetuously, it would be no joking matter if the crime of treason is pinned to your head. Don’t forget, your life no longer impacts just yourself.”
Pang Xiao could only smile ruefully. It was because he knew that he still had responsibilities that he couldn’t shirk that all he could do was wait helplessly for news. Otherwise, he would’ve charged into Tatar territory long ago to find her.
……
While the father and son in-law pair were worrying about Qin Yining, the person in question was jumping with joy and wrapping Cao Yuqing in a tight hug.
“Auntie Cao! You’re safe! Oh, thank goodness!”
Chapter 515.1: The Situation at Hand
Cao Yuqing pulled Qin Yining into her arms and patted the girl’s bony back. "I’m fine, I’m fine. Your Auntie Cao has more than a few tricks up her sleeves. Why would anything happen to me? Never mind me though—you've gotten so thin! You must have endured so much."
Her sincere concern and small, yet warm embrace almost made Qin Yining burst into tears on the spot.
She sniffled a few
times. After a good moment, she replied, "I am well. Though we were met with danger throughout our journey, we survived them all in the end. The past is in the past. Look at me, I’m okay! I’m just worried about all of you buried underground the day I was taken. Is everyone… alright?"
What Qin Yining wished to hear the least was that anything bad had happened that day. She thought of everyone’s lively faces; they were all still so young. If they ended up losing their lives to protect her, Qin Yining would blame herself for their deaths for the rest of her life.
Cao Yuqin sympathetically patted her on the shoulder. "Don’t think wild thoughts," she consoled. "The heavens have been on our side as of late, so we are all well. His Highness arrived on the scene with his men later on and dug the entire cavern open to save everyone.
“Jingzhe and the other Silver Masks had already run out by then, but their injuries were more serious. I prescribed them with bed rest, and they've mostly recovered now. Bingtang and Jiyun were rescued by His Highness when he went back, so you have no need to worry about them."
"Good." Qin Yining heaved a long sigh. "If something really did befall anyone because of me, that guilt would’ve stayed with me for the rest of my life."
Taking note that Qin Yining fell quiet without any further questions, Cao Yuqing took the initiative to add, "I once thought His Highness liked you for your looks, but trials and tribulations reveal one's true colors. I now see that the love His Highness holds for you is true.
“Do you know that he disobeyed more than thirty royal decrees in order to stay behind to look for you? Despite His Majesty urging him time and time again to return to the capital, he stayed put. He nearly dug up the entirety of the old capital and Yang County, and only when he was certain your body was nowhere to be found that he managed to rein in his worries somewhat and return to the capital with his men."
Bittersweet emotions tugged at Qin Yining's heart, with the thought of Pang Xiao bringing her back to the brink of tears.
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