Return of the Swallow c1-644

by Edited by Deyna up to chapter ~100.

  The scout replied, “Yes, there’s no doubt about it. Every one of them were mounted, and they’re obviously different from the small teams that we’ve encountered before. Chief, what should we do now?”

  In the hearts of the tribesmen, Qin Yining and Lu Heng were their chiefs. Because Lu Heng had been unconscious in the desert, they’d depended wholly on Qin Yining’s directions to endure the hardships until they found their way out. Thus, the tribesmen trusted and held Qin Yining in higher esteem than Lu Heng.

  The scout looked expectantly towards Qin Yining as he asked this question, but the princess consort had no idea what he was saying. Lu Heng translated what the scout had said and added, “What should we do now that the situation is so tense? Should we meet them head-on or continue fleeing?”

  Qin Yining’s brows scrunched together into a knot with worry as she worried a hole into her lips with her pearly-white teeth.

  “The situation is dire,” she replied seriously, “Our opponents are a troop of mounted cavalry. Even though we also have horses, we are carrying many supplies and there aren’t enough horses for every one of us. If we just run away mindlessly, I’m afraid that they’ll catch up with us before long.”

  How could Lu Heng not know how serious their situation was? But the Minuo were an extremely close-knit group. After travelling through the desert together, they were connected not merely by history and blood-ties, but also the fervent camaraderie. By now, it was impossible for them to leave behind any of their group. Similarly, it was impossible to make some of them ride ahead on their horses.

  “About the military provisions, do you think we should…”

  “... give up on the supplies?”

  “That’s right. If we weren’t carrying the provisions, perhaps the troops wouldn’t follow us so closely and refuse to let our tribesmen go,” Lu Heng muttered, “I wager that the troops’ mission isn’t truly to force us into a dead end, but more importantly, to recover the military provisions.”

  Qin Yining pondered over his words. “I beg to differ.”

  “Oh? What say you, then?” Lu Heng asked.

  Qin Yining said slowly, “Having lost their supply train, it’s unlikely that Siqin will refrain from persecuting the culprits even if he manages to recover the provisions.”

  Enlightenment struck Lu Heng and he acquiesced lowly, “I understand.”

  In their current situation, if they discarded the provisions and ran off without them, their pursuers would treat it as merely recovering their own lost goods. Ultimately, Siqin would still want to capture them for persecution.

  Regardless of whether Siqin’s true priority was the provisions or persecuting them, his troops wouldn’t know the khan’s intentions; they would only be concerned about completing their task perfectly and without fault.

  Chapter 522.2: Blockade

  Hence, even if they abandoned the provisions, the troops were very likely to continue pursuing them until successful capture. Once they were in Siqin’s hands, the Tartars would have another excuse with which to incite a war with Great Zhou. On closer examination, this prospect was horrifying.

  Qin Yining and Lu Heng’s conversation had been clearly overheard by Uncle Alham. He quietly translated them for the Harabhara brothers and the few other key members of the tribe. As they heard him speak, their expressions also grew grave. After a round of discussion, they unanimously rejected the idea of abandoning the wagons.

  “We will never hand over the food. We took them for the future of our tribe. There are still many elderly and children waiting for us to bring these provisions back to them! We will never hand over the supplies, even on threat of death!”

  Uncle Alham wholly agreed with this sentiment.

  “That’s right, I disagree with abandoning the provisions as well. Utkin Khan is Anari Khan’s husband, and one is as tyrannical as the other. Even if we were able to obtain temporary peace, we Minuo will be tormented to death sooner or later while living under their rule. We would rather gamble with our lives now than live a life worse than death!”

  When Lu Heng heard this, he couldn’t help but smile at Qin Yining. “Looks like you’re the one who understand everyone better.”

  “This is a choice made out of desperation.” Qin Yining ruefully waved off the compliment. “If people can choose freely, who wishes to place themselves in the path of danger?”

  Lu Heng sighed, “That’s true.”

  “Since we’ve decided, which direction should we take?” asked Uncle Alham.

  Lu Heng drew out a map from within his robes. This was one that had been roughly sketched out over the past few days, together with a few Minuo who were familiar with the nearby terrain and accurately included major landmarks and cardinal directions.

  “We’re here right now.” Lu Heng pointed at a spot in the west where Tartar bordered Great Zhou. “The troops after us are cavalry and can travel very fast. Since they’re not just after the provisions, they’re sure to pursue us at full strength. If we just continue with our initial tactic of using the weather and terrain to our advantage, they’ll catch up to us very quickly.”

  “I didn’t expect that they’d still follow us even though we deliberately chose such a desolate spot in the west,” Uncle Alham commented. “If we have to fight at close quarters, we’ll definitely be at a disadvantage and have to sacrifice many of our tribesmen. Thus, we must choose a direction where they can’t catch up.”

  “But which direction avoids pursuit? They have horses, after all.” Qin Yining looked at the map and muttered, “We can’t escape now. Either we stay here and wait for death, or they catch us and we die, or… we choose a direction they don’t dare chase us into.”

  “Do you mean…” Lu Heng looked fearfully at the uninhabited area located not too far from where they were on the map, “You can’t mean this area?”

  Qin Yining’s pale and slender forefinger tapped lightly on the spot that Lu Heng mentioned. “Yes, right here.”

  That was a patch of barren desert, quite different from the stretch they had just passed through. Although their previous path was fraught with danger, they knew that if they walked in the correct direction, it would be a shortcut between Great Zhou and the Tartar capital. With sufficient preparation, crossing that stretch of desert would take less time than the official paths.

  However, the part of the desert Qin Yining was talking about was different. It was a true no-man’s land because that area was simply too big. No one had ever come out of this stretch of desert, nor did anyone know what lay on the other side. It was also unknown what awaited in the desert, or if there was any oasis within. If they barged into this barren area, they possibly would never come out alive.

  Uncle Alham translated Qin Yining and Lu Heng’s conversation for the Minuo tribesmen, upon which they all fell silent in thought. Fear blanketed them.

  “I can’t make the decision for everyone; this is merely a suggestion. The decision of whether we truly take this path must be made by everyone together. However, according to my understanding of Utkin Khan, he will surely want to capture us in order to vent his frustrations, in addition to retrieving the provisions. If we’re caught, the tribesmen are likely to meet with a terrible end.

  “If we stay outside, it’ll be very easy to nab us and the consequences will be unimaginable. Since we’ll die anyway, why not take the risk and charge into this stretch of desert? The pursuing troops definitely won’t dare follow us in; They’re simply carrying out orders in the pursuit of fame and fortune, why would they risk their lives and head directly into barren desert? Perhaps we can wait for them to leave before we come out, or we might be able walk out of that stretch of land.”

  “But what’s more likely is the possibility that we never walk out of that desert and perish within,” objected Lu Yun.

  Qin Yining nodded in agreement. “That’s right. It’s possible as well. But if we’re caught, we will certainly lose our lives.”

  The surrounding Minuo tribesme
n were silent as they listened to the two of them talk. Uncle Alham thought for a long while before he said lowly, “You two should go.”

  Qin Yining and Lu Heng lifted their heads to look at him.

  “You never needed to risk your lives with us. Our tribesmen will never hand over the provisions, and will fight against Utkin Khan to our last breath because of how he destroyed our tribe. But the two of you are not Tartar to begin with. Our tribesmen are already very grateful that you were willing to travel with us up till now.

  “We are right on the border with Great Zhou today and you two have experts protecting you. It should be easy for you to sneak past the pursuing troops and go home to Great Zhou. You should go back to your country and not come with us any more.”

  Lu Heng and Qin Yining sighed as they heard his words.

  When Uncle Alham repeated his words for the benefit of his tribesmen, their expressions revealed their reluctance. Even though they were obviously reluctant, they still nodded understandingly and said words that Qin Yining could not understand, but were obviously urging for them to leave.

  Chapter 523: Staying or Going

  “I’m not leaving.” The interplay of concern and reluctances on the faces surrounding her further strengthened Qin Yining’s conviction in her decision.

  True enough, she could just leave and evade the Tatar pursuers. With Cao Yuqing and Azure Justice guarding her, she could find a safe enough place to hide and wait for this wave of soldiers to depart before disguising herself to sneak back to Great Zhou. She could also hide herself as a Tatar and bide her time for a better chance to escape. If she did that, she’d definitely be able to survive.

  But what about after?

  They were all bosom companions who’d braved life and death together. If she shrank back now and escaped alone in their time of need, leaving the tribesmen to shoulder the dangers, what would that make her? She would never have a clear conscience for the rest of her days.

  Qin Yining had never been someone who prioritized saving her neck at all cost. Although she attached much more importance to her own life after marrying Pang Xiao, that didn’t mean she would change her bottom line.

  A man of character had things they would and would not do. Although she was a woman, her heart didn’t lose out to a man’s in the slightest.

  Furthermore, hadn’t the Minuo incurred Siqin’s wrath because they’d helped her and Lu Heng in the first place? Even if it was impossible for them to suffer under persecution in the capital, it would’ve been much easier for them to just quietly leave by themselves. Why did they leave with her and Lu Heng, the two biggest bundles of trouble they could’ve picked up? If it wasn’t for abiding by their promise and keeping their vow, who would do such a foolish thing?

  Although a multitude of thoughts had passed through Qin Yining’s mind, only a breath’s time had passed in reality.

  “What a coincidence, I wasn’t planning on leaving either.” Lu Heng smiled as well.

  Qin Yining looked at her friend, happening to meet his answering gaze. The tacit smile she shared with Lu Heng confirmed that they were thinking the same.

  Cao Yuqing stared at Qin Yining, lips tightly pursed, and heaved a great sigh, dejectedly lowering her eyes.

  Uncle Alham looked at them with a complicated look on his face, not speaking for the longest time. This burly hulk of a man who never shed tears, even with a blade placed at his neck, felt his eyes redden from emotion.

  Although the listeners didn’t understand what Qin Yining and Lu Heng said, they could guess most of it from the two’s smiles and Uncle Alham’s expression. An anxious clamor for a translation started to rise.

  Uncle Alham took a deep breath before explaining what had just happened to them, his words touching them in the deepest parts of their hearts.

  Everybody urged them to leave. Although Qin Yining was stymied by the language barrier, Lu Heng understood full well. He just shook his head with a slight smile, indicating that the tribespeople didn’t need to continue their persuasions.

  A few looked pleadingly at Uncle Alham.

  Uncle Alham tried to advise them again, but Qin Yining just waved her hand. “Uncle Alham, don’t try to change my mind. I’ve already made my decision.”

  She turned to Cao Yuqing with a smile. “Let us bid our farewells here. Auntie Cao, you really don’t need to risk going into the desert with me. With so many tribesmen and supply wagons, there’s sure to be no problem. Furthermore, father really needs somebody to protect him now. I don’t want him to worry about my situation while I’m in the desert, so I hope you can also tell him not to worry.”

  She then turned to Liao Zhibing and the Zhao brothers. “The three of you also don’t have to continue on with me. Return to the border and go back to your previous lives. I’m confident that our Azure Justice members can live each day in safety and happiness.”

  Liao Zhibing frowned. His mouth kept opening and closing, but in the end, he didn’t voice an objection, a decision that relieved Qin Yining.

  Cao Yuqing looked deeply at the girl, her face strained.“I really want to knock you out and take you with me.”

  “Auntie Cao, since you’ve said that, you definitely won’t do it.” Qin Yining laughed, “I’m glad you’re so reasonable.”

  “But you aren’t being reasonable.” Cao Yuqing dismissed impatiently, “If I let you die here, how will I be able to face your father later?”

  “Auntie Cao, I’m not doing this because I’m being unreasonable, but because I have my own bottom line. I believe that even if father hears my decision, even if he’s pained, he still wouldn't oppose it. There are just some things that cannot be done in life. You will be forever haunted by the specters of guilt if you go down those paths. I don’t want to be that kind of person. I hope Auntie Cao can understand.”

  Cao Yuqing tsk’ed with annoyance. “Little wench, if I didn’t understand you, I would’ve already knocked you unconscious and heaved you on my shoulder to take home.

  Qin Yining knew that Cao Yuqing was in a tough spot, but her decision was final. All she could do was smile apologetically and muse further on her next steps.

  “I’ll have to trouble Auntie Cao with delivering a message to His Highness.”

  “What message?”

  “I’m running for my life and have long lost all of my belongings, nor do I have any keepsakes that I can leave behind for him.” Qin Yining spoke with a rueful dimple. “Auntie Cao, please just tell him not to worry about me. I’m tough and resilient—not even a wolf can eat me. I’ll make it out alive. Please have him help take care of my parents, as well as look after Bingtang and Xiaozhou.

  The princess consort hesitated at this point, but drew close to whisper in Cao Yuqing’s ear in a voice that only the two of them could hear.

  “If there really is no place for him at court in the future, I don’t believe he’ll be taken down without a fight. If he wishes to win the trust of Northern Ji’s old guard, have Xiaozhou lead him to the mountain where we first found her. Something very useful is hidden in her old residence.”

  Cao Yuqing stared at Qin Yining with astonishment. However, the girl just grinned back at her.

  “Auntie Cao, don’t tell him that for now. But if I’m still not back after a few years and it’s certain that I… By that time, he and the emperor will have a death feud with each other. If he’s still that Pang Zhixi who strives to help the people, tell him then. Otherwise, let this secret die with you. You can’t tell even my father. Consider this my last wish—Auntie Cao, can you do it?”

  Cao Yuqing’s heart tightened painfully when she noted the girl’s indifferent manner towards life and death, and how she was calmly arranging her last affairs.

  “I’ll leave that for you to tell him personally,” Cao Yuqing snorted coolly. “I don’t want to get dragged into your father-daughter business. Don’t worry, you won’t die.”

  “I know. There’s no time to lose. You all should hurry up and go.” Qin Yining urge
d Cao Yuqing, Liao Zhibing, and the Zhao brothers to be on their way.

  Cao Yuqing pursed her lips and stood up, pinching Qin Yining’s cheek in exasperation, “You really are a worrisome child!”

  Liao Zhibing, Zhao Promise, and Zhao Unbreakable saluted Qin Yining. “Alliance Head, we’ll be going now.”

  “Farewell, and stay safe.” Qin Yining dipped a curtsey in return.

  Uncle Alham and the Minuo watched as Qin Yining said her farewells. The way she was absolutely determined in her decision to remain moved the tribesmen even more.

  In their minds, Qin Yining was a woman with family and a husband who dearly loved her in Great Zhou. If she went back, she would be able to live out her days in happy splendor. Compared to Lu Heng, who didn’t have a family to return to, her decision was much more significant. Thus, in their eyes, Qin Yining was held in even higher esteem.

  Qin Yining watched as Cao Yuqing and the rest mounted their horses and rode off. “Since we’ve made our decision, we should ensure we’ve packed enough water and be on our way as well.”

  “Alright.” Uncle Alham nodded before leading people to oversee the rest of the tribe. Along the way, they relayed the news that Qin Yining and Lu Heng had refused to flee for themselves.

  Within just a few moments, the entirety of the tribe knew about it, and their respect and admiration for the two swelled to new heights.

  Chapter 524.1: Token

  Although the tribe was mentally prepared, no one anticipated that the pursuing soldiers would return so soon. If it weren’t for Qin Yining and Lu Heng’s precise calculations allowing them to escape just in time, they would’ve ran into a battalion of a thousand cavalry and infantry on their way to the uninhabited desert region.

  Once again, all the pursuers could do was kick at the ashes of extinguished campfires to vent fits of ill temper. Just like before, they were left with finding nothing but the dust in the tribe’s wake.

  “General, something’s wrong with those Minuo traitors! They’re going toward the no-man’s land!”