Uncle Alham was a forthright man and Pang Xiao used to army culture, so it was easy for the two to form a connection. By now, they held a mutual admiration for each other.
“Come on, let’s go storm the camp.” Uncle Alham changed the topic.
Pang Xiao nodded with a smile. “A wonderful idea! Journeying through the desert has been a great warmup to loosen our muscles, so it’s the perfect time to get some exercise!”
“Yes, sir!” The Elite Tigers’ imposing manner astonished and awed as their shouts threatened to shake the heavens.
Pang Xiao jumped back on his horse and reached out to Qin Yining with a smile; she dimpled in response and placed her hand in his without hesitation. A quick tug from the prince helped her up and into a side-saddle position in front of him.
The group sped southwest, kicking up clouds of dust in their wake. Hiding in their houses, the Xiyue shook and trembled, occasionally venturing a glance through windows or doors to peek at the group of black-clothed people on horseback. Every single one of these strangers was plainly very fierce and strong, so none of the people dared to venture out at all.
In the Minuo camp, Lu Heng’s face was as white as a sheet of paper. He stood by a carriage with a cotton overcoat draped over his shoulders. He’d already given secret orders to Caganbhara and Harbhara that the tribe must be prepared to fight.
For some reason, the commoners who’d headed off the plaza to celebrate the wedding had come streaming back, fearfully shutting their doors tight in a panic. They were clearly terrified out of their minds.
Lu Heng could only guess that something momentous must’ve happened.
The general of the troops surrounding the Minuo wore a solemn look on his face, keeping a tight watch on the camp. However, his soldiers were all youths born and raised in Xiyue. They had no idea what the current situation was and if their family was safe. Heads constantly swivelled in the direction of the palace, hoping to glimpse anything to clarify the situation.
The surrounded Minuo bristled with menacing intimidation, whereas the soldiers surrounding them looked much more like ants on a hot plate. Suddenly, everyone heard the din of hoofsteps drawing closer and closer, evidently approaching at great speeds.
The din startled the general, who hastily ordered everybody on alert. Lu Heng also frowned, looking off into the distance.
A group of black clad men on horseback came into view, storming toward the Minuo camp like brewing thunderclouds. The cold sheen of their weapons glinting in the sun made for a terrifying sight.
When the newcomers drew close enough to reveal that their leader was Pang Xiao, and that Qin Yining was tucked away in his embrace, Lu Heng broke into a broad smile.
“Wonderful, simply wonderful!” He turned back and called out in Tatar, “Be ready to fight. The group in black is our allies!”
Caganbhara and Harbhara sprang into action, immediately leading the tribe toward the Xiyue soldiers.
Pang Xiao led his men in a charge and shouted loudly, “Your prince has fled and abandoned you! You should look out for yourselves and go home to see if your family is well! Don’t throw away your lives for a coward!”
When Lu Heng heard the prince’s words, he immediately changed tactics. “Don’t kill anyone, just scare them off!”
“Understood!” Loud cries soared up to the heavens.
The two sides met in battle with the Elite Tigers and Minuo executing a perfect pincer movement. Though the Elite Tigers were dusty and weary, they were all cream of the crop—elites who’d undergone stringent training. In optimal condition, each of them could best a hundred enemies. Although they had orders not to kill, the strength behind just simple punches and kicks was still terrifying.
The Minuo had both numbers and teamwork on their side. Morale ran high at the sight of reinforcements, and they answered in kind.
On the contrary, while the born and bred Xiyue soldiers were young, they were frogs at the bottom of a well. Setting aside their poor martial art skills, they’d never even seen true battle before. Their minds were a morass of fear and panic, and they had no idea what they should do.
The battle was completely one sided. The Xiyue soldiers quickly fled in disarray, leaving behind a whimpering few on the ground that’d suffered more serious injuries. Pang Xiao ignored them, leading the Elite Tigers to camp before they neatly dismounted together.
Uncle Alham, Surnaa, and Ulan ran forward, happily reuniting with their people. Qin Yining walked over to Lu Heng, her happiness clear to all within the curves of her eyes and crinkle of the brows. “Is everyone alright?”
Lu Heng’s heart stung with bittersweet emotion, making it difficult to speak. He was very glad that Qin Yining didn’t have to marry trash like Zhou Meng, but he also couldn’t help but feel a little forlorn at seeing her returned to Pang Xiao’s embrace.
Chapter 546.1: To Speak Softly of Love
Despite his complicated mixture of feelings, Lu Heng was gratified that Pang Xiao had come in search of Qin Yining. This proved she hadn't placed her future in the hands of the wrong person.
Pang Xiao was a true, honest man who was utterly devoted to his wife.
The average person might be oblivious to the inner workings of court, but having been born into the Lu family, Lu Heng had spent many years in its midst and was clearer than anyone about the complicated web between nobles and the imperial family.
Pang Xiao must have endured untold hardships to pass through the no man's land in order to locate Qin Yining in Tatar. In addition to the excruciating pressure he was under, it was highly probable that he’d willingly handed over leverage that could be used against him. At the very least, his family had been exposed to danger by his departure from the capital.
Furthermore, he’d left the country with just two dozen of his comrades and headed into enemy territory, then put his life on the line by entering the desert to search for Qin Yining.
Desert terrain constantly shifted around and danger lurked in all directions, especially with sandstorms that brewed without forewarning. They were very likely to put themselves on the path to the afterlife before they even found who they were looking for.
For Pang Xiao to rescue Qin Yining at the most critical hour, despite all the odds stacked against him, was proof enough of his dedication toward her.
Lu Heng was happy for Qin Yining, that she had someone like that who treated her with such genuine sincerity. Had the prince not made it in time, she would’ve met her end today. The thought of that alternate reality sent another shudder of fear through him.
"Why did you agree to the Xiyue prince’s insolent request?" Instead of replying to Qin Yining's questions, Lu Heng responded with a rhetorical one. "If the Faithful Prince of the First Rank hadn’t arrived in time, what would you have done? Would you truly have gone through with your wedding to that sorry excuse of a prince?"
"Of course not," Qin Yining retorted with a hint of embarrassment. "I was... I was prepared to kill him."
"So you’d kill him, then get yourself killed by his guards? How could you do that to your family and friends?" Lu Heng frowned ferociously as he couldn't help rebuking, "I told you long ago that so long as you think about yourself, we will be understanding of anything you choose to do. Yet you chose to sacrifice yourself! If you really did that, do you think the Minuo would be able to live with themselves??"
Somewhat bewildered by his scolding, the sight of Lu Heng's deathly pallor and Uncle Alham's tear-filled eyes made Qin Yining sigh. "I apologize. All I wanted was for as many of us to stay alive as possible, I didn’t consider much beyond that."
"Because you thought you’d never see your family again in this lifetime, so you decided to throw it all to the wind, even if it meant your death, is that it?" Lu Heng's question was razor sharp, his attitude forceful.
His words precisely echoed Qin Yining's inner thoughts, but having her intentions revealed in front of Pang Xiao and his subordinates in this manner left her rather flustered.
Now that her husband knew she’d decided to end matters with her life because the possibility of returning to Great Zhou was no longer probable, it all felt… well, things were rather awkward.
Pang Xiao, however, only felt a bittersweet sensation tug at his heart, as if a little feather lathered in honey had gently brushed against it. The thought of Qin Yining suffering so much had his heart aching beyond description. He only wished he could turn back time and tie himself to her side so that she’d never have to risk herself or suffer any humiliation ever again.
He sighed as he wrapped an arm around his wife’s shoulder. The rare sight of her rendered speechless like a child who’d been harshly scolded had him stepping in to lighten the atmosphere. "Brother Lu, well met. It has been a while."
Having said his piece, Lu Heng felt it inappropriate to continue this emotional outburst in front of Pang Xiao. He cautiously reined himself in before raising a cupped fist salute.
"Your Highness, I must apologize for my outburst. Her Highness and I have become good friends during this time as we’ve been through so much together. I couldn’t help myself when I saw her risk herself like that."
Sharp as Pang Xiao was, he’d already seen through Lu Heng from afar when he brought Qin Yining back to the campsite. Previous rumors swirled and his own observations had already led Pang Xiao to confirm that yes indeed, the Lu scion had developed deep feelings for Qin Yining.
If he were to say he wasn’t jealous, that would be a complete lie.
But Lu Heng had kept himself in check, and it seemed he hadn’t overstepped his boundaries. Qin Yining seemed oblivious to everything, and Pang Xiao had never for one second doubted her loyalty to him. As men, there was no need to develop a grudge and denounce someone's character over something like this.
Though Lu Heng fancied Qin Yining, he had held himself back and acted rationally. That was actually quite commendable.
Such thoughts flashed through his mind but for a moment. He returned the salute with great sincerity. "Say no more, Brother Lu. I understand. My wife's safety was ensured entirely because Brother Lu spared no effort in protecting her. I will be sure to repay you for this great favor in the future!"
Seeing Pang Xiao salute Lu Heng so seriously, the Elite Tigers saluted together as well. "Many thanks to Second Master Lu!" they thundered in unison.
Such a display was both stunning and intimidating.
Though a sour tang remained on Lu Heng's tongue, he forced himself to take it all calmly as he’d already come to terms with things.
"There’s no need for such courtesy, Your Highness. Though we weren’t close acquaintances before, I see now that Your Highness is a man of great magnanimity. I deeply admire that. I didn’t do anything particularly worthy of note, either. It’s only right for fellow citizens of Great Zhou to help one another in the face of danger in foreign territory."
Pang Xiao couldn't help but give a subtle nod. In front of all his Elite Tigers, Lu Heng credited his actions to "fellow citizens of Great Zhou helping one another", which meant he had Qin Yining's virtue in mind. He found himself rather impressed by the other’s thoughtfulness.
Chapter 546.2: To Speak Softly of Love
"No, Brother Lu is the one whom I admire. There are no words that can fully express my gratitude, so I can only say that I will be sure to repay you for this one day!" Eyes brimming with sincerity, Pang Xiao saluted once more.
He and Lu Heng were both smart individuals; they needn't exchange any more words to understand the other’s intentions.
Despite himself, Lu Heng felt genuine awe of Pang Xiao's character. Here was a man capable of rational thought and didn't dismiss everything out of hand simply because of Lu Heng’s feelings for his wife. It was no wonder each and every one of the hundred thousand Valiant Tigers acknowledged him as their commander and followed him out of genuine loyalty, what with his open-mindedness and sincerity!
While the two conversed, Qin Yining went to Uncle Alham to discuss having the tribe draw water so that the Elite Tigers could eat, drink, rest, and wipe themselves clean.
Uncle Alham nodded and quickly delegated tasks to his people; the camp quickly blossomed into a flurry of hectic activity. When everything was ready, the entourage was sent to wash up while the Minuo kept careful watch against the Xiyue.
Pang Xiao excused himself from Lu Heng after a while and went to Qin Yining to help her set up her tent.
When Lu Heng watched the two enter the same tent, he turned around with a quiet sigh and went off to help with the cooking stations.
……
Someone had placed a large tub of hot water and a big bucket of cold water inside the tent. Setting aside thoughts of everything else, Pang Xiao immediately got to quenching his thirst.
After many deep gulps, he finally tossed the wooden ladle aside and smiled at Qin Yining. "My darling, help me wash my hair. I feel as if my scalp is covered in sand."
Qin Yining nodded and stepped forward with a smile to help take off his coat. "It’s too chilly these days. Just wipe your body clean with water and wash your hair so you don’t catch a cold. You get to washing your hair first, and I’ll......"
Before she could finish, Pang Xiao pulled her into his arms and captured her lips in a kiss. All further words lodged in her throat.
Nimble tongues intertwined and danced with each other, while Qin Yining's hands clutched the front of his robes tightly.
That familiar kiss and that familiar breath—she couldn't hold her tears back. Her head tilted upward as she allowed her tears to flow freely from the corners of her eyes into the hair at her temples and down the sides of her face.
"Don't cry, there now, no more crying." Deep kisses turned into doting pecks. His eyes also red, Pang Xiao kissed away her tears with a precious, reverent air.
"My dearest, this is all my fault. I shouldn’t have let you investigate the treasure's location by yourself… I felt as if the sky had fallen in when you disappeared and wanted to die from regret! I don’t care about silver or power! I only want you by my side. When you were gone, I was so beside myself that I wanted to kill Li Qitian the moment I saw him…”
Qin Yining buried her face into his chest, so choked up that words failed her.
Pang Xiao kissed the top of her head again and again. "Thank goodness you’re still alive, thank goodness you live! I set off with my men and met Captain Cao at the borders. I could’ve flown to the moon when she told me you were still alive!
“Fortunately, the Azure Justice comrade capable of using tracking bugs was with her, so we followed him into the desert. My heart was in my throat the entire way here. I was so terrified and so worried that something would happen to you!
"You weren’t in good health to begin with when I sent you to investigate and take the opportunity to return to the capital. After being kidnapped to Tatar, you wandered around in the wilderness and suffered endless hardships. I worried you would fall ill or that you’d be bullied… My darling, I will never let you go again. Be it in life or in death, we must be together. At least, we must live and die together......."
Pang Xiao held onto her like a drowning man clutching at driftwood as he babbled on and on about the uncertainty and longing he’d felt all this time.
As he did, Qin Yining reached out and held tightly onto his strong, slender waist. She nodded firmly. "It was the same for me, quite the same. I really thought I would never see you again. That Xiyue prince lied and claimed I was the goddess of their sacred writings. According to the legends, the goddess is to become his consort.
"After some observation, I noticed that although the Xiyue oasis is nourished by the inner lake and the soil relatively fertile, the number of plants that grow here is limited. They fled here a century ago, sometime during the rule of Northern Ji. At that time, they didn’t bring enough seed
s with them, so their diet consists mainly of beans.
“Therefore, they greatly covet the provisions we have with us. He forced me to marry him, then had his soldiers stationed at the tribe campsite. I only agreed because I was afraid the Minuo would needlessly die because of me." Qin Yining lifted her head to look up at Pang Xiao. "I didn't really wish to marry him. I was going to kill him once he relaxed his guard."
Pang Xiao kissed her eyelids. "You don’t need to explain, I understand everything. He must have had a blade pressed against your neck. If you hadn't agreed, he would've executed both you and the Minuo."
Qin Yining nodded, then pulled Pang Xiao over to the tub to help him wash his hair and wipe off his body.
It was only after he took off his inner garments that she realized how thin he’d become. The sight of his skinny behind and lanky, powerful legs had Qin Yining sniffling hard once again. She wasn’t the only one who’d suffered during this period—not a day had passed in peace for Pang Xiao.
Chapter 547.1: Strategy
Qin Yining frowned with heartache before focusing on conscientiously wiping down Pang Xiao’s body. Worried that he’d catch a chill, she patted his body dry with a handkerchief before fetching a set of undergarments from his belongings and draping it over his shoulders.
Averting his eyes from his legs, she pointed elsewhere. “Put on your clothes and take a seat over there. I’ll help dry your hair.”
Pang Xiao looked down at a certain magnificent area of his before smirking broadly. Landing a noisy smack with his laps on Qin Yining’s red face, he ran off in a splendid mood.
Qin Yining tossed Pang Xiao’s dirty clothes into the bathwater before taking a clean towel to tousle his hair. Her slender fingertips rubbed his scalp with just the right amount of force, sending shivers down Pang Xiao’s body. With a firm tug, he pulled her into a seated position on his lap and kissed her deeply.
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