Qin Yining’s grip on the towel tightened as her breath was taken away. It took a while for her to realize his state of mind wasn’t quite right, and she hastily pulled away with a beet red face.
But Pang Xiao caught her slim waist and pressed her little butt back down on his legs. He drew her in tightly and buried his face in the crevice of her neck, his voice hoarse. “My dearest, don’t move. Just let me hold you.”
Qin Yining’s heart pounded like a drum, her face flushed with emotions and her heart completely soft. She stayed still, not daring to move a finger.
When she saw that he’d calmed down after a while, she smiled teasingly. “Be a good boy, Dafu, and stop moving. Your hair’s not dry yet, so be careful, you might catch a cold.”
Pang Xiao snickered at Qin Yining’s words, rubbing her face with his stubble. “Bad girl, do you think you can just call me Dafu like this? You should be calling me my good brother!”
Qin Yining snorted softly, “You’re so full of it.”
Pang Xiao closed his eyes, relaxing into her ministrations with a silver comb. “How is calling me my good brother being full of it? It’s not like I told you to call me my good dada.” [1]
This guy can joke about anything!
Qin Yining twisted his ear, but found that the fingerful she’d grabbed was unexpectedly soft. She couldn’t help but tweak it some more. It was so soft! “Who knew you were such a doting, loving husband?”
“That’s right, have you only just noticed? The entire world knows that I’m a henpecked husband and crazily in love with my wife!” Pang Xiao’s answer was bold and confident, delighting Qin Yining.
While Pang Xiao used a knife to shave himself in her mirror, Qin Yining carefully gave his clothes a thorough washing.
“Won’t His Majesty be furious for you leaving the capital like this? Have you already made arrangements for the family?”
Pang Xiao assessed his chin in the mirror and rubbed it a few times. “Don’t worry, I left my grandparents and mother in father-in-law’s care. When I left, Ah Lan also promised to help me take care of them. They’ll be fine, but your parents have been frantic with worry since your disappearance.
“Your mother took it especially badly and can’t stop crying. The old dowager tried to cause trouble a few times and even wanted to arrange a marriage between me and your eighth sister. I vehemently refused on the spot and stormed out. If your mother were to learn about it, she’d definitely kick up an enormous fuss with the old dowager.”
Qin Yining’s heart stung with melancholy and concern whenever she thought of her family. However, knowing how capable and resourceful her father was, she wasn’t too worried. He had the power to protect the family. But since Pang Xiao had mentioned Ji Zeyu…
“Prince Consort Ji is truly loyal to you.”
“Yes.” After Pang Xiao shaved off his stubble and tidied up, he rolled up his sleeves and walked over to the barrel, shifting Qin Yining aside. “Let me wash it, I don’t want you to hurt your hands.”
His large, slender hands were filled with strength, making quick work out of scrubbing and wringing the garments dry.
Seeing this, Qin Yining didn’t object to the change in responsibilities and took a seat beside him, cupping her face as she watched. “Do you trust Prince Consort Ji?”
Pang Xiao didn’t raise his head. “I trust him. Don’t worry, I have a good eye for people. Although we fight at times, face off against each other, and even plot some harmless schemes against each other, it’s all an act. We still have a mutual understanding with each other. When it comes to something important, I trust him.”
Qin Yining nodded in response; she in turn trusted Pang Xiao’s judgement. What she left unspoken was that although Ji Zeyu treated Pang Xiao as a true friend, he was completely hostile toward her. He didn’t like her in the slightest or approve of her marriage with Pang Xiao. However, there was no need to say that and cause trouble between her husband and his good friend.
Before long, the clothes were scrubbed clean and Pang Xiao casually hung them somewhere to dry. With the basin in one hand and barrel in the other, he asked Qin Yining to hold the tent flap open so he could pour out the water.
She wanted to help carry some of the weight, but ended up giggling with empty hands when Pang Xiao walked out effortlessly with the wooden basin and barrel.
By now, cooking fires had flared to life around the camp.
“We’ve cooked porridge, but we don’t have any other dishes.” Lu Heng walked over with a smile. “There’s only some pickles and broad bean sauce that some Xiyue tribespeople sent over the other day.”
“That’s plenty enough.” Pang Xiao smiled broadly. “It’s already a big improvement from gnawing on hard flatbread in the desert.”
The Elite Tigers had also tidied up and were in high spirits. Chuckles rose and fell when they heard the prince’s words.
Huzi was even more lively as he laughed, “Right, the flatbread was hard enough to break our teeth! We definitely crave something warm and soupy after leaving the desert. Porridge hits the spot!”
Lu Heng called everyone over to the steaming iron cauldron and handed each of them a coarse clay bowl filled with fragrant, steaming brown rice porridge. A bowl of pickled vegetables and broad bean sauce was also passed around for everybody to share.
The group of more than fifty men clasped their bowls tightly, slurping down the food with gusto. Pang Xiao put away two bowls in a flash before gargling his mouth with water.
* * *
1. this is a reference back to when PX tricked QYN into calling him dada, a nickname for beloved, when they hadn’t cemented their relationship yet.
Chapter 547.2: Strategy
Qin Yining took the chance to formally introduce Uncle Alham, Harbhara, and Caganbhara to Pang Xiao.
“If it weren’t for Harbhara and Caganbhara helping us hide in the Tartar capital, we probably would’ve been discovered and arrested right at the beginning. I also have the Minuo to thank for sheltering us and giving me the chance to recover. Otherwise, I don’t know if I would’ve been able to press forward to where we find ourselves today.”
A vein in Pang Xiao’s forehead throbbed with rage when he heard Qin Yining recount how Anari wanted her guards to defile her. He ground his teeth painfully. “That bitch deserved her death a thousand times over!”
Lu Heng took up the reins of conversation. “Since Anari fed the Minuo chief and some of their leaders to the wolves at the hunting grounds, Harbhara and Caganbhara vowed that whoever killed Anari would become the new chief. It was sheer coincidence that Her Highness and I happened to be at the right place at the right time.”
Since Uncle Alham understood Lu Heng’s speech, he quietly translated it for the two brothers off to the side. They nodded along and added in Tatar, “That’s right. The chiefs act with great responsibility and take great care of us, so we’re all very grateful.”
Despite the free-flowing conversation, Pang Xiao could tell that Lu Heng was holding something back. He’d wondered from the beginning if there was some other explanation behind Anari’s death anyhow, so didn’t point out anything in front of the tribe.
Instead, he turned to the two brothers and responded in kind. “We’re all comrades and family here, there’s no need to be so polite. Still, I must thank you all for taking care of my wife!”
Qin Yining’s eyes turned round with astonishment when she saw Pang Xiao how fluently spoke Tatar. Delighted by the turn of events, Uncle Alham and the Harbhara brothers chatted up a storm with the Great Zhou prince. They felt that their ethnicity and language were being accorded proper respect with this kind of response.
Qin Yining couldn’t help but shake her head with a sigh. It was clear now that she was the slowest of the bunch. She’d been with the Tatars for such a long time, but had only picked up a few basic phrases for everyday use.
The group relayed everything to Pang Xiao, how they’d waylaid and stolen the supply convoy, how they’d
fought off and evaded their pursuers, why they’d entered the no man’s land in the desert, and their current accommodations in the Xiyue oasis. They especially emphasized the local culture and customs, as well as the situation with the Xiyue prince.
Pang Xiao listened attentively before frowning at the last bit.
“The last part is a bit tricky. Although these people aren’t very strong, they’re desperate for provisions. Winning wouldn’t be a problem if we were just fighting the Xiyue soldiers. But if all of the common people charged us, things would be much more difficult. For the time being, we should try to avoid conflict and absolutely refrain from turning the entire Xiyue populace into our enemies.”
“His Highness is right.” Lu Heng nodded in approval. “Though... your group has already disrupted the wedding and even forced the Xiyue prince to take shelter deep within his palace. We’re only safe for now because the people of Xiyue haven’t experienced battle for a very long time. They’re bewildered and caught on the backfoot. When they come to their senses and rally their troops, things will be much more difficult then.”
Pang Xiao nodded, “I was thinking that as well. However, I have an idea that can settle this matter without a single casualty. It’s just… well, a little bit shameless.”
“What idea? Let’s hear it,” Qin Yining asked curiously.
Pang Xiao grinned and lowered his voice, repeating his idea in both the languages of Great Zhou and Tatar. Stifled chuckles echoed around the tent.
Lu Heng smiled broadly. “Such devious tactics befit he-who-makes-all-tremble-at-his-name—the great war god himself! You have my deepest admiration.”
“Brother Lu isn’t making fun of me, are you? There’s nothing honorable about such tactics.” Pang Xiao laughed heartily.
“Although His Highness’ idea is deceitful, it’s one that will result in the least loss to both sides. It’s the most merciful solution, and I think it feasible.”
Pang Xiao smiled and turned to Qin Yining. “My dear, what do you think?”
“I too think it’s feasible.” Qin Yining nodded.
Uncle Alham, Harbhara, and Caganbhara all nodded merrily.
“Alright then. My dearest, please ask Guard Captain Cao for her help. Matters like these are best left to the professionals. We can make the other preparations.” Pang Xiao ended the meeting.
“Alright!” The group split up to get to work.
Soon enough, before true night fell, the Elite Tigers left the campsite to distribute fliers that everyone had hastily scribbled out.
Since those of the Xiyue who could read could understand the characters written on the fliers, general curiosity grew at the sight of black-clothed men popping up to hand them out. As the black-clothed men were congregating in the goddess’ camp and not committing any evils, the people’s courage grew a little greater.
Some of their boldest walked out to mingle with the strangers. When nothing untoward happened, the people further relaxed and turned their attention to the fliers’ contents. Groups of people went visiting house by house to chat about what they’d read.
“Tomorrow at noon, the goddess’ wedding to the Xiyue prince will be held on the platform at the general plaza. After the grand wedding, grain and seeds will be distributed to all of the Xiyue. Everybody is invited to attend and bear witness.”
Chapter 548.1: Harvest
The guards atop the palace walls had a clear view of the Elite Tigers weaving in and out of the city to hand out flyers. They immediately took the grave risk of cracking open the gates and slipping out to grab one of the flyers, then delivered it to Zhou Meng in the inner palace.
He clenched his fists and slammed them on a wooden table beside him when he scanned the wedding announcement between the ‘Prince of Xiyue’ and ‘Goddess’. The tea set atop the table wobbled from the disturbance.
“This is utter nonsense! This prince is right here and my wedding has been foiled. Who is this Prince of Xiyue?!”
The maids and guards beside him mutely lowered their heads at once. They’d never seen Zhou Meng cut such a sorry figure. He’d been ruler of Xiyue by divine right ever since birth and had been revered as such. His existence was frequently hailed as the greatest blessing bestowed upon the people, and he was the master of Xiyue that all her denizens venerated.
Whatever he desired, he obtained; even the beautiful Miss Pang had agreed to be his consort! There wasn't a single one of his imperial concubines, children, and subjects who didn’t revere him like a god.
But today, Zhou Meng’s unshakable position was wavering thanks to a ragtag bunch of outsiders! Stricken, he’d been forced back to the palace, not daring to open the gates. Their brute of a leader had even shot an arrow through his topknot, shaving off a considerable amount of his hair.
Though he was able to cover up his new bald spot by combing his hair over it, he couldn't shake the feeling that all of his maids, wives, and concubines were laughing at him. The subjects who were there when it happened were another story entirely—they’d seen him pinned to the wall with their own eyes!
His pride and dignity had been trampled into the mud like it never had before. The only thing on his mind now was revenge! He was going to capture the brute who’d spirited away his goddess, nail him to the execution stage, and whip him senseless! Then, he would shred him slice by slice!
“Such insolence, utter insolence!” Zhou Meng furiously crumpled the flyer into a tattered ball, tore it to shreds, then flung the pieces onto the ground for a firm stomping.
“Send for the great general! I’d like to see what kind of trouble those outsiders can stir up! They think to distribute provisions to the people? Who dares touch my provisions without receiving word from me prior?!”
Already frozen in fear from Zhou Meng’s outburst, the maids rushed to make themselves scarce as soon as they received their orders.
Zhou Meng summoned his greatest general to court and asked after the situation with the Minuo tribe. He relaxed slightly upon learning that they were still stationed at their camp without any intent to change their operations.
“Gather our soldiers and horses tomorrow and teach them a good lesson! The provisions are the priority here—we mustn’t let them think of touching a single bag. You will bring the provisions to me without leaving a single grain behind!”
“Understood, please be at ease, Your Grace!” The general raised a cupped fist salute as he received his orders.
Zhou Meng waved his hand in dismissal.
When night fell that day, the Xiyue prince didn’t summon a single one of his wives or concubines, nor did he allow his bodyguards to take even half a step away from him. He arranged for more than a hundred guards to keep a tight watch around his sleeping quarters. Only then did he feel at ease enough to fall into slumber.
The guards diligently carried out their duties, patrolling outside his chambers in groups of ten without a moment’s rest. There was nothing out of the ordinary for the first half of the night, but they still didn’t dare let their guard down.
None of them noticed a shadowy figure slip into the prince’s chambers as quick as a phantom, then leave through a blind spot between the patrols. The figure entered and left with grace, departing the palace without a sound.
The next day, the servant girls noticed that their prince had yet to rise, even when it was past the hour of the dragon. They gently hailed his name outside the curtains of his bed, but growing realization that something was wrong crept up on them when no response was forthcoming.
They pushed aside the curtains to see the lord lying perfectly straight on his back with his hands folded over his stomach, his face stark white with a green tint and completely bloodless. No matter how they called him, he didn't react.
One of the servant girls summoned the courage to gently touch Zhou Meng’s arm.
“Your Grace, Your Grace, you......”
He was ice cold to the touch!
“AHH——” Piercing screams rang out.
> Startled, the guards charged inside. When they went to their liege’s bed to check his condition, they found themselves dumbstruck.
“Send for the imperial physicians! Call for the princess consorts! Hurry, hurry!”
It wasn’t long before the senior princess consort, second princess consort, and third princess consort hurried over. The three of them crowded around the bed, only to confirm that Zhou Meng had indeed passed on! Sobs and wails rang out in a noisy din to see their husband having departed the world.
The senior princess consort hastily ordered, “Summon all senior officials to the palace and get to the bottom of this! And you, examine him carefully. Find out how exactly the prince died!”
Hands trembling, the two imperial physicians shook as they came forth to examine the body. Not only did they find no wounds, there wasn’t any trace of poison!
“Ah, the prince bears no external wounds, nor has he been poisoned. He was not suffocated to death either, he just, just, died of natural, natural causes, like he simply fell asleep, and then suddenly passed away......” The imperial physician’s voice quivered uncontrollably.
“Utter drivel!” Angered, the senior princess consort kicked the physician. “The prince is in his prime. How could he have died in his sleep? It must be that you’re too incompetent to find out what’s really happened!”
The great general and other senior officials were beside themselves with shock at the imperial physician’s verdict. They rushed forward to take a look as well. It was just as the physician had said—there were no physical wounds, nor did the prince seem as if he had been poisoned or asphyxiated
“The, the passing of the prince is indeed odd. Can it be, can it be he was summoned by the gods......”
“It must be that Pang witch! It must be her!” the third princess consort suddenly screeched, “She’s not a goddess, but a witch! She's the one who killed the prince! She must be the one who's killed the prince!”
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