“There is no reason why others should shoulder the blame for wrongs committed by the Zhous. The women and children are innocent. They are also people of Xiyue and do not deserve to be dragged down into the muck of his actions.”
He received unanimous approval from the officials for his decision. Most of them were able to mentally heave a sigh of relief—if the newly-coronated Prince and Princess Consort of Xiyue were willing to show mercy to even Zhou Meng’s wives and children, there was even less reason for them to be hard on innocent officials.
After the people of the Xiyue and Minuo tribes partitioned their settlements, they decided to each govern themselves and live together in peace. Pang Xiao then focused on selecting whom to place in charge from among Xiyue’s officials.
Finally, he chose a thirty-four year old official named Li Ru.
The man’s ancestors had migrated to the oasis with the Xiyue tribe, and both his father and grandfather had been high-ranking officials in Xiyue’s court in the past. His ancestors had also been provincial officials in Northern Yi.
Though he had a good head on his shoulders, his intelligence and experience didn’t make him any less loyal or kind. After questioning and testing the man at length, Pang Xiao came to the conclusion that he was an incredibly suitable candidate and summoned him to the palace for a secret talk.
As to what exactly was discussed, Qin Yining wasn’t present and thus didn’t know. When Li Ru left the palace, however, his eyes shone like he was filled with hope for the future.
Smiling, Qin Yining served Pang Xiao a cup of tea. "What did you say to him? Why is he so excited?”
"I merely appointed him in charge of the affairs of court in my stead,” Pang Xiao laughed. “I informed him of the current situation outside and revealed my true identity to him.”
Astonished, Qin Yining exclaimed, "He knows who you are? Then doesn’t that mean he knows you’re no heaven-appointed Prince of Xiyue? Why is he still so excited?”
“Though the people of Xiyue all follow their religion, there’s no harm in thinking more deeply on certain matters.” Pang Xiao smiled. “Li Ru is a man of reason—after all is said and done, the people didn’t live particularly well under Zhou Meng’s reign.
“The royal family merely used one of the legends written in Xiyue's sacred texts to give the people a shred of hope, to draw them an enormous pie for their imagination. It was just throwing them a bone, and their patience would run out sooner or later.
“The people believed the legend of the goddess so fervently because their situation was dire. When someone with a powerful background like me promises to help them leave this no man’s land if they so please, that no one will go hungry, and to eventually establish trade with Great Zhou, Xiyue will no longer be bound to this place as if they’re prisoners. They can leave whenever they’d like, and with so many benefits, of course Li Ru would be excited.”
Qin Yining smiled and nodded before leaning on Pang Xiao’s shoulder. "Truth be told, I quite like this place. If only our families could come and settle down here—we could live out our lives in peace, never again to be troubled by the turmoils of the outside world. Even if we wouldn’t have the luxuries of beautiful clothes, exquisite cuisine, or servants who wait on us hand and foot, we would still be quite happy living as ordinary people.”
Pang Xiao wrapped out a long arm around her shoulders and drew her into his arms. He kissed her forehead, the look in his eyes becoming especially firm.
“Such days will come. Once there are no longer people who threaten us and our families, we can live out our days in simple, uneventful joy.We won’t have to think about anything other than how to have two children within three years.”
Hearing this, Qin Yining’s face flushed beet red.
Although she and Pang Xiao were married, they’d only spent one month together after their wedding. After that, they wandered here and there on this matter or another. Handling disaster relief had been especially mentally and physically taxing, leaving them positively haggard. As for how to "have two children in three years", she actually had yet to look deeply into the matter.
Pang Xiao saying something like this had Qin Yining wishing she could burrow into the ground. She punched him on the shoulder and muttered, “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“How is that ridiculous?” Pang Xiao absolutely loved how charming she looked with her cheeks glowing red like the sunset. He pinched her chin and stole a kiss before murmuring, "I, for one, think this is a very important matter.”
Though Qin Yining wanted to refute him, she ended up swallowing her words into her belly; all she could do was collapse into his arms and let him have his way with her.
Chapter 553.2: The Way Home
After half a month’s worth of preparations, they were ready for departure.
Having successfully learned the tracking bug technique, Caganbhara and Harbhara further decided that they would pass on the techniques to future generations. If they were to continue living in this oasis, the tracking bug was their best way of getting in and out of Xiyue.
At the crack of dawn, Li Ru headed a dozen Xiyue officials, and the brothers led the Minuo to see off Qin Yining and the group at the edge of the oasis.
Uncle Alham stared at Qin Yining and Lu Heng, vision going slightly blurry. “Come back if you run into any trouble out there,” he said with difficulty. “The Minuo tribe will always be your bulwark.”
Harbhara and Caganbhara nodded as well. “You will always be the chiefs of the Minuo!” they proclaimed in the Tatar language.
Pang Xiao translated the brothers’ words to Qin Yining. Looking at the tribe who’d stuck with her through fire and water together, tears welled up in her eyes as well.
“Take care, everyone. Even if we are parted forevermore, it will be as if we are still together if we keep each other in our hearts.” She raised a hand in farewell.
Compressing his lips, Uncle Alham forced his tears not to fall. He pounded his chest and nodded forcefully.
On the other hand, the Xiyue officials didn’t have such a deep bond with them, but after Li Ru and Pang Xiao’s negotiations, they saw Pang Xiao as Xiyue’s greatest hope; therefore, they also gave him and Qin Yining a solemn send-off.
“May His and Her Highness return soon.”
Pang Xiao nodded with a smile and clapped Li Ru on the shoulder. “A successful ruler will never rush to exclude outsiders or exile those of a different ethnicity. Rather, he would seek to strike the most marvelous balance between different parties and ethnicities. Such is the way of checks and balances. You are a smart man, Minister Li, I hope you can remember this prince’s words.”
Instant enlightenment struck Li Ru; he involuntarily looked back at the Minuo tribesmen who were saying their goodbyes to Lu Heng and Qin Yining. His wavering considerations settled down in that moment.
“Rest assured, You Highness, I understand. This land is prone to sandstorms, but it will not split down the middle. What the people of Xiyue need most is not war, but peaceful development. I will not do anything that is detrimental to the people.”
Seeing that Li Ru understood his intentions with just a hint and even promised not to take military action on the Minuo tribe, Pang Xiao laughed and patted him on the shoulder a few times. “Be well.”
“Be well, Your Highnesses.” With Li Ru at the helm, he and the officials bowed once again.
Qin Yining fastened her head scarf securely. Waving at the Minuo tribe, she left Xiyue together with Lu Heng, Cao Yuqing, Liao Zhibing, Pang Xiao, and the Elite Tigers. Gradually, they disappeared into the desert.
Uncle Alham and the others watched until their silhouettes slowly shrank into a small black dot. Only then did they reluctantly turn around and return to camp.
Caganbhara and Harbhara’s eyes were rimmed with red, and Uncle Alham’s nose also twinged. They had been through thick and thin together, after all—the bond between them was far from any normal relationship.
“Alright, we shou
ldn’t keep feeling sad. Let’s think about how we’re going to use the tracking bugs, find the rest of our people and children, and bring them all here!”
Before them rose an expanse of blue skies and white clouds, the taste of freedom in the air, and a peaceful environment. The Minuo tribe had finally broken free of the Tatar royals, and were no longer to be oppressed and enslaved. Here, they could continue to grow in number and thrive, and the future seemed filled with hope. Cheering up, Harbhara and Caganbhara both smiled contently.
…...
Though Qin Yining, Pang Xiao and company encountered quite a few snags as they left the desert, they were sufficiently prepared and had Liao Zhibing as their guide. Everything went smoothly overall.
Taking the shortest route, they finally made it out of the desert seven days later and arrived in a remote patch of wilderness within Tatar borders.
It was currently midwinter; snow covered the wild terrain and mountains in the distance. The group chose to set up camp in the downwind side of the slopes, whereupon they discussed what to do next.
“I believe,” said Qin Yining, “that we are a few days away from the border between Great Zhou and Tatar if we keep moving forward. When we reach the border, we should separate from Sir Lu. We would become too big of a target if we stay together, so it’s more convenient for Sir Lu’s plans if he sneaks into the country.”
Lu Heng nodded as well. “Indeed.”
Qin Yining then looked at Cao Yuqing with a smile. “Auntie Cao, do you accept what I discussed with you last time?”
The older woman couldn’t help pinching Qin Yining’s cheek. “You imp. Am I unneeded now that you have your husband?”
“How is that even possible?” Qin Yining blushed at Cao Yuqing’s words and coughed before continuing. “Not only is Auntie Cao highly competent, you are also the most adept at disguises, going undercover and more. It would be a walk in the park for you to disguise Sir Lu so that he can enter the country.”
Cao Yuqing put on a resigned air. “Alright, alright. You call me auntie, after all. I accept. Leave the matter of escorting Second Master Lu into the capital to me.”
Laughing, Qin Yining hugged Cao Yuqing’s arm and swung to and fro. “Many thanks to Auntie Cao.”
Cao Yuqing's fondness of Qin Yining was genuine. Chuckling, she gently flicked the girl on the forehead. Meanwhile, Lu Heng stood and saluted gratefully to Cao Yuqing. “Many thanks to Guard Captain Cao.”
Chapter 554.1: Entourage
Cao Yuqing waved her hand. “There’s no need to stand on ceremony.”
In fact, she rather sympathized with Lu Heng. Watching him care for what he could never have, stalwartly bearing his loneliness, and even pretending he didn’t care at all in front of Qin Yining and Pang Xiao reminded Cao Yuqing of well… herself. That’s why she agreed to escort Lu Heng back to the capital. In any case, now that Qin Yining and Pang Xiao were together, there was nothing to worry about further.
Compared to when Qin Yining and Lu Heng led the Minuo tribe to escape the Tatar soldiers, Pang Xiao’s Elite Tigers were old hats at this kind of undertaking. Returning to Great Zhou would be a walk in the park, as easy as eating or drinking.
Duties were cleanly divvied up. Scouts had their scouting duties, and guards had their guarding duties. As a result, they weren’t intercepted by Tatar soldiers a single time in their entire journey through Tatar territory back to Great Zhou.
The day before arriving at the border station, Cao Yuqing pulled Lu Heng aside. “Be ready, we’ll be splitting up today to find another chance to enter the city.”
Hearing that, Lu Heng’s heart pounded. He truly didn’t want to part from Qin Yining.
After being together for so long, just staying by her side and watching over her was enough to satisfy him. How could it be that there was no choice available to him now but to leave first? The unbearable anguish of separation was similar to a knife carving apart his flesh.
When Cao Yuqing saw Lu Heng’s expression, she couldn’t help a sigh.
“Second Master Lu, you must learn to let it go. Don’t find suffering for yourself and end up holding yourself back in other ways.” She didn’t say anything more, only turned around and left the tent.
Standing outside and taking in a deep breath of cool air, Cao Yuqing finally felt a little better. Although her circumstances were the same as Lu Heng, she’d already found happiness in a life in which she’d offered all that she had and asked for nothing in return. Qin Yining was a good child and had sincerely accepted her. Simply having Qin Huaiyuan’s friendship and trust, and obtaining a niece as obedient and filial as Qin Yining was already the best outcome. This was much better than her forcing the issue and losing everything.
Very soon, Lu Heng finished tidying up his simple belongings. He didn’t reveal any inappropriate emotion when he stood in front of Qin Yining and Pang Xiao, bidding his farewells with a smile. “Goodbye for now, until we meet again in the capital.”
Pang Xiao also raised his hands in a cupped fist salute. “I believe that Brother Lu will be able to resolve all of your difficulties. We await your good news.”
“I as well. Take care of yourself and farewell.”
“Until we meet again.”
Lu Heng glanced at Qin Yining once again. She wore a rather large black mink overcoat, and matched it with a hat of similar material. It was clear from a quick glance that it was Pang Xiao’s.
The lush, black fur wrapped snugly around her, burying half of her small face in the collar. Her face had fleshed out a little and she looked much healthier. Their eyes met, a gentle smile in her limpid eyes.
“You must be careful.”
“I will. Farewell.” Lu Heng firmly pushed down the reluctance in his heart. Qin Yining was with Pang Xiao, so she would definitely be safe. There was nothing more for him to worry about.
After making up his mind, Lu Heng turned and leapt onto his horse, leaving with Cao Yuqing and Liao Zhibing.
Pang Xiao watched Lu Heng leave, his lips pursed for a moment before returning to a carefree grin. He took Qin Yining’s small hands hidden under the overcoat and wrapped them in his large palms, huffing on them gently to warm her up.
“Are you cold? Let’s go back to the tent and rest a bit.”
Qin Yining nodded with a smile, carefully picking up the hem of the overcoat so that it wouldn’t drag in the snow and pick up mud. With her other hand firmly in Pang Xiao’s warm, dry grip, she followed after him wherever he went.
“When do we enter the city?”
Pang Xiao smiled. “We need to raise some sort of fuss that’ll attract everyone’s attention in order to facilitate Brother Lu’s group sneaking into the city. After lunch, I want to order men to bring a message to the city saying I’ve returned with my princess consort, and that they should open the gates and kneel on both sides in welcome.”
Qin Yining giggled at that. “His Majesty’s definitely already arranged his men in the capital. The whole world already knows you’ve committed treason and run off to Tatar to find me. There’s bound to be people monitoring you, waiting to arrest you as soon as you return, and you want them to kneel in welcome? Don’t tell me you mean kneeling in fear?”
Pang Xiao was indifferent. “Whether it’s us beating them into kneeling, or them kneeling in fear, it doesn’t matter as long as we’re not the ones kneeling.”
He gently patted her head. As his hat was a bit big for her head, his motions scattered her upswept bun and sent the hat falling over her eyes. It made for a truly adorable scene.
Qin Yining glared at him, using her hand to steady the hat. “What are you doing?”
However Pang Xiao firmly kept the hat over her head, blocking Qin Yining’s line of sight as he stooped down and softly bit her lips before his nimble tongue darted in, winding and dancing with her own.
Without her sight, Qin Yining’s other senses were much sharper. She felt like she was about to erupt in flames. Breathing in his breath, even her e
ntire body was surrounded by his fragrance. Perhaps due to the lack of oxygen, but for a moment, even her knees went weak.
When she came back to her senses, she discovered Pang Xiao that placed her on the simple wooden platform in the tent. His body covering her’s, he lifted himself up with a hand by her cheek. Fires seemed to blaze in his eyes as he stared at her, flames that couldn’t be stopped and blazed into an inferno, engulfing her as she too burned up.
Qin Yining naturally ended up sleeping through lunch.
Chapter 554.2: Entourage
She finally awoke in the afternoon amid the aches and pains of her entire body. Pang Xiao had already finished negotiating with the city lord. He crouched by the bed, not looking like he’d done any strenuous activities at all. In fact, he looked so relaxed and alert that it almost seemed like he’d taken some nutritious tonic.
Qin Yining shot him a fierce glare as she rubbed her sore waist.
Pang Xiao smiled and kissed her hand. “You’re awake? Do you still feel uncomfortable? We can rest once we enter the city and arrive at the relay station, alright? Be good, we have to get up now.” He pulled her up as he talked, almost like he was coaxing a small child.
Qin Yining flushed with annoyance. “I’m not a child, there’s no need to be so sappy.”
“Sappy? How was that sappy? Darling? Baby? Dearest baby? Baby sweetheart?” Pang Xiao deliberately lowered his voice and murmured into her ear with a deep, magnetic voice. The whispers made her heart pound wildly and her face turn even redder.
“Who’s your baby sweetheart! You’re the baby sweetheart!”
When Pang Xiao saw how flaming red her cheeks were, he couldn’t help but pull her onto his lap and rock her like he would a young child.
“Say, why do I like my darling so much? I’m speaking the truth. You are my darling, my sweetheart. I feel anxious and miss you so much without you by my side. I didn’t feel so intensely like this before.
“Oh, of course I would miss you, but it wasn’t like how things are now, where I can’t bear to part from you for a single moment. After this incident, if you aren’t in my line of sight, my heart seizes up in fear that someone had taken you away from me again.” At this, he lowered his head and kissed her forehead. “Tell me, when did you steal my heart?”
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