Chapter 138

Two days later, at the beginning of the Mao hour (5-7 AM).

Before dawn, a thin mist hung over the tall east gate of the General's Mansion, carrying the unique chill and dampness of early morning.

A carriage, unassuming in appearance but exceptionally comfortable and spacious inside, sat quietly. Several guards dressed in close-fitting clothes and exuding a restrained aura stood beside the carriage shaft; they were Xiao Qiyun's close attendants.

Su Zhelan stood beside the carriage, wrapped in a plain-colored cloak. The morning chill made him instinctively pull his coat tighter, and his face appeared paler than usual in the dim morning light. He frequently turned back to look at the still-closed east gate of the General's Mansion, his eyes filled with hesitation and worry.

Given Sheng Xuan's fiery temper, although he hasn't rushed to Shuyu Courtyard to cause trouble these past two days, Su Zhelan could still feel his suppressed anger and grievances even from across the courtyard.

He feared that if Sheng Xuan learned of the news at the last minute, she would rush out to stop him at all costs, and the situation would get out of control. He was even more afraid that Sheng Xuan would do something irreversible.

"...What are you looking at?" Xiao Qiyun's cool voice rang out beside him, carrying a hint of urging that was barely perceptible. He had already boarded the carriage and was now lifting a corner of the curtain, calmly looking at the hesitant Su Zhelan.

Xiao Qiyun had changed into a more streamlined dark-colored casual outfit today, which made him look less gentle and more capable and aloof.

Su Zhelan snapped back to reality, meeting Xiao Qiyun's deep, unwavering eyes. His heart tightened, and he quickly said, "No...it's nothing." He tried to hide his unease, but the flicker in his eyes couldn't escape Xiao Qiyun's notice.

"It's getting late." Xiao Qiyun's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable force. "Get in the carriage. We still need to discuss some details on the way, so let's not delay."

He didn't ask Su Zhelan what she was looking at, but her all-knowing gaze clearly saw through his concerns.

Su Zhelan's Adam's apple bobbed, and she took one last deep look at the tightly closed, motionless side gate, inhaling a deep breath of the cool morning mist.

It seems... Sheng Xuan has truly been temporarily appeased by my promise to "I'll tell you when I get back"? Or perhaps, he simply doesn't know the exact time?

With a sliver of hope mixed with a deeper unease, Su Zhelan gritted her teeth, no longer hesitating, and bent down to climb into the spacious carriage.

The carriage was warm and comfortable, with thick plush carpets and a low table holding a cup of warm tea, which emitted a faint aroma. Xiao Qiyun was already sitting upright to one side, casually flipping through a book, his posture relaxed.

Su Zhelan sat down opposite him, her body still somewhat stiff. He couldn't help but listen to the sounds outside again, but apart from the light thud of horses' hooves and the guards' soft breathing, there was nothing else.

With a soft "snap," Xiao Qiyun closed the book in his hands.

Su Zhelan immediately composed herself, sat up straight, and looked at Xiao Qiyun.

"The journey will take about three days." Xiao Qiyun's voice broke the silence in the carriage and interrupted Su Zhelan's chaotic thoughts.

Xiao Qiyun began to clearly and systematically introduce the person he was about to meet, the topics that might be discussed, the things that Su Zhelan needed to pay attention to, and the overall itinerary.

His tone was calm and steady, his logic rigorous, and every detail was carefully considered. However, Su Zhelan found it difficult to concentrate fully as she listened.

Xiao Qiyun's voice seemed to be veiled by a thin layer of gauze; his meticulous plans and arrangements appeared distant and cold compared to the turmoil of worry he felt for Shengxuan.

He could only force himself to stay alert and try to remember every word Xiao Qiyun said, but his eyes would still unconsciously drift toward the slightly swaying carriage curtain, as if trying to peek through the thick fabric to see what was happening inside the general's mansion.

As Xiao Qiyun calmly narrated, and amidst Su Zhelan's uneasy daze, the carriage, surrounded by guards, slowly departed from the east gate of the General's Mansion. The wheels rolled over the quiet bluestone road in the early morning, gradually disappearing into the unknown and scheming Black Stone Valley.

The tall walls of the General's Mansion and the tightly closed east gate were gradually blurred by the morning mist and distance. Not far inside the gate, in the deep shadow cast by a tall sycamore tree, a tall figure pressed against the cold wall, his clenched fists white from the force and trembling slightly.

Sheng Xuan bit his lower lip hard until he tasted a trace of blood, forcing himself not to rush out. His bloodshot eyes stared intently through the crack in the door at the carriage that disappeared into the thin mist until it was completely out of sight.

“Wait… for… you… to… come… back…” He silently, word by word, squeezed out these words from between his teeth, each word carrying burning anger and forcibly suppressed panic, facing the direction where the carriage had disappeared. He slammed his fist against the cold wall, making a dull thud.

"If you dare to lie to me..." He stared at the scraped skin on the back of his hand and the glaring red spot, his eyes fierce like a lone wolf, "...don't even think about leaving me behind!"

The wheels rolled monotonously along the official road. Inside the carriage, the aroma of tea wafted through the air, yet it couldn't dispel the unspoken heaviness in the air.

“The King of the Southern Territory possesses vast fiefdoms and commands a powerful army.” Xiao Qiyun’s voice was not loud, but each word was clear, carrying a calmness akin to analyzing a chess game. “This man is ambitious, but not reckless. He is adept at assessing situations and, moreover, has an extraordinary interest in… things that defy common sense.”

His gaze lingered on Su Zhelan's face for a moment, his expression suggestive.

Su Zhelan's heart sank slightly. He knew that this "interest" was referring to his identity as the "Holy Son".

Xiao Qiyun continued, "The cult has been entrenched on the edge of the Southern Border for many years. Although it has not directly attacked the capital, it often harasses trade routes and robs border people. The King of the Southern Border has long been impatient with it, but he is also wary of its poisonous arts and is unwilling to expend his own elite forces to fight it head-on."

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said with elegance, “Inviting him to a meeting under the guise of ‘joint defense and bandit suppression’ is exactly what he wants. He can use the power of the court to eliminate a thorn in his side and take the opportunity to demonstrate his strength and intimidate all sides.”

"So...borrowing troops?" Su Zhelan asked softly, her voice slightly hoarse.

“It’s an exchange.” Xiao Qiyun put down his teacup, his eyes sharp as an eagle’s. “I need his ‘Azure Eagles’ – the five thousand elite soldiers led by Zhao Cangqu, all battle-hardened veterans, especially skilled in mountain and dense forest warfare, the spearhead to wipe out the Burning Heart Sect’s lair. And what he can get is absolute security of the trade routes after the Burning Heart Sect’s destruction, long-term peace on the southern border, and…” He paused, his gaze locking onto Su Zhelan again, “a unique ‘sincerity’.”

Su Zhelan's heart sank completely. He knew that he was the embodiment of "sincerity."

“Zhao Cangqu is brave but lacks cunning. He is the sharpest blade of the Southern King, but also the most easily tempted by strange objects.” Xiao Qiyun’s tone carried a hint of confidence in controlling the overall situation. “The Southern King is obsessed with the legend of the ‘Holy Son,’ and this is no secret among his confidants. Zhao Cangqu is also deeply influenced by it. Their desire for you is the biggest variable of this trip, and also… the biggest breakthrough.”

Su Zhelan's fingertips curled slightly inside her sleeve, the chill intensifying.

Xiao Qiyun's eyes became unusually deep, like a bottomless cold pool: "The best way to deal with greedy and superstitious people is not to refuse them, but... first satisfy their greed, and then shatter their illusions."

Su Zhelan's breath hitched: "Your Highness means...?"

Xiao Qiyun's voice was low and calm, carrying an almost cruel calculation: "During the negotiations, I will pretend to agree to Zhao Cangqu's request for you."

Su Zhelan's pupils suddenly contracted! A tremendous chill instantly swept over her entire body, making her fingertips icy cold.

Xiao Qiyun immediately raised his hand, signaling him to calm down, his eyes sharp as an eagle: "Listen to me! This is just a temporary measure! I will tell them that as the 'Holy Son,' you possess the key power to restrain the Burning Heart Sect's poison. Before the final battle, you must remain in my camp, personally protected by me to ensure your power is not damaged, so that you can play a crucial role at the critical moment of the final battle! I will describe this as extremely important, even related to the success or failure of the bandit suppression! If the Southern King and Zhao Cangqu want to see the Burning Heart Sect destroyed and obtain the wealth and territory they desire, they must temporarily endure and 'borrow' you from me until the final battle is over!"

Su Zhelan's heart pounded like a drum; he vaguely guessed Xiao Qiyun's next plan.

Xiao Qiyun's lips curled into a cold smile: "Once the cult is destroyed and the situation is settled, the Southern King will naturally send people to 'welcome' their 'holy son' back to his residence..."

He paused, his tone suddenly turning icy. "Then, what will be handed to them will be a corpse that, in the 'fierce final battle,' was unfortunately burned beyond recognition by the Burning Heart Sect's dying counterattack with evil fire, yet its shape resembles yours! I will arrange an 'accident' so that everyone can see the 'Holy Son' 'heroically sacrifice' to eradicate the cult! Fire is the best disguise, burning away the appearance, burning away all recognizable features, leaving only a charred skeleton that fits your physique!"

Xiao Qiyun looked at Su Zhelan's face, which had turned pale instantly, and a barely perceptible ripple seemed to flash deep in his eyes, but his tone remained calm: "Although this plan is risky, it can solve the problem once and for all, completely eliminating future troubles. Even if the King of the Southern Border has some suspicions, he has no way to verify it when faced with a corpse that has been burned to ashes by evil fire. Moreover, with the destruction of the Burning Heart Sect, he has already gained real benefits. Would he really turn against our court for a 'dead' holy son? He's not that stupid."

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed on Su Zhelan's eyes, carrying an undeniable promise and a hint of warning: "The key to the entire plan lies in your absolute safety before the final battle! You must remain in the core area under my personal control, without exception! On the day of the final battle, you need to 'disappear' from everyone's sight until the 'death news' is delivered. I will arrange for the most reliable personnel to carry out the 'death escape' to ensure absolute safety."

Su Zhelan remained silent for a long time; only the sound of the wheels rolling and the heavy breathing of the two men filled the carriage. He felt a profound sense of absurdity and coldness.

I feel like a carefully designed prop, being used and "sacrificed," and in the end, the play has to end with a fake death.

However, it cannot be denied that this is the most thorough and effective way to get rid of the Southern King's covetousness, provided that... Xiao Qiyun's plan can be executed perfectly and that he can really "die" cleanly and neatly.

“The route has been planned.” Xiao Qiyun seemed unwilling to linger in Su Zhelan’s silence any longer and changed the subject. “To avoid potential spies from the cult and the eyes and ears of other vassal kings, we will not take the shortcuts or official roads this time. At the fork in the road ahead, we will turn west, pass through Luming Post Station, cross Luoxia Valley, and then detour to Heishi Valley. Although this route is remote and difficult to travel, it is secretive. General Sheng Chi has already dispatched an elite squad to meet us outside Luoxia Valley to ensure our safety along the way.”

“Black Stone Valley is strategically located, easy to defend and difficult to attack, making it a natural meeting place.” Xiao Qiyun’s fingers tapped lightly on the low table unconsciously. “I have already ordered people to make arrangements in advance, with a relaxed exterior but a tight interior. During the meeting, you will be accompanied by the most reliable bodyguards. Remember, your safety is the top priority of this trip, especially during the execution of the plan.”

Xiao Qiyun meticulously explained everything: how to cooperate in pretending to be "traded" during the meeting, how to deal with possible probing, how to maintain a safe distance under the pretext of "needing to fight the final battle," and the details to pay attention to when "faking his death" in the end... He considered every aspect without leaving any room for error, revealing his shrewdness, meticulousness, and ruthlessness as the crown prince.

Su Zhelan forced himself to temporarily suppress Sheng Xuan's presence, focusing his mind and trying to remember every key point. This was crucial to whether he could completely escape the Southern King's covetousness and achieve a true "rebirth."

Only Xiao Qiyun's deep, clear voice and the rumble of the wheels remained in the carriage. Su Zhelan listened, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He had been pushed to the most dangerous edge of this power struggle, becoming a meticulously crafted pawn destined to be "sacrificed."

Xiao Qiyun's scheme was ruthless, yet it also constructed a thorny path for him to achieve complete liberation. However, the stinging pain of being used as a tool, the fear of "death," and the anxiety about whether he could successfully "fake death" bound him tightly like heavy shackles.

When Xiao Qiyun finally stopped and picked up the slightly cooled tea, Su Zhelan took a deep breath, looked up at him, and her voice trembled slightly: "Your Highness... that corpse... how can we ensure absolute certainty? What if the King of the Southern Border insists on examining it..."

Xiao Qiyun put down his teacup, the bottom of which made a slight clinking sound against the table. He looked directly into Su Zhelan's eyes, his deep gaze devoid of emotion, only displaying a cold, confident control over everything.

"Rest assured. A great fire will reduce everything to ashes. I will arrange for my most trusted assassins to create an 'accident' during the most chaotic moment of the final battle. The corpse will be prepared in advance, with a body similar to yours and imbued with the unique aura of the cult. As for the face... under the raging flames, who can tell? If the King of the Southern Border insists on examining it..."

Xiao Qiyun's lips curled into a cold smile. "That would be a grave disrespect to the spirit of the 'Holy Son'! I will use swift and decisive means to make him understand that he cannot afford the price of questioning the imperial court!"

He paused, his tone carrying an undeniable promise: "You just need to remember to follow the plan and protect yourself. Your 'death' will be the only way to gain true freedom. And I will make sure that this 'death' is undetected."

Su Zhelan's Adam's apple bobbed with difficulty, as if he had swallowed a cold stone. He lowered his eyes, avoiding Xiao Qiyun's all-knowing yet icy gaze, his voice low and hoarse, carrying a hint of weariness as if it had been crushed and forcibly pieced back together:

“I… understand.” He paused, his fingertips unconsciously curling into his palm, leaving a few shallow crescent-shaped marks. “Everything… is up to Your Highness to arrange.”

Silence fell once more in the carriage, broken only by the monotonous sound of wheels rolling over the road. Su Zhelan could clearly hear his slightly erratic heartbeat—a mixture of fear of his unknown fate, resistance to the shadow of death, and immense pressure from the role he was about to play. He felt his fingertips grow cold, and a subtle, uncontrollable tremor seemed to creep deep within his body.

Just then, a steady and warm touch suddenly covered his tightly clenched, icy hand.

Su Zhelan trembled violently, instinctively trying to pull his hand back, but it was firmly held down by a hand that, though not forceful, carried an undeniable authority. He looked up in astonishment, meeting Xiao Qiyun's deep, icy eyes.

Xiao Qiyun had leaned closer without anyone noticing, and the distance between them suddenly shortened. His tall figure cast a faint shadow in the carriage, enveloping Su Zhelan. He didn't speak, but simply gazed at Su Zhelan with his insightful eyes. His gaze seemed to have lost some of its usual cold calculation, and gained a hint of... indescribable complex emotions.

"You're afraid." Xiao Qiyun's voice was low, no longer the calm analysis he had when discussing the plan, but rather a certainty that was almost a sigh.

His fingers were long and strong, and his palms were calloused, yet they were gently enveloping Su Zhelan's cold hand, as if he wanted to transfer his warmth to her.

Su Zhelan froze, all her senses seemingly focused on the hand being held. Xiao Qiyun's body temperature emanated through her skin, carrying a strange soothing power, yet also making her feel a deeper unease—this sudden, almost intimate contact was completely out of character for Xiao Qiyun.

"Your Highness..." Su Zhelan's voice trembled slightly, as if she wanted to say something but didn't know how to begin.

"Look at me." Xiao Qiyun's voice was soft, yet it carried an irresistible force.

Su Zhelan was forced to raise her eyes and meet Xiao Qiyun's gaze once more. In those deep eyes, his own pale and bewildered face was clearly reflected.

"Believe me," Xiao Qiyun gently stroked Su Zhelan's cold hand with the pad of his thumb, the subtle movement carrying a strange sense of comfort, "you are the most important link in my plan, but you are definitely not just a pawn."

His tone was unusually solemn, each word striking Su Zhelan's heart with crystal clarity: "I will absolutely not allow anything to go wrong for you."

He leaned slightly closer, his warm breath almost brushing against Su Zhelan's forehead, his voice lower and more forceful, carrying an air of promise:

"Trust me. No matter what happens, no matter how dangerous the situation, I will protect you. This fire will only burn away the shackles that bound you in the past. Once the dust settles, you will have a brand new identity and freedom that truly belong to you. I promise you, nothing will ever happen to you."

That deep, resolute voice carried a strange magic, piercing through the layers of ice in Su Zhelan's heart. The warmth from Xiao Qiyun's palm flowed continuously, dispelling the coldness in his fingertips and temporarily suppressing the fear and unease churning within him.

Su Zhelan stared blankly at Xiao Qiyun, who was so close to her, and saw the rare and unquestionable promise in his eyes. The taut string in her heart surprisingly relaxed a little.

He stopped trying to pull his hand away, and simply nodded slightly, his voice low but clear: "...Mm."

“Although this road is remote, difficult, and rugged,” Xiao Qiyun continued, his tone carrying an undeniable determination, “its advantage lies in its sparse population. It can avoid the spies that the Burning Heart Sect might have planted on the official roads, and it can also avoid the eyes and ears of other vassal kings or people with ulterior motives. Your identity is special, and any unnecessary exposure could attract covetousness and increase the variables. Taking this road can keep you hidden in the shadows to the greatest extent possible.”

He paused, his gaze falling on Su Zhelan's slightly pale face, and added, "I have ordered General Sheng Chi to send an elite squad to meet us outside Luoxia Valley. They are skilled in mountain infiltration and ambush, which is enough to ensure our safety when we cross dangerous terrain. You don't need to worry about the treacherous journey; just stay in the car."

"Rest now," Xiao Qiyun said calmly, picking up his book again. "We're almost at Luoxia Valley. The road is difficult, so make sure you're well-rested."

Su Zhelan leaned back on the cushion as instructed and closed his eyes. The carriage fell silent again, broken only by the soft rustling of pages turning. He felt his heartbeat gradually steady, and the undeniable warmth still lingered on the back of his hand.