The only choice
Chapter 51, The Only Choice
The carriage sped through the night, swaying and rocking.
I thought that after escaping death and seeing Lan Feiyu again, I would have countless things to say to her. However, the reality was that the bumpy ride of the carriage, coupled with the long-lost and comforting warmth brought by Lan Feiyu, made my eyelids grow heavy, and I let down my guard. Before I knew it, I had fallen into a bizarre and wonderful dream.
The dream was chaotic and disordered, filled with twisted and terrifying demons and monsters. I felt as if I had fallen into a bottomless abyss, surrounded by the mournful wails of ghosts and wolves, terrified yet unable to utter a sound. Just at this critical moment, suddenly, a huge, furry tail tore through the darkness and wrapped around my waist without warning. The tail was incredibly strong; with just a gentle wrap and flick, it pulled me up from the boundless darkness and hurled me high into the air, instantly taking me away from that suffocating abyss.
Overjoyed, I blurted out, "Squeak! It's you!" This shout completely pulled me back to reality from the nightmare.
The moment she opened her eyes, she met Lan Feiyu's gentle and concerned gaze. "'Zhizha' will be alright," she comforted softly, her voice as warm as a spring breeze. "It's so clever, and it's just a monkey. Who would really make things difficult for it?"
“It’s not as clever as a monkey, that’s why it’s dangerous,” I mumbled vaguely, only then realizing that most of my body was curled up and limp in Lan Feiyu’s arms, in an overly intimate posture. My cheeks flushed instantly, and I quickly sat up straight, glancing at Mr. Tao on the other side of the carriage. He was still sitting upright like a rock, his body motionless, only his eyes were closed, as if he was resting, or as if he was aware of everything around him.
I secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that my lapse in composure had gone unnoticed. However, before I could fully exhale, Mr. Tao had already opened his eyes, his gaze sharp, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable chill: "Miss Zhao, instead of worrying about the safety of an animal, you should think more about your own situation."
He paused, his voice growing even deeper: "The Xie family has been officially designated as traitors of Eastern Chu, a fact known throughout the land. If you were to acknowledge your ancestry and return to the family, once the identity of the Xie family's daughter becomes known, whether you like it or not, it will inevitably implicate your mother and the Zhao family behind you. If it weren't for the Master's foresight in having me prepare a foolproof plan beforehand, what would your fate have been? By then, even if you committed suicide, it would be too late to undo the damage, and you would regret it too late."
Mr. Tao's words pierced my heart like icicles, each word carrying a heavy weight. The narrow escape from death was instantly replaced by a belated, overwhelming fear. A chill ran down my spine, quickly spreading to every limb. I then truly realized that every step I took could drag my mother, my uncle, and my entire family into an abyss of no return. Cold sweat silently soaked my back.
I bit my lip and subconsciously looked at Lan Feiyu beside me. If it weren't for her timely appearance, if it weren't for her and Mr. Tao's protection... I was filled with indescribable gratitude, mixed with the immense fear that had just surged up, making my lips move as if I wanted to say something.
"Yu'er..." My voice finally came out, trembling with relief. I called her name and took a deep breath. "Thank you."
Lan Feiyu avoided my gaze. She lowered her eyes slightly, her expression more complex than ever before, a mixture of struggle, guilt, and pain. She gently shook her head, interrupting me, her voice slightly hoarse: "Don't thank me, Xi'er."
I was stunned and looked at her in confusion.
She gave a bitter laugh, looked up at me, her gaze heavy: "Xi'er, it was I who told Yuanzi about your past..."
I had already learned of this fact from eavesdropping on Yuanzi's conversation with her. Now, hearing her tell me frankly, I felt a mix of emotions. I pursed my lips, not looking at her, but turning to Mr. Tao. After clearing my throat, I said, "Mr. Tao, tell me, does this count as... settling the debt? No loss, no debt, right?"
Mr. Tao frowned, as if he was considering his options. Afraid that he might say something inappropriate, I quickly asked, "Really? You said you would take me to see my older brother. Where is he now? Why are you with him?"
When this question was raised, Lan Feiyu's expression changed. She looked at Mr. Tao with surprise and uncertainty, then at me. Without saying a word, I grabbed her hand tightly. She immediately grabbed it back with the same strength. While I was satisfied, I also realized that even Lan Feiyu was unaware of the connection between Mr. Tao and my older brother.
Mr. Tao's expression remained enigmatic, as if he had anticipated my question. He spoke slowly, his voice steady and calm, yet carrying an air of undeniable mystery: "You'll know when you see him." He paused, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the fleeting scenery outside the car window, before adding a startling statement: "We are now about to enter the territory of Eastern Chu—the former land of the Shu Kingdom."
I was so shocked I almost jumped up – the ancient land of Shu!
I remember my older brother telling me that the Shu Kingdom was destroyed by the Eastern Chu Kingdom several years ago. The current Western Shu Kingdom is just a remnant of the former Shu Kingdom, which is backed by Tuluo. We are going to the former Shu Kingdom now. Moreover, Mr. Tao's words clearly indicate that my older brother is there. What is going on?
I know nothing about what happened after my older brother went hunting with Prince Amuyue, and I killed Amuyue in the forest. Only now have I heard news of my older brother again, but it was brought by this mysterious Mr. Tao. Who exactly is he?
Suspicion clouded my mind. I shook my head, but couldn't clear it at all. I could only stammer, "Big...big brother, what are you doing there?"
Mr. Tao closed his eyes again. Good.
Fine, he just saved my life. I suppressed my anger and changed the subject: "But didn't you say you were from Bozhou and wouldn't help Dongchu? Then why did you help me?"
This question clearly also affected Lan Feiyu. Since Mr. Tao was connected to my elder brother, he could not possibly be someone who genuinely opposed Dong Chu—this was something not only I understood, but the intelligent Lan Feiyu also instantly grasped. Her expression changed slightly, and her usually spirited eyes were now filled with confusion. She turned to Mr. Tao, her tone carrying a hint of pleading, but also a barely perceptible anxiety: "Mr. Tao, I'm confused too. What are your plans? Why won't you tell me? Aren't we both working for the peace of Bozhou, for the people of Bozhou? Or... do you have other plans?"
This time, faced with Lan Feiyu's direct questioning, especially the phrase "for the peace of Bozhou, for the people of Bozhou," Mr. Tao finally broke his silence. He slowly opened his eyes, the previous aloofness and indifference gone from his deep gaze, replaced by a heavy, almost solemn expression. He looked at Lan Feiyu, his voice low and solemn: "Master, times have changed. It's not that I'm unwilling to tell you, but the situation has changed too quickly." He paused slightly, as if choosing his words carefully, and continued: "My initial wish, and the wish of many of our Bozhou compatriots, is naturally that Bozhou can break free from its territories and enjoy independence. However, looking at the current state of the world," a trace of helplessness and sorrow flashed in his eyes, "it is absolutely impossible for Bozhou, with its limited strength, to seek independence between the two powerful neighbors, Dongchu and Tuluo."
“Now Bozhou has only two paths before it.” Mr. Tao’s tone became increasingly solemn. “Either it completely submits to Tuluo in the north and becomes its vassal, or it bows down to the east and submits to Eastern Chu.”
Lan Feiyu's face turned pale, and her hands began to tremble uncontrollably. Although my heart was with Dong Chu, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her when I saw her like this. But given my position and status, how could I offer any words of comfort?
She turned her head away and lowered her eyes, as if she didn't want me to see the tears sliding down her cheeks. But when she turned back to face Mr. Tao, there was a determination in her eyes. I was secretly glad that even so, she did not let go of my hand.
"Does Mr. Tao mean that Turo... is not a viable option?"
Mr. Tao's gaze returned to the car window, and he said in a deep voice, "The Master initially chose Tuluo, hoping to use their power to reclaim Bozhou from the usurpers. However, it now appears that Tuluo harbors wolfish ambitions and intends to advance south. If we submit to them, Bozhou may not be able to preserve its integrity. As for Dongchu..." He looked at me, and I involuntarily straightened my back. Mr. Tao then changed the subject, "The current emperor of Dongchu, and the regent queen, who is also Miss Zhao's uncle, are both powerful rulers. However, compared to Tuluo, their laws are relatively clear, and they are more tolerant of dissent. Between two evils, choose the lesser. If we must choose one, submitting to Dongchu may be the only way to preserve the people of Bozhou and continue its heritage...
After he finished speaking, the carriage fell into complete silence.
Lan Feiyu lowered her eyes, her tightly pressed lips revealing a hint of paleness. Her grip on my hand tightened slightly, a strength that seemed to seek support, or perhaps to suppress the turbulent emotions churning within her. I could feel the coldness and trembling of her fingertips. Even though we were on different sides, I think I could understand to some extent. Bozhou—that was her homeland, the place she had fought so hard for, the place she had even risked everything to protect. Now, she was being told that only two humiliating paths remained. How heavy a blow this was!
Mr. Tao then resumed his placid expression, as if his earlier earth-shattering pronouncements were nothing more than ordinary words. He sat upright, his gaze deep, seemingly waiting for Lan Feiyu to process this cruel reality.
But after the initial shock, a thought flashed through my mind like lightning.
Mr. Tao… he just mentioned the Emperor of Eastern Chu, and that Empress—my uncle! His words revealed such certainty and understanding of the Eastern Chu court's situation and his assessment of the two supreme rulers, as if he had personally experienced it all and possessed unparalleled insight. This is highly unusual!
In a flash, I almost blurted out, "Big brother! Big brother told you, didn't he?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
