volunteer
Chapter Sixty-Two, Volunteering
The eldest brother actually received news of the treasure from Empress Dowager Fan.
According to Empress Dowager Fan, after Xie Lian secretly transported the money he had "accumulated" in Eastern Chu to Shu, he did not hide it in any deep valleys or secret caves, but instead hid it all in the temples he had funded to build.
I had imagined countless possibilities, but I never expected this answer.
The most dangerous place is the safest place; I understand that principle. But to hide valuables in a place of ancient temples and Buddhist monasteries—is this a brilliant move, or a great disrespect to all the gods and Buddhas? I couldn't help but click my tongue in admiration. As expected of Xie Lian, his mind is indeed beyond the reach of ordinary people.
In the side hall where we were, there was a special map of Western Shu on the desk. My older brother, Mr. Tao, Lan Feiyu and I were sitting in a circle around it.
"Empress Dowager Fan only said this much and did not specify which temple it was. Xie Kun also did not give a definite answer." The elder brother's expression was serious. He calmly scanned the map. "Sichuan has been a land where Buddhism has flourished since ancient times, with no fewer than several hundred temples of all sizes. Without more specific clues, it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack."
Mr. Tao pondered for a moment and said, "If Xie Lian built it in the name of praying for blessings or fulfilling a vow, there might be some records in the government's files. But if he secretly donated it in someone else's name, then it will be difficult to handle."
Looking at the dense markings on the map, I felt a headache coming on. Just then, my older brother turned around and looked at me.
“Xiao Xi,” his voice was steady, “Although you don’t understand military and political affairs, you are quick-witted and see things from a different perspective than we do. Tell me, if you were to hide this fortune that could rival a country’s wealth, what would you do? Don’t be bound by common sense, just say whatever comes to mind.”
I was taken aback; I hadn't expected my older brother to ask me that. Lan Feiyu was behind me and gently touched my back, as if to encourage me.
I took a deep breath, moved closer, and tried to detach myself from the situation. I slowly circled around the desk, tilting my head to examine it carefully.
"If it were me..." I said while thinking, "I definitely wouldn't choose those big temples with flourishing incense offerings."
My fingertip pointed to several red dots on the map, marking them near major cities. "These are too conspicuous. With so many people around, the accounts will definitely be subject to government scrutiny. It would be too difficult to hide so much money without anyone noticing, no matter where you hide it..."
“Hmm,” the older brother nodded, signaling me to continue, “That makes sense.”
“Moreover,” I continued, “to transport so much treasure and build temples, we definitely need a relatively convenient route, not some sheer cliff that monkeys have to climb. So, although it has to be remote, there must be a waterway or a hidden trade route nearby.”
My fingers began to move along the tributaries of the major rivers on the map, my eyes searching through the deep mountain areas through which those waterways flowed.
Mr. Tao's eyes lit up, and he replied, "Miss Zhao is absolutely right! In this way, we can eliminate at least 70% of the temples."
Emboldened by this confirmation, I uttered my final and boldest prediction:
"Furthermore, why did he build a temple? There must be a reason. What's the most conspicuous reason a powerful minister would spend a fortune building a temple in a foreign land?" I looked up at my older brother and Mr. Tao and said, word by word, "To pray for the emperor's well-being. If the temple's name sounds like it's for praying for the longevity and health of our Eastern Chu emperor, like 'Temple of Longevity' or 'Temple of Blessed Sages,' wouldn't the local officials of Shu be less likely to investigate too thoroughly, and might even offer them preferential treatment?"
After he finished speaking, the side hall fell silent.
My older brother and Mr. Tao exchanged a glance. I looked at them anxiously, afraid that my words would make them laugh at me.
However… Mr. Tao’s eyes lit up. He quickly walked to the bookshelf, took down a scroll of bamboo slips, unfurled it, and, comparing it with the map, said to his elder brother with some urgency, “Your Highness! The princess’s prediction is very likely! Within the Shu region, there are seven temples named ‘Wanshou,’ ‘Anguo,’ and ‘Yousheng.’ Three of them are located in major cities and can be ruled out. Of the remaining four… considering the waterways and trade routes… only two fit the criteria!”
He pointed heavily at two points on the map that were far apart.
At that moment, looking at the two marked targets, I felt an unprecedented surge of excitement—this was what it felt like to be "useful," and I realized that I could find my place in this chaotic situation.
I turned sharply to look at Lan Feiyu, and she happened to be looking at me too. Her eyes, which always held a hint of heroism, were now brimming with a bright smile, and even her eyebrows were raised with undisguised pride. She didn't speak, but simply nodded slightly, and my cheeks flushed, making me feel even more excited.
The older brother's gaze swept between Lan Feiyu and me, then he suddenly burst into laughter, a laugh full of approval and a hint of relief: "Xiao Xi, you've really grown up!" With that, he slammed his hand on the desk and continued, "Mr. Tao, immediately bring over the files and maps of those two temples. The itinerary must be finalized tonight!"
Mr. Tao cupped his hands in response and said "Yes," his eyes practically overflowing with excitement. He turned to me and bowed, his sincere tone making me blush: "Your Highness is so insightful; your views are truly remarkable. I admire you."
The way he addressed me as "Princess" was completely devoid of the previous distance in his tone. I felt a little embarrassed, my cheeks burning even more. I quickly waved my hand, but my gaze couldn't help but drift towards Lan Feiyu, and we exchanged a knowing smile.
Before long, detailed records about the two temples were presented to me.
“The first place is Yousheng Temple,” the older brother pointed to the west side of the map, his brows furrowing slightly. “It’s located deep in the Qingcheng Mountains. The mountains here are steep and rugged, with only one plank road leading to the secluded spot. But there’s a hidden waterway behind the mountain that leads directly to the ferry, enough to transport large quantities of goods.” He traced the winding blue line on the map with his finger. “Back then, if the Xie family wanted to smuggle the entire golden Buddha, this waterway would have been the safest option.”
“The second place is Anguo Temple,” he said, pointing southeast, “near the Golden Summit of Mount Emei. Legend has it that the last ruler of the Shu Kingdom once fasted and practiced asceticism here, and his memorial tablet is still enshrined in the temple. This place is far from the official road, and ordinary pilgrims can’t get up here at all, so it’s a good place to hide things.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three of us: "Both places are possible. One is dangerous, the other is remote. But we don't know their exact locations. This Yousheng Temple, however, is not only suitable for hiding treasures, but also for hiding troops."
My heart stirred upon hearing this, and without further hesitation, I stepped forward and said eagerly to my older brother, "Big brother, please let me go to 'Yousheng Temple'!"
The moment those words were spoken, the room fell so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
The older brother's brows furrowed into a deep frown, and without thinking, he said in a deep voice, "Nonsense! Qingcheng Mountain has always been a dangerous place. How many bandits and outlaws are hiding in the deep forests and dense grass? There are probably still remnants of Xie Kun's troops hiding in the mountains. What are you, a young lady, doing going there to join in the fun?"
I didn't back down. Meeting my older brother's gaze, I firmly and as fluently as possible stated my thoughts: "Because a young lady can't go into battle with you—older brother, if I can successfully find the money the Xie family has hidden away, regardless of what it can be used for in the future, even if someone with ulterior motives uses my background to attack my mother and uncle, at least I will have done a good deed, won't I? The Xie family's wealth is the best evidence, Prince Xinan!"
The older brother was clearly taken aback by my words, his gaze fixed on me intently, remaining silent for a long while. Lan Feiyu gently grasped my hand beside him, the warmth of her fingertips seeping through my sleeve.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Tao broke the silence. He spoke calmly and gently to his elder brother, saying, "Your Highness, the princess is right. She is of Zhao blood and was personally appointed princess by you. She needs a reason to sever ties with the Xie family. Whether we go to Qingcheng Mountain or Emei Mountain, this trip will be a rare opportunity."
The older brother's deep gaze lingered on my face for a long time, so long that I almost thought he would refuse again. He pursed his lips, paced around the hall a couple of times, then turned back, his gaze shifting back and forth between the precipitous "Yousheng Temple" on the map and my face.
I knew he was weighing his options. He was the prince of Dongchu, and Mr. Tao's words accurately revealed the advantages and disadvantages I was considering, so of course he couldn't possibly be unaware of them; but he was also my elder brother, and his worry and reluctance almost overflowed from his tightly furrowed brows.
In the midst of this stagnant atmosphere, Lan Feiyu, who had been quiet all along, suddenly stepped forward.
She first bowed solemnly to her elder brother, then raised her head, her gaze clear and firm: "I understand Your Highness's concerns. Xi'er is your closest relative, and it is only natural that you do not want her to put herself in danger."
She paused, then changed the subject, her voice carrying an undeniable authority: "But what Mr. Tao said is also true. It is indeed the best course of action for the Princess to handle this matter. If Your Highness trusts her, then let Feiyu accompany her."
The older brother's gaze suddenly turned to her.
Lan Feiyu met his gaze without flinching and continued, "Although I am not very talented, I have survived in the mountains and forests before. I am more familiar with the scenery and mountain paths of Shu than the soldiers sent by Your Highness. With me by Xi'er's side, we can avoid being seen and there will be someone to help us if anything happens. Xi'er and I are bound by a bond of life and death, and I will never let her suffer any harm."
"Okay." He finally spoke, uttering only one word, yet it carried immense weight.
I was overjoyed and almost jumped for joy, but my older brother's next word made me immediately suppress all my emotions.
“But,” he looked at us, his eyes becoming incredibly sharp, “I have conditions.”
“First,” he held up a finger, “Mr. Tao must go with you. He is very intelligent and can make decisions for you at crucial moments.”
Upon hearing this, Mr. Tao bowed deeply without any surprise: "I obey your command."
"Secondly," the elder brother held up a second finger, "I will select twenty of the most elite men from my personal guards, led by my deputy, to secretly protect you all the way. They will not show themselves, but if you encounter any truly insurmountable danger, you must immediately send a signal, and they will spare no effort to ensure your safety."
“Thirdly,” he said, looking at me and emphasizing each word, “Xiao Xi, your primary objective on this trip is to save your own life, and only then should you seek treasure. If things become unbearable, retreat immediately, understand? No amount of treasure is as important as your safety.”
Hearing my older brother's words, my eyes welled up with tears. I nodded vigorously, my voice trembling slightly, "Big brother, I understand!"
"Okay." The older brother's expression finally softened completely. He walked over and, just like when we were little, ruffled my hair with his palm, making my bun a little messy. "Go on, come back soon. I'll be here, waiting for your triumphant return."
I turned to look at Lan Feiyu, and she was looking at me too, her eyes filled with the same excitement and relief. We held each other's hands tightly.
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