The journey eastward was even longer than the journey westward. As the camel caravan traversed the desert, Qi Mingyue often looked back, watching the white pagoda of Shule gradually disappear below the horizon, leaving only a line of snow-capped peaks on the horizon, like a remnant of a Buddhist kingdom.
Yao Xiuyan became noticeably busier, riding ahead during the day and having private conversations with Chen Yu until late at night. Qi Mingyue didn't ask any questions, but silently prepared tea and snacks, sometimes butter tea from Shule, and sometimes fine tea from the Central Plains.
That day, as they crossed the Pamir Mountains, a sudden blizzard struck. The camel caravan became trapped in a valley, and Yao Xiuyan ordered them to set up camp. Qi Mingyue was packing her belongings in the tent when she suddenly noticed a note tucked inside the scroll of "Records of the Western Regions."
"Something has happened in Shule, return quickly." The handwriting is messy, as if it was written in a hurry.
She was startled and was about to ask Yao Xiuyan when she heard a strange noise outside the tent. Pushing open the curtain, she saw several guards dragging a corpse towards the back mountain.
Yao Xiuyan walked towards us, his expression as usual: "The wind and snow are heavy, we'll continue tomorrow."
Qi Mingyue clutched the note tightly: "Brother Xiuyan, has something happened?"
Yao Xiuyan's gaze sharpened slightly: "Why do you ask that?"
“This note…” she handed it over.
Yao Xiuyan glanced at her and said indifferently, "It's nothing, just a clown." He suddenly grasped her hand, "Mingyue, do you believe me?"
Qi Mingyue nodded.
"Then get some rest." He pulled his cloak tighter around her. "We have to travel tomorrow."
In the dead of night, Qi Mingyue was awakened by the sound of clashing weapons. She hurriedly lifted the tent flap and saw dark figures moving about in the snow. Yao Xiuyan wielded a long sword with impeccable skill, and his personal guards were fighting the enemy.
"Go back!" Yao Xiuyan shouted sharply, blood already visible on his shoulder.
Qi Mingyue rushed back into the tent and retrieved the dagger General Li had given her. She had barely stepped out of the tent when Yao Xiuyan pulled her behind him, shouting, "Nonsense!"
"I can protect myself!" Qi Mingyue insisted on not backing down.
In the midst of the fierce battle, a bandit lunged at Qi Mingyue. She instinctively swung her dagger, striking him squarely in the throat. Warm blood splattered on her face, and she stood frozen in place.
After Yao Xiuyan finished off the last enemy, he rushed to check on her: "Are you hurt?"
Qi Mingyue shook her head, her hands still trembling: "He...I..."
Yao Xiuyan sighed softly and wiped away the blood from her face: "First time killing someone?"
Qi Mingyue nodded, her stomach churning.
“You’ll get used to it,” Yao Xiu said calmly. “That’s how it is at the border; it’s either you or me who dies.”
He helped her back to her tent and personally brewed her some calming tea. Holding the teacup, Qi Mingyue suddenly asked, "Are these people also tattooed with flames?"
Yao Xiuyan nodded: "The remaining villains have not been eliminated."
Why are you targeting us?
Yao Xiuyan was silent for a moment: "Because I found some things I shouldn't have found."
He took out a copper tube: "Found in the Prince of Shule's residence. It involves someone in the court."
Qi Mingyue was startled: "There are still people in the capital..."
“There will always be.” Yao Xiuyan sneered. “Where there is profit, there are all sorts of evil spirits.”
…………
Seven days later, they arrived in Dunhuang. The prefect hosted a banquet to welcome them, during which there was singing and dancing, as if they were unaware of the dangers they had encountered on the journey.
Yao Xiuyan spoke and laughed as if nothing was amiss, but beneath the table he tightly gripped Qi Mingyue's hand. After several rounds of drinks, the prefect suddenly asked, "General, are you aware of the recent commotion in the capital?"
Yao Xiuyan raised an eyebrow: "I'd like to hear the details."
"The case of the Marquis of Yongchang has taken another turn," the prefect said in a low voice, "...implying the involvement of several princes..."
Qi Mingyue paused, her chopsticks still in her hand. Yao Xiuyan remained unfazed: "Matters of the court are not for us to discuss."
After the banquet, Yao Xiuyan immediately began writing a letter. Qi Mingyue, who was grinding ink nearby, saw him write the four characters "To the Crown Prince".
"Brother Xiuyan..."
"Nothing," Yao Xiuyan said, sealing the letter. "Just some old news."
The next day, before setting off, the governor of Dunhuang came to see him off again, presenting him with a cartload of gifts: "These are some local gifts, please accept them with a smile, General."
When Yao Xiuyan inspected the box, he discovered gold bars hidden at the bottom. His face immediately darkened: "Prefect, what is the meaning of this?"
The prefect smiled obsequiously, "General, you've worked hard..."
"Take it away." Yao Xiuyan said coldly, "I, Yao, will not accept gifts given without a name."
After the caravan had driven away, the prefect spat, "Ungrateful wretch!"
The lieutenant asked in a low voice, "Should we..."
The prefect waved his hand: "No need. Someone will take care of him."
…………
Just as the Jade Gate Pass came into view, the camel caravan was attacked. This time, it wasn't bandits who came, but government soldiers in uniform.
"By imperial decree, arrest him!" The leader flashed his badge. "Yao Xiuyan, receive the decree!"
Yao Xiuyan remained unmoved: "Where is the imperial edict?"
The man was speechless: "Oral...oral decree!"
Yao Xiuyan sneered: "What is the punishment for falsely conveying an imperial edict?"
The tension was palpable. Suddenly, Qi Mingyue said, "This gentleman looks unfamiliar. May I ask where he holds a high position?"
The man glared at her: "What are you doing, woman, interrupting!"
Qi Mingyue laughed, "Does Your Excellency know who I am?" She revealed a palace token, "Her Majesty the Empress bestowed this token upon me, granting me permission to submit memorials at any time. Would Your Excellency like to give it a try?"
The man immediately broke out in a cold sweat. Yao Xiuyan seized the opportunity and ordered, "Take him down!"
Only after interrogation did they learn that it was a prince in the capital who had ordered them to intercept the copper tube.
Yao Xiuyan burned the copper pipe: "I've already memorized the contents." He said to Qi Mingyue, "It seems the news has already reached the capital."
Qi Mingyue worriedly asked, "What if..."
“It’s alright.” Yao Xiuyan’s gaze was sharp. “It’s a good opportunity to clean house.”
…………
Finally, they returned to Yumen Pass. The guards cheered and welcomed them, and Lin Qiuyan was the first to rush over: "Brother Xiuyan! Sister Qi!"
She had clearly lost weight, and her eyes were covered in dark circles. Yao Xiuyan patted her shoulder: "You've worked hard."
General Li strode in to greet him: "General! You're finally back!" He lowered his voice, "Something has happened inside the pass."
It turns out that during Yao Xiuyan's absence from the pass, the granary was looted again, and this time people died.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
