six
Back in the room, after a brief silence, Li Jie said, "Lord Bao, the enemy has already made their move. It seems that after picking up Princess Qingyuan tomorrow, we must return to the capital as soon as possible."
"I'm afraid some people won't let us return to the capital so easily," Bao Zheng said, his brows furrowed.
“Lord Bao, we both have imperial orders to carry out. Even if it costs us our lives, we must ensure Princess Qingyuan is safely returned to the capital.” Li Jie said this not expecting a reply from Bao Zheng, but rather as if he were speaking to himself.
"No one is allowed to risk their lives until the very last moment. The Emperor is still waiting for everyone." Interrupting Li Jie, Xuan Yuan Tianyi looked at Bao Zheng and said, "Father, Tianyi wants to go to Ailao Mountain tomorrow."
"Oh?" Bao Zheng had his doubts but knew it wasn't appropriate to ask further. "When will we set off?"
"Tomorrow morning." After saying this, Xuan Yuantian looked at Leng Moyan and said, "Moyan, we will be exchanging official documents with Dali tomorrow. You stay here and make sure the safety of the delegation is guaranteed."
"You're going by yourself?" Leng Moyan and Zhan Zhao asked at the same time, then looked at each other. Leng Moyan continued, "No, you can't go alone."
Xuan Yuan Tianyi had already anticipated Leng Moyan and Zhan Zhao's reactions, and said softly, "I'm just going to verify some things, there won't be any danger. However, the delegation needs someone who understands witchcraft to ensure there's no unforeseen circumstances."
"No, the climate of Ailao Mountain is humid, and there are many poisonous creatures in the mountains. You simply cannot go up Ailao Mountain alone." After receiving the message from Xuan Yuan Wuji, Leng Moyan knew that Xuan Yuan Tianyi would definitely go to Ailao Mountain. Because of the catastrophe that year, her spiritual power was damaged, and she had also lost a lot of spiritual power recently in order to save Zhan Zhao. Given Xuan Yuan Tianyi's current condition, Leng Moyan was absolutely not comfortable letting her go alone. Therefore, her words at this moment carried a hint of firmness.
“Tianyi, I do not approve of you going to Ailao Mountain alone.” Although Bao Zheng was not familiar with the affairs of the martial arts world, he could tell from Zhan Zhao’s tense expression and Leng Moyan’s firm tone that this trip would not be simple, so he spoke up to persuade him.
"Father, Mo Yan cannot come with me. Today's incident involving Lord Wang is just the beginning. Someone is testing us. There's no guarantee that there won't be a second or third Lord Wang. This matter must be resolved as soon as possible, so I must go to Ailao Mountain." Xuan Yuan Tianyi did not expect that Bao Zheng would also stop him.
Bao Zheng knew that what Xuan Yuan Tianyi said was true, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "Let Guard Zhan accompany you."
"No way!" Without hesitation, Xuan Yuantian refused outright.
Before Bao Zheng could speak again, Leng Moyan's voice was filled with suppressed anger: "Why didn't you let Zhan Zhao go with you? You know this trip will be dangerous, don't you?"
"Tianyi, let me go with you. Mo Yan is here, so I don't think anything will happen." Zhan Zhao knew what place Xuanyuan Tianyi held in Zhao Zhen's heart. Since there were some things she had to do, he at least hoped to stay by her side and protect her safety.
"No!" Xuan Yuan Tianyi offered no explanation.
“Tianyi, if you don’t let Guard Zhan accompany you, then you should give up the idea of going to Ailao Mountain.” Bao Zheng heard Leng Moyan’s words and knew that Xuanyuan Tianyi’s trip to Ailao Mountain was not simple. He was really worried about letting her go alone. In addition, Xuanyuan Tianyi’s trip was Zhao Zhen’s idea. If something really happened to her, Bao Zheng would not be able to explain it when he returned to the court.
Seeing everyone's insistence, Xuan Yuan Tianyi rubbed his throbbing forehead, unwilling to argue any further, and nodded: "Alright, let Zhan Zhao come with me." He hoped that nothing bad would happen on this trip, otherwise... Xuan Yuan Tianyi felt a strange unease in his heart.
Just as everyone in the post station had finished their discussion, in the Yunlai Inn, Xue Yuan looked at the serious-looking Xuan Yuan Wuji and finally couldn't help but ask, "Young Master, it seems there are spies in the delegation. Should we inform the family head?"
“Auntie probably already knew; why would she need us to inform her? We just don’t know who this spy is, but it shouldn’t be hard to find out. Not just anyone knows Auntie is going to Ailao Mountain; once we have a clear understanding of the area, things will be easier. Right now, the most urgent matter isn’t this spy, but Duan Qingyuan’s safety. Their target is Duan Qingyuan; it’s not just to prevent the Song-Dali marriage alliance, but also to likely incite war between Song and Dali so they can profit from it,” Xuan Yuan Wuji said, his brow furrowed slightly.
Xue Yuan had already thought of what Xuan Yuan Wuji said, but compared to Duan Qingyuan, Xue Yuan was more concerned about Xuan Yuan Tianyi's safety: "Young Master, the Patriarch did not bring Mo Yan with him when he went to Ailao Mountain this time. The evil energy in Ailao Mountain is too strong, and I'm afraid the Patriarch's body cannot withstand it."
"You don't need to worry about that. With Uncle Zhan around, it's all the same. Although Uncle Zhan is only human, he is born with a righteous spirit. Although he can't suppress his violent tendencies, he can still protect you, Aunt. As long as he stays by your side, you'll be fine." Xuan Yuan Wuji had heard Leng Moyan mention Zhan Zhao's righteous spirit and knew that Xuan Yuan Tianyi was with him, so she was relieved. She understood that Xuan Yuan Tianyi's trip to Ailao Mountain was not only to confirm his suspicions but also to distract and lull the enemy into a false sense of security. Therefore, she had to make proper arrangements to ensure that Xuan Yuan Tianyi's plan could proceed smoothly.
"Tell Thirteen to keep a close watch on the post station and ensure the safety of the delegation. Also, inform Seventh Brother and the others to be prepared and prevent them from making any moves on the road," Xuan Yuan Wuji instructed in a deep voice after a moment's thought. After speaking, he looked down at the intercepted secret letter in his hand and said again, "Inform Tenth Brother and Twelfth Brother to secretly protect Aunt and Uncle Zhan."
"Yes, I will arrange it immediately." Xue Yuan understood that this matter was of great importance and dared not delay, so she hurriedly made the arrangements.
The next morning, Xuanyuan Tianyi and Zhan Zhao bid farewell to everyone and set off for Ailao Mountain.
Zhan Zhao drove the carriage at a high speed, when he sensed a noise behind him. Before he could speak, Xuan Yuan Tianyi had already sat down beside him and said gently, "The road is bumpy and there's too much dust. You should get in."
"It's too stuffy in the car." Xuan Yuantian stared ahead, his eyes unfocused, lost in thought. "Do you regret it?"
Zhan Zhao was slightly taken aback, then understood what Xuan Yuantian was talking about, and said with a soft smile, "Zhan Zhao's only wish in his life is to protect the people with his three-foot-long sword. However, Zhan Zhao is ultimately powerless with just one sword. Only when there are more good officials like Lord Bao in the court can the people live a good life."
"Don't you ever have yourself in your heart?" Xuan Yuan Tianyi asked curiously, looking at Zhan Zhao's profile.
"Zhan Zhao's heart is too small, it holds too much, and he only realizes when he discovers that there is no room for himself." Zhan Zhao said this lightly, and then gave Xuan Yuan Tian a mischievous smile.
Xuanyuan Tianyi returned the smile with a gentle smile.
As they were talking, the sound of hooves came from behind. Zhan Zhao's smile faded, and he turned his head forward. Although this was the only road to Ailao Mountain, it was generally deserted except by the Southern Frontier Holy Sect. Zhan Zhao tightened his grip on his sword with his left hand, but the next moment, Xuan Yuan Tianyi's slightly damp hand covered Zhan Zhao's right hand, which was holding the reins. Turning his head slightly, Zhan Zhao met Xuan Yuan Tianyi's reassuring gaze. He nodded knowingly. It wasn't time to fight yet, and it wasn't wise to alert the enemy. He relaxed slightly, but still didn't lower his sword. Before he could think further, a white figure approached the carriage, accompanied by a boisterous and cheerful voice: "Cat, hello there."
Zhan Zhao glanced at Bai Yutang's handsome face, which was now contorted with a smile, and at his eyes that kept darting between his and Xuan Yuantian's clasped hands. His face flushed slightly, and he subtly withdrew his hand, saying helplessly, "Bai Yutang, is that you?"
Bai Yutang tightened the reins, slowing his horse to keep pace with Zhan Zhao. "Of course it's me, otherwise who do you think would come here to see you..." Realizing he'd let something slip, Bai Yutang quickly stopped himself. "Cat, there's only one road here, looks like we're going the same way, we can travel together." As he spoke, Bai Yutang gave Xuan Yuan Tianyi, who was sitting with Zhan Zhao, a hint of amusement in his eyes. This cat is so shy, the girl is fine, but he's blushing first. But who is this girl? Judging from her interaction with Zhan Zhao, they must have known each other for quite a while, but I've never seen her before. However, her temperament is rare, languid yet casual, charming but not seductive. There's an innate air of grandeur in her eyes. It's just that the vermilion mark on her forehead is too alluring.
"I am on official business and it is inconvenient for me to travel with you." Zhan Zhao seemed not to notice Bai Yutang's somewhat ingratiating smile and flatly rejected Bai Yutang's suggestion.
"Zhan Xiaomao..." Just as he was sizing her up, he didn't expect Zhan Zhao to say such a thing, and a surge of anger rose up. Do you think I want to follow you? It's only because I know the dangers of Ailao Mountain and I'm afraid you'll fall into a trap. It's like a dog biting Lü Dongbin. Bai Yutang, who was about to go crazy, looked at Xuan Yuantianyi, his eyes rolled, and the words that were on the tip of his tongue changed. "You're so leisurely while you're on official business. I think you're afraid I'll get pregnant with your good fortune."
Hearing Bai Yutang's nonsense, Zhan Zhao rolled his eyes involuntarily, thinking to himself, "Which eye of yours saw me so relaxed?" But he opened his mouth and called out, "Bai Yutang..."
Before Zhan Zhao could continue, Xuan Yuan Tianyi's alluring voice rang out: "Since Young Hero Bai is going the same way as us, let's travel together. It'll be more lively with more people on the road."
Just as Zhan Zhao was about to object, Bai Yutang said with a smile, "You are indeed a sensible young lady. May I ask how I should address you?"
“Xuanyuan Tianyi.” Xuanyuan Tianyi smiled as he looked at Bai Yutang.
Seeing that Xuan Yuan Tianyi had agreed to let Bai Yutang accompany him, Zhan Zhao didn't say anything more, but just glared fiercely at Bai Yutang. Seeing Zhan Zhao like this, Bai Yutang became even more smug: "Miss Xuan Yuan, are you and Cat very familiar?"
“Lord Bao is my godfather.” As Xuan Yuantian said this, he turned his head to face forward.
"No wonder……"
Just as Bai Yutang's gaze kept lingering on Zhan Zhao and Xuan Yuan Tianyi, Zhan Zhao raised his whip and struck the horse pulling the carriage. The horse, in pain, immediately galloped away.
Hearing Bai Yutang's furious shouts behind him, Zhan Zhao's face broke into a triumphant smile. However, the smile froze on his face the next moment. Because of the rough road, the wheels hit a stone, and just as the carriage was about to overturn, Zhan Zhao and Xuan Yuantian leaped up gracefully, landing elegantly on the roadside. Then, Bai Yutang's unrestrained laughter echoed behind them.
Zhan Zhao stepped forward and unloaded the carriage from the horses. He looked at the broken carriage and then at Xuan Yuan Tianyi with some helplessness: "The carriage is broken."
"Then let's ride horses," Xuan Yuantian said casually, turning around to grab the horse's reins.
Zhan Zhao glanced at the horse in front of him, a blush creeping onto his face. Turning around, he saw Bai Yutang riding towards him and quickly said, "Bai Yutang, let me ride with you."
Before Zhan Zhao could finish speaking, Bai Yutang, who had just tightened the reins, shook his head with a serious expression: "No, two grown men like us are too heavy, my horse can't handle it."
Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang had ridden together several times during times of crisis. Seeing Bai Yutang's words now, Zhan Zhao knew he was deliberately making things difficult, but in front of Xuan Yuan Tianyi, he couldn't lash out. He could only glare fiercely at Bai Yutang, who seemed oblivious, flashing a sunny smile. As the two remained locked in this stalemate, Xuan Yuan Tianyi, who had already mounted his horse, reached out to Zhan Zhao and called out, "Get on."
Knowing time was of the essence, Zhan Zhao hesitated for a moment, then placed his hand on Xuan Yuan Tianyi's hand before leaping onto the horse's back. He took the reins with both hands and wrapped his arms around Xuan Yuan Tianyi. With a powerful thrust of his legs, the horse galloped off. Behind them, Bai Yutang watched their retreating figures, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
"Just say what you have to say," Xuan Yuan Tianyi said softly, knowing that Zhan Zhao had something to ask.
"You knew this trip was dangerous, so why did you bring Bai Yutang along?" Zhan Zhao hesitated for a moment, not wanting Bai Yutang to be in danger.
"You knew this trip was dangerous, yet you still came, didn't you?" Xuan Yuan Tian asked instead of answering.
"It's different, I'm in a public office..." Zhan Zhao's explanation was somewhat weak.
With a soft sigh, Xuan Yuan Tianyi said, "You'll only be responsible for welcoming the bride this time."
"I... have a responsibility to protect you." Zhan Zhao sighed. Although he said that, he knew in his heart that in terms of martial arts, he was far from being a match for Xuan Yuan Tianyi.
"Can you persuade him? You yourself said this journey is dangerous. Rather than letting him secretly follow and be ambushed, it's better to keep him by your side and watch over him. That way, you'll have peace of mind." Xuan Yuan Tianyi leaned against Zhan Zhao's chest, gently closing his eyes, his voice growing softer and softer until it was almost inaudible. Feeling Zhan Zhao stiffen as he leaned against him, Xuan Yuan Tianyi's lips curled into a mischievous smile. The whistling wind and the whispered "thank you" echoed in his ears. Then, feeling the person behind him gradually relax, the arms around his waist tightening, Xuan Yuan Tianyi's smile deepened. He shifted to a more comfortable position, his eyelids gradually drooping. There was still a long way to go; he could finally get a good night's sleep. Zhan Zhao had long heard of Xuan Yuan Tianyi's fondness for sleep, and chuckled softly as he wrapped the two of them in his cloak.
So when Bai Yutang caught up with them, all he saw was Zhan Zhao's somewhat doting expression and Xuan Yuan Tianyi, who was sleeping soundly in Zhan Zhao's arms like a kitten with only his head showing.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
