It seemed the woman the prince fancied was not a good-for-nothing.
“Miss Qin is correct. Actually, the prince was originally resting at home when he heard that the Marquis of Dingbei had suddenly brought people to attack the various officials from the Yan Dynasty surrendering to Great Zhou. He became extremely anxious, but having no one available to use, he claimed illness publicly while actually going personally to the military camp to deploy personnel for a long-distance raid to search for you and your family members.
“Although the military tally of the Huben Army is in Lord Zuo’s hands, the only person the brothers in the army truly respect is the prince. With one word from the prince, everyone followed him out. The Huben Army has a total of one hundred thousand troops returning in formation. The prince brought out twenty thousand, and Lord Zuo, fearing he couldn’t account to His Majesty, hurriedly followed as well.
“When leaving the capital, Lord Zuo memorialized impeaching the prince for privately mobilizing troops with intent to rebel. This memorial was intercepted by the prince’s people. A few days ago, Lord Zuo sent another secret report impeaching the prince, and this secret report was also intercepted by our people.
“However, because the prince privately mobilized troops, if exposed, it would be tantamount to rebellion. So throughout this journey, the prince has been concealing his tracks, never meeting with Lord Zuo face to face, nor letting Lord Zuo catch direct evidence. Therefore, when Miss Qin meets Lord Zuo later, you must be very careful not to speak carelessly.
“The prince brought people here riding hard day and night without rest, and has been searching in this area for five or six days. He didn’t find you but found quite a few other scattered people. Just when he discovered the great fire in the mountains, the prince said you must be here and ordered our team to search for you. During the signal arrow communications confirming we had found you, the prince didn’t have time to meet with you and immediately rushed back on horseback.
“Because this time the prince claimed to be seriously ill and refused visitors to cover his tracks, although Lord Zuo’s secret reports were intercepted, there’s no guarantee His Majesty won’t learn this news through other channels. If His Majesty deliberately wants to expose the prince, the excuse of serious illness might not stop His Majesty either. The prince was worried His Majesty might search the prince’s mansion, so he hurried back.”
Speaking to this point, the young man’s gaze toward Qin Yining contained several parts blame.
He was just short of directly pointing at Qin Yining’s nose and cursing “femme fatale.”
Qin Yining’s face also felt somewhat hot. Not only from shame, but more from being moved.
She knew Pang Xiao had always liked her very much. When facing her, Pang Xiao changed from his usual coldness and distance toward others, becoming as passionate as a flame. He never avoided showing his affection for her, but Qin Yining hadn’t expected his concern for her would reach such a degree.
To the point where, to find her, he would rather risk the crime of defying imperial orders and intending rebellion to bring troops out to search for her.
She really hadn’t expected that Pang Xiao would pay so much to find her!
He had already been stripped of military authority and was in a difficult position. Now, to find her, he was essentially digging himself an even deeper pit to jump into.
How could he pay so much for her!
His such deep affection made her feel that if she didn’t burn herself completely in this relationship, she would be unable to face what Pang Xiao had given for her.
Qin Yining pressed her lips together and took several deep breaths before calming her inner excitement. She spoke seriously: “May I ask what position this young general holds beside the prince? Observing your speech, you don’t seem like a deputy general. Such great talent serving as an advisor beside the prince would not be wasted.”
The young man was startled at these words, then smiled: “Miss Qin has good eyesight.”
This time, where was his young man’s voice? It was clearly that of a hoarse old man.
“This old man is Xie Yue, courtesy name Hongchang. I am an advisor beside the prince and have followed him for five years already. Because I’m skilled at planning and proficient in the art of disguise, the prince brought this old man out this time. The prince worried that others couldn’t explain things clearly to you and make you misunderstand, and also feared that others couldn’t explain clearly some Great Zhou matters during this period, so he specially ordered this old man to accompany Miss Qin to resolve your doubts.”
Qin Yining looked curiously at his young face and smiled, nodding: “So it’s Master Xie. I was truly remiss.”
“I dare not accept such honor.” He then resumed the slightly hoarse young man’s voice: “Miss, you should return to the camp first. Later when you meet Lord Zuo, you just need to remain silent.”
Qin Yining waved her hand: “No rush. Now that I know the situation, let’s think of a countermeasure before going back. Once we enter the camp, it won’t be convenient to discuss these matters.”
Seeing Qin Yining like this, Xie Yue said somewhat surprised: “Could it be that Miss Qin has a plan?”
Qin Yining said: “I do have some ideas. I’d like Master to help advise.”
“I would be honored to hear the details.” Xie Yue cupped his hands.
Qin Yining then said: “That Lord Zuo Jinwei, since he could be promoted by His Majesty to become the new commander of the Huben Army, must certainly not be a foolish person. When his secret reports received no response from the emperor, he would definitely become suspicious and submit secret reports again. This time, you shouldn’t intercept them.”
“Oh?” Xie Yue raised an eyebrow. “Miss Qin, what do you mean by this?”