Qin Yining nodded but didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she said, “First have the clanspeople arrange for those two to rest. Biyu is injured—please have someone cook her some porridge and take good care of her.”
Lu Heng understood and called two female clanspeople to take Biyu and Xinyu to rest.
With no outsiders around, Lu Heng asked, “Are you worried they might be spies?”
Qin Yining smiled, “Though we’re not familiar with them, Biyu was injured because of me after all, so we should take care of her as much as we can. But we must remain vigilant—the grain in our hands is far too conspicuous here. I’m worried that if Prince Xiyue becomes desperate and conflict breaks out between both sides, it will cause unnecessary losses.”
“You’re right.” Lu Heng accompanied Qin Yining on a walk around the camp’s perimeter, checking the surrounding environment.
Qin Yining tucked her hands in her sleeves as the cold night wind hit her face, making her squint slightly. She said in a low voice, “We need to be fully prepared. That Prince Xiyue isn’t someone with deep cunning—such people often do more unexpectedly absurd things.”
“You’re right. Precisely because his thoughts can’t be calculated by our rationality, we should be even more vigilant.” Lu Heng said, “After resting in this oasis for a while, the clanspeople’s physical condition has improved considerably. The Minuo tribe was originally a warlike tribe with many skilled in archery and horsemanship. After A’na Ri’s previous persecution, they all have pent-up anger inside them. Even the women carry a spirit of fearless courage. Compared to those on this oasis who have never seen blood, we’re not at a disadvantage in numbers or fighting capability.”
“But once fighting starts, both sides will have casualties. I don’t fear battle, but I don’t want to cause meaningless casualties either. People only have one life—we can’t ignore others’ life and death because of our decisions. When I was home, Pang Zhixi often said that no one is born lowly, and no one’s life is inherently more noble than another’s. So when soldiers fight and die in battle, that’s their duty, but if civilians are implicated by war, that’s unconscionable. Most of the Minuo people following us now aren’t soldiers, and I don’t want them to lose their lives because they followed us.”
Hearing the unconscious pride and tenderness in Qin Yining’s voice when she mentioned Pang Xiao, Lu Heng couldn’t help but feel a faint bitterness in his heart. However, having already come to terms with things, he didn’t deliberately dwell on his momentary loss and sourness. Instead, he analyzed the meaning in Qin Yining’s words and gained a deeper understanding of Pang Xiao.
“I never expected the Prince to be such a benevolent person. Those rumors outside don’t seem to be true.”
Qin Yining smiled, “Of course rumors can’t all be believed. In the past, people spread quite unflattering stories about me too.”
Lu Heng couldn’t help but smile, “As long as one acts without shame in their heart, that’s enough. We can’t worry about the rest.”
“Exactly, especially given our current situation.” Qin Yining looked up at the sky. Tonight there wasn’t a single star visible, as if a black curtain had covered all light. The clouds hung low and heavy, as if a heavy snow was about to fall.
Lu Heng also looked up following her gaze, and after a long while said, “I’ve secretly arranged for clanspeople to carry some grain with them personally, and always keep enough water ready. If an emergency occurs, we’ll try to escape with the grain and horses. If we can’t take supplies, at least riding away on horses won’t leave us without food temporarily.”
“Mm. I was thinking the same thing. Fortunately, you’re in charge and have already arranged it.” Qin Yining stopped and smiled, “But don’t worry—I won’t allow such a situation to occur.”
Lu Heng naturally knew Qin Yining’s stubborn character.
Once she decided something was her responsibility, she would definitely grit her teeth and persist to the end.
But the Minuo tribe wasn’t originally her responsibility either—he didn’t want her to bear such heavy pressure.
“Enough, let’s rest well tonight.” Qin Yining smiled, “Being back here, surrounded by Minuo clanspeople, I can sleep more peacefully.”
Knowing she was still ill and had been through an ordeal in the palace today, she must be tired by now. Lu Heng quickly smiled and nodded, “Come, I’ll escort you back to your room.”
Lu Heng gave his warm adobe house to Qin Yining and went to squeeze into a room with the Ha’er Bala and Chagan Bala brothers. The other clanspeople set up tents on the spot, just like countless nights of fleeing outside, taking turns on night watch without daring to relax at all.
Qin Yining fell into peaceful, deep sleep.
Perhaps because her body was still very weak, Qin Yining slept very deeply. The clanspeople all knew her physical condition, so no one woke her, letting her rest.
Just after noon, the clanspeople standing guard on the perimeter came to report to Uncle A’erhan: “A bunch of people have come outside, led by that prince who sent the chief back yesterday.”
Uncle A’erhan was startled and dared not be negligent, hurrying to call Lu Heng.
Lu Heng pondered for a moment, then went out to meet them without hesitation. Seeing the man in a black cotton cloak standing with hands behind his back, he stopped and cupped his hands, “So it’s the Prince. I failed to welcome you properly—please forgive me.”
Zhou Meng arrogantly lifted his chin to indicate Lu Heng was excused from formalities, then said, “This Prince has come here—why doesn’t Miss Pang come out to greet me?”
Lu Heng cursed this shameless man inwardly—a toad wanting to eat swan meat—but maintained his elegant smile, “My sister’s health hasn’t recovered. Yesterday she was also frightened, causing her condition to worsen. She even had a fever yesterday and has been unconscious all day today. Please be understanding, Prince.”
His meaning was very clear: if it weren’t for the tigresses in your palace, Qin Yining’s condition wouldn’t have worsened. How dare you come looking for her now?
Indeed, Zhou Meng’s arrogant expression stiffened, and he said awkwardly yet worriedly, “Is she alright then? Has the imperial physician examined her?”
“Thank you for your concern, Prince. The imperial physician has already seen her. If the Prince has any instructions, please tell me and I’ll relay them.”
Zhou Meng couldn’t help but frown. If Lu Heng kept using this excuse, wouldn’t he never be able to see the beauty again?
Zhou Meng didn’t argue with Lu Heng directly, only saying, “My young daughter was born, and there’s a banquet tonight. This Prince came specially to invite Miss Pang to attend.”
“I’m afraid that’s not very convenient. Your daughter’s birth is indeed a joyous occasion, but my sister is seriously ill. If she attends, she might bring bad luck.”
Zhou Meng narrowed his eyes dangerously at Lu Heng, saying mockingly, “Is that so? But this Prince doesn’t think so. Miss Pang is the Divine Maiden who brought grain, the Divine Maiden of our revered Xiyue religion. Having the Divine Maiden attend the banquet will bring blessings to my children, won’t it? Young Master Lu’s obstruction suggests you don’t trust this Prince, doesn’t it?”
This man was quite self-aware! Of course they didn’t trust him!
Lu Heng suppressed his inner criticism and smiled mildly, “What are you saying, Prince? The Prince arranged for imperial physicians for my sister—I’m infinitely grateful. How could I not trust the Prince?”
“Hmph! This Prince is too lazy to discuss such useless matters with you!” Zhou Meng said threateningly, “Please have Miss Pang prepare for tonight, or this Prince won’t mind sending troops to personally escort her.” With that, he left with his numerous guards in a grand procession.
Ha’er Bala and Chagan Bala couldn’t understand what Zhou Meng had said, but seeing his domineering manner, they were already displeased.
Uncle A’erhan pulled Lu Heng aside, “What should we do? Go or not go?”
“Naturally we should go and see.” Qin Yining’s voice came from behind them.
Everyone quickly turned around to see Qin Yining fully dressed, though her hair was only loosely pinned in a simple style. Her complexion looked much better.
Lu Heng said, “No wine is good wine, no banquet is a good banquet. I’m afraid his intentions aren’t what they seem.”
“I know.” Though Qin Yining hadn’t heard clearly what Lu Heng and Zhou Meng had discussed, she understood what Zhou Meng wanted. “But how long can we keep avoiding? It’s better to see what he wants to do. If we’re mentally prepared, we can respond actively. Everyone just needs to stay alert.”
Though emotionally he didn’t want Qin Yining to take risks, rationally Lu Heng knew she was right.
Now the Minuo people regarded both of them as chiefs. Just based on how they had risked everything to rescue them from Dadu and escape Si Qin’s pursuit, they couldn’t abandon them now.
Lu Heng couldn’t help but sigh again.
After Qin Yining took her medicine and rested briefly, she discussed with Lu Heng, Uncle A’erhan, and the Ha’er Bala brothers. The sky was getting somewhat dark.
Just as they were talking in Uncle A’erhan’s tent, a series of low, chaotic footsteps like ocean waves suddenly came from outside.
Just as Qin Yining was about to send someone to investigate, a clansman responsible for guard duty rushed in frantically, saying anxiously, “This is bad! Many, many people have come outside and completely surrounded our camp!”
Lu Heng’s expression changed upon hearing this, and he translated for Qin Yining.
Qin Yining’s expression also became somewhat heavy. She stood up, “I’ll go out and look.”
“Don’t go—it’s too dangerous. Let me go instead.” Lu Heng blocked Qin Yining.
But Qin Yining said, “Let’s go together.”
Lu Heng looked steadily at Qin Yining for a moment, then nodded helplessly, “Alright, let’s go together.”
Light snow was falling tonight, and in the dark night, their camp was illuminated brightly by torches. The young soldiers surrounding the camp all had serious expressions, ready for battle.
Seeing Qin Yining’s group emerge, the soldiers cleared a small path. Zhou Meng walked out with hands behind his back, saying, “Let’s go. The banquet is about to begin. This Prince was worried Miss Pang might not know the way, so I came specially to escort her.”
Qin Yining looked left and right, raised her eyebrows and smiled, “To escort me to a banquet requires such a grand display?”
“What’s wrong with a grand display?” Zhou Meng had barely finished speaking when he waved his hand backward.
Seeing this signal, the general beside him immediately drew his sword and raised it, the blade flashing in the torchlight. The other soldiers holding clubs and swords all revealed their weapons, each ready for battle.
Qin Yining said in a deep voice, “This young woman may not be able to handle such a grand display.”