After the three had reached an agreement, they returned to the camp.

By this time, the Chagan Bala and Ha’er Bala brothers had already become disciples of Liao Zhibing. With Uncle Alhan serving as translator, the group went together to learn how to raise tracking parasites and control them.

In the following days, everyone busily prepared. On one hand, the Minuo tribe members planned how to settle in Xiyue, while the Chagan Bala brothers learned to use tracking parasites. Lu Heng took full authority to negotiate with the Xiyue stationed officials on behalf of the Minuo tribe members.

However, since Pang Xiao had become the divinely chosen King of Xiyue, and the divine maiden had become the queen consort of the King of Xiyue, the court officials now treated the new prince with great deference.

Therefore, when Lu Heng came to negotiate with Pang Xiao’s subordinate officials, matters proceeded very smoothly.

Pang Xiao first settled Zhou Meng’s wives, concubines, and children. He didn’t take out his anger on them as they had feared in their hearts, but instead summoned all officials before him and publicly announced his decree not to be harsh toward any of them.

“The wrongs committed by the Zhou clan should not be borne by others. Women and children are innocent. They are all subjects of Xiyue and should not be implicated.”

Upon hearing this, the officials unanimously approved, and most felt greatly relieved.

If the new King and Queen of Xiyue could even spare Zhou Meng’s wives, concubines, and children, they certainly wouldn’t make things difficult for these innocent ministers.

After Xiyue and the Minuo tribe had divided their living areas and decided to govern separately while coexisting peacefully, Pang Xiao focused on selecting who would govern next from among Xiyue’s officials.

Finally, he chose an official named Li Ru.

Li Ru was thirty-four years old this year, and his ancestors had migrated here with Xiyue. His father and grandfather had both held important positions in the Xiyue court, and his forebears had been prefecture officials during the Northern Ji Kingdom period.

Li Ru was intelligent and capable, yet also loyal and benevolent. After testing him, Pang Xiao felt this person was quite suitable and summoned him to the palace for private discussions.

Qin Yining wasn’t present for the specific talks, so naturally didn’t know what was discussed.

However, when Li Ru left the palace, his eyes were bright and sparkling, as if filled with hope for the future.

Qin Yining smiled as she handed Pang Xiao a cup of tea and asked: “What did you tell him? Why is he so excited?”

Pang Xiao smiled: “I merely entrusted him with handling governmental affairs, and also told him about the current situation outside, plus revealed my true identity.”

Qin Yining asked in surprise: “He knows who you are? Then doesn’t he also know you’re not some divinely chosen King of Xiyue? So why is he still so excited?”

Pang Xiao smiled: “Although the Xiyue people believe in the Xiyue religion, using one’s brain a bit doesn’t hurt. Li Ru is a perceptive person. Anyway, during Zhou Meng’s previous rule, the Xiyue people didn’t live particularly well. The royal family was just using a legend from the Xiyue scriptures to give the people hope – like drawing a cake to satisfy hunger. The people’s patience would reach its limit sooner or later.

“The reason the Xiyue people so believed in the divine maiden legend was because Xiyue’s food problems had become quite serious. Now I have a powerful background and can promise to help them leave the no-man’s-land desert anytime, plus ensure the Xiyue people have food to eat. In the future, we can also trade with Great Zhou, allowing Xiyue people to no longer be trapped here like prisoners. If they want to leave, they can do so anytime. With so many benefits, of course Li Ru would be excited.”

Qin Yining smiled and nodded, leaning against Pang Xiao’s shoulder: “Actually, I really like this place. If only our family could all come settle here. We could peacefully live our own little lives and never again worry about all those troubles outside. Even without fine clothes and food or pampered servants, simple and plain would be very happy too.”

Pang Xiao stretched his arm around her shoulder, pressing her into his embrace and kissing her forehead. His eyes became exceptionally determined.

“There will be such a day. When no one threatens our lives or our family’s lives, we can live simply and plainly. We won’t think about anything else, just consider how to have two children in three years.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Yining’s face turned red instantly.

Although she and Pang Xiao were married, they had only been together for about a month after their wedding. After that, they had been constantly wandering, and during the disaster relief period, they were physically and mentally exhausted. As for “having two children in three years,” she truly hadn’t studied this matter in depth.

Being mentioned by Pang Xiao now, Qin Yining was so embarrassed she wanted to crawl into the ground. She pounded his shoulder once and spat: “Not serious at all.”

“How am I not serious?” Pang Xiao adored her lovely appearance with rosy cheeks. He pinched her chin to steal a kiss, saying unclearly: “I think this is a major matter.”

Qin Yining wanted to retort, but the words were ultimately swallowed. She could only let her body go limp in his arms, allowing him to do as he pleased.

After organizing things in Xiyue for half a month, everything was ready.

The Chagan Bala and Ha’er Bala brothers had also successfully learned how to use tracking parasites. The two brothers decided that from now on, they would treat the tracking parasites as a heritage, having each generation learn the method. If they were to continue living in this oasis, tracking parasites would be the best tool for entering and leaving Xiyue.

Early this morning, over ten Xiyue officials led by Li Ru and Minuo tribe members led by the Chagan Bala brothers together escorted Qin Yining’s group to the edge of the oasis.

Uncle Alhan’s eyes were somewhat moist as he looked at Qin Yining and Lu Heng, saying sadly: “If you encounter any difficulties outside in the future, come back. The Minuo tribe will always be your support.”

Ha’er Bala and Chagan Bala also nodded, saying in Tatar: “You will always be the leaders of the Minuo tribe!”

Pang Xiao told Qin Yining what the Ha’er Bala brothers had said. Looking at those tribe members who had once lived and died together through thick and thin, tears welled up in Qin Yining’s eyes.

“Everyone take care. Even if we’re separated by great distances from now on, if we keep each other in our hearts, it’s as if we’ve never been apart.”

Uncle Alhan pressed his lips together, tears in his tiger-like eyes, forcefully pounding his chest and nodding heavily.

On the other side, although the Xiyue officials didn’t have such deep emotions, Li Ru had come to view Pang Xiao as Xiyue’s hope after their discussions. He now solemnly bowed to Pang Xiao and Qin Yining.

“May the Prince and Princess Consort return soon.”

Pang Xiao smiled and nodded, patting Li Ru’s shoulder: “A successful ruler never rushes to eliminate dissidents or expel foreign tribes, but achieves the most delicate balance among multiple factions and peoples. This is the art of checks and balances. Lord Li is a clever man – I hope you remember my words.”

Li Ru felt as if enlightened, couldn’t help but look back at the Minuo tribe members who were bidding farewell to Lu Heng and Qin Yining. His previously wavering thoughts now became firm.

“Prince, rest assured. I understand your meaning. This land may be attacked by sandstorms, but it won’t split in two. What the Xiyue people need most is not war, but stable development. I won’t do anything harmful to the people.”

Seeing that he understood immediately and promised not to use force against the Minuo tribe after his departure, Pang Xiao smiled and patted his shoulder again: “Take care.”

“Prince and Princess Consort, take care.” Li Ru led the officials in bowing again.

Qin Yining wrapped her head scarf properly, waved to the Minuo tribe members, and together with Lu Heng, Cao Yuqing, Liao Zhibing, and the Jinghu Guards following Pang Xiao, left Xiyue and gradually walked into the desert.

Uncle Alhan’s group watched until their figures gradually became a small black dot before reluctantly turning back.

The Chagan Bala and Ha’er Bala brothers’ eyes were red.

Uncle Alhan’s nose also felt sour.

After all, they had lived and died together – this bond was different from ordinary feelings.

“Alright, let’s not be sad anymore. Think carefully about how to use the tracking parasites to bring all our other tribe members and children here – that’s the real business!”

Before them were blue skies and white clouds, free air, and a stable environment. The Minuo tribe could finally break free from the Tatar royal family’s encirclement, no longer oppressed and enslaved, continuing to multiply and thrive here. Everything in the future seemed full of hope. Ha’er Bala and Chagan Bala also lifted their spirits and smiled cheerfully.

Although Qin Yining and Pang Xiao’s group encountered several setbacks while leaving the desert, because they had made sufficient preparations and had Liao Zhibing as their guide, everything in the desert went very smoothly.

Seven days later, taking the shortest route, they finally left the desert and arrived at a remote wilderness within Tatar territory.

It was now deep winter, with heavy snow covering the wilderness and distant mountains. The group chose a sheltered mountain slope to camp and discuss their next journey.

Qin Yining said: “I think after walking forward for a few more days, we’ll approach the border between Great Zhou and the Tatars. At that time, we’d better separate from Young Master Lu. Traveling together makes too large a target, and it would be more convenient for Young Master Lu to do what he needs to do if he enters the country secretly.”

Lu Heng also nodded: “Exactly so.”

Qin Yining smiled and looked at Cao Yuqing: “Aunt Cao, what I discussed with you last time – did you agree?”

Cao Yuqing couldn’t help but pinch Qin Yining’s cheek: “You little girl, now that you have your husband, I’m redundant, right?”

“What are you saying?” Qin Yining blushed at Cao Yuqing’s words and coughed once before saying: “Aunt Cao is so capable and most skilled in disguise, infiltration, and such arts. Having you disguise Young Master Lu for border crossing would be easy as pie.”

Cao Yuqing pretended to be helpless: “Fine, fine, who told you to call me aunt? I’ll agree to it. I’ll take charge of escorting Second Master Lu to the capital.”

Qin Yining smiled and hugged Cao Yuqing’s arm, shaking it: “Thank you, Aunt Cao.”

Cao Yuqing genuinely liked Qin Yining from the bottom of her heart, smiling as she flicked Qin Yining’s forehead lightly with her finger.

Lu Heng stood up and gratefully bowed to Cao Yuqing: “Thank you, Guard Cao.”