“I will not leave.”

Qin Yining looked at those honest faces filled with concern and reluctance, and her heart, which had never wavered even slightly, became even more resolute.

Indeed, she could bypass the pursuers under the protection of Cao Yuqing and the Qingtian Alliance, find a safe place to hide, and after avoiding this wave of pursuit, perhaps disguise herself and sneak back to Great Zhou, or maybe hide in Tatar territory under a false identity. That would certainly allow her to survive.

But what then?

They were companions who had shared hardships together. When danger arrived, if she cowardly tucked in her neck and ran away alone, leaving all the consequences for her companions to bear, could her conscience be at peace for the rest of her life?

Qin Yining had never been someone who feared death. Even after being with Pang Xiao, though her attachment to life had grown stronger, she would not change her principles for that reason.

A true gentleman has things he will do and things he will not do. Though she had the body of a woman, she possessed a heart no less noble than any man’s.

Moreover, if it hadn’t been to help her and Lu Heng escape, why would the Minuo tribe people have angered Si Qin? Even if they couldn’t survive the oppression in the capital anymore, couldn’t they have found some inconspicuous time to leave rather than binding themselves to these two troublemakers? If not for honoring their promise and keeping their oath, who would act so foolishly?

Though Qin Yining thought much, it was only in the space of a breath. Lu Heng also smiled and said: “What a coincidence – I also don’t plan to leave.”

Qin Yining looked toward Lu Heng. Lu Heng happened to turn his head to look at her as well. The two shared an understanding smile, and Qin Yining knew Lu Heng’s thoughts were the same as hers.

Cao Yuqing, who had been watching Qin Yining with tightly pressed lips, sighed deeply upon seeing this and dejectedly lowered her eyes.

Uncle A’er Khan looked at them with a complex expression, unable to speak for a long time. This burly man who might not shed a tear even with a blade at his throat now had reddened eyes from emotion.

The nearby tribespeople, though they couldn’t understand what Qin Yining and Lu Heng had said, could guess from the smiles on their faces and Uncle A’er Khan’s expression. They anxiously inquired.

Uncle A’er Khan took a deep breath before telling the tribespeople their meaning.

Now several more people were moved to tears.

Everyone hurriedly tried to persuade them to leave, but due to the language barrier, Qin Yining couldn’t understand their words. Lu Heng understood but only smiled and shook his head, indicating they needn’t continue persuading.

Several people looked to Uncle A’er Khan for help.

Uncle A’er Khan wanted to persuade them again, but Qin Yining waved her hand: “Uncle, please don’t try to persuade us anymore. My mind is made up.”

Qin Yining turned to look at Cao Yuqing and smiled: “Let us part ways here. Aunt Cao really needn’t follow me into the desert to take risks. I’m with so many tribespeople, and our supplies are sufficient – there definitely won’t be any problems. Besides, my father needs protection right now. I don’t want to enter the desert while still worrying about my father’s situation. Moreover, I’m counting on you to tell my father about my circumstances.”

She then looked at Liao Zhibing and the Zhao brothers: “You three also needn’t continue escorting us. Return to the border and live as you did before. I believe our alliance members can certainly live peaceful lives.”

Liao Zhibing’s brows were tightly furrowed, his lips moving for a long while, but he didn’t speak words of refusal.

Seeing that he didn’t insist on following her into the desert, Qin Yining breathed a sigh of relief.

Cao Yuqing gazed at Qin Yining with a tense expression: “I really want to knock you unconscious and carry you away.”

“If Aunt Cao says this, it means you won’t actually do it.” Qin Yining smiled brightly. “I’m very happy that you can handle this matter rationally.”

“But you’re not being rational.” Cao Yuqing said urgently. “If I let you lose your life, how will I face your father afterward?”

“Aunt Cao, this isn’t irrationality – I simply have my own principles. I believe even if Father knew of my decision, though he might be heartbroken, he wouldn’t oppose it. When people live in this world, there are some things that cannot be done. If done, one must live in guilt for the rest of their life. I don’t want to be that kind of person. Please, Aunt Cao, try to understand.”

Cao Yuqing gritted her teeth and spat: “You little wench, if I didn’t understand you, you’d already be carried away like a bundle by now.”

Qin Yining knew Cao Yuqing’s difficulty but wouldn’t change her decision. She only smiled apologetically at her.

After thinking for a moment, Qin Yining sighed: “Please also help me deliver a message to His Highness.”

“What message?”

Qin Yining smiled bitterly: “I’ve been fleeing for my life out here and lost everything long ago. I have no token to leave for him. Just tell him not to worry about me – my life is tough, even wolves can’t devour me. I will definitely survive. Also, please ask him to take good care of my parents, and help me look after Bingtang and Xiao Zhou.”

Speaking to this point, Qin Yining hesitated, then leaned close to Cao Yuqing’s ear and said in a voice only the two of them could hear: “If the court truly cannot tolerate him in the future, I believe he’s not a soft persimmon to be kneaded at will. If he needs to gain the trust of his old Northern Ji subordinates, have Xiao Zhou take him to the mountain where I originally found her, to the location of her former residence. There will be gains there.”

Cao Yuqing looked at Qin Yining in surprise.

Qin Yining only smiled at her: “Aunt Cao, please watch over him. Don’t tell him this yet. If after three to five years, assuming I… by then he and His Majesty probably won’t be able to tolerate each other anymore. If he’s still that Pang Zhixi who cares about the people’s safety, then tell him. Otherwise, let this secret rot in your heart. Don’t even tell my father. Consider this my final request – can Aunt Cao manage it?”

Seeing her calm acceptance of life and death, arranging her “final affairs” so peacefully, Cao Yuqing felt terrible inside. With a cold expression, she said: “Keep those words to tell him yourself later. I won’t meddle in matters between you two. You won’t die, don’t worry.”

“I know that. Time is pressing – you should leave quickly.”

Qin Yining urged Cao Yuqing, Liao Zhibing, and the Zhao brothers to leave quickly.

Cao Yuqing pressed her lips together and stood up, angrily pinching Qin Yining’s cheek: “You troublesome girl!”

She then turned and strode away.

Liao Zhibing, Zhao Yinuo, and Zhao Wanjin bowed to Qin Yining: “Alliance Leader, we’re leaving.”

“I won’t see you off far. Stay safe.”

Qin Yining returned their bow.

Uncle A’er Khan and the Minuo tribe members watched as Qin Yining sent away all her people while firmly refusing to leave herself, and their emotions deepened even more.

They felt that since Qin Yining was a woman who had family in Great Zhou and a loving husband who cared for her, if she returned and maneuvered diplomatically, she could live well. This was much more magnanimous than Lu Heng’s situation of having a home he couldn’t return to. Thus, Qin Yining’s status in their hearts rose even higher.

Seeing Cao Yuqing’s group lead their horses away, Qin Yining turned back and said: “Since we’ve decided, let’s prepare sufficient water and get ready to depart.”

“Good.” Uncle A’er Khan nodded and immediately led people to supervise the tribespeople’s preparations, while spreading the news that Qin Yining and Lu Heng refused to flee in order to share their fate.

In just a moment, everyone in the entire group knew of this matter and loved and respected Qin Yining and Lu Heng even more.