From Tianyu Pass to Tianlang Pass, they traveled twice as slowly as originally planned. Because Pang Xiao was afraid Qin Yining would get cold, he used the ceremonial procession of a prince, employing the most spacious and warm carriage. Along the way, whenever they encountered beautiful scenery they would stop to rest, and whenever they came across small towns with markets they would also stop to rest.

They traveled with frequent stops along the way, not resembling someone returning to the capital under charges, but rather like taking the Princess out for leisure travel.

Yi Binghu was so angered throughout the journey that he developed headaches, yet the people around him particularly admired Pang Xiao – with just one word from Pang Xiao, they would echo in agreement.

Qin Yining lifted the warm curtain of the carriage to look outside, seeing Yi Binghu’s tense expression. After these few days, his face seemed to have grown a full circle thinner. She couldn’t help but lean back into Pang Xiao’s embrace and whisper softly: “If this continues, I’m afraid General Yi’s imposing figure will disappear entirely. These past few days I’ve watched him barely able to swallow his food.”

Pang Xiao was leaning diagonally against a large pillow, his long legs bent as he half-reclined, holding a military treatise in one hand while embracing Qin Yining against his chest with the other. They were both covered by a thick blanket, and Qin Yining held a small hand warmer in her arms – it was very warm and comfortable.

“That person has malicious intentions and is conceited. If this experience can temper his character, it would be a good thing. If not, we can’t worry about him too much. The reason he was kicked out of the Huben Army originally was precisely because his temperament was too unstable – placing him in the military could easily affect the overall situation.”

Hearing this, Qin Yining couldn’t help but smile: “It seems you have a deep understanding of your subordinates. This is what’s meant by knowing people and making good use of their abilities.”

Pang Xiao chuckled and kissed the top of Qin Yining’s head: “It’s just like playing chess – you must understand the role of each piece, and what role it can play when placed on the board.”

Qin Yining nodded and turned over in Pang Xiao’s embrace: “That’s why I say that person is not as good as you.”

Pang Xiao was amused by her praising tone and chuckled: “You’re biased toward me in your heart, so you think everything about me is good.”

“That’s not true. Anyone with eyes can see who’s more excellent. If you weren’t truly outstanding, would those men in the military who dare to kill and fight acknowledge you?”

Ten thousand compliments from outsiders couldn’t compare to the comfort brought by one sentence from Qin Yining.

Pang Xiao joyfully kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear: “With such praise from my wife, this husband’s heart is extremely pleased.”

Qin Yining buried her entire face in Pang Xiao’s embrace, unable to hide the smile on her lips as she said: “Smooth talker.”

“How could it be smooth talk? Every sentence comes from the bottom of my heart.”

The blanket was too warm, and the “pillow” was too comfortable. Holding the hand warmer, Qin Yining’s mind became somewhat drowsy, and her eyelids gradually grew heavy.

Seeing Qin Yining curled up in his arms like a small cat, Pang Xiao’s feelings of tenderness deepened. His large hand slowly patted her back, gently saying like coaxing a child: “Sleep, I’ll watch over you.”

Qin Yining closed her eyes and unconsciously fell into deep sleep.

The procession slowly advanced for seven or eight days before finally arriving at the northern border’s second checkpoint – Tianlang Pass.

When approaching Tianlang Pass, Pang Xiao changed to riding horseback, following alongside Qin Yining’s carriage.

Yi Binghu secretly cursed Pang Xiao’s cunning – usually acting like a woman enjoying himself in the carriage, but changing to horseback when about to reach the border pass to see the soldiers, trying to appear manly.

Pang Xiao noticed Yi Binghu’s inappropriate gaze but didn’t care. Leading the group to the city gate, someone immediately called out loudly from atop the Tianlang Pass tower: “Who goes there!”

Huzi called out loudly: “This is the procession of Prince Zhongshun returning to the capital, passing through Tianlang Pass. Please have the General open the city gates.”

A series of mixed footsteps could be heard from the gate tower. Soon, someone leaned out to take a look, and after confirming there was no mistake, clattered down from the tower. Shortly after, the city gates opened.

A group of guards first came out and positioned themselves on both sides. Then a tall, sturdy, scarred middle-aged man in armor, with his hand on his sword, quickly strode out.

Seeing that the other party was on foot, Pang Xiao also dismounted, and the Elite Tiger Guards behind him also dismounted together.

Yi Binghu pursed his lips, snorted lightly, and muttered: “Putting on an act.”

Wei Erbao, Li Daniu, Qian Dong, and several others around him had long been dissatisfied with Yi Binghu, but since rank suppressed those below, they couldn’t do anything. They simply followed the Elite Tiger Guards’ example, also dismounting and following along.

Yi Binghu sat alone on his horse, appearing very out of place. Finally, he could only dismount with a dark expression.

This General defending Tianlang Pass was a tough man. He didn’t believe this person could also disobey imperial orders and be overly courteous to Pang Xiao!

Thinking of this, Yi Binghu quickly stepped forward, overtaking Pang Xiao, and cupped his fists in salute to the approaching man: “General Tao.”

“General Yi. So you’ve already found Prince Zhongshun’s procession and returned together?”

These words nearly exploded Yi Binghu’s heart, liver, and lungs with anger.

What did he mean by “returned together”? He was escorting a criminal guilty of treason back!

But looking back at the luxurious carriage, magnificent procession, and prince’s ceremonial entourage, everything indicated that he was indeed accompanying, not escorting.

Yi Binghu’s face turned black as a pot bottom as he said stiffly: “Yes. Prince Zhongshun has been found. Has General Yi arranged accommodations for His Lordship’s party to temporarily stay?”

“The post station is properly arranged and ready for occupancy at any time, but His Lordship’s status is noble. I’ll immediately have people tidy up the rear quarters for His Lordship and the Princess to stay in.”

The same routine again!

Yi Binghu secretly wondered how these people’s brains were constructed. Why did Kang Qiong, as Grand Marshal of the Longxiang Army, speak of having Pang Xiao stay at the post station but actually invite him to stay in the rear quarters, and now this outwardly upright General Tao was doing the same?

Pang Xiao stood aside playing with his horsewhip, watching Yi Binghu’s expression change back and forth, finding it amusing.

General Tao’s gaze fell on the horsewhip in Pang Xiao’s hand. He first startled, then stepped forward to respectfully salute.

“This subordinate Tao Jun pays respects to Prince Zhongshun.”

This was Tao Jun?

Seeing this person had a scar running across his forehead to his brow bone, and a tobacco pipe hanging at his waist, though his skin appeared rough and he looked somewhat mature, he was actually only in his early thirties. These characteristics matched what Ji Zeyu had described, so Pang Xiao understood.

This person was the leader of Ji Zeyu’s hundred-plus trusted followers. He must have seen Ji Zeyu’s horsewhip, which was why he suddenly became more respectful.

“Rise. This Prince has not yet congratulated General Tao on his promotion.”

When he left, Ji Zeyu said Tao Jun was a colonel, but now he had become the main general defending Tianlang Pass. He must have been promoted recently.

Tao Jun knew he was a small figure. Pang Xiao had never had dealings with him before and couldn’t possibly know who he used to be, yet now he mentioned “promotion.” Seeing Pang Xiao holding Ji Zeyu’s token in his hand, he knew this person must be someone Ji Zeyu valued, and his affairs must have been told to Pang Xiao by Ji Zeyu.

Therefore, Tao Jun’s respect toward Pang Xiao carried a hint of intimacy: “Your Lordship’s party has endured the hardships of travel. Please rest well, and this subordinate will immediately have food and wine prepared to welcome and cleanse the dust for Your Lordship.”

Pang Xiao smiled and said: “Thank you, General Tao.”

“Your Lordship please proceed, Princess please proceed.”

Tao Jun stepped aside, letting Pang Xiao and the Princess’s carriage go first, while he walked ahead of the Elite Tiger Guards, following very courteously all the way in.

Wei Erbao, Li Daniu and others couldn’t help but smile, discussing in low voices: “Our Prince’s might truly shakes the four directions. Look, even the Longxiang Army treats His Lordship with exceptional courtesy everywhere.”

“Exactly. Some people think they’re important just because they hold a small official position, but in the end they’re just like clowns, making people laugh their teeth off.”

Yi Binghu was already furious seeing that Tao Jun treated Pang Xiao the same as Kang Qiong had. Now even the people who came with him were saying such things. His face turned red with anger, the veins on his forehead bulging. If not for maintaining his official dignity, he would have started cursing long ago.

“You lot, stop your insolence! Enter the city now!” After scolding them and regaining some face, Yi Binghu led his horse and followed behind the Elite Tiger Guards into the city gates.

Wei Erbao and the others looked at his retreating figure and couldn’t help laughing again, chatting and laughing all the way as they followed, the atmosphere as relaxed and cheerful as if celebrating New Year.

Qin Yining was once again housed in the rear quarters to rest.

Pang Xiao still took people to attend the banquet. At the feast, he also brought Ji Zeyu’s whip with him, and indeed saw many people who became very respectful and friendly upon seeing him.

After the banquet, in the main hall of the rear quarters, Tao Jun respectfully saluted Pang Xiao: “Your Lordship, since Master Bi was willing to entrust his token to Your Lordship, he has also entrusted us hundred-plus brothers to Your Lordship. Whatever orders Your Lordship has, please speak directly – we will not shirk even unto death.”

Pang Xiao felt even more grateful to Ji Zeyu in his heart. He supported Tao Jun with both hands and smiled: “There’s absolutely no need for such grand ceremony. This Prince is returning to the capital for trial and currently has nothing that needs to be done.”

Hearing this, Tao Jun said: “Your Lordship, please forgive this subordinate’s directness, but your return to the capital this time – the situation is not optimistic. His Majesty is probably planning to eliminate Your Lordship.”

Seeing that Tao Jun was so frank, Pang Xiao knew this was Ji Zeyu’s subordinate treating him as master upon seeing the whip. He couldn’t help but admire Ji Zeyu’s methods of managing subordinates.

“During my absence, have there been any major events at court?”

Tao Jun said: “The trivial court matters are all written in the official reports, most unrelated to Your Lordship. Most importantly, the Tatars are stirring restlessly, with very obvious intentions to attack our Great Zhou. Although they lost their first batch of grain supplies prepared for war, the Tatar Khan Wutejin seems very determined about warfare and appears to be preparing provisions for battle again.

“To speak frankly, the national treasury is empty – even disaster relief is difficult to complete. His Majesty has made a series of deployments for war preparations. This subordinate was formerly just a colonel and was promoted to city defense general precisely because of this.

“However, while personnel transfers can proceed smoothly, what the court lacks most now is money. To wage war requires using the national foundation. The Tatars are resolute in their attitude, saying they want to avenge their Khan A’na Ri. This subordinate doesn’t know what His Majesty’s intentions are.

“But in this subordinate’s humble opinion, Your Lordship should not bring the Princess back. This subordinate fears His Majesty will hand over the Princess to quell the war.”