Although Chen Rui had already breathed his last, the force with which he bit Xiao Qiao’s foot was extraordinarily strong. Lin Huben and others, who had just recovered from their shock, hurried forward to pry open his jaw, but they couldn’t manage it at first. Finally, Chun Niang removed the shoe from Xiao Qiao’s foot, freeing it.
She had been wearing soft indoor slippers, and Chen Rui had bitten the toe area just before his death. Experiencing both pain and extreme fright, Xiao Qiao was escorted back to her room, where she collapsed onto the bed.
Chun Niang examined her foot and saw a deep, red tooth mark on the delicate skin below two toes. Fortunately, the skin wasn’t broken, but it was painful. A maid had already brought clean water, and Chun Niang helped clean the wound, gently applied ointment, and finally put on a sock and covered her with a blanket.
Outside, Lin Huben and the others had withdrawn, leaving some to continue guarding while the rest left through the west city gate at night to gather men and search Dragon Mountain.
The room finally quieted down. Chun Niang stayed with Xiao Qiao for a long time, seeing her eyes closed as if asleep. Just as she was about to get up and extinguish the lamp, Xiao Qiao reached out and grasped her hand. Her eyes remained closed, but her eyelashes trembled slightly as she whispered, “Chun Niang, I want you to sleep with me.”
Chun Niang knew she had been frightened that night and hadn’t planned to leave anyway. She stroked Xiao Qiao’s forehead tenderly and lay back down.
^
The next morning, Xiao Qiao woke up with a slight fever. Chun Niang busied herself calling for a physician and medicine.
Xiao Qiao waited until evening, but Lin Huben’s mountain search remained fruitless.
Dragon Mountain was vast and treacherous. Without any specific location, searching aimlessly for someone hidden who-knows-where was an immense challenge, requiring more luck than skill to find within a lifetime.
Xiao Qiao was extremely anxious.
Lin Huben added more manpower, drafting another group from the four city gates to join the mountain search.
Another night passed without success.
Xiao Qiao drifted in and out of sleep that night.
The shadow cast by Chen Rui still lingered, and thoughts of the Qiang youth named Yuan left her in low spirits.
Though their encounter had been brief, it seemed a kind of destiny.
If they couldn’t find him, even if he wasn’t harmed by insects or beasts, the young man might perish from hunger and thirst.
She had arranged for Jia Si to rescue him, considering more about the Bei He clan behind him.
But at this point, she stopped thinking about all that. She only hoped they could find him while he was still alive.
On the evening of the third day, as darkness fell, just as Xiao Qiao began to feel despair, good news suddenly arrived.
Jia Si, who had returned late last night and learned the news at the city gate, didn’t have time to enter the city to beg forgiveness from his lord. He immediately led people to Dragon Mountain, joining the search party.
Just moments ago, at the foot of North Mountain, he passed by a common local burial mound. He turned back and ordered men to clear away the wild grass in front of the grave and remove the stones blocking the entrance. Sure enough, in the tomb cavity, they found the unconscious young Yuan squeezed into a corner.
His mouth was gagged, and his hands and feet were tightly bound. Due to prolonged confinement, deep purple bruises had formed where the ropes cut into his wrists and ankles.
Yuan was immediately brought back. After being given water, he regained consciousness.
After the physician’s examination, Xia Gu helped him clean up and change clothes, gently massaging his hands and feet. After consuming some liquid food, he fell into a deep sleep due to extreme weakness.
Xiao Qiao herself hadn’t fully recovered, but her mood was excellent. Hearing that Jia Si was waiting outside to beg forgiveness, she summoned him in.
Jia Si, full of shame, knelt before Xiao Qiao as soon as he saw her, begging for punishment. Xiao Qiao hurriedly stopped him, saying, “What crime has General Jia committed? Not only are you blameless, but you should be greatly commended. Please rise.”
Jia Si was ashamed because that night, despite outnumbering the enemy, he had allowed Chen Rui to escape with the Qiang youth. At the time, he hadn’t realized the situation and continued chasing in the wrong direction. It wasn’t until he had pursued for over fifty kilometers, reaching midday the next day, that he gradually sensed something was amiss and hurriedly returned to Jinyang.
How could he not feel ashamed for such a dereliction of duty that had caused his lord to experience such a terrifying ordeal?
“Moreover, this subordinate failed to capture the entire group. Although some of Diao Mo’s companions were killed or captured, Diao Mo himself escaped. This subordinate is utterly incompetent and has truly failed to live up to my lord’s high expectations!”
Jia Si remained kneeling, refusing to rise.
Xiao Qiao moved aside, smiling, “General Jia, please stand up. Don’t embarrass me! Even the best-laid plans can have flaws, let alone when circumstances are beyond your control. How can I blame you? On the contrary, I should thank you. It was fortunate to have you finally find the Qiang youth in time. If it had been delayed another night, he might not have survived. If we’re talking about merits, you still rank first. But General Jia, how did you think to look inside that grave?”
Seeing him continually begging for punishment, Xiao Qiao intentionally changed the subject.
Her Lordship spoke with a warm smile, showing no signs of blaming him. Jia Si finally calmed down a bit. He said, “Ghosts and spirits should be respected but kept at a distance. Moreover, that burial mound was near the mountain foot entrance, easily visible. That’s why Lin Huben and the others, though passing by several times, wouldn’t have imagined that Chen Rui would be so depraved as to stuff a person inside.
I hadn’t thought of it either. It was only when passing by that I noticed the green moss on the stacked stones at the grave entrance had broken marks as if recently disturbed, unlike an old grave. Also, the weeds in front of the grave seemed deliberately piled to conceal something. This aroused my suspicion, and I thought it shouldn’t be overlooked, so I decided to open it and check. It was mere luck that my guess was right. I don’t deserve my lord’s praise.”
Xiao Qiao suddenly understood, genuinely admiring him. She stepped forward to help Jia Si up, and after he stood, she said, “General Jia, please don’t blame yourself anymore. I have another important matter to entrust to you.”
Jia Si immediately replied, “Please instruct me, my lord! This subordinate will not shirk even in the face of death!”
Xiao Qiao said, “When the young man can travel, please personally escort him and return him to Huangzhong as quickly as possible!”
……
A few days later, Yuan, having regained his strength, set off for Huangzhong under Jia Si’s protection, heading to the Bei He people’s territory.
During these days, Jia Si thoroughly investigated the water channel in the back garden pond, blocking it securely. He led men to thoroughly inspect all possible security vulnerabilities near Her Lordship’s residence in the back courtyard. Only after ensuring there were no issues did he consider the task complete.
After Yuan departed for his homeland, Xiao Qiao’s illness, which she had contracted due to the extreme fright that night, gradually improved. However, she remained fearful at night. Despite the weather turning warmer, she no longer dared to open the windows. They were always tightly latched. Chun Niang continued to sleep with her.
But in a letter she sent to Wei Shao, she didn’t mention a word about Chen Rui’s night intrusion into the yamen, nor did she mention her illness. She only told him that by coincidence, she had saved the grandson of the Bei He clan leader, the youth Yuan, and had now sent him on his way. If this could provide some assistance to Gongsun Yang’s pacification mission, she would be very pleased.
……
After a long journey, Gongsun Yang finally arrived at the Bei He clan’s territory in Huangzhong several days ago.
This area had been densely forested since ancient times, abundant with birds and beasts. The Qiang people had thrived here, living nomadically through herding and hunting. Later, as the population grew and interactions with the Han people became frequent, they gradually shifted towards settled agriculture.
The Bei He clan near the Huang River, under the leadership of the current Clan Leader Yuan Wang, had spent several decades settling into agricultural life in this area. Their population had grown to nearly 200,000, making them the second-largest Qiang clan after the Shao Dang clan. Half of their population was young and strong, typically engaged in farming and herding during peacetime, but transforming into fierce warriors during conflicts.
Three days ago, upon learning that Wei Shao had sent an envoy, Yuan Wang, who had been ill for several months, personally received him despite his illness, offering hospitality.
Gongsun Yang conveyed Wei Shao’s conciliatory message. He promised not to increase taxes or force conscription, nor to engage in population abduction. Following the ancient practice of the Three-Zhe Yao – Chapter Covenant, he was willing to swear an oath in blood.
Although Yuan Wang personally received Gongsun Yang with respect, he was reserved about the pacification offer and didn’t immediately agree.
Gongsun Yang understood that decades of estrangement, marked by cycles of suppression and resistance, had created deep-rooted suspicions that couldn’t be easily dispelled. So he didn’t rush. After presenting Wei Shao’s gifts expressing respect for the elderly leader, he continued to continue patient persuasion.
After a long, candid discussion by candlelight last night, the old Clan Leader Yuan Wang was finally moved by Gongsun Yang’s sincerity. He asked for one more night to consider, promising to answer in the morning.
Today, Gongsun Yang rose early, waiting to meet with Yuan Wang. Although Yuan Wang hadn’t explicitly stated his position last night, based on his observations, Gongsun Yang felt he had a ninety percent chance of success.
He was very confident.
However, at the appointed time, Yuan Wang didn’t appear as scheduled.
Just as Gongsun Yang was about to go out, an attendant hurried in, reporting, “Military Advisor, something terrible has happened! We just received news that a messenger from the Shao Dang Qiang arrived early this morning. We don’t know what he said to Yuan Wang, but Yuan Wang fainted. The situation looks grim and seems unfavorable to you. It would be best for you to leave here quickly!”
During his stay, besides persuading Yuan Wang, Gongsun Yang hadn’t been idle. He had secretly befriended someone close to Yuan Wang. This news had just been urgently relayed by that person.
The two deputy commanders escorting Gongsun Yang immediately became alert, looking to him for direction.
Gongsun Yang pondered for a moment, then said, “If it’s meant to be, we can’t escape it. Now that we’ve come this far, how can we retreat in fear of danger when success is within reach? I’ll go over and see what’s happened!”
With that, he left and headed straight for Yuan Wang’s tent. After being announced, he was invited in moments later. As soon as he entered, two large men approached him with drawn swords, preventing him from getting closer.
Gongsun Yang glanced across the room.
Yuan Wang was being supported in the main seat, which was covered with a luxurious wool rug. His face was ashen with illness, and his eyes seemed to hold traces of tears. Beside him stood an unfamiliar Qiang man, looking at Gongsun Yang with a sideways glance. The rest of the Bei He clan members all glared at him angrily.
Gongsun Yang was secretly shocked but maintained his composure. He said, “I’ve been waiting since early this morning for good news from the Clan Leader, but after a long wait, I came to inquire.”
He raised his hand, pushing away the sword point aimed at his face.
“Last night, the Clan Leader and I had a heart-to-heart talk, the scene still fresh in my mind. I wonder why we are suddenly facing swords this morning?” He looked towards Yuan Wang.
Yuan Wang’s expression was gloomy, and he remained silent. A clan elder near him angrily said, “You still dare to pretend! From the day you arrived, I knew you had ill intentions! You Han people always say one thing and do another, honey on your lips but a dagger behind your back! Come on, don’t waste words with him, just kill him and be done with it!”
Immediately, some men with swords advanced. Gongsun Yang’s two deputy commanders behind him grew furious, drew their swords, and stood in front of him, saying, “Who dares to make a move? Harm one hair on our Military Advisor’s head, and you’re making an enemy of our lord! Do you dare to be enemies with our lord? Chen Xiang of Binzhou is a recent example. Ask yourselves, are you stronger than Chen Xiang?”
The opposite side fell silent for a moment.
Gongsun Yang looked at Yuan Wang, whose face had turned even paler. He stepped forward and asked with concern, “Clan Leader, what exactly has happened, or what have you heard that made you suddenly change your mind? I’ve also said before, that it’s not that our lord fears war, but he’s considering the stability of the border and the welfare of the people. He also wants to make amends for the injustices done to your clan by the previous Binzhou lord. That’s why he sent me to convey his intention of pacification, all with utmost sincerity. I’ve been open and honest with you, and I hope you can be the same with me. If you have something to say, please don’t hesitate!”
Yuan Wang slowly stood up and waved his hand, and the men with swords sheathed their weapons.
“Mr. Gongsun, my grandson has lost his life at the hands of you Han people! How can I face my poor grandson if this revenge goes unaddressed? Don’t blame me! It’s just that you Han people are all the same, repeatedly breaking your word! My death is a small matter, but I dare not entrust the future of my entire clan to you Han people again! I shouldn’t have kept you as a guest in the first place! Enough, I won’t make things difficult for you, you may leave! The Bei He clan dares not accept Duke Yan’s goodwill!”
Gongsun Yang was shocked. After a moment’s thought, he said, “I understand the Clan Leader must be grief-stricken at this moment. I should share in your sorrow. However, I fear that the Clan Leader’s love for his grandson might be exploited by those with ulterior motives. May I ask who harmed your grandson? Is the information reliable? If there’s any way I can help, I’m willing to do my utmost!”
Yuan Wang said, “You don’t need to say more. Han people can’t be trusted! I’ve made up my mind! If you don’t leave now, don’t blame me for being impolite!”
Just when everything seemed to be on the verge of success, an unexpected turn of events occurred. Gongsun Yang knew that all this must be due to the sudden arrival of that unfamiliar Qiang man. He was genuinely reluctant to leave like this and was hesitating when suddenly, he heard hurried footsteps outside the tent, followed by a distant voice shouting, “Clan Leader! The young master has returned! The young master has returned!”
Gongsun Yang turned around and saw a handsome youth dressed in Han clothing, surrounded by people, quickly approaching.
Walking beside the youth was a Han man. It was Jia Si!
Gongsun Yang was utterly astonished.
He immediately guessed that this youth must be Yuan Wang’s grandson, whom he had believed dead just moments ago.
It was incredibly fortunate that he had returned at this moment, which was undoubtedly excellent news.
But how did Jia Si come to be with him?
Gongsun Yang was full of questions, staring in disbelief. Yuan Wang, however, trembled all over, his eyes suddenly wide with unbelievable joy. He rushed out in a few quick steps and tightly embraced the youth who was running towards him, bursting into tears on the spot.
The nearby Bei He clan members all cheered joyously, their faces beaming with smiles. Some knelt on the ground, praying to their deities.
After emotions settled a bit, the youth said something, and Gongsun Yang saw Yuan Wang suddenly release him and quickly return to stand before him. To his surprise, Yuan Wang bowed deeply and respectfully said, “Mr. Gongsun, I have offended you just now! Duke Yan’s wife has shown great kindness in saving my grandson’s life. I am willing to accept Duke Yan’s pacification and lead my entire Bei He Qiang clan to submit! I am willing to swear an oath in blood! If I break this oath, may both gods and men punish me!”