Chapter 110
Book 11 Chapter 01 – A Triumphant Return
The winding roads are prettily carpeted in a thick layer of gra.s.s and the river is flowing back to the east.
As Xiang Shaolong watched Shan Rou rode off alone and gradually disappear in the vast gra.s.slands, he prayed silently for her safety.
On his left, Ji Yanran softly sighed: "Sister Rou is a very headstrong and brave lady. I confess that I am not as courageous as she is."
On his right, Teng Yi nodded in agreement: "Let’s hope that she has a safe journey and will meet us at Xianyang in due time."
On the other side of Ji Yanran, Jing Jun was worried: "Third Brother, why don’t you go after her? She may change her mind after your persuasion."
Xiang Shaolong chuckled: "Everyone should have the right to pursue their own dreams and their lifestyle. Otherwise, life will be meaningless."
When Ji Yanran faced him in surprise, Xiang Shaolong let out a long howl. Reining his horse, he galloped towards the west.
Ji Yanran and the rest of the men rode after him, dragging the bounded traitor Zhao Mu.
Under their neat riding formation, the dust swirled up continuously like a tornado.
As they rode at breakneck speed, they caught up to Zou Yan’s entourage within a day. Despite the short separation time, it felt like years have gone by.
The Tian sisters are mad with joy, not expecting to see Xiang Shaolong so soon. Recalling their emotional departure earlier, they felt slightly awkward.
The mission is a complete success and everyone is in great spirits. The air was filled with chatter and they seemed to be on a vacation. After two months, they finally returned to Xianyang.
Lu Buwei received word of their arrival and welcomed them with Master Tu and Xiao Yuetan. When he saw Zou Yan and Ji Yanran, he recognized them immediately. Lu Buwei used to be a business magnate and had business in every state. He travelled widely and loved meeting strange and exceptional people. Zou Yan the great philosopher and Talented Lady Ji the rare beauty are obviously famous people that he had made his acquaintance.
After the usual courtesies, they entered the city on horseback and carriages.
Lu Buwei and Xiang Shaolong shared a carriage where Xiang Shaolong reported his adventure with deep details.
As Xiang Shaolong was wondering why Wu Yingyuan and the rest of the family did not come to receive him, Lu Buwei remarked: "The most fantastic part is n.o.body managed to discover your true ident.i.ty during the entire mission. This is very favourable if we lead an expedition to Eastern Zhou. While the six states are in turmoil, this is the best time to attack with the army."
Xiang Shaolong asked with surprise: "So Premier Lu has intentions to attack them. Hei! Why didn’t I see any of my clansmen?"
Even more energetic than before, Lu Buwei confidently and mysteriously smiled: "Your return must remain a secret and so must Zhao Mu’s capture. We will only announce the arrival of Zou Yan and Talented Lady Ji. Otherwise, the six states will guess the relations.h.i.+p between you and them. Only when they are kept in the dark can we use the excuse of rebellion to get rid of Lord of Eastern Zhou at the speed of lightning."
Xiang Shaolong understood that Qin values military achievements and Lu Buwei has nothing to show on his report card. Therefore, he is anxious for results and hoped to be made a Marquis in near future.
Eastern Zhou’s military strength is laughable. Even though it is an independent state, it’s ruler is considered the same level as the Marquises of the Seven States. If Lu Buwei officially led an expedition against Eastern Zhou, the six states may put aside their differences and join hands to protect Zhou from Qin. This will be highly disadvantageous. Thus, this war must be fought while the enemy is unprepared and be as short as possible to avoid any counterattacks.
Lu Buwei added: "Eliminating Zhou is a small issue but there is still a potential misgiving – we may incite the six states to ally and attack Qin together. To enjoy true victory, we must handle the attack and the foreign relations equally well."
Xiang Shaolong secretly admired his capabilities. Lu Buwei is a talented and wise man like no other. It is no surprise that he can control and strengthen Qin for the next ten odd years. He took the chance to ask about Xianyang and Qin developments.
Lu Buwei revealed a sinister smile and replied in a deep voice: "A group of men under Lord Yangquan are spreading rumours that I have poisoned you to death and that Prince Zheng (Xiao Pan) is my child with Empress Zhu Ji. They are doing this so that the King will change the order of succession. Humph! I will let them die with a burial place. All their wives, concubines and daughters will become courtesans and prost.i.tutes to be ravaged by men in order for me to vent this hatred in my heart."
Xiang Shaolong’s spine turned cold upon hearing this. Offending this man is not something trivial. But on the other hand, if Lu Buwei or himself has been captured by Lord Yangquan, the consequences will be the same. This is a dog-eat-dog world and whoever is soft-hearted will surely suffer.
Lu Buwei continued: "We are lucky to have the full support of King Zhuangxiang and Empress Zhu Ji to put in a good word for us. Now that you have captured Zhao Mu, I will take this opportunity to annihilate Eastern Zhou and Lord Yangquan at the same time. By then, everyone in Qin will have to dance to my tune."
Xiang Shaolong sighed to himself. It is because of this att.i.tude that will force Xiao Pan the future Qin s.h.i.+ Huang to kill him. When that happens, he has to turn his back to him as well. Presently, he is Lu Buwei’s confidante. In the future, they will be enemies. Thinking of this, Xiang Shaolong is full of emotions.
Lu Buwei mistook Xiang Shaolong to be worried for him. Pleased, he advised: "It has been hard on you. Please rest well at the farm and heal your soul. I have important missions waiting for your undertaking."
Xiang Shaolong enquired about the missions but Lu Buwei refused to speak further. At this point, the entourage entered Xianyang City through the east gate.
Zou Yan and Ji Yanran were sent to Wu residence while they brought Zhao Mu straight into the Qin palace.
Xiang Shaolong is tired of politics but knew that he has been deeply embroiled into the power struggle of the Qin court. For Xiao Pan, he has to help Lu Buwei against Lord Yangquan.
Thinking of this, his homecoming happiness dropped drastically. The only comfort is that he will soon see Wu Tingfang, Zhao Qian, Ting Fangs.h.i.+ and the rest of the girls.
Zhao Mu’s complexion is dead white. His hands were tied behind him and his legs were locked in chains. Two burly Qin palace guards brought him in front of King Zhuangxiang and forced him to kneel down. At the same, they held his hair so that he has to lift his head and show his face.
King Zhuangxiang laughed: "How is Marquis doing?!"
On the right, Zhu Ji’s eyes shone and besides her, Xiao Pan is burning with revenge.
Xiang Shaolong may have harboured a deep revenge for Zhao Mu but looking at his state of distress as compared to his usual grandeur, he can only sigh.
Zhao Mu did not say a single word but his eyes are s.h.i.+ning with poisonous anger.
Zhu Ji laughed: "Marquis seems to have lost weight!"
Zhao Mu could not tolerate her insults and loudly scolded: "You slu..."
Xiang Shaolong is concerned that Zhao Mu will publicly announce that he (Zhao Mu) has slept with Zhu Ji before. Pressing against a table, he used it as a support and flew forward, his foot landing squarely on Zhao Mu’s jaw. This traitor’s teeth were broken and blood started to flow. His face begins to swell and the pain was so intense that he couldn’t cry out.
Xiang Shaolong roared: "How dare you insult the Empress! Hng!"
Xiang Shaolong is so quick that the two guards have yet to react.
Zhu Ji is smart and sharp, knowing the real reason behind this kick. Gratefully looking at Xiang Shaolong, she pleaded King Zhuangxiang: "Your Majesty! I want to deal with this traitor personally."
King Zhuangxiang appears to be smitten by her charms and happily promised: "As you wished. Get this traitor out of my sight and await the Empress’s punishment."
The palace guards reacted to his order and dragged Zhao Mu out like an animal.
Xiang Shaolong took this break to a.s.sess Xiao Pan. In the six odd months of separation, he has become more well-built. His eyes are s.h.i.+ning with vigour and his movements are full of spirits, developing an imposing and awe-inspiring aura that even Xiang Shaolong is a little afraid of.
Xiao Pan may be young but has undergone the pain of losing his mother. Moreover, he has to protect his secret ident.i.ty so he has to develop some shrewdness.
Both of them caught each other’s eyes for a second and both looked away immediately.
King Zhuangxiang faced Xiang Shaolong and contently remarked: "Grand Tutor has brought us Le Cheng’s head and captured Zhao Mu alive, relieving the hate in my heart. Premier Lu, how should we reward