Chapter 115
Book 11 Chapter 06 - Panic
Inside the main tent.
When the two men are properly seated, Qu Dou Qi’s faced tightened as he inquired: "I heard Grand Tutor is making a last minute decision to alter the journey. May I know the reason?"
Xiang Shaolong thought: Even King Zhuangxiang has given him a free hand to do whatever he wants, why am I being questioned by a Major? He recognizes that he has no authority within the Qin army. He is at most a civil official and Lu Buwei’s a.s.sistant.
Checking his temper, he turned the tables: "Has Major Qu heard about Lord Yangquan’s plot against us?"
Qu Dou Qi pretended to realised what is going on and replied: "If this is your concern, Grand Tutor can rest a.s.sured. Master Meng Ao has given instructions. I have deployed riders over the past ten days to scout our surroundings. If there is anyone trailing us, I will be the first to know."
Xiang Shaolong smiled: "Has Major Qu know that this travel route has been fixed a long time ago?"
Qu Duo Qi is a smart man and knows the meaning behind this question. He answered: "Although the route has been fixed a long time ago, except for myself, General Lu and Grand Tutor, even Premier Lu has no idea about the details. So Grand Tutor need not worry about someone leaking out our travel route. "
Xiang Shaolong wanted to tell Qu Dou Qi that he will do whatever he wants and it is not up to him to challenge. Ultimately, he swallowed his pride and plainly state: "All we need is a spy who will leave clues for the enemy to follow us. When they find a right spot, they will ambush us. These areas near the Han border are especially dangerous."
Unaffected, Qu Dou Qi countered: "In this case, we will still be ambushed even if we change the route. They can also ambush us near the Zhao border. I suggest we stick to the old route. Even if we are defeated, we can still escape."
Xiang Shaolong curiously mentioned: "Major Qu is strongly against my changing of the route. May I know the reason?"
This is a great move. If Qu Dou Qi cannot explain himself, Xiang Shaolong can punish him for disobeying martial law.
Qu Dou Qi was slightly taken aback. His eyes s.h.i.+ning with anger, he coldly replied: "Master Meng has given me the responsibility of ensuring the safety of Grand Tutor. I will naturally put safety as my top priority."
Xiang Shaolong was pi55ed and coldly smiled: "Now, I am not sure who is in charge, Major Lu or you? Earlier, he has received my command but now, you seemed to disregard it. Can you explain yourself?"
Qu Dou Qi was shaken, knowing the Xiang Shaolong is mad at him. Softening his voice, he humbly said: "I dare not disobey your order, but..."
Xiang Shaolong impatiently cut him off: "We are crossing the river tomorrow. Have you sent someone to swim over and have a look?"
Qu Dou Qi was dumbfounded. He uttered: "The rafts are not ready and the water is so cold..."
Xiang Shaolong stood up in a huff and went to the opening of the tent. "Jing Jun!" He shouted.
Jing Jun stopped his swords duel with Meng Wu immediately. Walking over, he responded: "What orders does Grand Tutor have?"
Xiang Shaolong commanded: "Find a few brothers at once and swim opposite the river. Check on the surroundings and remain discreet. If there are any discoveries, do not alert the enemy. Clear?"
Jing Jun happily received the order and left to execute it.
Qu Dou Qi lowered his head with dissatisfaction. Xiang Shaolong’s action is to highlight his inadequacy and negligence.
Xiang Shaolong was amused. They came well prepared and one of their secret weapons is the waterproof wet suit made according to Shan Rou’s specifications. He did not expect to use it so soon.
Originally, he did not want to investigate what is opposite the river. He was reminded by Xiao Yuetan that Lord Yangquan may send someone to a.s.sa.s.sinate him. While bickering with this disrespectful Qu Dou Qi, he was inspired to use this method to put him down.
Since he will not accept reasoning, Xiang Shaolong will use hard tactics and force him to submit.
Insubordination is a big military taboo.
If Qu Dou Qi or Lu Xiong continue to create problems, he will make use of King Zhuangxiang military decree to dismiss both of them and put Teng Yi in charge.
He is no longer interested to argue with this man. He icily said: "That’s all. Major Qu can continue to do whatever you are doing. Except for you and Lu Xiong, not a third person must know about the route change. Violators will be dealt according to military law. Tomorrow morning, I will tell you which path to take."
Qu Dou Qi kept quiet and stood up. Bowing to Xiang Shaolong, he left unhappily.
The sky is darkening
After Xiang Shaolong finished explaining the reason for changing the destination to Qi, Ji Yanran marvelled: "Mister Li Si is indeed extraordinary to a.n.a.lyze the six states so meticulously. He is especially experienced with the Qi people to know about their boasting and debating culture. I did not expect there to be such a man in Premier’s residence. Can Shaolong introduce him to me?"
Xiang Shaolong understood her character and is happy to have someone chat with her. He nodded: "I will invite him later to meet you."
Ji Yanran joyfully cooed; "What surprised me even more was your foresight. You intentionally got him to join our trip." Xiang Shaolong was feeling guilty. What foresight does he possess?
Zhao Qian was worried: "But hubby has informed Lady Ya in Daliang and they are waiting for us. If we go to Qi and Chu first, wouldn’t they have to wait like an idi0t for a long time?"
Xiang Shaolong bitterly smiled: "This cannot be helped. I will send Jing Jun to find them in Daliang first. When we are leaving Qi for Chu, we can meet them halfway. At most, it will be a three month wait!"
Zhao Qian thought that this is reasonable and kept quiet.
At this moment, Xia Ying added some rice for Xiang Shaolong. He smiled and asked her if the journey is manageable.
Other the other side, Qui Ying laughed: "When we were in Xianyang City, Miss taught us to ride horses and practice archery. This trip is easy compared to what we do!"
Wu Tingfang smiled and proudly state: "Under my training, these ladies are doing very well."
Abruptly, disturbing noises can be heard from outside the tent. Teng Yi shouted from outside: "Third Brother, please come out!"
Xiang Shaolong noticed that his tone is heavy. Sometime must be amiss and he dashed out from his tent.
A crowd is forming near the empty area near his tent. Even Lu Xiong and Qu Dou Qi were present.
Jing Jun had just come back from the spying and excitedly exclaimed: "Grand Tutor! We have captured an enemy soldier. Please do not hold it against me. The moment we got out of the water, we ran into this fellow relieving himself. We were forced to act."
Xiang Shaolong was traumatized. He looked over to the crowd and everyone has a serious expression on their faces. Qu Dou Qi’s face is guilt-stricken.
Wu Yan Zhu and Wu Shu, leaders of the twelve elite brothers brought a man before Xiang Shaolong and