Chapter 118
Book 11 Chapter 09 – Return To Xianyang
Twenty days has pa.s.sed and they arrived back at Han once again.
Not only has Xiang Shaolong lost the enthusiasm to carry out his mission; he has lost all his valuables in the red pine forest and lost contact with the Qin army escort. To visit the various Kings of the six states empty handed will be a big joke.
After pitching their tents and getting ready for dinner, everyone is surprised to see that Xiao Yuetan has not turned up. Li Si hastily rushed over and exclaimed: "Mister Xiao is sick!"
Everyone was surprised but it was not totally unexpected. For the past few days, Xiao Yuetan has been rather pale and quiet. Now, he has finally succ.u.mbed to his illness.
As everyone entered his tent, they were shocked.
Xiao Yuetan was gravely sick and he could hardly open his eyes. Forcing a smile, he groaned: "I don’t think I am going to make it!"
Wu Tingfang and the Meng brothers who have always been close to him could not help but begin to cry softly.
Ji Yanran advised: "Mister Xiao should be well after another two days of rest!"
When she was about to take his pulse, he rejected: "I am well-versed in medication and know my health better than anyone. I wish to speak in private with Shaolong."
Everyone left the tent according to his wishes.
When Xiang Shaolong was left alone, Xiao Yuetan suddenly sat up and his eyes are br.i.m.m.i.n.g with energy. Although his face is still grey and deathly, it feels absolutely different.
As Xiang Shaolong was stunned by this dramatic transformation, he realised that he had put on make-up and faked his illness. Grasping his hand elatedly, he was lost for words.
Xiao Yuetan apologised: "I am so sorry to make Tingfang cry. But if I don’t resort to this, I cannot deceive Meng Wu and Meng Tian."
Xiang Shaolong understood his meaning and softly asked: "Brother Xiao has decided not to return to Xianyang City."
Xiao Yuetan nodded: "I can no longer work for that traitor. He seeks my death to weaken Master Tu’s forces and replace us with his clansmen. He dare not do so openly for fear of repercussions." From under his pillow, he retrieved a sealed bamboo cylinder. Stuffing it into Xiang Shaolong’s hands, he instructed: "My fake death can only be revealed to Li Si, Teng Yi and Master Tu. Shaolong, please help me hand this to Master Tu. He will understand after reading it. Get him to dismiss my servants and a.s.sistants. It is fortunate that I am childless and can leave without any considerations."
Xiang Shaolong remembered that he is childless too. Seems like being childless may not be so bad after all.
After hearing these chilling words from this witty man, Xiang Shaolong thought about the days when he first came to Handan City. Feeling melancholic, he sighed: "Where does Brother Xiao plan to go?"
Xiao Yuetan smiled: "The world is so big and there will surely be a place that can accommodate me. I still have some abilities that can earn me a living. It is better than living with a tiger under the same roof."
Xiang Shaolong nodded in silence.
Xiao Yuetan promised: "Once I am settled down, I will send word to Shaolong. You must remember to act as if everything is normal when you get back. Although Lord Yangquan’s ambitions have been exaggerated by Lu Buwei, he is still a threat to you. If you can eliminate him, it will still be good for you. How many people will be implicated in this issue is beyond our control."
Pausing, he added: "If Zhu Meng is killed at Huang Lung Ling, the Lu clansmen will be weakened. As long as Lu Buwei is dependent on Master Tu, Master Tu will protect you. When you return to Xianyang, keep a low profile and do not visit Empress Ji or Crown Prince if possible. This is to preserve your life."
Xiang Shaolong thought about Xiao Pan and was troubled. How can he leave him alone? He did not wish to tell Xiao Pan the reason too as it may be too much for him to bear.
Xiao Yuetan forced his voice to go even deeper and advised: "After I slipped away tonight, burn the whole tent and announce that it is my death wish. Shaolong! Take care! Li Si may be a small fry in Lu Buwei’s eyes and not get into trouble. However, this man is truly brilliant and will be of a.s.sistance to you in the future."
Xiang Shaolong imagined the grandeur of Premier Li Si managing the Qin court in future and envisioned Qin engaging the six states. He visualized thousands of soldiers and horses in a fierce battle.
His heart is bursting with pride.
Xiang Shaolong! You must not sink into depression or you will not witness such a grand scene.
In a gloomy state, Xiang Shaolong returned to Xianyang City. Lu Buwei has received word and is waiting for them outside the city.
Everyone wish they could rip him into pieces there and then. But he is escorted by hundreds of elite bodyguards. Everyone is alert and fit. It appears that he has no idea about what has happened and is still taking prevention against them.
Meng Ao came along as well. Everyone has a look of defeat on their faces and there was no sign of Qu Dou Qi, Lu Xiong, Xiao Yuetan, the one thousand Qin army and the three hundred Lu Family Warriors. Meng Ao was utterly shocked unlike Lu Buwei who is faking it. Meng Wu and Meng Tian made it back home after much difficulty. After all, they were still young. Catching sight of their father, they leapt down their horses and ran straight into his arms. Crying and telling the entire story, they saved Xiang Shaolong from a lengthy explanation.
Talking about Huang Lung Ling, Lu Buwei sighed with relief and thought that his scheme has not been exposed.
When he heard about Xiao Yuetan’s death, Lu Buwei beat his chest and stomped on the ground wailing: "I will seek justice for Yuetan." Turning to Xiang Shaolong, he rea.s.sured: "Shaolong! This is not your fault. Let’s enter the palace now and speak to Your Majesty."
In the past, Xiang Shaolong will be very thankful but it is a different matter now.
As everyone went on their way, Meng Ao expressed his deepest grat.i.tude to Xiang Shaolong and led his two sons back home.
Teng Yi, Ji Yanran, Wu Tingfang and the rest returned to Wu residence.
Li Si and some bodyguards returned to Lu Residence while Lu Buwei and Xiang Shaolong rode towards the palace.
Among the galloping sounds, Xiang Shaolong wanted to