Chapter 134
Book 13 Chapter 01 – Prince Dan From Yan
After Teng Yi finished listening, he was dazed like a wooden figure and was speechless for some time.
With her around, everyone has to withstand her tantrums; without her around, everyone is pining for her return.
Unexpectedly, she met with a tragic ending.
Shan Rou is a rare person during these ancient times to stand up for female rights. She is strong, brave and determined. As long as she sets her sights on something, she will do her utmost best to accomplish it.
And she has now sacrificed her life to achieve her biggest dream!
With both his hands supporting his face, Xiang Shaolong is tearing quietly.
An attendant came in to report something but was chased away by Teng Yi. He instructed the Guardians not to allow anyone to disturb them.
Teng Yi reached out and patted Xiang Shaolong’s shoulder, speaking out in a sorrowful voice: "The dead cannot be returned to life. Our most important task presently is to take revenge for her. She is considered my relative so it is two strong reasons we must kill him for sure!"
When Xiang Shaolong has somewhat calmed down, Teng Yi asked: "Do you think Tian Dan will report you to Lu Buwei or Crown Prince? After all, it is widely accepted that emissaries should not be killed. Qin cannot just watch you kill Tian Dan within their territory." Xiang Shaolong give a pained reply: "It may be Shan Rou’s divine intervention. Whenever I think of her committing suicide, my mind becomes extremely clear and can identify all the issues."
Pausing, he continued: "Even if Qin sends soldiers to escort Tian Dan home, it is limited to Qin territory. Once they left Qin’s border, it will be time to act but we must first find out the strength of his army and whether there is anyone receiving him outside Qin. I must speak to Lord Longyang. He can definitely provide me with some information."
After thinking, he sighed: "Tian Dan can be considered isolated from the rest since he did not partic.i.p.ate in the combined army. He conspired against King Xiaocheng on his last trip and the people of Zhao hates him to the core. Han is on good terms with Zhao’s Empress Han Jing and will not make it easy for him. Under such circ.u.mstances, the only way home is to go through Wei or Chu. Wei is much nearer but is not as safe as Chu. If I am not mistaken, he will travel with Li Yuan. Thus, we can more or less know his travelling route."
Teng Yi was startled: "If he is protected by the Qin army in Qin and the Chu army in Chu, when is a good time to kill him?"
Xiang Shaolong revealed an icy cold smile and plainly state: "For Shan Rou and Second Brother’s revenge, I will do whatever I can to kill this evildoer. First, we must force Li Yuan to leave Xianyang City. Tian Dan cannot leave without finis.h.i.+ng his discussion with Lu Buwei."
Teng Yi frowned: "Let’s talk about forcing Li Yuan later; how did you know that Lu Buwei and Tian Dan are still in discussion?"
Xiang Shaolong answered: "It is called intuition. Last night, they are busy whispering into each other’s ears. In addition, he used Shan Rou to blackmail me to do something for him. These are all signs that they are still in discussion. It is useless to continue talking without facts. Let’s get moving. Second Brother shall investigate Tian Dan’s army strength while I look for Lord Longyang and Prince Dan. I may learn something useful from them."
Teng Yi was stunned: "Prince Dan?"
Xiang Shaolong reasoned: "Within Xianyang City, there is no one more concerned about Tian Dan’s life and death other than him."
He softly added: "Send someone to inform Zhi Zhi that I do not have any free time today." At the same time, he swore that he will never tell Zhao Zhi that Shan Rou has come to harm.
Lord Longyang is delighted to see Xiang Shaolong again. Leading him into a scheduled eastern room within his guesthouse, he listened to his account and consoled him, saying it that there is no point crying over spilt milk. The conversation turning serious, he explained: "There is a horse plague in Qi and I think he wants a few thousand warhorses from you! Naturally, he will not ask you to make trouble for Lu Buwei. In fact, he is more concerned about Lu Buwei than the Qin people. Just by looking at Lu Buwei’s political and military successes within a few years, anyone can tell that he is formidable. If Qin falls under his control, all his opponents will suffer greatly."
Xiang Shaolong asked in a deep voice: "Will Lord disapprove of my killing of Tian Dan?"
Lord Longyang shook his head: "Not only will I not disapprove, I am exhilarated! You are right. Tian Dan will return to Qi via Chu and he has an army of ten thousand soldiers, led by his trusted general Tian Rong, waiting there for him. You must kill him before he meets up with them. Except for Qin, our next greatest threat is Qi. If Tian Dan is killed, everyone in the allied states will be overjoyed. He alone did not partic.i.p.ate in the last battle and has incurred everyone’s wrath. Obviously, he is trying to benefit from our losses."
Sighing, he added: "It is a pity most of our soldiers are based at the Qin-Wei border and cannot a.s.sist you. Moreover, the King may not agree. But I can always send spies to investigate the deployments of the Qi and Chu armies. Their reports are guaranteed to be accurate."
Xiang Shaolong is grateful: "That will help a lot. I am sure that with my present forces, I can make him die a terrible death. How many men did Tian Dan bring on this trip?"
Lord Longyang detailed: "He has a few hundred men within the City. Outside the city is another elite army of one thousand Qi cavalry. With Li Yuan’s forces, their army strength will exceed three thousand. Shaolong must not underestimate them, especially when you are attacking them outside of Qin. If you make a serious mistake, you may be killed by him instead."
Xiang Shaolong replied: "Of course I know that he is a powerful foe but I have some tricks that are beyond his imagination." Lord Longyang can never guess that he is referring to his 21st Century warfare and strategies. Thinking that he has a large army too, he inquired: "Shaolong has official work to attend to; can you leave for a few months?"
It is hard to explain the special relations.h.i.+p between Crown Prince and himself.
Xiang Shaolong simply sighed: "I have my methods."
After deciding on future communication methods, Xiang Shaolong bade his farewell and left Jifeng and the Guardians at Lord Longyang’s courtyard, walking over to Prince Dan’s guesthouse next door. After he reported his name, Prince Dan came out personally to receive him with a few escorts.
Temporary putting aside his hatred regarding Xu Yi Luan’s double ambush, he greeted: "How are you doing, Prince Dan? Please forgive me for taking such a long time before paying my respects to you."
Staring at him, he was reminded about Jing Ke.
Without Jing Ke, he would never know of this man called Prince Dan.
The vibrant looking Prince Dan happily greeted: "General Xiang is an important military figure. I had wanted to visit you but am afraid that General is busy with his new duties and dare not interrupt. I planned to visit you after the hunting fair but since General is here, I welcome you with open arms."
Moving forward, he grabbed his hand and whispered: "Honestly, I am so jealous that the stunningly attractive Talented Lady Ji is your wife."
Finis.h.i.+ng, they broke out in laughter.
In the midst of his laughter, Xiang Shaolong could start to understand why Jing Ke is willing to a.s.sa.s.sinate Qin s.h.i.+ Huang for him.
These legendary men all possess extraordinary abilities.
Prince Dan began introducing his