Chapter 144
Book 13 Chapter 11 – Exposing The Scheme
When Xiang Shaolong and the Eighteen Guardians arrived at the West Gate, they ran into Ji Yanran and the rest who are about to return to the city.
The carriages stopped along the wide road leading to the West Gate. Xiang Shaolong leapt down his horse and went to say hi to the ladies.
Everybody have red and healthy looking faces, showing that they had a generous amount of exercise.
Xiang Bao’er saw Xiang Shaolong and waved his little hand calling him Father.
Zhao Zhi was annoyed: "Are you so busy that you cannot visit us?"
Xiang Shaolong laughed along: "After the hunting fair, I will spend more time with all of you!"
Wu Tingfang proudly state: "Ignore him Sister Zhi. We will have a good time with Sister Qing."
Xiang Shaolong reached out through the window and pinched the cute face of his son. He spoke briefly with the Tian sisters before he went to the second carriage.
When the blind was lifted, it revealed Ji Yanran and Qin Qing seated inside. Qin Qing’s face was slightly red and was staring viciously at him.
Xiang Shaolong’s heart begin to thump harder.
Ji Yanran smiled sweetly and gently asked: "Hubby is going to the western suburbs?"
Xiang Shaolong nodded and take this opportunity to inform Qin Qing: "The residents of Pingyuan Province are rebelling. This rebellion is likely to be linked to Lord Gaoling. Lu Buwei has been notified and I am fully in charge of this matter. Grand Tutor Qin can set your mind at ease."
Qin Qing could not stand his strong gaze and lowered her face. It was a magical and romantic moment.
Ji Yanran trembled slightly and asked in a low voice: "Lu Buwei has been especially kind to you!"
Xiang Shaolong remembered the marriage proposal and nodded.
Ji Yanran intimately whispered into his ear: "He really wants to kill you! That is why he is doing all these things to make people less suspicious of him. If you don’t believe me, you can try asking Empress and Crown Prince. You will discover that Lu Buwei has given them a misleading impression of the hostility between you and him. Ai! Hubby is too trusting."
Xiang Shaolong was shocked but still have some doubts about it. He frantically nodded his head.
Ji Yanran slapped his shoulder and cooed: "Think about it! With Lu Buwei’s intelligence, how can he not spy on Lord Gaoling and need you to remind him? If Lord Gaoling is rebelling, he will be the happiest man in Qin!"
Qin Qing heard these words and her face is filled with care and concern.
Xiang Shaolong’s body trembled and was finally enlightened. He bowed: "Thanks for wife’s reminder. Xiang Shaolong learnt something today."
Ji Yanran looked at Qin Qing who was staring at Xiang Shaolong. Noticing Ji Yanran penetrating gaze at her, she guiltily lowered her head.
Ji Yanran shot Xiang Shaolong another look and intimately advised: "Be careful!"
When the carriages are far away. Xiang Shaolong consolidated his thoughts and rode towards the western suburbs; however, his mood is very different from before.
Riding Jifeng and escorted by the Eighteen Guardians, he sped all the way.
The carriages transporting goods and other items to the hunting grounds formed a long queue and the atmosphere is very lively.
Beside the official road are ancient forests with giant pine trees that are a few hundred years old.
After leaving the city for three miles, the flat roads start to fluctuate up and down depending on the terrain. Every time they rode up a hill, they can see River Jing flowing in the south east direction. Below them, logs are flowing down the river towards the camping grounds. The logs will be used to build the campsite and inspection square.
Spring is now slowly being taken over by Summer and the strong wind is blowing through the gra.s.slands and forests alike, making Xiang Shaolong feel extremely comfortable. Listening to the peaceful rustling sounds of the leaves, his thinking becomes very clear.
The Jing river is a few thousand miles long and it is intersected by many small rivers.
The thick forests and wide gra.s.slands is home to many unique birds and beasts.
They rode through a deep valley with clouds on both sides of the slopes and the roads begin to widen. River Jing continued to flow in front of them and the thick pine trees are like poles pointing to heaven. Across the fresh green gra.s.slands, there were countless tents that were pitched in an orderly manner. Thousands of Palace Guards and Cavalry Soldiers are busy with preparations and they have built two wooden bridges that go across River Jing.
Xiang Shaolong stopped on a hill and looked around him.
The gra.s.s straightened and bend down according to the wind and there are cl.u.s.ters of trees here and there. Herds of deer, horses, sheep and other wild animals are gathered around the river sh.o.r.e, drinking to their heart’s content, occasionally letting out a small cry. Tomorrow, they will be the targets of the hunters.
The sun began to s.h.i.+ft to the west where high mountains are stacked upon one another. That is where the most ferocious wild beasts roam.
Xiang Shaolong believed that with all the thick forests surrounding the camping grounds, it is a piece of cake to hide an entire army.
With his trained eye, he quietly scanned the surroundings and quickly grasped the geographical advantages and disadvantages. He then rode towards the main camp near the river.
The air is filled with sounds of horses braying and dogs barking.
An enormous flag embroidered with the word ‘Qin’ is flying grandly, competing with the beautiful clouds for everyone’s attention.
As he rode past them, the workers will stop and greet him.
Leading the Guardians, he rode past several tents belonging to the various high ranking officials and generals before he came to the centralised main tent.
Lord Changwen is instructing his men to construct wooden gates in all four sides of the slope, providing additional protection to the main tent.
There are ten odd tents on this flat hilltop. Except for Xiao Pan and Zhu Ji, the rest of the tents belonged to the other members of the Royal Family.
Xiang Shaolong jumped down his horse and questioned: "Why are you building the gates now? Isn’t it too hasty?"
Lord Changwen replied: "It is Premier Lu’s idea. He received news about the Pingyuan Province rebellion and insisted that I build the gates by tomorrow morning."
Xiang Shaolong thought to himself that it was a narrow escape. Ji Yanran is right. Lu Buwei knew about Lord Gaoling’s rebellion a long time ago and acted ignorant to deceive him, causing him to let down his guard and even mistook Lu Buwei for really forgiving him.
Lord Changwen