Chapter 287
Book 25 Chapter 10 - The Takeover of Xianyang
That very night, Xiang Shaolong sought an audience with Xiao Pan, indicating his desire to send Jing Jun and his troops back to Xianyang in order to reinforce Teng Yi against Lu Buwei.
Without any grounds to deny his request, Xiao Pan agreed on the spot, giving Xiang Shaolong the opportunity to openly and fearlessly make preparations for s.h.i.+pping and logistics.
Early next morning, Qin Qing paid Xiao Pan a visit too, professing that she has received Empress’s invitation to stay in Dazheng Palace for a few days.
Not suspecting anything and coupled with Qin Qing’s insistence, Xiao Pan gave his permission.
Disguised as Wu Family Warriors, Qin Qing and Ji Yanran were escorted by another eight authentic Wu Family Warriors. Together, they unabashedly strode out of Qinian Palace. Along the way, they rendezvoused with Xiang Shaolong and they jointly concealed themselves among the entourage of Jing Jun. After hiding their carriage in an inconspicuous location, they immediately left the city and boarded their s.h.i.+p. Sailing along the current and aided by a favourable wind, they arrived at Xianyang in half a day’s time. Landing at the predetermined sh.o.r.e, they waited for an hour before Teng Yi, Tao Fang and Xiao Yuetan came to pick them up. Noticing the presence of Qin Qing and Ji Yanran, the welcoming trio is exceptionally thrilled and their morale is boosted to a higher echelon.
Teng Yi chuckled: "Everything is prepared and we are simply waiting for Great General’s leaders.h.i.+p and instructions."
Xiang Shaolong laughingly threw a punch at Teng Yi’s beefy shoulder, declaring: "Even Second Brother is making fun of me; I’m sure you are feeling really happy. Presently, we only have a two-day window. Thus, we must act at once."
Ji Yanran questioned Xiao Yuetan: "Any news from Manager Tu?"
Xiao Yuetan answered: "Master Tu, his family and his three hundred loyal brethren are prepared and in position. Once we give the word, they’ll drug the water."
Teng Yi advised: "It is critical to time our attacks well. As Manager Tu is doping the wells, we have to simultaneously seize control of Xu Shang’s Imperial Infantry. This is to ensure a safe pa.s.sage for Manager Tu’s family and followers. In addition, it will prevent Old Traitor Lu from eluding our capture."
Xiao Yuetan sighed: "This is precisely the limitation of the anesthetic. Due to its strength, the drug will take effect almost immediately. The only way to maximize its effect is to apply the drug at dinnertime. Nonetheless, it is difficult to tell how many would fall prey to it."
Jing Jun proposed: "If we secretly besiege Imperial Uncle Residence, Lu Buwei will surely fall into our clutches."
Xiang Shaolong checked: "Is Manager Tu aware of the secret tunnels of Imperial Uncle Residence?"
Xiao Yuetan explained: "During the construction of Imperial Uncle Residence, Master Tu is undergoing the lowest point in his career. Merely responsible for purchasing building materials, he does not possess the slightest knowledge about this aspect."
Xiang Shaolong mused: "In this case, we have to deploy some signaling outposts outside the city. Aye! Unless we have Crown Prince’s royal decree, we are unable to prevent him from leaving the city. Furthermore, it would arouse the suspicions of our Imperial Cavalry lieutenants. As a result, it is better for us to pursue him with our own forces."
Turning to Qin Qing, Xiang Shaolong instructed: "Sister Qing can now proceed to your residence under the escort of Master Tao. After selecting your followers, the rest of your staff should be fittingly dismissed. Upon completion, you should head to the farms at once and await patiently for our good news."
Affected by the calm before the storm, Qin Qing bit her lower lip and nodded once.
As Xiang Shaolong’s heart is flooded with tenderness, Ji Yanran questioned Teng Yi: "Recently, did you uncover any traces of the adversaries?"
When she mentioned ‘adversaries’, everyone knew that Ji Yanran is referring to Wei Liao and his army of forty thousand soldiers. All the eyes are now centered at Teng Yi.
With a bewildered expression, Teng Yi remarked: "I am equally baffled as there is no indication of their existence."
Xiao Yuetan made a guess: "Presently, we are in a race against time. In my opinion, Wei Liao and his forces should be camping further upriver. Once he receives Yingzheng’s decree, he can easily sail to Xianyang within a short span of time. If we move fast enough, we can depart Xianyang long before the arrival of Wei Liao."
Not giving a hoot, Xiang Shaolong excitedly hailed: "It’s showtime."
Everybody enthusiastically affirmed his words.
Still disguised as Wu Guo, Xiang Shaolong entered the city and headed to the Imperial Cavalry Command Centre. Resuming his original appearance, he simultaneously summoned the lieutenants of Imperial Cavalry and Palace Guards who had stayed behind to fortify Xianyang. Displaying his Tiger Seal, he proclaimed that he is acting on the orders of Crown Prince to return to Xianyang in order to regain control of the three armies of Xianyang and guard against any potential uprising.
Of course the lieutenants are aware of Lu Buwei