Book 25 Chapter 09 - The Cruel Truth

Comprising of more than a hundred large, three-mast ships, the colossus Imperial Fleet is sailing commandingly against the current towards the southern harbour of Yongdu.

Ahead of the fleet, two battleships unloaded a hundred Palace Guards which rapidly assembled to form a protection squad, exhibiting a fearsome and serious ambience.

Leading the officials of Yongdu, Lao Ai formed a welcoming party at the harbour.

Disguised as Wu Guo, Xiang Shaolong and Jing Jun remained at the side of An Guxi, viewing the enormous fleet from a distance.

Jing Jun leaned towards Xiang Shaolong and whispered: “Take a closer look at Lao Ai; I am certain he did not sleep well last night.”

Not knowing that Han Jie had flown the coop, of course Xiang Shaolong and Jing Jun are puzzled over Lao Ai’s lethargic appearance.

The royal ship of Xiao Pan rumbled as it begins to approach the shore.

Jing Jun was restless: “If that fellow Wu Guo failed in his impersonation and is escorted down the ship with ropes tied around him, what should we do?”

Xiang Shaolong bitterly smiled: “The only way is for me to confess to Yingzheng that we are trying to confuse the enemy. Nonetheless, our scheme will fall apart.”

At this juncture, An Guxi turned to Jing Jun and cheered: “It has been a long time since I laid my eyes on Third Brother. In my heart, I have been pining for him. Come!”

Patting his horse, he rode forward.

The two men hurriedly followed him.

As the gangplank slide down the side of the ship, from the shore, Lao Ai ordered the musicians to play a welcoming song.

First off the ship are three hundred Palace Guards who formed a three layer human wall on the left and right while maintaining a ten feet gap in the centre. Their well-synchronized movements are neat and pleasing to the eye.

An Guxi and the others jumped off their horses and kneeled at the side of the horse.

Taking large strides, Lord Changwen took the lead in coming down the gangplank. Behind him are twenty elite palace guards who are responsible for clearing the travelling path of obstructions. The first two palace guards are bearing the royal flag and clan flag respectively.

Hot on their heels are ten palace attendants bearing gifts and prayer accessories. Behind them are another twenty palace guards before the appearance of the future Qin Shihuang Xiao Pan and his Crown Princess. Surrounding Xiao Pan and his wife are various important officials such as Lord Changping, Wang Guan, Li Si, Cai Zhe, Qin Qing with a head veil and of course, Wu Guo who is disguised as Xiang Shaolong. Together, they alighted from the ship.

Beyond the barrage of Palace Guards, tens of thousands of Yongdu dwellers instantly exploded into earth-shattering cheers and calls of ‘Your Majesty’. Kneeling down to pay their respects to Xian Pan, it was a highly robust scene.

Seeing that Wu Guo is ‘unmolested’, Xiang Shaolong and Jing Jun heaved a sigh of relief.

Xiang Shaolong stole a glance at Lao Ai who is a distance away from him and noticed his face darkening at the welcoming cheers of the crowd. He inwardly sighed: You are just a gig.olo who managed to obtain your current official position through nepotism. In terms of military might, popularity vote and image, you are simply no match for Qin Shihuang.

With an expressionless face, Xiao Pan acknowledged Lao Ai’s congratulations. With Crown Princess, he boarded the royal carriage. Under the protection of Lord Changwen’s Palace Guards, the carriage drove towards the city gates while An Guxi and his forces provided additional security along the road, guaranteeing a flawless journey. Seizing an opportunity, Xiang Shaolong and Jing Jun boarded Wu Guo’s carriage. Both Xiang Shaolong and Wu Guo swiftly removed their masks and clothes before switching their attires.

Wu Guo proudly proclaimed: “Fortunately, I am good at malingering; otherwise, it is really hard to handle all the socialization.”

Xiang Shaolong probed: “Did Crown Prince approach you?”

Wu Guo answered: “He merely sent the Imperial Physicians to check on me. He did mention that after landing in Yongdu, he requires that I accompany him to Dazheng Palace to pay his respects to Empress.”

Xiang Shaolong was thunderstruck: “What?”

At this moment, An Guxi finally found the time to ride to their carriage. Xiang Shaolong hastily sat on Wu Guo’s earlier seat and smiled: “Greetings to General.”

An Guxi appears to be ignorant about the friction between him and Xiao Pan. He chuckled: “Shaolong can simply address me as Guxi like before! Shaolong is truly remarkable and is a pillar of our Great Qin.”

Xiang Shaolong engaged An Guxi in an uninteresting conversation. When the convoy is entering the city, An Guxi excused himself and speedily attended to his affairs.

Leaning on the back of his chair, Xiang Shaolong heaved a sigh of relief.

The first part of his plan has reached a successful conclusion. The remaining plan is to try and survive Xiao Pan’s hidden attack and flee back to Xianyang.

With Crown Princess and a large group of officials, Xiao Pan disembarked from his carriage in front of Dazheng Palace’s main hall.

Noting that Xiao Pan is accompanied by numerous officials, Xiang Shaolong began to relax. He secretly thought: It would be disastrous if Xiao Pan and himself were the only ones who are meeting Zhu Ji.

After Ji Yanran’s reminder, he excruciatingly forced himself to face the stark reality: Zhu Ji is beyond redemption and it is impossible for her to forsake Lao Ai and leave with him.

Is there a way to protect her from the impending massacre?

There is some hope.

But after losing Lao Ai and her sons, and realizing that Xiao Pan is not her own flesh and blood, what is the point of living? She would be passing her days like a lifeless zombie. At this interval, Mao Jiao came out of the hall. After kneeling down to pay his respects, he announced: “Today, Empress is not feeling well and does not wish to face a large crowd. She specifically asks for Crown Prince and Great General only.”

Everyone was taken aback.

Xiao Pan and Xiang Shaolong exchanged glances. Both of them were having the same thought: If there were soldiers ambushing them from within the hall, wouldn’t the two of them end up as mincemeat?

Lord Changwen insisted: “General (I) has to escort Crown Prince at all times.”

Standing beside them, Lao Ai cheekily remarked: “Empress is merely against a huge number of visitors. Of course the Head of the Palace Guards must accompany Crown Prince!”

Xiao Pan suddenly declared: “It’s all right! To enter the palace and pay my respects, Guaren only requires Great General’s company.”

Noting Mao Jiao secretly signaling Xiao Pan, Xiang Shaolong finally comprehended Xiao Pan’s abrupt display of bravery.

Gesturing at Xiang Shaolong, Xiao Pan boldly ascended the stairs to the hall. Xiang Shaolong hastily chased up to him.

Without turning his head back, Xiao Pan whispered: “In your opinion, what is that lady thinking of?”

Xiang Shaolong whispered in reply: “She probably wants to clarify matters and from our meeting, she will decide whether she wants to support Lao Ai whole-heartedly or otherwise.”

Without the least hint of surprise, Xiao Pan coldly hissed: “This is called: Making one mistake after another.”

Xiang Shaolong wanted to make a last ditch attempt to remind Xiao Pan to keep his promise. But he is also fully aware that his effort would be in vain. Therefore, he suppressed the urge to talk about it.

Perched high up on her Empress throne, Zhu Ji is alone in the hall. As their boots stepped on the floor of the massive hall, the sound of footsteps somewhat produces a chilling sensation.

The empty and spacious hall is cold, lifeless and uninviting

Although Zhu Ji is slightly chubbier, she is still as attractive as ever and there weren’t any signs of aging. The only distinguishable factor is some haggardness in her features. Frostily eyeing the two men bowing to her, Zhu Ji plainly state: “Royal Son, Great General, please have a seat.”

Both men sat down on the first two seats to her right. Xiao Pan simply followed the palace protocol and commented: “Witnessing Empress Mother radiating with even more brilliance than the past, Royal Son is filled with joy.”

Zhu Ji sighed with a breath: “How long has it been since I laid my eyes on Royal Son? I believe it is at least three or four years! Sometimes, I felt as if I never gave birth to a son like you.”

His eyes flashing once with a killing aura, Xiao Pan quickly faked an air of reverence: “Empress Mother is mistaken. Royal Son is fully occupied with matters of the State and on top of that, I do not wish to disturb Empress Mother’s recuperation. Royal Son still loves and care for Empress Mother just like before.”

Xiang Shaolong stared blankly at the space in front of him. In his heart, he wished he was dreaming, for the truth is simply too unbearable.

Remembering the earlier days in Handan when Zhu Ji and Xiao Pan are loving each other to bits, they have come to a stage when both parties are lying through their teeth and mutually scheming against each other.

Her gaze landing on Xiang Shaolong, Zhu Ji’s voice became gentle as she acknowledged: “I have yet to congratulate Great General on your triumphant return!”

Staring intensely at her, Xiang Shaolong can feel his heart being overwhelmed by immense and genuine sensations of guilt and affections. He sighed: “It was due to luck that I managed to preserve my life! It is not worthy of Empress’s commendation.”

Her delicate eyes turning chilly, Zhu Ji interrogated: “Recently, the rumours surrounding the heritage of Crown Prince is spreading like wildfire. What counter strategies do Great General propose? I hope you can say something to calm my nerves.”

Xiao Pan icily interrupted: “Royal Son has issued a State-wide decree, prohibiting anyone from discussing this matter. I hope Empress can understand my position and put your doubts to rest.”

Zhu Ji blew her top: “As your natural mother, am I barred from discussing it too?”

Xiao Pan replied with indifference: “Royal Son dare not. However, Great General is not permitted to violate the decree.”

Zhu Ji started laughing in an unnatural way. She pitifully observed: “It nearly slipped my mind. Three days later, Royal Son will be officially crowned; naturally, you cannot be bothered with me, Empress.”

Xiao Pan plainly state: “Empress Mother is mistaken about Royal Son. At the end of the day, the slanders that Empress Mother heard are deliberately cooked up by evil villains who wishes to disrupt the relationship between us, mother and son.”

Subsequently, he stood up and declared: “Empress Mother’s health is far from ideal; it is not good for you to get agitated. Royal Son is taking my leave. At a later date, I shall pay my respects to Empress Mother again!”

Up till now, Xiang Shaolong did not have a chance to speak out.

He could only sighed to himself. Even if Xiao Pan did not have the intention to kill her, based on Zhu Ji’s words, she has basically sentenced herself to death.

To make it worse, Xiang Shaolong is incapable of saving her.

This is because Zhu Ji no longer treats him with goodwill. The goodwill has been replaced by the bitterest hatred of all.

She has already jumped to the conclusion that Xiang Shaolong had deceived her, and may even assume that Xiang Shaolong has killed her real son.

Given these circumstances, what can he do?

Qinian Palace.

In the Imperial Study, Xiao Pan received the giant steel bow of Guan Zhongxie that Xiang Shaolong had presented to him. He burst out laughing: “Official Guan, if you did not end up as a muddle-headed ghost, you should have realized that you made the worst mistake of your life by choosing to collaborate with Lu Buwei years ago.”

Standing on Xiao Pan’s left and right are Li Si, Lord Changping, Lord Changwen, An Guxi, Wang Guan and several other officials. One by one, they congratulated Xiang Shaolong for drawing first blood.

As if a huge burden is lifted off his shoulders, Xiao Pan placed the steel bow on his table and motioned for the officials to take a seat. With a thrilled smile, he faced Xiang Shaolong and commended: “It is a pity we are unable to secure Zhongxie’s head, nonetheless, Guaren fully agrees with Official Jing’s actions: By destroying the bodies and other physical evidence, we would not alert the rebels to our presence.”

Pausing, he added: “Over the next few days, we must be very careful with our food and drink. Or else, we may fall prey to Lao Ai’s venomous hands.”

Lord Changping cheerfully replied: “Crown Prince can put your mind at ease. Officials (We) will be extra cautious.”

Scanning the faces of everyone in the study, Xiao Pan’s gaze eventually landed on Xiang Shaolong. In a gentle voice, he inquired: “Is Great General feeling better?”

Shaking his head, Xiang Shaolong bitterly smiled: “While fleeing for my life at the borders of Han and Wei, I have overexerted my body. Back then, I can force myself to endure the agony. Unexpectedly, after my return, I suffered countless relapses. The amount of medication I am taking is enough to strike fear into my heart. ”

Xiao Pan appreciated: “In this case, over the next few days, Great General must have a good rest and refrain from participating in strenuous activities!”

Subsequently, his royal eyes turned frosty as he icily rumbled: “It has been ascertained that Lao Ai and his gang will begin their rebellion during the royal dinner banquet, which is taking place the same day after the coronation ceremony. Does Great General have any bright ideas?”

Xiang Shaolong simply remarked: “He who moves first gain the initiative; he who moves later loses the initiative. Such is the timeless truth.”

Slamming his palm on the long table in front of his dragon throne, Xiao Pan sighed: “With this proverb alone, our victory is assured.”

Wang Guan frowned: “Pardon subordinate’s incomprehension but didn’t we decide earlier to wait for the rebels to make their move first before charging them with the act and consequently launching our counterattack?”

Xiao Pan compellingly chuckled: “Earlier decisions are based on earlier circumstances; Present decisions are based on present circumstances. Regardless of the methods employed, victory is our top priority. We shall make our move before the royal banquet and catch him with his pants down.”

Li Si commented: “The atrocious traitor Lao Ai will probably die without even realizing what is the cause of his downfall.”

Of course Li Si is referring to Mao Jiao the super spy. Because of his meticulous efforts, Xiao Pan is fully conscious of Lao Ai’s manpower, preparations and rebellion timing, allowing him to plan his moves accordingly.

Appearing to be brimming with confidence, Xiao Pan nonchalantly articulated: “Two hours before the royal banquet, Senior General An shall take my decree and seize military control of the city. All the entrances and exits must be secured and no one is allowed to leave. This would surely provoke Lao Ai into commencing his rebellion at an earlier timing. Concurrently, the Palace Guards shall seal off Qinian Palace. On one hand, they can safeguard our officials. On the other hand, they can arrest enemy spies within our cohort according to the name list.”

Pausing, he added: “Simultaneously, Great General Wang and his massive army shall enter the city and decimate every single insurgent while Great General Xiang and Guaren shall move in and attack Dazheng Palace. Hng! Guaren is interested to know what will be Lao Ai’s final consequence.

Everyone expressed praises and approval.

Only Xiang Shaolong can recognize the inkling in his words; if he does not come up with a good solution, Dazheng Palace shall be his final resting place.

Xiang Shaolong returned to his designated courtyard at the rear of Qinian Palace. His immediate neighbour Qin Qing and Ji Yanran who is in the guise of a maid have sneaked in and are chatting with the two men Jing Jun and Wu Guo.

Noticing Xiang Shaolong, the two ladies are especially delighted.

Sitting down, Xiang Shaolong questioned: “Did you manage to contact Fourth Brother?”

Jing Jun nodded: “While Third Brother is off to Dazheng Palace, I used the opportunity to meet up with him.”

Ji Yanran probed: “What did Zhu Ji say?”

Xiang Shaolong sighed: “The situation is dreadful. Her relationship with Crown Prince is irreparable. ”

After answering, he turned to Jing Jun and enquired: “What did Fourth Brother say?”

Jing Jun reported: “Fourth Brother mentioned that Crown Prince has ordered him to barricade Yongdu with immediate effect. Unless they have a special travel pass, no one is allowed to leave or enter.”

Xiang Shaolong was thunderstruck: “Crown Prince is lying to me again. Minutes ago, he mentioned that the barricade will only be set up after the coronation and before the royal banquet.”

Qin Qing was terrified: “What should we do?”

After contemplating, Xiang Shaolong reasoned: “It would be easy for me to leave. I can officially propose to Crown Prince that I am sending some men back to Xianyang to increase the fighting prowess of Second Brother. Disguised as Wu Guo, I can simply walk out of Yongdu unchallenged. It is not difficult for Wu Guo too. By resuming his original appearance and with Fourth Brother assisting him, his getaway is assured. My main issue is Sister Qing. In the name of security, Yingzheng would definitely send men to keep you under strict surveillance. What can we do to counter this?”

Ji Yanran wondered: “Has Hubby decided on your departure schedule?”

Xiang Shaolong responded: “By right, Jing Jun and I should leave for Xianyang tomorrow. Aye! But how can I leave the two of you behind? Crown Prince knows me too well.”

Ji Yanran giggled: “Then let’s leave together!”

Everyone stared at this gorgeous Talented Lady with amazement.

Qin Qing cheered: “Yanran, stop beating around the bush. What brilliant strategy did you come up with?”

Ji Yanran elatedly narrated: “I was inspired by Hubby’s earlier words; we shall exploit the ambiguous relationship between Empress and Crown Prince. Think about it, if Empress asks for our Grand Tutor Qin to keep her company in Dazheng Palace, how would Crown Prince react?”

Everyone was full of praises for her ingenuity.

Qin Qing joyfully proclaimed: “In this aspect, I can apply some trickery and make it impossible for Crown Prince to reject.”

Everyone knows that Qin Qing is extremely familiar with the intricacies of the palace’s affairs. To her, it’ll be a piece of cake.

Ji Yanran added: “Additionally, this tactic would give Crown Prince the false impression that Hubby no longer wishes to flee. Unknown to him, before our Grand Tutor Qin arrives at Dazheng Palace, she would have vanished en route.” Wu Guo asked: “And when should I, this imposter Great General, start to make my getaway?”

Xiang Shaolong cautioned: “Basically, you have to react to the ever-changing conditions. Notwithstanding, preserving your life is of utmost importance. You must remember to leave before the beginning of the coronation. Or else, by then, Yingzheng would not let you out of his sight.”

Ji Yanran suggested: “You should probably leave on the night before the coronation! With a two days window, we should be able to take down Lu Buwei.”

Jing Jun reminded: “Do not loiter around Xianyang; get back to the farms as soon as possible. After we have reassembled, we can then make our final escape according to our plans. That would be our grand finale.”

Xiang Shaolong sighed: “After years of hardship, it is time for Heaven to grant me days of leisure and a mind free from worries!”

The eyes of everybody were lost in a series of flashbacks. In their ears, they could somewhat hear the hoof beats of a vibrant horse galloping freely across the green prairie of the borderlands.