Chapter 40: Miaojiang Tribe’s Gu Worms
While Jiang Lili was called back to the house by Xin Che for lunch, the villagers of Langyan Village had already started arriving with their tokens of gratitude, such as eggs, herbs, and vegetables.
Earlier that morning, Xin Che had gone up the mountain and caught a black mountain chicken and a pheasant. One was simmered into soup, and the other roasted.
At that moment, Jiang Lili was sitting at the door, gnawing on a chicken leg, when she was suddenly surrounded by the villagers. Seeing so many people coming to express their thanks, she called Xin Che and the others out to join her.
The ringleaders, Village Chief Yan and his son, had already been tied up.
The one now taking charge was the village’s elder, Mr. Xing, a man respected for his wisdom and seniority. Limping slightly, he stepped forward and said, “We are deeply grateful to you, our benefactors. Our village has finally escaped the abyss of suffering.”
He continued, “May I ask where our benefactors hail from? Though our village is small and remote, if there is anything we can do, however modest, we will do our best to assist you.”
“We appreciate the goodwill of the villagers,” Jiang Lili replied, awkwardly wiping the grease off her hands. Being watched by so many people while eating a chicken leg made her feel a little embarrassed.
Xin Che, emerging from the house, added another chicken leg to Jiang Lili’s bowl before clasping his hands in a polite gesture toward the crowd. “It was merely a small effort. There’s no need for anyone to keep it in mind.”
He preferred to keep a low profile during their journey, but the renowned reputation of the Marquis of Zhaoping and his family had already spread widely among the people.
The village’s lone scholar slapped his thigh in realization. “Highly skilled in martial arts and brilliant in strategy—if such figures are in this exile party, could it be that our benefactors are from the Marquis of Zhaoping household?”
The scholar’s exclamation drew gasps of amazement from the crowd.
“Is this the very same Lord Xin, the God of War of Great Sheng, who defeated the Northern Iron Cavalry with just five hundred elite soldiers?”
“The Marquis family, loyal and courageous, is the pillar of our nation. Why would they be exiled?”
“Second Young Master Xin Cheng even invented the water-driven windmill that improved irrigation efficiency. Such an ingenious craftsman was also exiled?”
“If someone claims these loyal officials and great minds conspired against the crown, I refuse to believe it!”
The Marquis of Zhaoping noticed the crowd growing increasingly excited with their chatter and quickly signaled for calm. “My family has always strived to serve with utmost dedication. Your affection is more than enough. Let us not discuss matters of the court further.”
At that moment, Wang Er, who was herding cattle near the village entrance, came rushing over, shouting excitedly:
“Everyone! The young master from the Linyang Prefecture Magistrate’s household, Young Master Li, has arrived with officials to capture the criminals!”
“And he’s brought the children back with him too!”
The villagers were overjoyed upon hearing this and turned eagerly toward the village entrance. Soon, the cheerful laughter of children could be heard from a distance. Parents’ eyes welled up with tears, overwhelmed by the sight of their returning sons and daughters.
The pain of being separated from their children had been like a knife twisting nightly in their hearts. On top of that, they were forced to engage in deeds that betrayed their conscience. This past year had been unbearably difficult for them.
“Father! Mother!”
Children leaped off the carts and ran into their parents’ arms, pouring out their longing and sorrow.
The heartwarming reunion left many of the exiles teary-eyed. They clung tightly to their own children, knowing that if those heartless bandits had succeeded last night, they too might be facing the agony of broken families.
Gradually, the exiles began to understand: even in their current plight, the Marquis family remained the protectors of this group.
The hearts of the exiled began to shift toward the Marquis’s household.
Meanwhile, Li Sicong carefully supervised the return of the children, ensuring each was reunited with their family. His meticulous approach earned him high praise from the villagers.
“Lord Li of Linyang Prefecture is truly a virtuous official!”
“Yes, indeed! To think he even sent his own son to personally escort the children back!”
“Shouldn’t we craft a plaque to thank him?”
The reputation of Young Master Li spread further still.
Throughout the process, Li Sicong maintained a warm and approachable smile. He even handed out samples of new sweets from his family’s confectionery shop, delighting villagers of all ages and leaving them thoroughly charmed.
One villager remarked, “Young Master Li, we can’t afford the treats from your shop!”
Li Sicong smiled warmly, exuding friendliness. “No worries. Your face tells me you’re destined for good fortune. When that day comes, I hope you’ll consider supporting my business.”
By the time Li Sicong was finished chatting, Jiang Lili had already devoured her chicken leg. Watching him skillfully charm the villagers, she shook her head in admiration. No wonder he was a sales champion—his talent was undeniable.
“Lili, Lili—”
After escorting the children home and exchanging pleasantries with the villagers to solidify his reputation, Li Sicong came over with some pastries and roast chicken to find Jiang Lili.
Xin Che, meanwhile, was frowning as Jiang Lili wiped her oily hands on his sleeve. With a hint of exasperation, he gently took a cloth and began cleaning her hands himself.
Li Sicong’s cheerful call of “Lili” caught Xin Che’s attention instantly.
Li Sicong glanced at Xin Che cleaning Jiang Lili’s hands, then turned back to her. “Miss Jiang, we’re almost at Linyang Prefecture. I have something to discuss with you.”
*
In the Empress Dowager’s Shoukang Palace.
The Empress Dowager Yu reclined on her couch, speaking with the emperor. “I hear you’ve sent Yingshu to the Cold Palace?”
Emperor Qingning paused mid-motion as he offered her tea. “Was this a mistake on my part, Mother?”
After all, Consort Ying had been raised under the Empress Dowager’s care back when she was still the late emperor’s empress. It was only natural that the Empress Dowager would feel some attachment to her.
“No, you’ve done very well. That is what an emperor should do.”
The Empress Dowager opened her eyes, her cloudy gaze fixed on Emperor Qingning. “I was only worried you might still harbor old affections for Consort Ying.”
Emperor Qingning smiled faintly. “Mother, I was raised by your teachings. Naturally, your thoughts are my thoughts.”
As he peeled grapes for her, he continued, “Mother, news has arrived from the front. Princess Dunlun has reached the Boer Grassland tribe.”
The Empress Dowager remained composed. “Do not worry. I’ve already arranged everything. On the wedding night, the maid by Princess Dunlun’s side will give her the poison and the dagger.”
“She and the Xin family share the same fiery spirit. How could she possibly bow to a former enemy?”
Emperor Qingning, perfectly in sync with the Empress Dowager, continued, “That Grassland Khan is cruel and l*stful. With weapons and poison in her hands, Xin Ningyu will likely fight to the death.”
The Empress Dowager stroked the protective jade claw adorning her hand. “And with the assistance of our spies, even if the Khan survives, he’ll be gravely injured.”
Emperor Qingning’s gaze sharpened with determination. “The Khan’s two brothers are waiting like wolves for an opportunity. If the Boer Grassland Tribe descends into civil war, our border army can reap the rewards with little effort.”
“It’s a pity about Ningyu. She’s only seventeen,” the Empress Dowager sighed, feigning a sorrowful expression.
“Mother, that’s not quite right,” Emperor Qingning replied, shaking his head. “For Princess Dunlun to sacrifice herself in this way for the glory of the Great Sheng Dynasty—what an honorable death it will be.”
The Empress Dowager nodded approvingly. “If her remains can be recovered afterward, bury her with the honors of a first-rank princess.”
“Mother is truly benevolent.”
Rubbing his temples, Emperor Qingning added, “If only Ningyu’s elder brother were more sensible, we wouldn’t have ended up in this predicament.”
“News from the front reports that the Marquis’s family has survived and is nearing Linyang Prefecture. Once they cross the Qinglin Mountains, they’ll be close to Haizhou.”
The Empress Dowager paused in thought. “Isn’t the Miaojiang tribe based in the Qinglin Mountains? They are experts in using gu poison, k*lling without a trace. Why not enlist the Miaojiang to deal with this?”
Emperor Qingning’s eyes brightened with interest. “Who should we assign to handle this matter?”
The Empress Dowager’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I’ve heard that the wife of Prince of Jin, the Lady Hou, has ancestral ties to the Miaojiang tribe. Her family emigrated from there generations ago and still maintains connections. She would be a fitting choice.”