Chapter 26
After resting in the city for a few days, the group prepared to set out as soon as the weather cleared. Yu He, with his knack for getting along with everyone, had managed to befriend many of the garrison soldiers in Xiangyang, even in just two short days. He brought back news in advance: “Young Master, security in Xiangyang has been tight on the inside but lax on the outside for the past couple of days. It seems they’re looking for someone. The soldiers say it’s a thief, but I suspect it’s the man we rescued the other day.”
Mo Shuihan instructed, “Go and find out more.”
By the time their luggage was packed, Yu He had returned. He leaned close to Mo Shuihan’s ear. “They’re definitely checking very strictly. Even someone with a small wound will be taken away.”
This was a problem. Ying Er and Ying San could get out easily, but they would never make it past the gates with a seriously injured man in tow.
Mo Shuihan thought for a moment, then went to find the Ninth Princess. “I rescued someone by chance. Now the whole city is looking for him. I want to take him with us.”
The princess was puzzled. “What did he do?”
“It should be related to the case we’re investigating, but I haven’t figured it out yet, so it’s not convenient to tell the other officials. Princess, is there any way you can get him out of the city without anyone noticing?”
The princess waved her hand dismissively. “Just have him hide in our carriage. Would those soldiers dare to search me?”
This gave Mo Shuihan an idea, but also a worry: they were no longer in the capital. What if the local officials were bold enough to overstep their authority?
His concern proved to be well-founded. As they were leaving the city, the princess’s carriage was actually stopped. The gate-guarding general looked at them with an air of stern righteousness. “That man is a heinous criminal and an expert at hiding. I am only acting for the Princess’s safety. I must ask the Princess to step out of her carriage!”
“Insolence! How dare you search the Princess’s carriage?” Mo Shuihan stepped forward and rebuked him angrily.
The general’s attitude was respectful but firm. “Prince Consort, please calm your anger. The Princess is of noble status. If anything were to happen to her, all of our families would be executed. Therefore, I must conduct a search. I ask for the Prince Consort’s and the Princess’s understanding.”
The guards behind the princess immediately drew their long swords, and the two sides faced off. Even the arrival of several local officials who tried to mediate was useless. Mo Shuihan narrowed his eyes. These aren’t the local gate guards. It seems the man we saved is a big fish indeed!
Xiao Heng watched from the side for a moment with a worried expression, then stepped forward. He took out his waist token and showed it to the general. “I am the son of the Left Minister, and this is the current Ninth Prince Consort. It doesn’t matter if you offend us, but you should have heard of the Ninth Princess’s reputation. Even if you search the carriage now, with a single word from her when she returns to the capital, she can still have your entire family executed!”
The general, who had been so resolute just a moment ago, actually hesitated upon seeing Xiao Heng’s token. This confirmed Mo Shuihan’s suspicions. He stepped forward and said, “Thank you for your concern, Lord Xiao, but it is not easy for them to be on duty. Forget it, let them search!”
He went back and convinced the Ninth Princess, who reluctantly stepped down from the carriage. Xiao Heng was initially worried, but when the soldier found nothing, he gave Mo Shuihan a thoughtful look.
Xiangyang was already very close to Jingzhou. The sky remained overcast, and fearing they would be trapped by another heavy snow, the party sped up their journey, finally arriving in Jingzhou just before the snow began to fall again.
The governor of Jingzhou was an elegant, middle-aged man, and it was clear he was a good official who cared for his country and his people. At the welcoming banquet, he began to explain the local situation: “On the main road outside the city, there is a canyon that one must pass through, with high mountains on both sides. For some reason, a group of bandits appeared there a few years ago, and their numbers have only grown since. Now they occupy the mountains on both sides, committing all sorts of atrocities. Anyone traveling from Jingzhou must take that road. Not only are the common people living in fear, but even the merchants have stopped coming. When the bandits can’t get money from robberies, they have started harassing the local populace. If this continues, what will become of Jingzhou?”
Xiao Heng asked, “Do you know the origins of these bandits?”
The Jingzhou governor shook his head. Mo Shuihan asked again, “Were there no results from the previous attempts to suppress the bandits?”
The governor sighed. “Those bandits are extremely cunning and well-informed. As soon as the government sends troops, they have already fled.”
“Then there must be a spy tipping them off!” an official scoffed.
The governor looked ashamed. “We also know there is a spy in the army, but we have never been able to find out who it is.”
General Gao, who had come with Mo Shuihan’s party, slammed his hand on the table. “Who cares about spies? They’re just a few bandits, how many can there be? Tomorrow, I will lead the troops and wipe them out!”
The governor quickly stopped him. “You mustn’t! There are a great many of them. One of my soldiers managed to infiltrate their camp before. He said the mountain is vast, and the area in the middle is an open space filled with a dense sea of tents…”
“Lord Yang, let’s drink! We’ve had a long journey, let’s discuss this tomorrow!” A disciple of the Left Minister interrupted, seemingly unintentionally, as he went around pouring wine for everyone.
Mo Shuihan gave him a meaningful look, his mind pondering the governor’s words. These bandits are not simple. But are they really bandits?
The snow fell heavier as night descended. An Feng was walking hurriedly when he bumped into Mo Shuihan, who was turning a corner. He quickly lowered his head and apologized, “Ninth Prince Consort, I wasn’t watching where I was going. Are you alright?”
Mo Shuihan smiled nonchalantly. “An Feng, where are you going?”
“To my room to rest,” An Feng replied, his face expressionless.
Mo Shuihan nodded and took his arm with a smile. “If you have nothing else to do, why don’t you join me in the pavilion to enjoy the snow?”
An Feng took a step back, refusing. “I am of humble status and dare not tarnish the Prince Consort’s reputation.”
Mo Shuihan was holding a jade pendant, unconsciously rubbing it. An Feng’s gaze was slowly drawn to it. “This is…”
Mo Shuihan watched his reaction closely. Just then, a voice came from behind them. “It is a rare invitation from the Prince Consort. You shouldn’t refuse, An Feng.”
An Feng came to his senses and bowed to the approaching Xiao Heng. Mo Shuihan quickly slipped the pendant into his sleeve and turned. “On such a snowy night, you seem to be in high spirits, Lord Xiao.”
Xiao Heng smiled back at him. “Aren’t you the same, Prince Consort?”
Inviting them both to sit in the pavilion, Xiao Heng turned to Mo Shuihan. “It’s rather dull to just sit and watch the snow. How about we have someone bring some wine and food?”
Mo Shuihan nodded. An Feng tried to excuse himself again but was forcefully pulled down by Xiao Heng. “In a way, you are my father’s adopted son, so I should call you my elder brother. Don’t be so formal.”
An Feng sat down uncomfortably. Seeing his unease, Mo Shuihan started a conversation. “Were you adopted by the Left Minister when you were a child?”
An Feng was still a man of few words, only grunting in response. Mo Shuihan didn’t mind and continued with a smile, “In that case, you and Lord Xiao must have grown up together. Your bond should be deep. Why are you so ill at ease?”
Xiao Heng also chimed in with a smile. An Feng spoke very little throughout their conversation. It wasn’t until after midnight that Mo Shuihan finally rose and let them leave.
The moment their figures disappeared, Ying Er landed silently behind Mo Shuihan. “Young Master, it’s been arranged. Ying San is following Governor Yang.”
Mo Shuihan nodded. “Rest.”
The other officials of Jingzhou didn’t pay their respects to Mo Shuihan’s party until the next day. As the military generals were not allowed to leave their posts, Mo Shuihan and the others had to go to the barracks themselves. The officials were at least outwardly polite and attentive, but the generals’ attitudes were much worse; it was clear they didn’t take the envoys seriously.
The officials from the capital were indignant, but the Left Minister’s disciple remained all smiles, even getting along warmly with the generals. His attitude was a clear warning to the others: The Left Minister is protecting this place!
Within a few days, several of the visiting officials had indeed changed their attitudes, becoming much more polite. Then, the local officials appeared, taking them out for drinking and visiting brothels day after day. The envoys became lost in a life of drunken pleasure, completely forgetting their duties.
The governor of Jingzhou shook his head in disappointment. They’re all the same. No matter how many people they send, it’s all the same. Jingzhou is hopeless!
Mo Shuihan remained detached from it all for a few days, holding back the Ninth Princess, who was so angry she wanted to confront the officials. He only said that a powerful dragon cannot crush a local snake.
When everyone had let their guard down, Mo Shuihan quietly went to find the governor of Jingzhou. He questioned him in detail about the bandits and even summoned the soldier who had infiltrated their camp to ask about the terrain and the identity of the bandit leaders.
However, when he came out, he found Xiao Heng waiting for him in the courtyard. The moment Xiao Heng saw him, he pulled him to a secluded spot. “What are you planning to do?”
Mo Shuihan shook off his hand. “What is Lord Xiao talking about?”
Xiao Heng’s gaze was glued to his face. “I know you don’t trust me, but I see you’re quite interested in An Feng. I won’t be a nuisance and go up the mountain with you, but you must take him. Otherwise, I won’t be at ease.”
Mo Shuihan was not surprised that Xiao Heng had guessed his intentions, only that he had done so this quickly. He lowered his head and thought for a moment before agreeing.
When he returned and discussed it with the princess, she immediately jumped up in protest. “No, I don’t agree! It’s too dangerous there. I can’t let you go up the mountain.”
Mo Shuihan patiently soothed her. “One can’t catch a tiger cub without entering the tiger’s den. Princess, I promise I’ll take care of myself. This trip was not easy to secure. I must prove to Father Emperor that I am useful, otherwise, I will be a laughingstock to the court officials.”
The princess tugged at his sleeve in distress. “No means no! I’ll cut down anyone who dares to laugh at you! Prince Consort, let’s go back, alright? Let’s not investigate this case. Whatever official post you want, I’ll ask Father Emperor to give it to you. Going up the mountain is really too dangerous.”
Mo Shuihan was helpless. “It’s not about the official post… Princess, can you trust me? I really need you right now. I hope you can support me.”
The princess said, aggrieved, “At worst, I’ll go up the mountain with you!”
Mo Shuihan pulled her down to sit, smiling as he stroked her hair. “Silly girl, you can’t go. You must stay here to ensure my safety.”
“What do you mean?”
Mo Shuihan instructed her seriously, “I need you to stand guard here for me and keep a close eye on Xiao Heng. I’ll leave Yu He with you; he is skilled in martial arts and is cautious and steady. Remember this: if you notice any strange movements from Xiao Heng, or if I am in danger on the mountain, you are to immediately capture him and use him to control the local officials and soldiers. As long as you can control Xiao Heng, my safety will be guaranteed!”
The princess’s eyes widened in surprise. “You suspect Xiao Heng… is colluding with the Marquis of Qing’an?”
Mo Shuihan said, “I’ll tell you later, but right now I need you. Princess, my safety is in your hands!”
The princess stood up and gave a firm guarantee. “Prince Consort, don’t worry, I will definitely keep a close watch on Xiao Heng. But you must promise me you won’t take any risks and will come back safely.”
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