novelraw Chapter 189
Chapter 189
Concubine Su was cutting grass with such resentment that she didn't hear the approaching footsteps at all.
It wasn't until a pair of official boots appeared before her eyes.
She paused for a moment, then slowly looked up.
The firelight from the distance cast flickering shadows across Han Chong's cold face, making him look sinister and terrifying.
Concubine Su was so frightened she fell back onto the ground, hurriedly explaining.
"Sir, I wasn't trying to run away."
Han Chong handed the secret edict he had already read to Concubine Su. "His Majesty has issued an edict. Please read it."
These words made Concubine Su weep with joy. "His Majesty has finally remembered this servant."
After saying this, she immediately took the secret edict.
To help her see clearly, Han Chong lit a fire striker.
The content of the edict was simple: she was to obey Han Chong's orders and assist in eliminating the Qi family.
After Concubine Su finished reading, Han Chong immediately burned the edict.
Concubine Su looked at the black ashes scattered at her feet and asked anxiously, "Sir, what will happen to this servant and my daughter after the Qi family is dead?"
She was also part of the Qi family now; she feared the Emperor would silence her.
Han Chong shook his head. "Your fate is for His Majesty to decide."
Hearing this, Concubine Su breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as the Emperor hadn't said she must be buried with the Qi family, she and her daughter had a chance to live.
She couldn't wait to ask, "When does Sir plan to move against the Qi family?"
"If a suitable opportunity arises, I will notify you to cooperate."
"Alright, this servant will definitely cooperate!"
Han Chong blew out the fire striker and left.
Concubine Su watched his retreating figure, feeling an indescribable joy. Even cutting grass became more vigorous.
She glanced in the direction of the Qi family and unexpectedly met Qi Yanzhou's gaze.
Frightened, she immediately lowered her head, her grass-cutting speed increasing noticeably.
Ye Chutang, having just bathed, walked over to Qi Yanzhou and asked, "What are you looking at?"
Qi Yanzhou, breathing in the faint, fresh scent from Ye Chutang, leaned close to her ear.
"The Emperor is eager to move against the Qi family. You should receive a secret edict very soon."
Ye Chutang wasn't surprised.
She asked, "Regarding today's events, your people will embellish the story and spread it throughout the capital, right?"
"Of course. The incident with the black-bellied snake has already spread. The news of the Emperor colluding with the Northern Barbarians will fill the streets and alleys by tomorrow morning."
Qi Yanzhou was very curious about what expression the Emperor would wear when he learned he had been accused of "treason and selling out the country."
Ye Chutang pulled her collar together, a mischievous smile curling at the corner of her mouth.
"The news can mix truth with falsehood. Things that never happened can also be pinned on the Emperor."
Qi Yanzhou dotingly tapped her nose.
"My wife is still the clever one. You go rest first. I'll wash the clothes."
Concubine Xu quickly interjected, "Madam, please leave your laundry to me from now on."
With someone eager to do the work, Ye Chutang was naturally pleased.
"Alright, thank you, Concubine."
Then, she looked at Qi Yanzhou. "Go cut some more branches. We'll hang the bed curtains later."
Knowing they would have to spend nights outdoors during the exile journey, she had taken two bed curtains from the Prince Chen's residence.
If conditions allowed, they would be used to keep out mosquitoes and insects.
Although she had insect repellent medicine, all medicine has some toxicity.
She was pregnant now and would avoid medication if possible.
"Alright, wait a moment."
Qi Yanzhou immediately went into the woods.
Soon, he returned with an armful of straight branches about two fingers thick.
Based on the length of the oilcloth, he quickly set up two frames for hanging the bed curtains.
Then, together with Qi He'an, they hung the curtains and laid out the bedding.
Old Madam Qi said, "Tang'er, Zhou'er, you two are newlyweds. Sleep on one bedding tonight."
Qi Yanzhou quickly refused. "Mother, the four of you will be too crowded and inconvenient. It's better for men and women to sleep separately."
"Separate what? Listen to your mother!"
"Mother..."
Old Master Qi felt that making a direct decision was somewhat disrespectful to Ye Chutang.
He immediately sought her opinion. "Tang'er, how do you think it's best to arrange things?"
Ye Chutang thought that since it was just sleeping under the covers, it didn't matter who she slept with.
"Then let's listen to Mother."
Hearing this, the tips of Qi Yanzhou's ears turned an uncooperative red.
He couldn't very well refuse Ye Chutang, so he had to agree.
"A-Tang, you go rest first."
Ye Chutang noticed Qi Yanzhou's embarrassment and nodded. "Alright."
She randomly chose one of the bedding spots, crawled in, and settled down to rest.
Because they were near the lake, the air was humid and the temperature lower.
So, even though the bed curtains blocked the night breeze, it wasn't too hot.
Thinking Han Chong would come for her, Ye Chutang didn't sleep.
But she waited until Qi Yanzhou finished his tasks and came in, and still Han Chong hadn't appeared.
Qi Yanzhou thought Ye Chutang was asleep, but when he lifted the curtain to enter, he found her eyes open.
"A-Tang, why aren't you asleep yet?"
Smelling the faint scent of mugwort on Qi Yanzhou, Ye Chutang deliberately teased him.
"I was waiting for you."
After saying this, she lifted the thin quilt and patted the spot beside her.
Heat rose to Qi Yanzhou's face. He stiffly walked over and lay down beside Ye Chutang.
He lay perfectly straight, hands folded over his chest. Anyone who didn't know better might think he was laid out for burial.
Ye Chutang took Qi Yanzhou's hand and placed it on her wrist.
"Can you feel it?"
Having been long ill, Qi Yanzhou had learned some medicine and naturally knew how to check a pulse.
But the pregnancy was still early. He couldn't detect twins, only the pregnancy pulse.
The pulse was strong and rolling, like beads moving on a plate.
Feeling the pregnancy pulse, his tension gradually faded. Unconsciously, he drew Ye Chutang into his arms.
Gentle words fell by Ye Chutang's ear.
"A-Tang, thank you. You've worked hard. I adore you."
Ye Chutang withdrew her wrist, hugged Qi Yanzhou back, and said, "Meeting you is my good fortune too."
As soon as the words fell, Han Chong's voice sounded.
"Madam Qi, one of my brothers has suffered a poison relapse. I'd like to ask you to take a look."
Ye Chutang pretended not to understand the implied meaning in his words.
"The antidote is all used up. My going there won't help."
Han Chong's tone became forceful. "I insist Madam Qi come take a look!"
Ye Chutang got up, put on her outer garment, and emerged from the bed curtain.
"Don't blame me if I can't save him."
"Naturally."
Ye Chutang followed Han Chong to the lake entrance where the Imperial Guards were gathered.
"Madam Qi, please sit."
"Where is the person?"
Han Chong signaled with his eyes for his subordinates to block Ye Chutang from view.
Once assured all prying eyes were blocked, he handed Ye Chutang a message received by carrier pigeon.
"Madam Qi, this is a secret edict from His Majesty."
Ye Chutang took the edict but didn't open it immediately.
She asked, "Who exactly are you people?"
Han Chong naturally wouldn't tell the truth.
"We are His Majesty's men. Please read the edict, Madam Qi."
Ye Chutang opened the secret edict. By the light of a nearby fire still roasting meat, she made out the words.
They were densely packed, the paper strip insufficient.
The latter part was written hastily and messily.
The Emperor gave two orders.
First, she was to secretly poison the Qi family with a toxin that wouldn't act immediately.
Second, she was to cooperate with Han Chong's actions and ensure the Qi family's demise once they were a hundred li from the capital.
After reading, Ye Chutang did not burn the edict. Instead, she placed it inside her robe.
Han Chong reminded her, "Madam Qi, secret edicts must be destroyed immediately after reading."
"Commander Han, exterminating the Qi clan is a grave crime. This edict is my safeguard, my bargaining chip. How can I destroy it?"
"Is this the Emperor's command? Does Madam Qi intend to defy the imperial decree?"
Ye Chutang watched the flickering flames, her smile wild and unrestrained.
"I am defying it. What can you do about it?"
Han Chong hadn't expected Ye Chutang to disregard even the Emperor. A dangerous glint flashed in his narrowed eyes.
"If Madam Qi disobeys the imperial order, I will be forced to take action against you!"
Ye Chutang clicked her tongue disapprovingly. "Is this how you treat your savior?"
"Compared to the Emperor's command, a life-saving favor is secondary..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Ye Chutang suddenly flung a handful of poison powder.
Han Chong, who was speaking, became the primary victim.
"Madam Qi, you... ugh..."
The poison was potent. Han Chong had barely opened his mouth before he spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed unconscious.
Other Dragon Guards who had been poisoned began bleeding from all seven orifices.
The remaining guards looked at Ye Chutang in terror, as if facing a formidable enemy.
They wanted to strike, but she was the Emperor's inside agent. Without an explicit imperial order, they dared not act.
Moreover, the poison in her hands was formidable; a direct confrontation was unwise.
Watching their comrades fall one by one, someone spoke up, "Madam Qi, if you kill Commander Han, the Emperor will surely not spare you!"
Ye Chutang let out a light laugh. "I dare to defy an imperial decree. Do you think I fear the Emperor?"
Having said that, she crouched down and fed an antidote pill into Han Chong's mouth.
The unconscious Han Chong soon awoke, spat out the blood in his mouth, and looked pale-faced at Ye Chutang.
"Madam Qi..."
Before he could utter any threats, Ye Chutang interrupted him, asking, "Which is more important? The secret decree? Or exterminating the Qi family? Choose one."
"Both are important."
Ye Chutang took out the secret decree and handed it to Han Chong. "I'll leave the decision to you. If you burn the decree, I will tell Qi Yanzhou about the Emperor's plan."
Han Chong immediately withdrew his outstretched hand, staring coldly at Ye Chutang.
"I hope Madam Qi does not regret today's decision!"
Exterminating the Qi family was more important. Once the dust settled, he could always seize the secret decree from Ye Chutang later.
Ye Chutang knew what Han Chong was thinking and asked, "Commander Han, why must you exterminate the Qi family? Is it because of the imperial order, or because the Qi family is plotting treason?"
This put Han Chong on guard. "What does Madam Qi mean by that?"
Could she possibly know their identities?
"What if the Qi family is not rebelling? What would you do then, Commander Han?"
"There is no 'what if'!"
Ye Chutang looked at the resolute Han Chong and raised an eyebrow.
"I'll trade my life-saving favor for your honest answer."
Han Chong's sword-like brows furrowed slightly. "Does Madam Qi believe the Qi family is innocent and wish to persuade me to spare them?"
"I merely want your truthful answer."
"The plan to exterminate the Qi family will proceed as scheduled. If, before that, the Qi family can clear their name, I will halt the plan."
Ye Chutang pressed further, "What if the Qi family can prove their innocence, but the Emperor still orders their extermination?"
"Then someone else will carry it out."
Hearing this, Ye Chutang felt that turning Han Chong might not be too difficult.
"Commander Han, I am quite satisfied with your answer."
She tucked the secret decree back into her robes and took out the antidote.
"This poison appears fierce, but in reality, it causes little lasting harm to the body."
Han Chong immediately took it to administer to his men.
After giving one pill to each, he returned the medicine bottle to Ye Chutang.
Ye Chutang slipped the vial into her sleeve and said, "Commander Han, consider the purpose for which the founding emperor established the Dragon Guards. Blind loyalty is not the same as protecting the nation."
Leaving these words behind, she turned and left, heading back to the camp.
Han Chong watched Ye Chutang disappear into the darkness, his brows tightly knit together.
The Dragon Guards existed to protect the nation, defend the state, and safeguard imperial authority.
They followed the Emperor's arrangements, secretly eliminating traitors and suppressing rebellions.
To solidify imperial power, stabilize the realm, and bring peace to the people.
These were originally one and the same.
But at some point, imperial power and the people had become opposing forces, and the Zhao dynasty's hold on the realm grew precarious.
Blind loyalty is not protecting the nation!
Han Chong certainly understood this principle.
But he was powerless to change it.
He could only do what was right within the scope of his abilities.
The Qi family privately hoarded weapons, intending to rebel.
Therefore, he had received the order to exterminate the Qi family, to remove an element destabilizing the Kingdom of Beichen.
He was not wrong!
Having convinced himself, Han Chong was deeply puzzled as to why the Emperor had not sent him a carrier pigeon with orders.
One hour later, when he received the secret decree the Emperor had sent to Zhao Mingxuan.
After deducing the pattern of the messages, he waited hour after hour.
Yet, dawn arrived without any secret decree meant for him.
Han Chong suspected the carrier pigeon meant for him might have met with misfortune.
But he dared not write to inquire with the Emperor.
If the Emperor had only issued three secret decrees, his letter would be seen as a challenge, a grave act of disrespect towards the Son of Heaven.
He calculated the time the first secret decree should have arrived, moving it back by one hour.
Then he realized that Qi Yanzhou had been in the woods catching birds at that very time.
In other words, the Emperor's message to him had likely been intercepted by Qi Yanzhou.
Considering this, Han Chong wanted to go into the woods to investigate.
But just then, the awakened Wu Chenggang shouted, "On your feet! Prepare to move out!"
The quiet lakeside instantly grew noisy.
Han Chong abandoned the idea of investigating the woods.
Given Qi Yanzhou's caution, if he had intercepted the decree, he would leave no evidence behind.
Soon, the exile procession continued on its journey.
After half a day and a night of rest, the bee venom had mostly cleared from everyone's systems.
But the stung areas still ached, though it was bearable.
Only Concubine Jiang, who hadn't taken the medicine, remained weak and ill.
She had been treated by the official escort's physician and was not in mortal danger, but her recovery would be slow.
To prevent the Ye family from falling behind, Wu Chenggang did not shackle them with cangues or leg irons.
Ye Jingchuan supported Concubine Jiang as they walked, presenting an image of marital devotion.
In reality, he was waiting for Concubine Jiang to recover so she could continue serving him and his elderly mother.
Ye Siyin occasionally relieved Ye Jingchuan, taking her turn to support Concubine Jiang.
Her gaze frequently drifted towards Qi He'an walking ahead, and Zhao Qingshu at the very front.
She had to secure one of these two men!
If not for the Northern Barbarians' interference yesterday, she would have already secured Qi He'an!
Concubine Jiang noticed the unusual look in her daughter's eyes and guessed her intent.
"Yin'er, choose Zhao Qingshu."
The Emperor would absolutely not spare the Qi family; choosing Qi He'an was seeking death.
The Zhao family were imperial relatives; even under house arrest, they would want for nothing.
Ye Siyin knew choosing Zhao Qingshu was more suitable.
But in her heart, she understood that Zhao Qingshu was cold and fickle; he might not necessarily take responsibility for her.
If she secured Qi He'an, as long as the Qi family survived, she would have security.
Therefore, she leaned more towards Qi He'an.
"Mother, let me make my own decision."
Concubine Jiang forced a weak smile. "Alright, you've always had your own mind since you were little."
Everyone bore bee stings, so the pace of travel was not fast.
After nearly two hours of walking, they had covered less than ten li.
Breakfast was eaten at a small relay station.
At this time.
News about the Emperor colluding with the Northern Barbarians to kill the Qi family had not only spread throughout the capital but was also circulating and spreading along the nearby prefecture and five commanderies.
The stationmaster and couriers at the relay station had also heard the rumors.
After preparing breakfast, the stationmaster approached Wu Chenggang to inquire.
"Sir, is it true about His Majesty colluding with the Northern Barbarians?"
Wu Chenggang slammed his palm on the table.
"Nonsense!"
Regardless of its truth, it was not a matter for them to discuss.
The stationmaster, unwilling to give up, pressed on, "If there was no collusion, how would the Northern Barbarians know the exile route in advance to set up an ambush?"
"The route to the northwest for exiles is fixed. There's nothing strange about the Northern Barbarians setting an ambush ahead of time. Watch your tongue! Criticizing the Emperor is a capital offense!"
As soon as Wu Chenggang finished speaking, he glanced at Han Chong.
He was certain that the full-scale mobilization of Northern Barbarian spies was far from a simple ambush.
But he was just a minor clerk; the affairs of his superiors were none of his concern.
The stationmaster knew Wu Chenggang and was frightened by his harsh words, quickly offering apologies and begging for mercy.
Wu Chenggang waved a dismissive hand. "Get lost."
The Qi, Zhao, and Ye families ate breakfast outside the relay station.
They had a simple meal of porridge bought from the station, paired with pickles and steamed buns.
Qi Yanzhou was quite satisfied with the effect of the rumors.
After eating, they set off again.
Around noon, the exile procession passed through a small town.
This was an opportunity for the escorting officers to line their pockets.
Wu Chenggang stopped at the town entrance and asked, "Does anyone wish to go into the town to buy supplies?"
It was now the third day of the exile.
Although the food the three families had bought wasn't finished, under the intense heat, it had become unpalatable.
Hearing they could go shopping, everyone expressed a desire to enter the town.
Wu Chenggang had anticipated this outcome, as none of these families were short on silver.
He announced, "It's mealtime now. I'll give you half an hour to make your purchases. The fee for leaving the group is one tael of silver."
Everyone paid the fee except for the penniless Concubine Su and her daughter, and the nearly destitute Ye family.
Ye Jingchuan paid one tael and entered the town alone.
Dragon-Protector Guards accompanied them to prevent any escapes.
The town was small, its main street visible from one end to the other.
As it was midday with a fierce sun overhead, there were few pedestrians on the street.
The stalls and shops sold mostly daily necessities, focused on practicality.
There was an inn and a restaurant where one could eat.
There were also wonton stalls and bun shops.
Ye Chutang didn't shortchange herself. She entered the restaurant and ordered the best dishes available.
"Waiter, how much for this?"
The shopkeeper brought over a jar of his finest wine and said, "This meal is on me."
"That won't do. One can't eat without paying."
Ye Chutang handed the shopkeeper ten taels of silver.
She knew prices in a small town weren't high; this meal certainly didn't cost ten taels.
The shopkeeper took a step back and knelt before Qi Yanzhou.
"Six years ago, Young Master Qi saved my daughter's life while suppressing bandits. A single meal is nothing. You could eat here for a lifetime, and it would be fine."
He didn't believe the Qi family, whose duty was to protect the homeland, would commit treason.
No one in the entire town believed it.
Because Qi Yanzhou had successfully eradicated the bandits from the mountain back then, bringing peace to all the surrounding villages.
Now, having the honor to host the Qi family for a meal, how could he accept payment?
Qi Yanzhou helped the shopkeeper to his feet.
"My bandit suppression was under imperial orders, saving people was official duty. Eating now is a private matter. They cannot be conflated."
With that, he pressed the ten taels into the shopkeeper's hand.
Unable to refuse, the shopkeeper honestly accepted just over five taels.
"Young Master Qi, the Qi family's name will surely be cleared."
As soon as these words were spoken, the commoners lingering outside the restaurant echoed in unison.
"The Qi family's name will surely be cleared!"
The clear, loud voices caused Han Chong, standing guard outside the restaurant, to momentarily lose his focus.
Ye Chutang's words from last night surfaced in his mind.
"If the Qi family did not commit treason, what will you do, Commander Han?"
He wasn't unaware that the Qi family had been loyal for generations. They had even voluntarily surrendered their military power to reassure the royal family, distancing themselves from the court to play the part of wastrels.
From beginning to end, it was the royal family harboring suspicions, unable to tolerate the Qi family.
For a fleeting moment, his resolve regarding the plan to eliminate the Qi family wavered.
But soon, his determination solidified again.
Until he saw evidence of the Qi family being framed, he was a Dragon-Protector Guard loyal to the Emperor!
Unaware of Han Chong's internal conflict, Ye Chutang happily enjoyed a sumptuous meal.
Upon leaving, the shopkeeper gifted them some cooked food and fresh vegetables.
Exiting the restaurant, many townsfolk came forward offering food and daily supplies, kneeling and begging Qi Yanzhou to accept.
Unable to decline all, Qi Yanzhou accepted some useful items.
Watching the revered Qi Yanzhou, Ye Chutang's lips curled upward unconsciously.
"Good deeds bring good returns. We've saved the money for supplies."
After saying this, she went to the money exchange, converting some silver notes into broken silver and copper coins for convenience on the road.
When the Qi family left the town, the people came to see them off.
"Young Master Qi, take care of yourself!"
Wu Chenggang had escorted countless exiled convicts but encountered such a scene for the first time, feeling deeply moved.
He couldn't help but mutter a wistful sigh.
"Kicking down the bridge after crossing the river—the most heartless are the imperial family."
After whispering this, he called out, "We lost time yesterday. Let's move on."
The journey thereafter was peaceful.
Only the rumor that the Emperor intended to kill the Qi family grew stronger and spread wider.
Ye Siyin kept looking for an opportunity to act against Qi He'an, but to no avail.
Meanwhile, Han Chong had already finalized the plan for the ambush against the Qi family.
At noon the next day.
The exile procession finally reached a point a hundred li from the capital.
Wu Chenggang pointed to the gorge ahead. "Once we pass through here, we'll be within Liangzhou's borders."
This gorge was a natural barrier protecting Liangzhou, easy to defend and hard to attack.
Hearing "Liangzhou," Ye Chutang thought of Song Jingning.
And hearing "Liangzhou," Qi Yanzhou thought of his elder sister, married to the Assistant Prefect of Liangzhou.
Han Chong stood at the entrance of the gorge, his peripheral gaze flicking upward.
Finally, matters were about to be settled!
"Let's go. We'll rest after passing through the gorge."
Although Wu Chenggang didn't know Han Chong's plan, his years of experience made him keenly sense danger.
"I agree. Past the gorge, there's a small stream ahead. We'll rest there at noon."
With that, he waved his hand grandly.
"Forward!"
Han Chong glanced at Ye Chutang.
Receiving his signal, Ye Chutang gave a slight nod.
At the front of the procession, the Zhao family members each had poisoned sleeve arrows strapped to their wrists.
Concubine Su clenched her fist, a lethal, poison-tipped "Rainstorm Pear Blossom Needle" concealed in her palm.
And Ye Chutang's assigned task was to use poison against the Qi family.
At a single command from Han Chong, they would immediately strike against the Qi family.
If these four simultaneous attacks failed to eliminate the Qi family, massive boulders would tumble down from above the gorge, ensuring total annihilation!
Han Chong waited until the exile procession reached the middle of the gorge, then shouted loudly.
"Now!"
But nothing happened.