In the room, besides Zuo Wushang and Hu Yan Jialuo, there were three young survivors from the Great Heng Kingdom, their faces grim.
Zuo Wushang removed his upper garment, revealing his wounds, and lamented, "General Hu Yan, have you not received the news? We were on the verge of victory, but a white-clad swordsman with a masked face appeared, blocking the crossbow bolts for Liang Xiao, and killing twelve of our brothers!"
Zuo Wushang had been hiding in a cave in the Tianshan Mountains, barely evading the Tianshan disciples' surveillance. Upon returning here, he had heard rumors at the foot of the mountain of a "white-clad swordsman" protecting the Marquis of Anguo of the Great Qian.
He had no time to decipher Liang Xiao's intentions, but for now, he would play along and deal with Hu Yan Jialuo!
Seeing Zuo Wushang's subservient demeanor, Hu Yan Jialuo's reprimands intensified.
No matter how Zuo Wushang explained, Hu Yan Jialuo insisted that Zuo Wushang bear full responsibility.
"There will likely be no more opportunities to assassinate Liang Xiao. Zuo Wushang, I shall see how you explain this to Prince Zuo Xian! Henceforth, even the Chanyu may find his seat uneasy!"
Hu Yan Jialuo sneered and turned to leave, no longer heeding Zuo Wushang's defenses.
Watching Hu Yan Jialuo's retreating back, Zuo Wushang's eyes sharpened, a murderous intent revealed.
Only the sound of Hu Yan Jialuo's footsteps remained in the room. Sensing the unusual atmosphere, Hu Yan Jialuo immediately turned, only to see a long saber sweeping towards him!
"You..."
Before Hu Yan Jialuo could even dodge, Zuo Wushang beheaded him on the spot. His head rolled to the ground, his expression still one of shock and disbelief.
"Marshal?!"
The three young men from the Great Heng Kingdom, though usually well-trained, stood stunned.
Zuo Wushang picked up Hu Yan Jialuo's head and said gravely, "The plan has changed. Hong Qu, I will write a letter shortly. Ride hard and deliver it to the Chanyu of the Savage Lands. State that Hu Yan Jialuo, ignoring advice, rashly led his troops and was beheaded by the Tianshan Sword Saint!"
"Marshal, why must we do this? What if the Savage Lands discover the truth?" the three were even more bewildered.
"To restore our kingdom, we must employ any means necessary, regardless of the cost. This burden must be borne by Hu Yan Jialuo!" Zuo Wushang said in a deep voice.
The white-haired youth Hong Qu stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Understood. With the Princess missing, the leader of the Great Heng Kingdom is the Marshal, not some Savage!"
The other two quickly responded, "If Hu Yan Jialuo returns alive, the Savage Lands will be utterly disappointed in us. We must not let the Marshal bear this blame!"
Zuo Wushang looked at the three with satisfaction. He immediately placed Hu Yan Jialuo's head in a wooden box and wrote a letter.
The next morning, after visiting the Medical Sage, Liang Xiao and his party packed their belongings and set off immediately.
Jian Qinwan, holding Xiao Douya'er, stood silently a zhang behind Liang Xiao and the other two. Yao'er, Diao'er, and Xun'er followed closely.
Hua Xiong and his wife were at the front of the group, discussing Liang Xiao's condition with Ding Wuyi.
The Tianshan disciples watched from a distance, tearfully bidding farewell to Jian Qinwan.
Their most cherished junior sister had been abducted by the Marquis of Anguo!
The carriages were allocated: one for Hua Xiong and his wife, one for Liang Xiao, Luo Qingxue, and Yue Lian, one for Jian Qinwan, and another for Jian Qinwan's three maids. Ding Wuyi personally drove Liang Xiao's carriage, while the remaining dozens of elite palace guards escorted them on horseback.
Inside the carriage, with no one else around, Jian Qinwan held Xiao Douya'er, tears streaming down her face like a broken string of pearls, unable to stop them.
Her parents and master were her greatest support. Leaving Tianshan, she was heading to the unfamiliar capital. Perhaps no one would tolerate her temper and洁癖 (cleanliness obsession) anymore.
The new environment filled her with a nameless dread, and she trembled.
Yet, her gaze remained firm, without regret.
Xiao Douya'er seemed to sense its mistress's emotions, whimpering softly, pitifully licking Jian Qinwan's hand and nuzzling her. Jian Qinwan held it even tighter.
Inside the carriage, Luo Qingxue whispered, "She actually followed. I wonder if she'll be able to adapt to the environment later..."
Liang Xiao said softly, "Tolerate her a little more..."
Luo Qingxue huffed, "As long as she doesn't call me a kindred spirit or a brainless beauty with large breasts again, I won't argue with her..."
Yue Lian covered her mouth and chuckled, while Liang Xiao nodded with a smile.
All three knew that Jian Qinwan harbored no malice; she was simply sharp-tongued but kind-hearted.
Luo Qingxue also quieted down, her mood somber.
The beloved daughter of the Twin Sages, a top disciple of the Qin Sage, such an outstanding woman, why did she agree to come...
Compared to Jian Qinwan, she always felt utterly inadequate...
Meanwhile, by the river outside the Tongxuan Hall north of the imperial palace, Xiao Qing gazed at the flowing river, his eyes full of longing.
South of the Heng River lay the Great Liang Kingdom, known as the "Treasure Land of the South." Beneath its flourishing appearance, undercurrents also surged.
Within the imperial palace hall, Emperor Mu Cheng, though over fifty, still had a full head of black hair. He looked at the civil and military officials with an imposing presence.
Marquis Zhenguo Qin Feng was prominently present, ranked third among the civil officials.
"Recently, news has come from the Great Qian Kingdom. It is said that the Great Qian Kingdom intends to implement the policies of their Marquis of Anguo, Liang Xiao: agricultural colonization and contract tax. What are the esteemed ministers' opinions?"
The officials had already been informed and were whispering amongst themselves, their opinions divided.
The Prime Minister stepped forward first and said, "Your Majesty, this minister believes the contract tax can be implemented. However, agricultural colonization will not only affect troop training but may also compete with the people for resources..."
The Minister of Works also stepped forward: "Your Majesty, this minister believes agricultural colonization is feasible, but the contract tax is too complex and unlikely to yield significant results!"
The officials split into two factions, each offering their views, unable to reach a consensus.
Mu Cheng grew impatient and looked at Qin Feng, who remained silent, "Minister Qin, do you have any insights?"
Qin Feng then stepped forward, his tone serious, "This minister believes both are excellent national policies! While the contract tax may seem small, the usage of contracts is vast, and it provides official protection for citizens' contracts. It will surely accumulate to a substantial amount and is a sound tax. As for agricultural colonization, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Select a portion of the border troops to cultivate wasteland in rotation; it is not necessary to mobilize the entire army."
With Qin Feng's statement, the previously wavering officials had one-third immediately declare their support.
Mu Cheng nodded slightly and said, "Well reasoned. How can we know if we don't try? But does Minister Qin truly believe the news from the Great Qian Kingdom is accurate? Is this truly content from Liang Xiao regarding national affairs?"
"Your Majesty, whether it was authored by Liang Xiao is not important. What matters is our own judgment as the Great Liang Kingdom. This minister believes these policies are feasible, and our country can make slight adjustments!" Qin Feng stated decisively.
Seeing no response from Mu Cheng, Qin Feng added, "Furthermore, this minister also believes these two policies are too detailed. It is likely that traitors within the Great Qian Kingdom intentionally leaked them, rather than it being a trap! For the sake of the country and its people, we should choose the best without regard for cost!"
The crowd praised in unison, "Marquis Zhenguo's wisdom!"
Mu Cheng made up his mind and then seemed to recall something. He looked at Qin Feng and smiled, "I hear Marquis Zhenguo and the Marquis of Anguo of the Great Qian hold each other in high regard. Are you not worried Liang Xiao will find out?"
Qin Feng solemnly replied, "For the country and its people, my personal honor is insignificant. If it leads to a prosperous nation, even if I am vilified for eternity, I will do so without hesitation."
The entire hall fell into a deathly silence. After a long while, Mu Cheng clapped his hands and laughed heartily.
Three days later, Liang Xiao finally returned to the capital.