n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Chapter 523: Staying or Going
Translated by: etvolare
True enough, she could just leave and evade the Tatar pursuers. With Cao Yuqing and Azure Justice guarding her, she could find a safe place to hide and wait for this wave of soldiers to depart before disguising herself to sneak back to Great Zhou. She could also hide herself as a Tatar and wait for a better chance to escape. If she did that, she would definitely be able to survive.
But what about after?
They were all bosom companions whoâd braved life and death together. If she shrunk back now and escaped alone in their time of need, leaving the tribesmen to shoulder the dangers, what would that make her? She would never have a clear conscience for the rest of her days.
Qin Yining had never been someone who prioritized saving her neck at all cost. Although she attached much more importance to her own life after marrying Pang Xiao, that didnât mean she would change her bottom line.
A man of character had things they would and would not do. Although she was a woman, her heart didnât lose out to a manâs in the slightest.
Furthermore, didnât the Minuo incur Siqinâs wrath because theyâd helped her and Lu Heng in the first place? Even if it was impossible for them to live under the persecution in the capital, it wouldâve been much easier for them to just quietly leave by themselves. Why did they have to leave with her and Lu Heng, the two biggest bundles of trouble they couldâve picked up? If it wasnât for abiding by their promise and keeping their vow, who would do such a foolish thing?
Although a multitude of thoughts had passed through Qin Yiningâs mind, only a breathâs time had passed in reality.
âWhat a coincidence, I wasnât planning on leaving either.â Lu Heng smiled as well.
Qin Yining looked at her friend, happening to meet his answering gaze. The tacit smile she shared with Lu Heng confirmed that they were thinking the same.
Cao Yuqing stared at Qin Yining, lips tightly pursed, and heaved a great sigh, dejectedly lowering her eyes.
Uncle Alham looked at them with a complicated look on his face, not speaking for the longest time. This burly hulk of a man who wouldnât shed a tear even with a blade placed at his neck had his eyes redden from emotion.
Although the listeners didnât understand what Qin Yining and Lu Heng said, they could guess most of it from the twoâs smiles and Uncle Alhamâs expression. An anxious clamor for a translation started to rise.
Uncle Alham took a deep breath before explaining what had just happened to them, his words touching them in the deepest parts of their hearts.
Everybody urged them to leave. Although Qin Yining was stymied by the language barrier, Lu Heng understood full well. He just shook his head with a slight smile, indicating that the tribespeople didnât need to continue their persuasions.
A few looked pleadingly at Uncle Alham.
Uncle Alham tried to advise them again, but Qin Yining just waved her hand. âUncle Alham, donât try to change my mind. Iâve already made my decision.â
She turned to Cao Yuqing with a smile. âLetâs bid our farewells here. Auntie Cao really doesnât need to risk going into the desert with me. With so many tribesmen and supply wagons with me, thereâs sure to be no problem. Furthermore, father really needs somebody to protect him now. I donât want him to worry about my situation while Iâm in the desert, so I hope you can also tell him not to worry.â
She then turned to Liao Zhibing and the Zhao brothers. âThe three of you also donât have to continue on with me. Return to the border and go back to your previous lives. Iâm confident that our Azure Justice members can pass each day in safety and happiness.â
Liao Zhibing frowned. His mouth kept opening and closing, but in the end, he didnât voice an objection, a decision that relieved Qin Yining.
Cao Yuqing looked deeply at the girl, her face strained.âI really want to knock you out and take you with me.â
âAuntie Cao, since you;ve said that, you definitely wonât do it.â Qin Yining laughed, âIâm glad youâre so reasonable.â
âBut you arenât being reasonable.â Cao Yuqing dismissed impatiently, âIf I let you die here, how will I be able to face your father later?â
âAuntie Cao, Iâm not doing this because Iâm being unreasonable, but because I have my own bottom line. I believe that even if father hears my decision, even if heâs pained, he still wouldn't oppose it. There are just some things that cannot be done in life. You will be forever haunted by the specters of guilt if you go down those paths. I donât want to be that kind of person. I hope Auntie Cao can understand.â
Cao Yuqing tskâed with annoyance. âLittle wench, if I didnât understand you, I wouldâve already knocked you unconscious and have you on my shoulder to bring home.
Qin Yining knew that Cao Yuqing was in a tough spot, but her decision was final. All she could do was smile apologetically and muse further on her next steps.
âIâll have to trouble Auntie Cao with delivering a message to His Highness.â
âWhat message?â
âIâm running for my life and have long lost all of my belongings, nor do I have any keepsakes that I can leave behind for him.â Qin Yining spoke with a rueful dimple. âAuntie Cao, please just tell him not to worry about me. Iâm tough and resilientânot even a wolf can eat me. Iâll make it out alive. Please have him help take care of my parents, as well as look after Bingtang and Xiaozhou.
The princess consort hesitated at this point, but drew close to whisper in Cao Yuqingâs ear in a voice that only the two of them could hear.
âIf there really is no place for him at court in the future, I donât believe heâll be beaten down without a fight. If he wishes to win the trust of Northern Jiâs old guard, have Xiaozhou lead him to the mountain where we first found her. Something very useful is hidden in her old residence.â
Cao Yuqing stared at Qin Yining with astonishment.
However, the girl just grinned back at her.
âAuntie Cao, donât tell him that for now. But if Iâm still not back after a few years and itâs certain that I... By that time, he and the emperor will have a death feud with each other. If heâs still that Pang Zhixi who strives to help the people, tell him then. Otherwise, let this secret die with you. You canât tell even my father. Consider this my last wishâAuntie Cao, can you do it?â
Cao Yuqingâs heart tightened painfully when she noted the girlâs indifferent manner towards life and death, and how she was calmly arranging for her last affairs.
âIâll leave that for you to tell him personally,â Cao Yuqing snorted coolly. âI donât want to get dragged into your father-daughter business. Donât worry, you wonât die.â
âI know. Thereâs no time to lose. You all should hurry up and go.â Qin Yining urged Cao Yuqing, Liao Zhibing, and the Zhao brothers to be on their way.
Cao Yuqing pursed her lips and stood up, pinching Qin Yiningâs cheek in exasperation, âYou really are a worrisome child!â
Liao Zhibing, Zhao Promise, and Zhao Unbreakable saluted Qin Yining. âAlliance Head, weâll be going now.â
âFarewell, and stay safe.â Qin Yining dipped a curtsey in return.
Uncle Alham and the Minuo watched as Qin Yining said her farewells. The way she was absolutely determined in her decision to remain moved the tribesmen even more.
In their minds, Qin Yining was a woman with family and a husband who dearly loved her in Great Zhou. If she went back, she would be able to live out her days in happy splendor. Compared to Lu Heng, who currently didnât have a family to return to, her decision was much more significant. Thus, in their eyes, Qin Yining was held in even higher esteem.
Qin Yining watched as Cao Yuqing and the rest mounted their horses and rode off. âSince weâve made our decision, we should ensure weâve packed enough water and be on our way as well.â
âAlright.â Uncle Alham nodded before leading people to oversee the rest of the tribe. Along the way, they relayed the news that Qin Yining and Lu Heng had refused to flee for themselves.
Within just a few moments, the entirety of the tribe knew about it, and their respect and admiration for the two swelled to new heights.