Return of the Swallow

Translated by: etvolare

Lu Heng understood and called two female tribesmen over, telling them to take Biyu and Xinyu elsewhere to rest.

When there were no further outsiders, Lu Heng asked, "Are you worried they're spies?"

"Although we aren't familiar with each other, Biyu did end up getting hurt because of me. If I can help them a little, I might as well. However, that doesn’t mean we should lower our guard. The amount of provisions we have here is simply too eye catching. I’m worried that the Xiyue prince might grow impatient and a fight will break out over the supplies. It will cause unnecessary loss then.”

"It’s as you say." Lu Heng inspected their surroundings in passing as he walked around the camp with Qin Yining.

Qin Yining narrowed her eyes involuntarily and stuck her hands under her armpits when the frosty night winds came howling at them.

“We must prepare for everything though. Although that Xiyue prince isn’t very shrewd, a person like him is also unpredictable and can do preposterous things.”

“You’re right. We can’t understand his way of thinking with logic, so we have to be even more cautious,” Lu Heng continued, “The tribe has greatly relaxed and recovered during our time in the oasis, so general health is much better now. The Minuo is a fiesty tribe to begin with, and we have many skilled with the bow and cavalry.

“After all they’ve suffered and repressed under Anari’s persecution, even the womenfolk bear an undying will unafraid of death. Compared to the unblooded children in the oasis who have never seen blood, our numbers and fighting strength mean that we won’t be at a disadvantage.”

“But both sides will suffer casualties if a fight breaks out. I’m not afraid of a battle, but I also don’t want needless injuries and fatalities. We only live once, and we can’t disregard other people's lives when we make our own decisions.

“Back home, Pang Zhixi often said that everyone was born equal and no one’s life is more precious than anybody else's. That’s why, when soldiers and generals die in the battlefield, that is a fulfillment of their duties. However, to drag the people into war is an absolutely cruel act of heartless brutality. Most of the Minuo tribesmen with us aren’t soldiers, and I don’t want them to throw their lives away because of us.”

A faint sourness couldn’t help but emerge in Lu Heng’s heart when he heard the pride and softness that had unconsciously appeared in Qin Yining’s tone when she mentioned Pang Xiao. However, he was now at the point where he’d ignore these moments of frustration and jealousy, instead focusing on analyzing the meaning behind Qin Yining’s words. He was in fact gaining a new level of understanding of Pang Xiao.

“I didn’t know the prince was such a compassionate man. It looks like the rumors aren’t true at all.”

Qin Yining chuckled, “Of course you can’t trust everything the rumors say. There were quite disgusting rumors about me in the gossip mill in the past.”

“Nothing else matters as long as one holds a clear conscience about their actions.” Lu Heng couldn’t help but laugh when he heard that.

“Yes, especially with our current situation.” Qin Yining tilted her head toward the sky. There wasn’t even a single star in the night sky tonight. It was like a pitch black curtain had blocked all the light. From the heavy, overcast clouds, it seemed like a great snowfall would soon occur.

Lu Heng also looked up at the sky with her, silent for a long time. “I’ve already secretly arranged for the tribes to carry a portion of provisions with them at all times and prepared enough water. If something unexpected happens, we’ll take as much of the supplies and horses with us when we escape. Even if we can’t bring the wagons and have to leave on just the horses, it won’t be as bad as starving.”

“Mm, I was thinking of doing that too. Good thing that you’re here and already arranged for it.” Qin Yining stopped walking and flashed a grin. “But don’t worry, I won’t allow a situation like that to happen.”

Lu Heng naturally knew of Qin Yining’s stubborn temperament. Once she decided something was her responsibility, she would grit her teeth and persevere until the very end.

But the Minuo tribe wasn’t originally her responsibility. He didn’t want her to take so much pressure onto her shoulders.

“Ah well, let’s just rest well tonight.” Qin Yining smiled, “Now that I’ve returned, I can finally sleep peacefully, surrounded by our people.”

Lu Heng quickly bobbed his head, knowing she was still ill and certainly exhausted after that bout in the palace earlier. “Let’s go, I’ll escort you to your room.”

Lu Heng gave his warm mudbrick house to Qin Yining, while he himself went to bunk up with Caganhbara and Harbhara. The other tribesmen had just set up tents like they’d done countless times while fleeing in the desert. They took turns keeping guard, not daring to relax in the slightest. f𝘳𝚎𝐞we𝐛𝑛𝐨𝘃e𝘭.co𝘮

Reassured, Qin Yining entered the land of dreams.

Perhaps due to her fragile state, she fell into a deep sleep. The tribesmen all knew the state of her body so nobody came to call her up, just allowing her to rest. But just after noon, the guards on duty came back to Uncle Alham with a worrying report.

“There’s a group of people outside, and they seem to be led by that prince who escorted the chief back yesterday.”

Uncle Alham was alarmed when he heard the news. He ran to call Lu Heng, not daring to tarry.

Lu Heng hummed with contemplation immediately heading out to welcome them, cupping his hands in greeting when he saw the man draped in a black cotton overcoat.

“So it’s Your Grace! Please pardon me for not having come out to greet you.”

Zhou Meng arrogantly raised his chin, indicating Lu Heng could dispense with the courtesies. “This prince has come, but why haven’t Miss Pang come out to greet me?”