308 The Crossbows... Have Arrived! (1/2)

”But, I wish to go with you… Hee hee… following you will be quite amusing. You're not very restful by nature. So, the journey will be very interesting. How could it be any fun to go with my three foolish elder brothers?” Dugu Xiao Yi instantly realized that her 'trick' had been ineffective. So, she shamelessly turned to a new approach.

It was clear to Jun Mo Xie that the little girl's three brothers had flatly rejected her request to accompany them. So, she had come to annoy him. [Why else would she come to me?]

”I've told you. It's not going to happen. You're not to get involved on this trip. So, you can forget about leaving this place!” It was like Jun Mo Xie's heart was made of iron and stone. He wouldn't concede; no matter what. ”You will accompany my sister-in-law at home. You can't go to a place like that. It will be hard to look after you. We're not going on an outing.”

”I don't understand how she'll keep me company… Anyway, she won't be accompanying me because I'm going to Tian Fa,” a cold voice spoke out. Jun Mo Xie's spine became stiff as he heard those words. He turned his head to look. [Wasn't that Guan Qing Han?]

Guan Qing Han had been feeling as if something was wrong with this matter of marching south to the forest. Not many people knew about their issues with the Xue Hun Manor. But, most of the influential families knew about it; the Imperial Palace was obviously no exception.

[And yet, they mentioned that Jun Wu Yi and Jun Mo Xie were to go … why would they do that?]

Jun Wu Yi would have to lead the troops into battle. So, that was acceptable. But, why had Jun Mo Xie been dragged into it? This had worried Guan Qing Han. And, what she was most worried about was… [What if the Xue Hun Manor tries to use this opportunity to create problems for Jun Wu Yi and Jun Mo Xie? It will all be because of me… What should I do? The nature of this uncle-nephew duo is bound to make things worse!]

[These two aren't that strong. So, how will they be able to deal with the Xue Hun Manor is some problems were to arise? There's bound to be an argument if either of the two sides brings up my name. And, Jun Mo Xie and Jun Wu Yi won't back down given their nature… Then, how would it end?]

[And, Jun Mo Xie is particularly fearless!]

[Is there anything he wouldn't do?]

Therefore, Guan Qing Han had decided that she must go. She had to go… even if it meant the death of her. [I'll undertake that journey by myself if you refuse to take me along!]

Everyone would return safely if everything turned out alright.

However, Guan Qing Han could always use herself as a bargaining chip if any problems were to arise. She would rather sacrifice her life for Jun Mo Xie and Jun Wu Yi's safe return. However, she couldn't allow the uncle-nephew duo to learn of her intentions. If they were to learn of her intentions… they would rather break her legs so that she wouldn't be able to go. Her third uncle wasn't very likely to take this action. But, she was well aware of her brother-in-law's nefarious nature. She knew that Jun Mo Xie was perfectly capable of confining her.

Guan Qing Han was perfectly aware of that point.

”What's happening today, ah! My sister-in-law… my very own sister-in-law has come to add to this chaos… why did you all come to see me…? Look, I can't deal with this…”Jun Mo Xie grabbed his hair. It seemed as if he had been driven mad, ”Don't come to me if you wish to go to Tian Fa. I've already said no… So, go to Third Uncle!”

”Your decision in this matter is your business. But, whether I go or not is mine!” Guan Qing Han looked unenthusiastically at Jun Mo Xie. Then, she quickly pulled Dugu Xiao Yi and left without consulting anyone. However, Dugu Xiao Yi gestured towards Jun Mo Xie with her eyes to demonstrate her protest as she left.

Her thought behind this gesture of protest was simple, [I'll be nice as long as you don't make trouble for me, and love me.]

Jun Mo Xie's mouth twisted wryly.

On the afternoon of the same day — Jun Mo Xie and his over-two-hundred imperial guards divided into groups, and disappeared from the Jun Family's residence.

Later that night…

Grandpa Jun's tall body stood sturdily in his courtyard. He said something to the ten shadowy figures that stood in front of him. Then, the ten figures dispersed and disappeared from the courtyard without a trace.

Grandpa Jun sighed and asked Old Pang, who stood beside him, ”When will they reach…?”

Old Pang thought for a moment and replied, ”Approximately by tomorrow evening.”

”Hmm…” the Old Man frowned and spoke, ”Old Pang, prepare the face-masks and dark clothes.”

Old Pang's eyes beamed with happiness.

Jun Wu Yi was inside his small courtyard. The Third Master had torn a slip of paper between his hands. He chuckled and muttered, ”Tomorrow evening…”

The curtains of night descended and ascended. The morning sun rose in the sky, and then set again. Soon, it was evening…

The moon was already on the rise after the sun had set. Time had passed in a flash. Zhou Wu Ji had forgotten how many times he had raised his whip to hasten his horse. It had been two mornings since he had left his ship and had come ashore. And, it had been two full days of haste.

They had hardly stopped ever since they had left the south. They had been travelling for nine days. And, they had hastened night and day. The result was also quite obvious. They were two days ahead of schedule. Two full days!