Chapter 1033: The path of a sovereign lies with choice (1/2)

Tang Li waited, but for a long time there was no answer. He knocked again.

“Sister-in-law, I know you’re there. Don’t be angry at my big bro anymore. I just want to ask you one question--an important one.”

He waited a while longer, but Han Yunxi only answered him without opening the door. “It’s already this late. You can talk about anything tomorrow.”

“What if I have to ask it now? Sister-in-law, can you open the door?” Tang Li asked.

If Han Yunxi came out, she would definitely notice Tang Li’s abnormality. His expression was dull and it looked like he’d lost his soul. After another spell of silence, Han Yunxi intoned from behind closed doors, “Go ahead.”

Tang Li immediately grew serious. “Sister-in-law, is the end of spring, approaching summer, the best time to lead a punitive expedition north?”

The person inside seemed surprised, because she didn’t answer.

“Sister-in-law, is that true?” Tang Li persisted.

Silence greeted him.

Tang Li didn’t speak, but remained standing quietly by the entrance to wait. Naturally, the person inside realized this too.

“Tang Li, did someone from the Baili Army seek you out?” Han Yunxi asked.

That banished any doubts from Tang Li’s mind. Sister-in-law knows the Baili Army objects to an early spring expedition too. Otherwise, she’d never ask me such a question. Actually, he’d long guessed the answer, but for some reason he insisted on asking his question. It seemed like he was looking for a final excuse to convince himself. He rested his head against the door and didn’t say a word.

“Tang Li, your big brother and Myriad Merchant Hall agreed to start the expedition in spring. Don’t listen to the nonsense from those Baili Army people,” Han Yunxi grew anxious.

Tang Li remained mute while Han Yunxi stood waiting just inside the door. Before she could open it, Tang Li spoke up again. “Sister-in-law, I know now. I’m only here tonight to ask you for a favor.”

“What is it? Why are you being so formal?” Han Yunxi asked carefully.

“Sister-in-law, go coax my big bro. Tell him to delay the northern expedition until the end of spring, when summer’s here. That’s the best time to attack. Let him go with you to Celestial Mountain. When you guys come back, we’ll launch the rescue mission then.”

Although Tang Li was answering Han Yunxi, it felt like he was talking to himself as well. “I’ve thought it over. Ning Jing will have trouble moving with her stomach so big. If we risk rescuing her now, she’ll definitely get in the way. And if that affects the fetus, it’d be even worse. Why not...why not wait until the baby’s born before we save her?”

Han Yunxi abruptly cut him off. “Tang Li, have you lost it?! How could Jun Yixie allow the baby to stay with the mother after it’s born? They’ll definitely take the child away! Do you want your baby to be a hostage from birth? Can you guarantee that Bai Yuqiao can help us track down the child’s whereabouts? Or that we’ll even be able to rescue the baby? Tang Li, Jun Yixie isn’t a fool!” Although she couldn’t bear it, she still told him the facts. “Tang Li, you have to know that everything’s negotiable before we start a war. Once the fighting begins, the two armies won’t spare a single corner of Northern Li just for the sake of a child!”

In other words, it was likely they’d have to abandon the baby by that point.

Tang Li didn’t speak. Between the two of them stood a single door, their shared silence rivaling the still night. Finally, Han Yunxi said, “Tang Li, everything’s already been set. Don’t go finding trouble for yourself! You big bro can take care of the Baili Army, so no one will dare to do anything against you. Don’t worry!”

“Sister-in-law, I can’t allow my big bro to make mistakes and take such a big risk just because of my own affairs!”

Han Yunxi could clearly hear that Tang Li’s voice was hoarse in the quiet night.

He added, “Sister-in-law, I know my big bro’s not there, so you definitely can’t let him know. Just help me convince him.

“‘When I was younger, my big bro doted on me. He’d helped me block even the biggest problems, but this time...it’s my turn to shoulder the burden.” Tang Li’s voice grew even hoarser. “Ever since we were kids...even now, he’d never let anyone else take the blow for him. He’s always been bearing it alone. From now on, I can’t let my own affairs--”

The doors suddenly opened to reveal Long Feiye standing next to Han Yunxi indoors. Alarmed, Tang Li backed away. He assumed that big brother and sister-in-law were still apart after their argument since Han Yunxi hadn’t returned to the main sleeping quarters. Long Feiye now walked out expressionlessly to stop in front of Tang Li.

Stricken and tense, Tang Li decided to make a run for it, but Long Feiye hollered, “Stop right there!”

Tang Li had always listened to Long Feiye’s words and screeched to a stop on pure instinct. But it was only for a second, and he was soon hurrying towards the gates again. In a flash, Long Feiye flickered to block him. Angry and resentful, Tang Li turned his head aside.

“Are you certain?” Long Feiye said coldly.

“I’m certain!” Tang Li replied without hesitation.

“Say that to my face!” Long Feiye demanded.

Tang Li only looked to the side, too afraid to turn back.

“Go back and sleep!” Long Feiye ordered.