Chapter 1034: I want some peace and quie (2/2)

“If you’re supposed to go back, then go back. Are you going to defy orders?” Tang Li asked before taking out a command token. This was property of the East Qin imperial clan and seeing it was equivalent to seeing Long Feiye himself.

Actually, he didn’t have a token of his own--this was one of Xu Donglin’s, used to run errands and tasks. Last night he’d nicked it off the guard before heading out.

Seeing the command token sent Baili Yuanlong and the others to their knees while quashing all their questions. All of them exclaimed, “We subordinates obey the order!”

Baili Yuanlong mounted his horse after getting to his feet, but paused before leaving to coldly toss back, “Tang Li, who convinced His Highness? I’ll have to trouble you to bring them my thanks!”

“Alright!” Tang Li grinned until his eyes were pretty crescents. It wasn’t until Baili Yuanlong’s group vanished into the morning snow that Tang Li’s smile faded away into his original dull expression.

At this point, Xu Donglin emerged from his hiding point, close to the point of tears. “Master Li, I’m begging you, hurry up and return the command token to this subordinate! This subordinate is going to be in big trouble! This subordinate is doomed!”

“What are you afraid of? This clan head will protect you!” Tang Li said as he tossed the tablet back.

“Tang Clan Head, this subordinate must report this matter to His Highness, I cannot--”

“Can you pipe down? I want some peace and quiet.”

Xu Donglin shriveled up at Tang Li’s words. He could be tough and unyielding towards the Baili Army in His Highness’s name, but not to Tang Li himself.

“Peace and quiet? Jing Jing?” (静静)

Tang Li broke into a pained smile. He only wanted some peace and quiet by himself, but why...why did that phrase turn into he wanted Jing Jing instead?[1]

Just how much did he miss Jing Jing?

“Xu Donglin, go ahead and report me. You might as well tell big bro that...I and Ning Jing and the baby will all be waiting for him.” So speaking, Tang Li jumped astride his horse and galloped into the snowstorm.

It was unclear how Tang Li’s actions against Baili Yuanlong would affect Long Feiye and Han Yunxi in the long run. For now, the two of them were still debating possibilities. Meanwhile, another person was keeping tabs on the timing of the punitive expedition to the north.

That man was none other than Bai Yanqing.

After leaving the Heretical Sword Sect, he ended up in Northern Li. Currently, he was in Skyriver City, where Jun Yixie had first taken possession of his troops. Although Jun Yixie had changed all of his men to clear out Bai Yanqing’s trusted aides, the man still had methods to plant agents by his side. After all, he was Jun Yixie’s master, so he knew the boy like the palm of his hand. Bai Yanqing was perfectly clear on the number of hostages in Jun Yixie’s hands, the details of his agreement with Ning Cheng, and various other things.

“Master, Jun Yixie asked to borrow Ning Cheng’s red coat cannons again a few days ago,” a retainer reported.

“Heheh, the red coat cannons won’t save him. Only the hostages at Tiger’s Den can. Wait until spring comes, because the East-West Qin alliance will definitely unite to attack the north!” Bai Yanqing grinned.

“Master, East and West Qin just finished a battle in the south yesterday!” the retainer was confused.

“Heheh, they’re only putting on a show. Wait and watch: the Di Clan is so anxious to save their master that they’ll head north come spring for sure!” Bai Yanqing was certain.

Jun Yixie couldn’t see the full picture, but he did. He had been observing the various skirmishes between East and West Qin this entire time and had long gotten a clue. He was convinced that Ning Cheng had thoroughly tricked Jun Yixie, but he couldn’t figure out how the man was coordinating with the Di Clan and Long Feiye’s faction while stuck within the army. With Jun Yixie’s personality, he’d be lax on the other hostages but keep a tight reins on Ning cheng. Bai Yanqing’s agents were still investigating in secret, but they still hadn’t uncovered Ning Cheng’s confidante.

“How about making a bet? A massive war will begin come spring!” Bai Yanqing was in quite a good mood.

The retainer didn’t dare to take up the offer. “Master is wise and brilliant, this servant is slow and stupid!”

Bai Yanqing didn’t comment, but only smiled coldly. As long as the northern campaign begins, Long Feiye and Han Yunxi will have harder chances to go to Celestial Mountain. That would give the Heretical Sword Sect more time to finish their task!

Bai Yanqing could never guess that the one who betrayed Jun Yixie was none other than his good disciple Bai Yuqiao, who had loved her senior brother for years.

And yet, Jun Yixie did!

That day, he received a secret letter from the soldiers sent to inspect Tiger’s Den.

1. I want some peace and quiet is written 我想静静, which also means “I want/miss Jing Jing,” Ning Jing’s nickname.