Chapter 376: Returning Back

“…Father, every word I said is true, not a bit exaggerated.” After returning to the manor, the Heir Apparent rushed in, still covered in dust, too anxious to even change into clean clothes, to see his father – Prince Ying^[1].

Prince Ying had planned to see the Heir Apparent upon his return, as he had already heard from his subordinates about the situation in Crouching Tiger.

He wanted to hear the Heir Apparent’s thoughts, especially since Guanzhou would someday be entrusted to him.

The Heir Apparent was already married and an adult. The fall of Crouching Tiger City was not the first time, nor would it be the last. They, father and son, were stationed at the border and could never let their guard down.

Crouching Tiger had spent the last three years fully reinforcing its defenses, thinking the walls were high and secure. This complacency allowed the Northern Rong to exploit the situation, a mindset that must be avoided at all costs. If they, the father and son, were as careless, who knows when the Northern Rong would breach Yongning City and take their heads.

“As you said, should Crouching Tiger report a victory this time?” Prince Ying frowned, half-asking, half-musing.

The Heir Apparent gestured for the maid serving tea to leave, took the teapot himself, poured two cups and drank them in one go, only slowing down by the third cup to sip it gently.

Without his armor, the Heir to Prince Ying appeared refined and handsome, with a hint of residual moisture on his face that seemed to add a soft glow to his features. His eyes carried a natural upward curve, making them look smiling even when he wasn’t, with a sharp nose and prominent brow adding a touch of heroism, balancing out his scholarly demeanor and preventing him from appearing too approachable and weak.

Prince Ying, with long narrow eyes and eyebrows just like the Heir Apparent’s, possessed a slightly squarer face, giving him a dignified and upright appearance.

“Father, think about it. Guanzhou has never been peaceful, always plagued by invasions from the Northern Rong. The court believes we are incompetent, using that as an excuse to repeatedly cut military funding, leaving the Prince’s Manor struggling financially.

If we report a victory this time, the Emperor^[2] might be happy enough to grant rewards, calming the populace, compensating fallen soldiers… all would be covered, and the posthumous matters for Lords Xiao and Zhang would be settled. As long as you embellish it a bit and submit a memorial^[3] with genuine words, everything will be well.

On the contrary, if we report honestly that Crouching Tiger’s granary was seized, the city and outskirts plundered, with significant civilian casualties, and Crouching Tiger’s defending army nearly annihilated, not only would Magistrate Tian be reprimanded, but even you, Father, might incur the Emperor’s wrath…”

The Heir Apparent undoubtedly knew Prince Ying very well, as he saw his father’s resolve waver.

“What if the court sends someone to investigate?” Prince Ying’s brows were still tightly knit.

“Magistrate Tian is competent. When I left, Crouching Tiger was slowly stabilizing, treating the wounded, recording losses and merits in an orderly manner. Besides, the bodies of the Northern Rong are right there; we didn’t fabricate anything. We can definitely handle it.”

After much consideration, Prince Ying finally made a decision.

“Then let this matter be managed by you, and make sure that village… doesn’t cause any trouble.”

“I understand, Father. I will handle it appropriately.”

…

Yan Yu, who had just taken another nap, was still groggy when Li Xuemei woke her for a meal, clearly not having slept enough.

“Eat first, and then you can sleep again,” Li Xuemei said with concern.

“Mom, hasn’t Dad come back yet?” Yan Yu rubbed her eyes and looked around, pouting when she saw Li Xuemei shake her head.

It’s already dark, how big was her father’s heart to not come home yet?

“Woof! Woof!” came the sound of soft barking from the door.

“Gouzhu?”

Yan Yu quickly put on her shoes and went to the door. Gouzhu, who had been sitting there obediently, stood up immediately and wagged his tail rapidly when she opened the door, nudging her with his head.

“Let me check if your silly hide is damaged by the water,” Yan Yu said, running her little hands from head to tail and nodding satisfactorily, “Not bad, not bad.”

“Be smarter next time. Once people are delivered, you should come back… Hmm, that’s not quite right, it’s hard to judge. Anyway, I’ll make sure to explain clearly from now on. Hey, why do you smell so nice?”

Li Xuemei commented, “Granny Rong gave him a wash. He smelled of earthy staleness when he came back, after being in the water for who knows how long.”

Yan Yu laughed, hugging his head, “Ha ha, Gouzhu, I should rename you Silly Dog…”

Gouzhu whimpered in his throat, shimmying his paws up her legs, gazing at her pitifully.

“Alright, alright, no name change. Gouzhu suits my style better. Come, let’s eat, and then we’ll head to Crouching Tiger together after dinner.”

Yan Yu was just about to leave after eating when Hu Family’s second brother came to report that the Heir Apparent, who had left during the day, had returned.

Yan Yu: …

Could it be that he’s here to deliver rewards? Is the Heir Apparent this efficient?

No matter how she thought about it, it just didn’t seem possible.

But why did they come again?

Could it be that he still didn’t believe and brought people to investigate?

If it was really like the previous visit from the prefectural city’s constables, the hidden bamboo crossbow and her unusual behavior as a child would likely be exposed.

She always felt it was better if the former stayed hidden as long as possible.

As for the latter, whether it was wielding a stick to kill or leading the entire village against the Northern Rong… both stories were rather legendary, which didn’t fit her usual low-profile demeanor.

Just as Yan Yu was wrestling with these thoughts.

The Heir to Prince Ying visited… the elders of Xiao’an Village.

A few old men received him solemnly.

While the Heir was contemplating how best to present his case, Village Chief Luo called for his grandson to fetch Xiao Er from the Yan household next door.

The Heir to Prince Ying: …

He gained a deeper understanding of the Yan family’s status in Xiao’an Village.

With Scholar Yan and his brother and son absent, it was up to Xiao Er to play host.

Despite her young age, her conduct left nothing to be desired.

When Yan Yu arrived later, the Heir explained his purpose for coming.

The village elders exchanged glances and turned their gaze towards Yan Yu.

Yan Yu instantly perceived the elder’s difficulties.

This wasn’t a trivial matter, and the village would need to convene to discuss it, informing her uncle and hearing his opinion.

“Grandpa Luo, you all discuss it. I’m worried about my dad, uncle, and brother and want to make a trip to Crouching Tiger,” Yan Yu suggested.

Village Chief Luo immediately grasped her hidden meaning.

“Heir Apparent, this is a significant matter. Please allow us time to deliberate and report back to you with our decision.”

“I will wait here for your conclusion. However, I must declare, once a decision is made, there’s no turning back, and under no circumstances should this be revealed to outsiders.”

Village Chief Luo hurriedly responded, “We understand, we understand.”

“Xiao Er, it’s difficult to travel at night. Let Pengshu accompany you on your journey,” the Heir said, stopping Yan Yu, who was wrapped tightly, revealing only her eyes.

She pulled down her mask, “There’s no need, big brother Heir. Our donkey knows the path well, and I’m not afraid of the dark.”

“The Northern Rong just retreated. It’s possible some scattered forces remain within the border. Let Pengshu accompany you for peace of mind.” The Heir’s tone was firm.

Yan Yu had no choice but to agree.

“Go to Crouching Tiger and relay my words to Registrar Yan, asking if he can return. This matter should be resolved sooner rather than later.”

Yan Yu understood, nodding quickly in agreement, “Rest assured, big brother Heir. I’ll relay everything to uncle word for word.”

(End of chapter)