Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 417 Young Master of Yunling
"It's none of your business, don't take it to heart."

Xue Sui comforted her and gave her the silk thread she had brought back from town, saying, "You're just sitting around doing nothing anyway. Take this and sort the colors and arrange them. It'll make you feel better."

Xiao Zhao immediately went to the basin to wash her hands, carefully untied her bundle, picked up the silk thread and twirled it around her fingertips. "Miss, this thread is such a beautiful color. Shall I embroider a handkerchief for you?"

“I don’t need it…” Xue Sui thought for a moment and then said, “You keep it. Once the war is over and we return to Shangjing, we’ll have plenty of time to do these things slowly…”

"Yes." Xiao Zhao nodded vigorously. "I'll embroider a handkerchief with mandarin ducks playing in the water for you, Miss..." Then she lowered her head and asked softly, "How about embroidering one for Guard Guan as well? As an apology."

Xue Sui raised an eyebrow and looked at her, "Is it for Guard Guan, also embroidered with mandarin ducks playing in the water?"

Xiao Zhao's face flushed red, and she said reproachfully, "Don't embarrass me like that, I was just saying it casually."

She hurriedly gathered the silk threads as if they were hot to the touch.

Xue Sui chuckled softly.

Just then, footsteps came from outside the tent. She composed herself and gestured for Xiao Zhao to go and see.

It's Li Zhao who's here.

He lifted the curtain and entered, took off his cloak, which was still damp with the chill from outside, sat down to warm his hands by the charcoal brazier, and asked Xue Sui, "Are you feeling any better? Have you taken your medicine?"

"It's nothing serious now." Xue Sui pointed to the empty medicine bowl on the table. "Luckily, Xiao Dingshan only used a sleeping potion. If it had been some other poison, I'd probably be playing chess with the King of Hell right now..."

Li Zhao paused, his eyes darkening.

"It'll be over soon. These scoundrels won't be able to keep up their act for long."

Xue Sui was somewhat surprised, "I thought Your Highness would immediately mobilize troops to suppress them?"

Li Zhaodao said, "Wait a little longer."

He didn't tell her what he was waiting for, but the atmosphere in the camp quietly tightened. The drill chants were louder than usual, provisions were being distributed, and even the number of patrolling soldiers had doubled.

Consequently, Li Zhaolai visited her tent less often.

The following day, Prince Li Shao, accompanied by his wife Lady Wen, set off back to Dianzhou to begin planning the ambush at Laoxionggou.

Before leaving, Madam Wen held Xue Sui's hand and spoke many intimate words, earnestly inviting her to visit Dianzhou in the future.

Xue Sui smiled and thanked him, exchanged gifts, and then escorted them to the gate, watching their entourage gradually disappear into the distance on the snow-covered official road, finally turning the corner.

The days passed peacefully for a few days.

During this time, Li Zhao took Xue Sui to Qingshiyi again, where they found the old Liu's restaurant and tasted a bowl of mutton soup.

Early that morning, the sound of horses' hooves could be heard outside the camp.

A dozen or so riders came galloping down the official road, heading straight for the camp.

The warhorses were tall and magnificent, their hooves whistling through the air, exuding a wild spirit. The riders were all burly men, wearing fur coats, carrying curved swords at their waists, bows and crossbows on their backs, their faces rugged, clearly dressed as foreigners from the Yunling region.

A small group of people, yet they exuded an intimidating aura.

The young man at the head of the group, dressed in a crimson mink robe, was tall and robust. His bronze skin gleamed in the sunlight, his nose was high and straight, his eyes were deep-set, and his long hair was tied back with a gold ring. A turquoise-inlaid headband adorned his forehead, adding to his air of untamed arrogance.

What was most striking was that there was an iron cage hanging on his saddle, inside which lay a half-grown mastiff, its tongue lolling out, its eyes fierce, and it growled softly at the sight of people.

The guards at the gate immediately became alert.

They gripped their spears tightly and shouted loudly across the gate.

"Who goes there? This is a military stronghold; trespassing is strictly prohibited. Halt immediately!"

"Hachi, the young master of Black Stone Village, requests an audience with His Highness the Crown Prince of Great Liang." The young man's voice was loud and clear, so loud that it made people's ears ring.

"Black Stone Village?" The guards exchanged a glance. "Quickly, report to His Highness the Crown Prince."

Among the thirty-six strongholds of Yunling, the most powerful and the most difficult to provoke is Black Stone Stronghold. The old chieftain, Dorje, is of high seniority and commands 30,000 fierce soldiers. He is the de facto leader of Yunling, and all the other chieftains must show him respect.

This Hachi was the youngest son of the old chieftain.

The atmosphere in the camp instantly became extremely tense, as if facing a formidable enemy.

Xue Sui was watching Xiao Zhao tidy up the odds and ends in the tent when he received the news. He already understood the situation quite well—the fifty taels of silver spent by Young Master Li were indeed well spent.

"Why aren't you curious at all, young lady?" Xiao Zhao asked.

Xue Sui smiled faintly, "What's meant to happen will happen. Let's go see if the handsome young men from Yunling are as dashing as Guard Guan."

The person who just delivered the message said that those young men were all tall and handsome.

Xiao Zhao blushed, "Miss is making fun of me again..."

Xue Sui smiled but didn't reply.

When she arrived, Li Zhao had already invited her into the main tent.

Inside the tent, the young master named Hachi was the same foreign youth who had "no money for food" at the mutton soup shop in Qing Shi Yi that day. He had changed into a robe, washed away the dust of his journey, and looked much more energetic, exuding a more imposing aura and less of a disheveled appearance than before.

He cupped his hands to Li Zhao and said, "I have always been grateful for Your Highness's help that day. After returning, I sent people to inquire everywhere, and only yesterday did I learn that my benefactor was actually the Crown Prince of Liang... I am late, and I hope Your Highness will not be offended."

The thirty-six villages of Yunling have always been arrogant, believing themselves to be far removed from the emperor and never considering themselves subjects of the Great Liang. The title "Hachi" carries respect, but the term "subject" is not used, which shows their inherent pride and arrogance.

Li Zhao did not mind his offense and calmly returned the greeting with composure and grace.

"I was surprised to see that you were the young master of Black Stone Stronghold. It was just a small matter, nothing to mention. Please rise."

His politeness eased the burly man's tension, and he laughed loudly, "Those ignorant fools, looking down on people like dogs. I originally wanted to take some men to teach them a lesson, but once I got to Qing Shi Post Station, I couldn't be bothered anymore. Hmph, what's their status? Not worth dirtying my blade!"

Li Zhao chuckled, “The young chieftain is broad-minded and generous, which is admirable… Please take a seat.”

Hachi also laughed heartily.

He sat down, his expression immediately becoming serious, and waved to his attendants.

"Your Highness's assistance is beyond repayment; this humble gift is offered in small measure, and I hope Your Highness will not find it offensive." As soon as he finished speaking, his attendants immediately brought out several trays covered with red cloth. Judging from their appearance, they contained delicacies, medicinal herbs, and furs—specialties from Yunnan...

“Your Highness is well-traveled and knowledgeable; these mundane things are probably beneath your notice. But this little fellow is the best thing in our village…”

A burly man carefully led in a mastiff.

Its entire body was jet black except for its four hooves treading on snow. It had a tuft of white fur on its chest, and a pair of amber eyes stared intently at him, emitting a low, threatening growl from its throat, appearing wary and uneasy.

The atmosphere inside the tent instantly froze.

Li Zhao raised an eyebrow, his gaze sweeping over the gifts before finally settling on the mastiff, a hint of interest in his eyes.

"This little guy is quite something."

"Your Highness, please excuse my arrogance." A hint of pride flashed in Hachi's eyes. "Its name is Black Wind. It's only three months old and is the best mastiff in the village. It can tell the difference between loyal and treacherous people and is fierce in protecting its master. Don't be fooled by its barking at Your Highness now; it's not familiar with you yet. After a few more days, it will recognize you as its master."

Li Zhao turned his gaze to Xue Sui beside him, asking, "Does Ping An like it?"

Xue Sui knew that Li Zhao loved these cats and dogs, but due to his status as the crown prince and the rules of the Eastern Palace, it was inconvenient to keep them in the palace.

So she smiled slightly and replied politely, "Young Chieftain's sincerity is evident. If I were to refuse, wouldn't I be letting down his kind intentions?"

Upon hearing this, Li Zhao's smile deepened. "Since the chieftain is so kind, it would be impolite of me to refuse... Black Wind, come here."

"I'm glad Your Highness likes it." Hachi laughed heartily, patted the dog, and his facial features softened considerably, losing their fierceness.

"Go, meet your new master!"

Li Zhao patted Hei Feng's head.

"A good mastiff."

The atmosphere suddenly became harmonious.

Li Zhao ordered his men to serve fruit, snacks, and tea, and added some braised meats and smoked meats as appetizers. He also personally poured Hachi a bowl of Zhuangyuan Hong wine, a traditional liquor from the capital.

They chatted happily over the charcoal fire.

Hachi was indeed a straightforward and cheerful person. After a few bowls of strong liquor, he opened up completely, talking about interesting things in Yunling and the entanglements between the villages. He was bold, frank, and had no guile whatsoever.

Li Zhao listened patiently, occasionally responding with a few words.

Only after Hachi's face was flushed from drinking did he put down his wine bowl and change the subject.

"I have one more thing I would like to ask the young chieftain."

"Your Highness, please speak." Hachi put down his teacup and sat up straight.

"Has the Yunling region been rather unsettled lately?" Li Zhao asked in a low voice. "A group of defeated soldiers has wandered into the depths of Yunling, burning, killing, and looting. They sometimes rob caravans and even affect nearby villages. I wonder if the young chieftain has heard of this?"

Hachi's face instantly darkened.

“Those bastards, they scurried into Yunling like lice crawling into your crotch, impossible to shake off or scratch, and disgusting indeed. They steal water, grain, cattle, and sheep, grabbing whatever they can get their hands on. The other day, they even stole the salt and winter provisions that Baiyan Village had brought back from the foot of the mountain. If it weren't for my father stopping me, and those old, toothless elders who always say it's better to avoid trouble, I would have led men to drag those scum out, skin them alive, and hang their heads on the village gate as a warning…”

His chest heaved, clearly indicating that he had been harboring resentment for a long time.

Li Zhao nodded, indicating his understanding, "The chieftain of Dorje is also thinking about the bigger picture and doesn't want to cause conflict."

"He's a coward." Hachi sneered, his voice brimming with youthful vigor and disdain. "Yunling is our root, our ancestors have lived here for generations, and we won't tolerate these outsiders running rampant..."

"Young chieftain, your spirit is truly heroic!" Li Zhao exclaimed repeatedly. He exchanged a glance with Xue Sui without showing any emotion, and then said, "That Xiao clan traitor is a wanted criminal of our Great Liang, and the mastermind behind the chaos in Yunling. If you and I join forces to wipe out these wolves in one fell swoop and restore peace to Yunling... wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"

“That would be perfect,” Hachi immediately replied, but in an instant, his expression darkened, and he sighed helplessly.

"However... my father has many concerns and is unwilling to deal with the imperial court. The elders in the village are even more stubborn, adhering to ancestral teachings and regarding outsiders as floods and beasts... Alas, I'm afraid this matter will be difficult to accomplish."

Li Zhao smiled.

He was well aware that the Thirty-Six Strongholds were caught in a dilemma, unwilling to offend the Great Liang, and even less willing to risk their lives for the imperial court...

After all, Xiao Yan had been operating here for many years, so there were bound to be some connections. If there was profit to be made and a stable income was guaranteed, who would take the risk?
He said, "Young chieftain need not worry! I am sincere, and I am sure that Chief Doji will not refuse."

"Oh?" Hachi raised an eyebrow.

Li Zhao's eyes were clear and bright: "Please ask the young chieftain to convey to Chief Duoji and all the village elders that my campaign is solely to eliminate the Xiao clan's rebel party and that I have absolutely no intention of coveting Yunling. After the matter is accomplished, I will immediately order the opening of the three passes east of Yunling, allowing caravans from the thirty-six villages of Yunling to travel freely and trade with Daliang, and exempting them from taxes."

Hachi suddenly looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Li Zhao added, “Furthermore, I will petition His Majesty to formally appoint your father as the Pacification Commissioner of Yunling, in charge of all the villages. The court will bestow upon him an official seal and documents, and he will be able to handle all affairs in Yunling independently. From now on, as long as the thirty-six villages abide by their duties, I guarantee that the court will never levy taxes or impose additional levies.”

Hachi was so shocked that he couldn't speak.

This "small gift" is anything but small; it far surpasses the value of gold and jade. It truly delivers the lifeline of survival and development of the thirty-six villages of Yunling to the heart of Black Stone Village, and indeed, the entire thirty-six villages of Yunling...

"Your Highness... are you serious?" Hachi's voice was slightly excited.

“A gentleman’s promise is as clear as heaven and earth.” Li Zhao stood up, his expression solemn. “I have always acted with integrity and always keep my word.”

"Good!" Hachi took a deep breath, took two steps forward, placed his right fist on his chest, and bowed deeply to Li Zhao, full of admiration. "Your Highness is straightforward and generous. I appreciate your sincerity. I have made this friend. Rest assured, Your Highness, I will ride back to the camp immediately and persuade my father. When we wipe out the Xiao bandits in the future, I, Hachi, am willing to be Your Highness's vanguard! I will brave mountains of knives and seas of fire, and if I even flinch, I am a son of a bitch..."

Li Zhao smiled and nodded.

"With the chieftain's words, I am relieved."

He personally refilled Hachi's cup with wine, then raised the cup high, saying, "Peace and tranquility in the Yunling Mountains are just around the corner! Come, drink this cup to the brim and await good news."

"Drink to the brim! To Your Highness—" Hachi responded loudly, tilting his head back to drink the strong liquor in his bowl in one gulp. The liquor flowed down his chin, and he wiped it off casually, adding to his unrestrained and wild nature.

"Farewell!"

　See you tomorrow! Thanks for your support!

　　(End of this chapter)