Chapter 77: Desperate Dispatch Over Six Hundred Li (Part 3)

Chapter 77: Desperate Dispatch Over Six Hundred Li (Part 3)

"Miss..."

Xiao Zhi spoke.

The perilous valley pass was blocked by heavy snow, trapping Uncle Hao's convoy for three whole days within the narrow path, resulting in several escort masters freezing to death.

Last night, Uncle Hao and his men found an alternative treacherous mountain trail that was still passable. They took the risk, and fortunately, they managed to exit the perilous valley. However, their relief was short-lived as a band of marauders suddenly appeared from the woods, robbing them of their cargo.

These bandits seemed well-prepared, lying in wait specifically for passing merchants.

The perilous valley pass, being long and narrow, was an ideal spot for ambushes, serving as a crucial route between Tiangu Pass County and Langjing.

During the Great Qin era, incidents involving roaming bandits were common here, with caravans frequently falling victim to robberies. The Crown Prince of Great Qin had personally led troops to suppress these bandits, ridding the area of their strongholds, thus ensuring the safety of the caravans.

After the founding of Yunlang, Tiangu Pass County was established at the perilous valley pass, guarded by local garrisons.

Although banditry continued over the years, it no longer occurred so brazenly, especially not under the watchful eyes of the garrison stationed at Tiangu Pass County, and certainly not targeting goods belonging to her lian ge.

"Miss, this robbery of our lian ge's goods is likely connected to the snow disaster in Tiangu Pass County. Now that the convoy has been robbed, Uncle Hao and the others..."

Their whereabouts are unknown, their fates uncertain.

Xiao Zhi spoke solemnly, walking over to Yi Ying's side and taking his hand.

Yi Ying glanced at Xiao Zhi, squeezing her hand gently.

Su RAO's clenched fingers turned pale, while her eyes and brows revealed a hint of redness.

"Yi Su, stay in Langjing. Don't inform Lady Qin about this for now. Yi Ying and I will head to Tiangu Pass County."

In a split second, Su RAO's tightly clasped hands suddenly tightened further.

Uncle Hao must be safe.

She strode out of the house, heading straight for the stables at the back of the lian ge.

Yi Ying quickly followed.

"Miss..."

Yi Su also wanted to go, but Xiao Zhi held her back.

"Yi Su, follow Miss's instructions. Uncle Hao will be fine. Miss needs you here in Langjing to cover for her absence."

Yi Su pursed her lips tightly, her steps halting as her gaze fell upon Xiao Zhi. After a moment, her hand, which had fallen to her side, gripped the dagger at her waist tightly.

Miss...

Father...

...

As night fell,

Two steeds left Langjing swiftly before the city gates closed.

Inside Qingfeng Residence,

Yun Feng also strode in once again...

The starlight, carrying the chill of winter's night wind, howled like sharp blades.

The colorful hues illuminated the winter night, casting their glow into the imperial palace, yet they failed to outshine the transparent lanterns within Luantian Hall, adorned with coiling dragons.

Emperor Yu convened the evening court session, with ministers and generals of the third rank and above rushing into the imperial palace.

The evening court session had yet to conclude.

The winter night wind grew increasingly cold, its icy touch painful against the skin.

Amidst the mountains, two figures moved swiftly like gusts of wind, leaving behind layers of peaks and forests as they retreated, their cloaks billowing in the biting wind.

"Master, if Second Master goes to Qingfeng Residence and discovers your absence..."

This voice, carried by the chill of night, reached Su RAO's ears. Although Yi Ying was deeply worried about his father, if Second Master learned that Miss had left like this...

Su RAO wore a set of white martial attire, not the crimson outfit of Young Master Xiao. After all, Young Master Xiao had already departed, and wearing that outfit would draw too much attention now.

"Yi Ying, don't say any more. You are my most cherished family, the only kin Qin RAO has in this world. With Uncle Hao's fate uncertain, how can I sit idly by? Moreover, Second Brother said he wouldn't interfere with me anymore, regardless of what I do. And Yun Ji would..."

Her words seemed to be swallowed by the cool night breeze for a moment, but perhaps they weren't.

"He would help cover for me. Su RAO never left Qingfeng Residence."

"Miss..."

Yi Ying turned his head, looking at Su RAO through his hat, and still spoke:

"Miss isn't one to trust others easily, so why do you place such trust in Prince Jingyue?"

"I don't trust Yun Ji."

Su RAO shook her head without a moment's hesitation.

"I trust Second Brother. A close friend who has been treated sincerely by Second Brother for many years would undoubtedly have good character. Since Yun Ji promised to help me, he will definitely cover for me; otherwise, he wouldn't have agreed."

With Su RAO's explanation, Yi Ying did not speak further. Although he had not witnessed Prince Jingyue's demeanor, he had heard plenty of rumors about him.

In the posture of clear scenery and tranquil moon, in the appearance of exquisite beauty that startles with its splendor, in the grace of pure wind and bright moon.

A gentleman, like a fragrant orchid or a noble tree.

Such a person should disdain the ways of small men.

Rushing through the night, galloping on horseback.

From Langjing to Tianju Pass County, taking shortcuts through mountain paths without stopping, they could reach the perilous valley pass in two days and nights.

The two did not take the official road.

Taking the official road would not only prolong their journey but also subject them to scrutiny at various checkpoints along the way, demanding travel permits and official documents. They didn't have time for such delays. Taking the mountain paths saved time, allowing them to reach Tianju Pass County as quickly as possible and avoid unnecessary trouble.

Even on a winter night with brilliantly shining stars, the cold winds howled fiercely.

Su Rao and Yi Ying both wore large cloaks and hats to fend off the chill, their horses' hooves rapidly treading over the mountain path.

Snow danced in the air around the mountains.

The surrounding dusk swiftly passed by.

Mountains, rivers, forests, and the narrow path.

Night fell hurriedly, like a shooting star, vanishing in an instant.

After traveling nonstop through the night, even if the people weren't tired, the horses would be. Before dawn broke, in the dim light between darkness and daybreak, Su Rao and Yi Ying stopped near a stream for a brief rest.

Then they continued on their journey.

This small stream flowed out from the forest, already frozen solid during this winter month. The ice was smooth and clear, like a transparent mirror, slightly dispelling the early morning frost mist.

Tying up the reins securely, Yi Ying broke a hole in the ice to fetch water and started a fire.

The flames illuminated the frosty mist in the woods.

Their chilled bodies finally warmed up a little.

"Master, eat something first."

Yi Ying took out some dry rations from the pack and handed them to Su Rao, who wasn't one to fuss. She directly took the food and chewed heartily, drinking the heated stream water.

"Yi Ying, let's eat quickly. After we finish, we should set off early."

Her voice muffled by food, Su Rao ate while surveying the surroundings.

The area around the stream was surrounded by dense forests, the fallen snow yet to melt. At this early hour, frost mist enveloped everything, creating a vast expanse of white fog. In the foreground, the snow was white with specks of dark green, blending together in harmony—a winter forest scene of exquisite beauty.

Looking further into the distance, visibility was obscured by the morning mist and frost.

The entire forest was silent except for the whistling sound of the cold wind. Not a single animal track could be seen, likely all hibernating to escape the cold. At this moment, the only ones breathing heavily were the two of them and their two horses.

Yi Ying nodded and also began chewing heartily.

As dawn broke, half of the bright moon still hung in the sky, not yet relinquishing its position to the morning sun. However, the morning mist and frost had been dispersed, and the hazy view was cleared by the early morning breeze.

Having made do with a simple breakfast, Su Rao and Yi Ying packed up and prepared to continue their journey. Just as they untied the reins, they suddenly heard the sound of hooves coming from one end of the forest, growing closer and closer.

Clomp, clomp, clomp...

Su Rao and Yi Ying immediately exchanged a glance, their expressions turning wary.

Who could it be, so early in the morning, traveling the same shortcut as they were?