Chapter 95: Birthday Gift

Chapter 95: A Doomed Fate

Perhaps, the Liang State was ultimately destined to fall.

Because of others—but even more so, because of themselves.

The letter contained nothing but Sima Wei’s flattery toward Emperor Liang, urging him to send envoys to bribe the Xiongnu into attacking Tuoba XIAO.

That day in court, the ministers opposed the idea, and the matter was shelved. Yet, Emperor Liang secretly summoned Sima Wei again.

The journey from Chang’an to the Xiongnu was long and grueling. To avoid detection and leave no trace, they couldn’t use relay stations or fast horses, taking nearly a month to reach the royal court. Not long after, news of Tuoba XIAO’s capture of Yanmen spread far and wide.

With Yanmen breached, the Jie were nothing more than sitting ducks—how could they withstand Tuoba XIAO’s ruthless onslaught? Moreover, with the 20,000 cavalry General Modolou had led to the Helan Mountain border, all they needed was to stall for time until Tuoba XIAO returned with his army. By then, the Xiongnu would stand no chance.

After weighing the risks, the Chanyu ultimately decided to stay his troops. Even Wudati Hou, who had always regarded Tuoba XIAO as his nemesis, remained uncharacteristically silent. The Liang envoy could only return in disappointment.

They believed they had acted discreetly, but word always gets out eventually.

This letter was sent by Jiang Huai to warn his daughter to be cautious.

She had married Tuoba XIAO as a princess of Liang. No matter how the Liang State treated her and her father, their bloodline would forever bind them to it.

Jiang Huai didn’t know whether Tuoba XIAO was already aware of this matter or if he would take his anger out on his daughter upon learning of it. His words were filled with anxiety, urging her not to speak up for Liang if Tuoba XIAO harbored hatred toward it. His only wish was for her to protect herself.

As Jiang Congyan read the caring words on the letter, a flicker of warmth rose in her chest, but she also felt a deep helplessness toward the current state of Liang.

A sinking ship—beyond saving, even by thousands.

During the Dragon Boat Festival floods in May, the Yellow River burst its banks. Emperor Liang adopted Sima Wei’s disaster relief strategy, which robbed the people of Henan and Henei of their land, further accelerating the aristocratic clans’ land grabs. Now, he had listened to Sima Wei’s slander and betrayed the Xianbei alliance before their pact had even broken. No—perhaps it wasn’t just slander. Given Emperor Liang’s nature, this might have been his own intention, merely letting someone else say it for him.

Domestically, he could not sustain the people’s livelihoods. Externally, he hesitated, spineless.

Having already formed an alliance, Emperor Liang should have done everything to court Tuoba XIAO’s favor and secure a peaceful external environment—at least until Tuoba XIAO made clear his intent to wage war against Liang. If he truly feared Tuoba XIAO’s southern advance and wanted to sever ties, he should have coordinated with the Xiongnu for a two-pronged attack to catch Tuoba XIAO off guard. Instead, he foolishly hoped to profit with nothing but empty words and a handful of gold and treasures.

Since when did luck like that exist?

With a sigh, she folded the letter and told A Fei to store it in the study.

She lifted her gaze toward the chieftain’s tent in the distance. Did Tuoba XIAO know about this? Yet he had never mentioned it in front of her.

In the afternoon, finally free, he rushed back to her.

Jiang Congyan was reviewing the plans Gan Luo had just submitted. Seeing the man, she put aside the documents and quietly studied him for a few seconds before suddenly saying, “There’s something I want to tell you.”

Tuoba XIAO plonked down beside her. “What a coincidence. I also have something to tell you.”

“Hmm?” Jiang Congyan raised a brow. “Then you go first. What is it?”

Yet Tuoba XIAO didn’t speak immediately. His eyes raked over her, lingering on her chest, waist, and limbs.

“…”

Jiang Congyan squirmed under his stare. His gaze was too intense, and knowing his usual irreverent nature, she knew he was up to no good. She had just risen to leave when his large hand caught her slender wrist.

“What are you doing?” she chided in a low voice. Had he already forgotten his punishment?

Tuoba XIAO feigned innocence. “Nothing.”

“If you have something to say, say it.” Jiang Congyan schooled her face into sternness.

Tuo Baxiao stopped teasing her and said seriously, "I'll take you horseback riding and archery. Want to go? You're too frail—you get sick too easily."

That’s what this was about?

Horseback riding and archery? The idea actually appealed to her.

Not only would it strengthen her body, but these were also survival skills.

In times like these, who could guarantee constant safety? If danger arose, good horsemanship could let her outrun others, and archery could help her fight enemies—both could mean the difference between life and death.

"Alright," Jiang Congyan agreed without hesitation.

"Then let's go now." He took her hand to lead her outside.

"Wait, I still have something to tell you." Jiang Congyan freed her hand from his grip.

"What is it?"

Seeing his relaxed expression, the eager look in his eyes, clearly in a good mood, Jiang Congyan hesitated for a rare moment. Should she really bring up such a mood-killer in this atmosphere?

But she had intended to ask.

Sensing her hesitation, the man's gaze sharpened as he focused on her face. "What is it? Is it difficult?"

Well, she might as well get it over with. She had to ask eventually.

Jiang Congyan lifted her chin. "Did you know... Liang State secretly sent envoys to the Xiongnu?"

After asking, her eyes snapped down, a flicker of unease in her chest. She thought it would be normal if Tuo Baxiao got angry because of this.

But after waiting a moment, his only response was, "I know."

He knew?

Her eyes snapped back up, staring at him in surprise. "You know? I... when did you find out? Why didn't you tell me?"

Tuo Baxiao cradled her pale cheek with his large hand—her face was so small his hand practically engulfed it. His calloused thumb gently stroked her soft skin.

"The second day after returning to the royal court. What the Liang emperor did has nothing to do with you."

Two sentences, answering both her questions.

So he had known this early, and yet he remained unchanged in front of her, showing no trace of resentment.

Something twisted in Jiang Congyan’s chest.

Tuo Baxiao added, "You’re my wife now—Liang State doesn’t concern you."

...

Jiang Congyan temporarily set aside her tasks and followed Tuo Baxiao to a vast stretch of grassland.

Autumn had crept in, and the green of the grass was gradually replaced by withered yellow. On some cold mornings, frost would lace the grass, shattering like glass underfoot.

Jiang Congyan still rode her snow-white mare. Though it couldn't compare to the Li Eagle, it was an exceptional mount—superior in endurance and speed, docile but sharp-witted, making it a reliable long-term companion.

Before this, Jiang Congyan’s riding skills barely extended beyond a trot, let alone advanced techniques. Tuo Baxiao taught her how to keep her seat at full gallop or during abrupt halts, how to flatten herself against the horse’s neck to dodge arrows, and how to adjust her fall if she accidentally tumbled—to minimize injury.

With years of battlefield experience, he had encountered every possible mishap on horseback and walked her through every scenario like a seasoned commander.

"...Did you remember everything I just said?"

"Yeah." Jiang Congyan thought for a moment, making sure she remembered everything.

"Then let's try it on horseback, starting with something simple."

Jiang Congyan gripped the saddle, lifted her leg onto the stirrup, and used all her strength to swing onto the horse's back. Thankfully, she wasn’t too short—otherwise, without enough burst of strength, mounting would have been truly difficult.

Tuo Baxiao frowned as he watched—she was way too slow.

Once seated, Jiang Congyan firmly grasped the reins and looked down at the man. "I'm ready," she said, her voice shaky with nerves.

Tuo Baxiao walked up to the horse's head and gave a few commands. Suddenly, the horse raised its neck and forelegs, and its back went from flat to sharply angled, making it nearly impossible for the rider to stay balanced.

Jiang Congyan struggled to follow his instructions—controlling the reins, digging in her heels, and maintaining balance—but her strength simply wasn’t enough. In the end, she went flying off.

"Ah!" The sudden weightlessness made her let out a yelp.

With quick reflexes, Tuo Baxiao caught her firmly.

Though not as painful as hitting the ground, the impact of their collision still left her head spinning for a second.

For that brief moment, she had been a little scared—even though she knew he would protect her.

"You don't have enough strength," Tuo Baxiao remarked.

Jiang Congyan: "..."

Her mind: Got it.

Her body: About to die!

Seeing her still dazed, Tuo Baxiao continued holding her, using the chance to cop a feel.

"Let me try again," Jiang Congyan said, setting her jaw.

Tuo Baxiao was more than happy to oblige—after all, wasn’t this just another form of falling right into his arms?

Sure enough, Jiang Congyan was thrown off several more times, each time caught by the man, his large hand resting at her waist.

Though he got handsy every time, a skilled instructor who could ensure she didn’t get hurt at all was hard to come by. If he wanted to take advantage, so be it—Jiang Congyan let it slide.

For Tuo Baxiao, it was like having the time of his life.

And so, they continued—falling, catching—until Jiang Congyan was completely worn out. Only then did today’s lesson finally end, and they headed back at a slow walk.

As they walked, Tuo Baxiao suddenly said, "My birthday is coming soon."

"I know," Jiang Congyan replied, turning her face to look at him.

"According to your Central Plains customs, shouldn’t you give me a gift?"

Bringing up his birthday out of nowhere, Jiang Congyan immediately smelled trouble. She went on alert. "What do you want?"

Surely he didn’t plan to keep her up all night again? It wasn’t that she had a dirty mind—it was just that the man only ever thought about such things, so of course that's where her mind went.

Tuo Baxiao: "I don’t want you to give me anything."

"...?" That's suspicious. Jiang Congyan grew even more convinced he was up to something.

"What exactly do you want to do?"

"I'm getting myself a gift that I want to place in the room. It just takes up a bit of space. If you agree, think of it as a gift from you." The man said grandly.

"That simple?" How is that believable?

"Just that simple."

Jiang Congyan hesitated. "...Fine."