Chieftain Pan’s fortress had been exceptionally quiet and leisurely these past few days.
Far from being unsettled by their uninvited guests, the inhabitants of the fortress had instead adopted the defiant attitude of a dead pig unafraid of boiling water.
Their chieftain had explained it clearly: life and death are fated, wealth and honor are in the hands of Heaven. Whether one stretches out their neck or pulls it back, the blade falls all the same. Since a calamity was unavoidable either way, it was better to face it with composure.
Of course, when Xiao Nanhui said those words, she already had a fair amount of confidence in her heart.
No matter how degraded the Bai clan might be, they would not directly authorize their subordinates to prey upon the local villages. That man, A-Kuang, was most likely acting behind his superiors' backs to line his own pockets. As long as the Bai clan’s prestige remained intact, those men could stay in her fortress for ten years without daring to commit truly heinous acts of arson, murder, or plunder that would cause a major stir.
Whether the Bai clan knew of these men’s actions, she could not say. But one thing was certain: these men moved between the various fortresses to monitor the situation of the different tribes. Without orders from the Bai clan, they would not dare to act rashly.
Over these past days, whenever she recalled the narrow escapes and various hardships she had faced on the road here, she often felt that no other person or event could truly stand in the way of her completing her mission.
Though A-Kuang was a wolfish sort, how could one catch the tiger's cub without entering the tiger's den? Using the excuse that the autumn herders had not yet returned to the fortress, she had kept A-Kuang and his party for a few extra days, hoping to use the opportunity to scout for information regarding the Bai clan.
This move was no different from plucking whiskers from a tiger’s mouth. At first, A-Kuang’s lips were sealed tight—a trait that explained why the Bai clan had entrusted him with the task of coordinating the assassination of Prince Kang. Xiao Nanhui herself was not particularly skilled at coaxing information out of people, but Wu Xiaoliu was like a sharp-beaked snipe; no matter how tightly A-Kuang clamped shut like a clam, Wu Xiaoliu could always find a crack to pry open.
Building on that, Xiao Nanhui only needed to add a little fuel to the fire by providing some conveniences, and the results were immediate.
In the middle of the night, she invited A-Kuang for a late-night snack, as had become their routine.
This had become a common scene late at night over the past few days. A-Kuang had long grown bored being confined to the fortress, but he could not resist the fine food and drink served to him.
The air grew increasingly cold, but the bonfire was warm and cozy. Nestled in soft, comfortable felt blankets, one felt disinclined to move. This was the time of day when a person was at their most exhausted and lax; after a few cups of wine, any topic could be broached. Within a short time, she had gathered a significant amount of information, all of which she had passed on to Bolao.
Today, perhaps because the wine was a bit stronger, A-Kuang had barely discussed anything substantial before his tongue began to thicken, and he started boasting about his romantic escapades.
Xiao Nanhui responded half-heartedly, unable to hide a yawn.
Just as she was drifting into drowsiness, she saw a man run in hurriedly from outside. He glanced at her, suppressed the expression on his face, and leaned in to whisper something into A-Kuang’s ear.
She peeked out of the corner of her eye, knowing the other party wouldn't let her hear a single word, and didn't even bother to perk up her ears.
After a moment, the man finished his report and respectfully withdrew to the side. Before she could even ask, A-Kuang actually took the initiative to bring it up, which was a first.
"The Chieftain has entertained us for many days; A-Kuang is deeply grateful. If I were to ask a favor today, I wonder if the Chieftain might be accommodating?"
Xiao Nanhui smiled and took a sip of the scalding hot oil tea. "That depends on what matter you are speaking of, A-Kuang."
A-Kuang’s eyes, heavy with drink, fixed on Xiao Nanhui’s face with a gaze that felt almost physical. "There was some trouble in the north yesterday, not far from Chieftain Pan’s territory. Today, I need to borrow your grounds to meet someone."
Some trouble? What kind of trouble?
Her heart was itching with curiosity, but her face remained a mask of calm indifference.
"That’s easily done. Tell me, A-Kuang, are you meeting a foe or a friend? I should have the people in the fortress prepare accordingly."
A-Kuang laughed, looking quite sinister. "I wouldn't dare trouble Chieftain Pan. If the Chieftain has nothing else to do, you may come along and watch. In the end, A-Kuang is just a pawn who takes money to do a job; there are many things I don't quite understand, and I would value Chieftain Pan’s opinion."
After spending these days together, she had grown accustomed to the unsettling tone of his voice and could even manage a slight smile.
"Then I won't be polite. Lead the way, A-Kuang."
****** ****** ******
A desolate and steep mountain range stretched across the northern part of Bijiang. That range was a southern extension of the Gelete Plateau; the Tiancheng people called it the Faman Ridge, while the Southern Qiang called it Shuhe, meaning "That Mountain."
Bijiang possessed two unique natural barriers: one was Sanmu Pass, and the other was the Faman Ridge.
No large army could pass through the Faman Ridge, allowing the Bai clan to save half their forces to guard the other key passes of Bijiang—a true gift from nature.
However, this time, that natural barrier seemed to have failed.
Xiao Nanhui sat in the largest courtyard of the fortress, piecing together a rough outline from the low, intermittent voices of A-Kuang’s subordinates.
Tiancheng had organized a surprise attack force. Their numbers were not large, but they had used the autumn rains at the start of the rainy season to carve out a narrow mountain path through the mud and silt of the Faman Ridge. They had then marched day and night in secret, aiming to flank the vulnerable northern gaps of Bijiang. If they succeeded, it would surely throw the interior into chaos.
Just yesterday, one of the detachments from that army had encountered the Bai clan’s troops. The Bai clan had lost more than half their men and gained no real advantage, but they had managed to capture a young officer from the opposing side.
In a clash between two armies, a commander falling into enemy hands was a grave taboo.
Normally, the Bai clan would never allow a mere pawn like A-Kuang to handle the interrogation of a prisoner. However, with the war already underway, they couldn't be bothered with such trivial details for the moment, and so, by a stroke of luck, she had stumbled upon it.
"Men, bring up that Tiancheng dog-soldier!"
Those words felt like a blunt knife carving into Xiao Nanhui’s heart. Her fingertips gripped the rattan chair beneath her, her knuckles turning white.
No matter how foolish the Southern Qiang were, they couldn't possibly fail to recognize Xiao Zhun, could they? But based on what she had heard from the village children, they might truly be ignorant.
But... they said it was a young officer, so it wouldn't be Xiao Zhun, right?
Besides, with Xiao Zhun’s skills, how could he be captured so easily?
*Please don't let it be Xiao Zhun. Please, let it not be Xiao Zhun.*
She pretended to lower her head to drink the last of the oil tea in her bowl, keeping her gaze fixed on her toes so that her trembling eyelashes wouldn't betray her emotions.
A flurry of messy footsteps approached, mingled with the clanking of armor. Then, a person was thrown heavily onto the ground with a dull thud.
A-Kuang’s voice rang out beside her. "Oho, look at this set of Guangyao Armor. He’s likely from the Guangyao Battalion."
The Guangyao Battalion? Then it had nothing to do with Xiao Zhun.
Xiao Nanhui breathed a silent sigh of relief, wordlessly tracing the rim of her bowl, though she was inwardly surprised by how much these bandits knew about the Tiancheng army.
Perhaps Tiancheng had previously thought these people too barbaric; they were actually quite clever.
"Tiancheng man, state your name. Let us all hear which coward was beaten so badly he pissed his pants!"
Before A-Kuang’s voice had even faded, a burst of laughter erupted from the surrounding Bijiang people.
The Tiancheng soldier remained silent, his head bowed to the ground, his fingers digging fiercely into the sandy soil, trembling slightly from the humiliation.
"Playing the mute now, are we? Men, make him lift his head."
Two burly Southern Qiang men stepped forward, grabbed the Tiancheng soldier by the hair, and forced his head up.
A young face, stained with blood and grime but filled with defiance, was revealed.
Xiao Nanhui couldn't control her eyelids. She caught just a glimpse, and the fresh mouthful of oil tea she was about to swallow sprayed out entirely.
Though the silver armor was stained with mud and his face had grown a bit of a beard, that face was exceptionally familiar. Was it not the second son of Duke Xuanyuan, her good colleague, Su Pingchuan?
Su Pingchuan was gritting his teeth, trying to break free from the two bandits holding him. When he looked up and saw Xiao Nanhui, he was also momentarily stunned.
Although Xiao Nanhui’s attire and appearance were vastly different from before, it wasn't difficult for an acquaintance to recognize her among a group of authentic Southern Qiang natives.
A-Kuang seemed crude, but he was actually very observant. Not a single movement from Xiao Nanhui or Su Pingchuan escaped his eyes, and he immediately sensed something was amiss. "What is it? Does Chieftain Pan recognize this Tiancheng dog-soldier?"
Xiao Nanhui wiped her mouth, not rushing to deny it. She was not good at deception, and now was not the best time to practice.
If these bandits learned his true identity, Su Pingchuan would certainly not survive. Not only would he die, but he might be turned into a "human pig" and sent to Duke Xuanyuan just to disgust the Tiancheng people.
"To tell you the truth, this brat and I have a bit of a history," she said coolly after a moment's thought.
As soon as she said this, Su Pingchuan was clearly surprised and looked up to glare at her.
A-Kuang asked impassively, "A history? Isn't the Chieftain from Lingxi? Living deep in Bijiang, how could you have a history with this Tiancheng dog-soldier?"
Xiao Nanhui let out a long sigh, as if recalling some unpleasant past. "Speaking of this history, we have to go back a long way. Back then, I was young and headstrong. Once, after a heated argument with my elder sister, I left home in a fit of rage and traveled through Lingdong for a while. On the road, I encountered this 'pretty boy' harassing a woman from a good family. Feeling indignant, I stepped in and gave him a lesson, though I showed some restraint and only knocked out one of his teeth. Who would have thought this brat would be so petty? He’s held a grudge against me ever since, finding a chance to intercept me on my way home. Armed with a 'divine weapon' of the heavenly army, he tried to use his status to settle a private score. To protect myself, I had no choice but to fight back..."
This string of lies was half-truth and half-fiction. The location and time were false, but the details and emotions within were real, leaving even an old fox like A-Kuang half-convinced.
Lying made her throat dry. Xiao Nanhui picked up a freshly picked sand coconut from the side and took a few hard gulps. Taking the opportunity, she quickly winked at the bound Su Pingchuan, her tone full of mockery. "In the end, this brat lost so badly he didn't have a single hair left on him; he left with his bare backside showing. At the time, I didn't want to cause trouble, so I let him go once again. Who would have thought he’d turn into such a nuisance now?"
Although Su Pingchuan was young and somewhat naive, he was no fool. He began to understand the situation and spat on the ground. "Bah! With those fake moves of yours, you scoundrel, I could beat you until you cry for your mother even with my bare hands!"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present widened their eyes. This prisoner must have a death wish to speak so decisively.
Xiao Nanhui’s mouth twitched.
Even though she knew he was playing a role and acting alongside her, those words were incredibly harsh. Cry for her mother? Where would she even find a mother?! The more she thought about it, the angrier she got!
For some reason, A-Kuang felt that the development of today's events was slipping out of his control. Just as he was about to speak to seize back the initiative, the woman beside him let out a lion-like roar of abuse.
"You son of a turtle! How dare you act wild in front of me! Today, even the Jade Emperor himself couldn't save you. If I don't skin you alive and stew you over a slow fire for three days and nights, my name isn't Pan!"
A-Kuang was somewhat stunned.
Skin him alive? No, no, that wouldn't do. Although he was an expert at such things, the Bai family had specifically instructed that the prisoner must not be killed.
Thinking of this, he quickly cleared his throat. "Chieftain Pan, please calm your anger. He’s nothing more than a stray dog who lost a battle. He must have lived a pampered life under that dog-emperor of Tiancheng and is only used to flapping his lips. He’ll likely crack as soon as we get serious. If you don't want to get your hands dirty, just leave him to me to handle."
Leave him to you? That would truly be the end.
These bandits were all ruthless. Su Pingchuan was a pampered noble; if he fell into their hands, how could he fare well? He’d likely lose half his life even if he didn't die.
Her mind racing, Xiao Nanhui stood up and walked toward Su Pingchuan. She grabbed his chin and forced it up, her tone turning somewhat lecherous.
"You have a point. Such a fine-looking man—wouldn't it be a waste to skin him? Starve him for a few days first. Once he has no strength left to struggle, I’ll personally come and 'meet' him."
The corner of A-Kuang’s eye twitched, but he still tried his best to maintain a polite smile. "Chieftain Pan, you mean...?"
Xiao Nanhui shot him a sideways glance, as if blaming him for being tactless. "Is A-Kuang really so stingy? I’ll return him to you after I’m done playing with him. Or is the friendship between us these past few days all a lie? Have you never truly respected me as Chieftain?"
The last two sentences were spoken with some weight. Although A-Kuang was furious in his heart and regretted ever inviting this woman today, he didn't dare to drop the facade just yet.
He summoned all the strength of his thick-skinned nature and offered a fawning smile. "Not at all, not at all. If Chieftain Pan has taken a fancy to him, it is his good fortune."
Xiao Nanhui nodded with satisfaction. To make the act complete, she gave Su Pingchuan’s face another stroke and let out a few lewd laughs.
Su Pingchuan had clearly never seen Xiao Nanhui like this. Even though he knew it was an act, he couldn't help but shudder.
They say a tiger down on the level plains is bullied by dogs.
He just hadn't expected this kind of "bullying."
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 垡莽岭 | Faman Ridge | A mountain range in northern Bijiang. |
| 束赫 | Shuhe | The Southern Qiang name for the Faman Ridge. |
| 光要营 | Guangyao Battalion | A specific unit of the Tiancheng army. |
| 光要甲 | Guangyao Armor | The distinctive armor worn by the Guangyao Battalion. |
| 烜远公 | Duke Xuanyuan | A high-ranking noble title in Tiancheng. |
| 夙平川 | Su Pingchuan | The second son of Duke Xuanyuan and a colleague of Xiao Nanhui. |
| 沙椰果 | Sand Coconut | A type of fruit found in the region. |
| 虎落平阳被犬欺 | A tiger down on the level plains is bullied by dogs | A Chinese idiom meaning a person of great power or status who has lost their position and is being mistreated by those beneath them. |
