Who says the prince is weak and can't take care of himself?

With the help of Xingluowei, finding horses went very smoothly.

Zong Sheng had initially expected Shen Lu to embarrass Tang Ling and him, but surprisingly, after he returned that night, Shen Lu said nothing. He simply nodded and agreed to Qi Xiao's request for a horse, telling Zong Sheng to wait. The horse arrived the following afternoon. Shen Lu never again mentioned taking Tang Ling away.

Zong Sheng was worried about Qi Xiao and Chi Yue, so he had been waiting at the agreed place since the second night to pick up Qi Xiao, leaving Tang Ling to Shen Lu.

It wasn't that he wasn't worried Shen Lu would take Tang Ling away directly, but Qi Xiao had said he couldn't stop her if she wanted to leave, and he hadn't ordered Zong Sheng to stay with her every step of the way. Since it didn't violate Qi Xiao's orders, Zong Sheng took his own initiative. He believed Tang Ling would wait.

It started to rain at dusk on the third day, but Zong Sheng continued to wait regardless of the weather. As night fell, the wind and rain became more violent, roaring in the woods. The horses were frightened and uneasy, and Zong Sheng could only keep comforting them.

At the second watch, there was a violent wind and heavy rain, which washed the night into complete darkness.

"Mong Sheng!"

Chi Yue was almost within arm's reach when Zong Sheng finally noticed him, and his heart skipped a beat. He knew Chi Yue was skilled in Qing Gong, but only when he was this close did he realize that if Chi Yue was an enemy, he would be seriously injured.

"Let's go." Qi Xiao took the reins from Zong Sheng. He didn't blame Zong Sheng for taking the initiative, but only asked him, "In such heavy rain, can you still recognize the way back?"

There were no paths in the mountains, and with the night dark and the storm raging, it was practically impossible to discern the direction. So Qi Xiao's initial plan was to have Zong Sheng leave the horses behind while he and Chi Yue found a secluded spot in the mountains to shelter from the rain, then reunite with Zong Sheng at dawn.

After the rain began to fall at dusk, Zongsheng also thought about this. Riding a horse in the mountains in the dark was very dangerous, not to mention that their horses were frightened. He shook his head and said, "It's probably not advisable to leave the forest now. There's a cave nearby where we can take shelter."

"So best."

The three of them quickly hid in the cave. The cave Zongsheng found had a narrow entrance and a wide belly, which was just enough for the horses to fit in. The cave was spacious inside and they quickly settled down.

"Master, I thought I wouldn't be able to see you tonight."

"Then what are you waiting for?" Chi Yue teased Zong Sheng with a smile.

"I'm worried..." Zong Sheng looked at Chi Yue. Of course he was worried about Qi Xiao, and of course he was worried about Chi Yue. He would wait no matter what.

Chi Yue blushed. Fortunately, the cave was dark, so no one could see clearly. As if to hide something, he said quickly, "Do you think it's raining and we can't light the fire, so we have to wait another day?"

"Ah."

"Ah, you're so stubborn. Burning the baggage and food is one way, but soaking both the baggage and food is also another. Taking advantage of the pouring rain can save us a lot of trouble, and escaping Fu Shouguang's camp is surprisingly smooth."

"...You knew it was going to rain?"

"I guess so." Chi Yue took off his clothes and wrung out a puddle of water. "There's an old man in our barracks. When he was young, he injured his legs and feet. He hurts when it's windy or rainy. When he told us about it two days ago, Your Highness came up with a plan."

Qi Xiao said, "The next thing is to let everyone know that Fu Shouguang has run out of food and supplies, and can't save Shuo Liang, nor can he defeat Xun Anhou."

"Master, what should we do?"

Qi Xiao shook his head: "We don't have to do it. Let Xingluo Guard go, they will be happy to do it."

Zong Sheng nodded slightly and said nothing more.

Chi Yue looked at Zong Sheng, then turned to look at Qi Xiao, and was speechless for a moment.

"Where's Tang Ling?" Qi Xiao was silent for a long time, but couldn't help asking, "Is he gone?"

Zong Sheng was waiting alone in the woods to pick up Qi Xiao, with no one else around. Although Qi Xiao didn't think the Xingluo Guard would let Tang Ling come out to pick him up personally, he couldn't deny that he was looking forward to seeing Tang Ling as soon as he left the recruit camp.

"The young master said he would wait for me to come back."

When Qi Xiao got an answer from Zong Sheng, his heart skipped a beat. Could he feel at ease?

"Where's Shen Lu?"

"I will always be by your side."

Is Zong Sheng saying that Shen Lu can't force Tang Ling away? Or maybe he hasn't found the opportunity yet?

Zong Sheng isn't here tonight. When they return, will Tang Ling be gone too? Qi Xiao couldn't help but think so. He lowered his head deeply. He had already agreed to send Tang Ling back. Maybe he would just leave like that. Giving him an excuse to blame him would be better than letting him watch Tang Ling leave him with his own eyes.

Zong Sheng hesitated for a while, then said, "Young Master will not leave until I return."

Qi Xiao looked at Zong Sheng with a little surprise. He was never a talkative person.

"There was a tit-for-tat atmosphere between Shen Lu and the young master a few days ago, but that's gone away these past two days. When I asked Xingluowei for horses, Shen Lu even asked if I needed any other help, saying he could send someone to meet me."

"...Did Tang Ling convince him?"

"I do not know."

Qi Xiao sighed softly: "Let's take a break. We'll go back when the rain stops."

***

On rainy nights, although the thatched house had a roof and a shed, it leaked everywhere when the wind blew and the rain started.

Shen Lu originally wanted to persuade Tang Ling to sleep at night, but since "it rains but it leaks", there was really nothing he could do.

Tang Ling sat quietly in the corner, wearing a straw raincoat. Although she looked disheveled, her expression was very calm, as if she didn't care about the wind and rain.

Shen Lu knew that Tang Ling was able to endure hardships. When he was eleven or twelve years old, he followed Xun Anhou to join the army. Everyone called him "Young Master", but he was not an idle son of a noble family. Even though he was too weak to lift a sword or a gun, he could grit his teeth and endure the hardships and fatigue that others could endure. Over time, no one dared to look down on him, and occasionally people would forget to feel sorry for him.

"With such a strong storm, they won't come back tonight."

Tang Ling looked at Shen Lu and smiled gently: "You know, we crossed Fenglin Mountain in the dead of winter. The wind and snow at that time seemed to be able to swallow up the sky and the earth... When the rain stops, he will come back."

"At that time, did you know how worried the Marquis was about you?"

"Is my father okay? What's the situation in the court?"

Shen Lu sighed, and Tang Ling finally remembered to ask about the political situation in the Great Zhou.

"The Emperor of Qi sent a letter to Your Majesty, offering to cede three prefectures and five counties east of Liujiang River and requesting Your Majesty withdraw his troops immediately. The imperial edict arrived before I left camp, but the Marquis had his eunuchs calmed down, claiming he was away on patrol and hadn't received the order yet."

"...The imperial edict has been issued, and father can't stall for a few more days. But Fu Shouguang hasn't immediately withdrawn his camp and returned to Shuoliang, which means father hasn't withdrawn his troops yet, doesn't that mean..."

Xun Anhou cannot do such a thing as a general disobeying the orders of the emperor when he is away from home. He has already taken sole control of the military power, and the Tang family is too powerful. If he is accused of disobeying the emperor's will and defying the imperial decree this time, the consequences will be unimaginable.

"My Lord, this is for you."

Tang Ling remained silent. How could he not know? The Zhanshichu had abducted him, and Fu Shouguang had used this as a pretext to threaten Xun Anhou into withdrawing his troops. But if his father did withdraw his troops, how could the lands promised in the letter from the Emperor of Qi be so easily given away? If his father withdrew his troops, the Zhanshichu and Fu Shouguang would be even less likely to return him to the Great Zhou. They would definitely try every possible means to use him to pressure Xun Anhou.

Moreover, once Fu Shouguang is given the opportunity to return to support Shuoliang, it may become an opportunity for Qi to turn the situation around.

"I've already sent word that you're safe, so the Marquis should be relieved. As long as you return with me as soon as possible, everything will be resolved." Shen Lu looked at Tang Ling and spoke earnestly, "The Marquis said that he must bring you back safe and sound, no matter what. Just as the Marquis was heartbroken when he sent you to Chen last year, he's just as eager for you to return now."

"...It's raining. Tonight is his best chance. He'll be back soon."

Shen Lu shook his head helplessly. Even after all this talk, Tang Ling still refused to give in, refused to leave. Shen Lu paid no attention to Tang Ling's inexplicable judgment. What chance did they have in the pouring rain? Tang Ling was simply overwhelmed by concern.

In the second half of the night, the rain gradually subsided, and the thatched hut no longer looked like a waterfall. Tang Ling felt a little impatient, so she simply walked out of the house and stood at the door waiting.

The morning light shone through the drizzle, the gentle light was wrapped in mist, and the whole forest was wet and shimmering with water. Tang Ling looked and looked, and the rain stopped. As she looked and looked, the person came back.

It was Shen Lu who heard the sound of horse hooves first and looked towards the east. Tang Ling followed suit and soon saw the people rushing back. Zong Sheng did not come back alone, he also brought back Qi Xiao and Chi Yue.

Tang Ling couldn't wait any longer and trotted towards the east, but stopped after a few steps. He felt like he was dreaming and was a little scared. If it was all a dream, he didn't want to wake up in a hurry.

Qi Xiao took the lead and rushed towards Tang Ling. He didn't want to rein in his horse. He was anxious and instead spurred the horse to go faster. When he was about to reach Tang Ling, he jumped off the horse, held Tang Ling in his arms, and let the horse continue to gallop away.

"...Are you back?" Tang Ling was wet, and so was Qi Xiao. He felt very cold when he hugged her, and it made him shiver.

Qi Xiao held up Tang Ling's face, lifted the strands of hair from his temples, looked at him carefully, couldn't help laughing, and was speechless for a moment.

Soon Chi Yue and Zong Sheng came close and stopped their horses, and Shen Lu also followed Tang Ling.

Qi Xiao caught a glimpse of the person following Tang Ling from the corner of his eye and guessed that he was Shen Lu. When Shen Lu came closer, Qi Xiao suddenly lowered his head and kissed Tang Ling, greedily and without any concealment.

In broad daylight, in front of everyone, what are you doing?!

Shen Lu's expression suddenly changed, and he immediately wanted to draw his sword and chop Qi Xiao. Zong Sheng and Chi Yue were standing nearby, ready to strike. Tang Ling seemed the only one oblivious, overwhelmed by Qi Xiao's sudden affection, and dazedly responded to his kiss.

"Cough!" Shen Lu coughed to remind Tang Ling.

Tang Ling was startled and pushed Qi Xiao hard, but it didn't move. Qi Xiao didn't want to let him go at all.

Tang Ling blushed and bit Qi Xiao lightly: "Mm! Let go first!"

Qi Xiao hadn't bullied him enough, so he reluctantly let go of Tang Ling and chuckled softly, "You waited for me all night?"

"..."

Qi Xiao couldn't hide his smile and held Tang Ling's hand. It didn't matter if she didn't answer. Facts spoke louder than words and Tang Ling couldn't deny it.

"Dry your clothes first, don't get sick." Qi Xiao couldn't help but quickly peck Tang Ling's lips again, gently caressing his cheek. He didn't want to say, "I'll take you back." Saying goodbye so soon after meeting was too soon. He wanted to keep Tang Ling a little longer, even if it was just for a moment.

Day after day, Shuoliang had been under siege for more than half a month. The Qi court was in chaos. It had no choice but to defend the capital or abandon it, and there was not much difference between the two options.

Xu Zheng was short on rations and fodder, and Zhengye Pass was about to collapse. If he retreated further, he would have to retreat to Huaiyan Pass. However, Huaiyan was very close to Yaoshan, where the Yaoshan army was growing stronger and stronger, practically dominating the mountain. If Xu Zheng retreated to Huaiyan, he would be attacked from both sides. Now that Shuoliang was surrounded, even getting news was extremely difficult, let alone getting supplies to Xu Zheng. Xu Zheng was isolated, and if Shuoliang's predicament remained unresolved, he didn't know how long he could fight.

On the other hand, the letter from Qi State had been secretly sent to Zhou State by the Divination Office for several days, but there was no reply from Zhou State. Xun Anhou did not withdraw his troops, and Fu Shouguang was unable to return to provide assistance.

The Office of Occupation captured Tang Ling, the son of Marquis Xun'an, a few days ago, but he was rescued by someone. According to calculations, he should have returned to Marquis Xun'an. Now Qi State has no bargaining chips. If ceding land cannot make Zhou State stop the war and withdraw its troops, then... all is over.

It was late at night, and the Emperor of Qi sat alone on the dragon throne. There was no one below the jade steps. He had been in power for thirty years, with two generals, Xu Zheng and Fu Shouguang, guarding the country for him. He could never have imagined that the country would be destroyed in less than half a year.

What had he done wrong? Was it really fate? The emergence of a deity of death from the heavens, the appearance of the bow and arrow, the celestial wolf, the sound of flutes and drums, the prospect of a prairie fire, was all destined?

Chen, Zhou, and Qi had been balancing each other for a hundred years. How could this balance suddenly be broken? Chen and Zhou were fighting each other to the death just a year ago, and now they're joining forces to attack Qi?!

The divination office said it was because of Xun'an Hou's son, Tang Ling. He had been sent to Chen as a hostage and had traveled north with the King of Chu, becoming quite close. Upon arriving in Yuanjing, he had won the favor of the Chen Emperor. Years ago, when the Chen vanguard army ventured into Qi during a snowy period, the King of Chu brought Xun'an Hou's son with them, and it was he who later defended Mount Ba for the King of Chu. All this was because of Xun'an Hou's son, Tang Ling!

If we could capture Tang Ling, we'd still have a chance! But now, we can't even find a single person at the Office of Occupation! This is Qi territory, and he's actually been able to escape!

Is it Heaven that will destroy Qi? Is it Heaven that will destroy Qi!

The Emperor of Qi walked out of the hall step by step, and stood on the high steps overlooking the undulating black tiles and flying eaves of the imperial city. It seemed that at this moment, he realized for the first time that this imperial city was so lonely and gloomy.

"Report! Urgent military report! Urgent military report!"

The armored city guard ran all the way from the palace gate to the hall with a scroll in his hand. If he hadn't been shouting loudly, the black figure would have been almost unnoticeable in the dark night.

The Qi Emperor's forehead twitched suddenly. He subconsciously felt that it must not be good news. He could no longer accept any bad news. He turned around and walked back to the hall, wanting to hide.

The eunuchs stopped the city guards outside the hall, and ultimately prevented the bad news from reaching the ears of the Emperor of Qi.

Zhengye Pass was broken, and Xu Zheng retreated to Huaiyan.

At the second watch, the military ministers entered the palace one after another and knelt shoulder to shoulder in front of the Qi emperor's bedroom, begging the emperor to withdraw from Shuoliang.

The emperor huddled in his chambers, not responding, as if he could not hear. The sky was falling, and he could not bear it.