Green Mountain-Chapter 604 - 461: Farewell

To become a hostage, Zhang Xia is heading to Baidadan City?

Chen Ji maintained a calm exterior, but his heart grew heavy. If Jiang Xianzong harbored thoughts of betraying the Jiang Family, he would likely first secretly control the messenger, then erase all traces related to the envoy.

Chen Ji looked around, surrounded by armored soldiers standing with their halberds. The mountains and forests were silent, with birds circling but not landing.

He pondered for a moment and said in a deep voice, "Lord Jiang, Your Highness, in the past, when we transported provisions, no matter who entered Baidadan City, they were always interrogated for a long time, probing backgrounds, and checking goods. I fear Generals Jiang Que and Jiang Yun cannot sneak into the city... You all should not take such risks and instead think of another method."

Jiang Xiansheng looked at Jiang Que, who nodded slightly.

Princess Liyang pointed at the middle-aged man who had previously questioned Chen Ji, then at a young man behind Jiang Xiansheng, saying, "Jiang Que and Jiang Guo, they don’t use weapons usually, let them go."

Jiang Xiansheng furrowed his brows, hesitating.

Chen Ji observed Jiang Que and Jiang Guo, who, despite their long journey, showed no signs of fatigue, appearing still capable.

It seemed these two were skilled executive officers brought by Jiang Xiansheng from the Jiang Family. Jiang Xiansheng was concerned that if these two skilled individuals left, his safety would be at risk, hence his delay in making a decision.

Seeing Jiang Xiansheng’s hesitation, Princess Liyang teased from the side, "Lord Jiang doesn’t use weapons either, why not shave your beard and pretend to be an old widower?"

Jiang Xiansheng replied sternly, "Nonsense."

Princess Liyang chuckled, "Is Lord Jiang afraid?"

Jiang Xiansheng spoke slowly, "It’s not fear, but as an envoy carrying heavy responsibilities, I cannot risk myself. Besides, even if only Jiang Yun goes, he can still control the situation."

Princess Liyang’s expression was mocking, as if silently laughing at Jiang Xiansheng’s cowardice.

Chen Ji quietly observed Princess Liyang.

She initially wanted to sneak into Baidadan City to escape Jiang Xiansheng’s control. That plan failed, so she tried to get Jiang Xiansheng’s executive officers away to weaken those guarding her.

This Princess of the Jing Dynasty genuinely only thought about escaping. It was unclear how much trouble she caused in Shangjing for her to be exiled to the Ning Dynasty.

At this moment, after a long silence, Jiang Xiansheng instructed Jiang Que and Jiang Guo, "You two lead them to Baidadan City, be careful along the way. Once you understand Jiang Xianzong’s intentions, report back immediately."

Jiang Que and Jiang Guo clasped their fists, "Yes."

Currently, Jiang Que, Zhang Baishi, Ah Sheng, Jiang Yun, Zhang Xia, Xiao Man, and the little monk were heading to Baidadan City, while Hong Zuer and Chen Ji stayed in the forest as hostages.

There was still danger.

What to do?

Should he reveal his identity as the Inspector General of Ning Dynasty’s ceremonial guards?

But without any tokens on him, how could he prove he was the Inspector General of the Capital Camp?

Given Jiang Xiansheng’s ruthless nature, he might interrogate everyone thoroughly, and if someone couldn’t withstand the pressure and revealed their mission to assassinate the envoy... what then?

If Hong Zuer found out he was the Inspector General, who knows what chaos would ensue.

No, this path won’t work.

Chen Ji’s mind turned, and he spoke, "I just heard from the two nobles... Are you planning to go to the Ning Dynasty?"

Jiang Xiansheng glanced at him sideways, "What are you trying to say?"

Chen Ji quickly replied, "I know a mountain path that leads south through the Grand Horse Mountains to Chongli Pass... This is a merchant’s route that I followed once, trading silk and tea. By following this path south, you won’t have to risk yourselves, and you’ll reach the Ning Dynasty in over ten days."

Princess Liyang instinctively replied with a harsh voice, "No way!"

For Chen Ji, leading the envoy directly to the Jing Dynasty would be the best outcome. But for Princess Liyang, if they ended up going to the Ning Dynasty, she’d truly have no chance of escape.

Chen Ji ignored the Princess and looked at Jiang Xiansheng.

But after considering for a moment, Jiang Xiansheng also refused, "Impossible, as a dual-banner envoy granted by the court, how could I flee to the Ning Dynasty in disgrace? Where is the national dignity in that?"

Princess Liyang looked at Chen Ji, mocking him, "According to protocol, one must first reach Baidadan City, where the Military Governor will send someone to present the nation’s credentials to the Ning Dynasty. Only after the Ning Dynasty returns the credentials can the governor dispatch a ceremonial escort for a hundred and twenty miles to the border marker between the two dynasties, where the ceremonial exchange with the Ning Dynasty occurs."

Princess Liyang continued, "The ceremony cannot be mistaken; a hundred and twenty-mile exchange cannot be longer or shorter by even a mile. If that old fool dared to flee to the Ning Dynasty in disgrace, he’d bring shame to the Jiang Family and the Jing Dynasty. Once back in Jing Dynasty, his career would be bleak, making it impossible to aspire to any higher position."

Chen Ji’s heart sank.

It seemed no matter the method, it wouldn’t work.

However, at this moment, Zhang Xia softly said, "Husband, wait here for me, nothing will happen."

Princess Liyang applauded, praising, "Women should be this strong, not placing their hopes in vague dreams with tears and cries."

Zhang Xia smiled, looking at Princess Liyang, "May I speak with my husband privately? In case I don’t return, it’s my chance to handle family matters."

Princess Liyang also smiled and replied, "Why not? I’m sure Lord Jiang wouldn’t be so insensitive."

Jiang Xiansheng sneered, "Your Highness, there’s no need to provoke me; such an important matter, whatever you have to say, say it here."

"Fine," Zhang Xia said while arranging Chen Ji’s clothes, "Husband, you’ve always been decisive; how come you’re all confused now?"

Chen Ji did not speak.

Zhang Xia saw his silence, chuckled softly, and said, "No need to say anything. I know your intentions. We won’t have any problems...but if something does happen, I’ve left a letter for you on the third layer of the jewelry box at home."

At this time, Jiang Xiansheng said blandly, "Don’t dwell on love and romance here; there will be plenty of time for that later."

With that, he coldly instructed Zhang Xia and the others, "Leave the rations behind. Your people will stay here as hostages. Do whatever Jiang Que asks and don’t entertain extraneous thoughts."

Jiang Que changed into the clothes brought by Hong Zuer, and Jiang Guo changed into those brought by Chen Ji, then set off with the mule team towards Baidadan City.

Chen Ji stood by the mountain path, watching Zhang Xia and Xiao Man frequently look back until they finally disappeared at the end of the path.

Princess Liyang said leisurely, "Stop watching, or you’ll turn into a pining stone. Rather than worry about your wife, you should worry about yourself."

Chen Ji sensed hidden meanings in Princess Liyang’s words. He looked around and saw Jiang Xiansheng sitting by the bonfire, with armored soldiers roasting several pancakes for him.

No one paid attention to Chen Ji and Hong Zuer, as if sure that these two grain suppliers couldn’t escape their grasp.

Chen Ji then turned to look at Hong Zuer, who pretended to be honest and wooden, but his gaze occasionally flitted to Jiang Xiansheng’s neck.

Chen Ji felt a shiver in his heart.

Hong Zuer seemed to harbor thoughts of decapitation after Jiang Que and Jiang Guo, the two Executive Officers, left Jiang Xiansheng’s side.

Now with the two Innate-ranked individuals present and no Seeking Dao Realm among the armored soldiers, it seemed possible.

Seizing an unattended moment, Hong Zuer looked back at Chen Ji, a questioning look in his eyes.

Chen Ji shook his head slightly.

Hong Zuer lowered his voice, "The opportunity must not be missed."

Chen Ji glanced around and equally lowered his voice, "Zhang Xia and the others are still with Jiang Que and Jiang Guo. Whether you can succeed or not, the Jiang Family will kill them."

Hong Zuer said coldly, "If we succeed, what’s one death to regret? Do you think the Night Patrol has been living comfortably in the border towns all these years? We’re not afraid of death and neither should you be."

Chen Ji gritted his teeth, "What about Ah Sheng?"

Hong Zuer calmly replied, "Wanting to be in the Night Patrol—this is his fate."

With that, he no longer looked at Chen Ji, pretending to walk toward the bonfire.

But Chen Ji firmly grasped his wrist, "Don’t act rashly, or I’ll make sure you can’t accomplish anything."

Hong Zuer stared at Chen Ji, trying to break free from his grip, but after a long silent struggle, he couldn’t shake off Chen Ji.

Someone glanced their way, and both immediately put on smiling faces, easing their grips.

Hong Zuer withdrew his arm with a sneer, "Kid, I’ll settle this score with you later."

Chen Ji replied calmly, "I only want them alive. As for the rest, you can settle it however you wish."

Hong Zuer turned and went aside, leaning against a birch tree closer to the bonfire, while Chen Ji sat across from him, staring intently.

...

...

At this moment, Princess Liyang sat by the bonfire, her almond eyes scanning the surroundings, lost in some calculation.

She suddenly spoke, "Lord Jiang, why not let me go? You can claim that robbers assassinated me on the road and I died in transit. I assure you, from then on, I will live incognito and not trouble you. Once my brother ascends the throne, I’ll secure you the position of Minister of the Secretariat."

Jiang Xiansheng kept his eyes closed in repose, not even lifting an eyelid, "Your Highness, do you really think I’m so easily deceived? Let you go today, and tomorrow you’ll head to Zhongjing Road to find that Military Governor who fancies you, stirring up storms and causing chaos in the court."

Princess Liyang stated seriously, "Do you realize that if I hadn’t restrainingly balanced Yuan Xiang, the court wouldn’t be as it is today? Out of the twelve Military Governors, three are on my side."

With eyes still closed, Jiang Xiansheng chuckled dismissively, "Nonsense. They support your brother, the Third Prince—not you."

Princess Liyang sneered, "No wonder you’ve only been a minor staff in Yuan Cheng all these years. You’re not fit to be seen."

Jiang Xiansheng wasn’t angered, "Say whatever you wish, Your Highness."

A moment later, Princess Liyang’s gaze drifted, and she got up to speak to Jiang Yun not far away, "Come, I have something to tell you."

But Jiang Yun stood, spear in hand, behind Jiang Xiansheng, ignoring Princess Liyang.

Jiang Xiansheng opened his eyes and spoke with a smile, "No need to trouble yourself, Your Highness. If I don’t speak, they won’t pay you any mind."

Princess Liyang’s eyes drifted once more before she lifted her skirt and approached Chen Ji.

She sat down beside Chen Ji, smoothing her attire.

Seeing that Jiang Xiansheng did not stop her, she finally smiled and said, "Young man, you’re not ordinary."

Chen Ji replied carelessly, "My ancestors were also nobles. Unfortunately, my grandfather lost his title when he was incriminated after the army’s main General was executed."

Princess Liyang wasn’t interested in that, instead speaking quietly, "You must have realized that when we discussed court secrets, we didn’t avoid you, meaning we’ve decided not to let you leave alive. If you want to live, follow what I say. I’ll give you a way to survive."