30. Separating Paths
It took them half a day to reach the town nearest to the military camp in Ran County. Ran County was a settlement for ethnic minorities where Han Chinese were rarely seen, so their arrival immediately drew significant attention. Zhao Chengxian felt that if there were problems within the camp, an official arrival would yield no results. He gathered the others in a secluded tea stall and said, "Going there openly will likely lead to nothing. It would be better to split into two groups. The people in the camp surely know that someone from the imperial court is coming, and if no one shows up, it will certainly arouse their suspicion."
He then looked at Feishu and said, "Feishu, you, Yang Wentai, Haiyang, and Haiming will go to the camp. I and the three royal guards will investigate the soldiers' discipline and regulations from the outside. We will listen to what the local commoners think about this matter; perhaps their perspective is the most authentic." Zhao Chengxian had already sent Chen Gui to purchase local attire, knowing that if anyone sensed they were gathering intelligence, they would be in grave danger.
Yue'er was about to object when Feishu spoke first: "No, Brother Chengxian, that is too dangerous for you!" Indeed, their group faced greater risks; those going to the camp were sent by the court and had official standing, so even if someone intended to harm them, they would have reservations. Those on the outside, however, could be hunted down under any flimsy pretext.
Yue'er also voiced her opposition: "Of the lot of you, only the Prince has any approachability. Look at the others—they all have faces like someone owes them money. Who would dare talk to you?" Yue'er's words made the two guards' faces darken even further, making them look truly intimidating. Feishu, Haiyang, and Haiming looked at each other and nodded, agreeing that Yue'er made a valid point.
The poor guards had been professionally trained to maintain such stoic expressions; being a bodyguard required a certain level of sternness. They secretly envied Chen Gui for not having to be here to lose face. Zhao Chengxian smiled and asked, "And does Scholar Yang have any brilliant suggestions?" Yue'er did not disagree with his goal, only with the arrangement.
Everyone turned to look at Yue'er. She pondered for a moment and said with a smile, "Your Highness, you should send the three guards and Feishu to the camp. I will join you, Haiyang, and Haiming to conduct the investigation. Aren't we far more approachable than they are?" She did not find it strange that Feishu called Zhao Chengxian "Brother," as she had sensed he was extraordinary the first time they met. Yue'er understood that Zhao Chengxian was arranging for them to go to the camp out of concern for their safety, but while half of her reasoning was true, the other half—her worry for Zhao Chengxian—was something she could not voice.
Zhao Chengxian hesitated for a moment after hearing Yue'er's suggestion. He looked into her clear eyes and said slowly, "Very well. Haiyang, Haiming, and I will go together. Scholar Yang, you will join Feishu and the other two guards at the camp." Seeing Yue'er about to argue, he decisively added, "It is settled. Feishu, Scholar Yang, proceed with your mission!" Yue'er had no choice but to obey. As they passed Zhao Chengxian, he pulled one of the guards aside and whispered, "Protect her well." The guard understood who he meant and nodded firmly. To fulfill a promise was the duty of a guard.
As she walked by, Yue'er shot Zhao Chengxian a glare, but he pretended not to notice. Unable to suppress her anxiety, she turned back and said, "Your Highness, please be careful in everything you do." She did not want to see him in any danger, yet the mission was inherently perilous and concerned the safety of the nation; they had to fulfill their duties.
Zhao Chengxian replied with equal reluctance, "You as well. I hope that everyone will return to the capital safely." Yue'er suddenly felt like crying; she turned and walked away quickly to prevent her tears from spilling. Zhao Chengxian watched her and thought, "Silly girl, you are so transparent—do you really think I cannot see it?" Haiyang and Haiming watched the interaction between Zhao Chengxian and Yue'er with confusion, sensing something unusual but unable to pinpoint what was strange. Once Chen Gui returned, they began their operation.