Chapter 1257: First Volume, Chapter 1257: Difficult Steps

First Volume, Chapter 1257: Difficult Steps

Qin Tianhu naturally understood the Black Commandant's intent; the only way to break free from his harassment was to crush the eight hundred cavalry at once, otherwise once they began to maneuver, the formation would be entangled and unable to escape.

Just as Qin Tianhu was about to give the order to strike first, a scout suddenly ran up to him and whispered in his ear.

"Master, the eight hundred cavalry have broken away from our forces and retreated over a li."

Hearing this, Qin Tianhu's heart sank halfway; clearly, the Black Commandant had anticipated his plan and had already ordered the cavalry to distance themselves from Qin Tianhu's main force to avoid a surprise attack.

Now, a swift victory was no longer feasible; he could only force a breakout with gritted teeth.

At that very moment, Li Xiaolan arrived beside Qin Tianhu, supported by Xiao Xiangxiang and Shu Feng.

Qin Tianhu was stunned and immediately ordered Tianji Camp Guards to surround Li Xiaolan completely; if this girl suffered even the slightest harm, how could he explain it to Qin Feng?

"Xiaolan, why did you come over here? Go back—this place isn't safe!"

"You are pregnant; you are the utmost priority of the Qin Family, and you must not take even the slightest risk."

"Feng entrusted you to me; I must ensure your absolute safety."

Seeing Qin Tianhu's extreme anxiety, Li Xiaolan smiled gently, signaling he need not worry so much.

After all, the layers of protection around her were like an iron barrel; harming her was as difficult as climbing to heaven.

Li Xiaolan looked toward the Black Commandant across from her and said softly: "I wonder, does His Majesty regard me as a Qin Family member or a Li Family member?"

Facing this Mingyue Princess, the Black Commandant was momentarily speechless; he did not know how to respond, and since Li Xiaolan was pregnant, any forceful action might cause a miscarriage—even if His Majesty said nothing now, he would likely be executed later.

After hesitating a moment, the Black Commandant could only grit his teeth and answer: "Your Highness, His Majesty's Imperial Edict commands that all of you be brought back to Jingdu, with only Grand Commandant Qin permitted to leave the capital."

"If you insist on forcing your way out, I am caught between two difficult choices."

"I humbly beg Your Highness to preserve your imperial health."

Li Xiaolan still smiled: "If we remain in Jingdu, won't my child and I become hostages in His Majesty's hands?"

This…

The Black Commandant fell silent again; everyone knew the stakes, yet no one dared to voice them.

Now that Li Xiaolan had directly pierced through this veil, the Black Commandant had no choice but to press on, saying grimly: "All actions must follow His Majesty's Imperial Edict; I beg Your Highness's pardon."

Li Xiaolan knew she could not easily sway the Black Commandant, but she did not give up; she continued speaking calmly.

"The Beidi Campaign has ended, and the Southern Campaign is nearing its conclusion—you all know the Qin King's nature."

"If we are forcibly detained in Jingdu, it will surely force the Qin King to turn his army toward the capital; just as internal and external threats have been resolved, His Majesty would face his greatest benefactor in open war—how would the people of Heaven view this?"

The Black Commandant lowered his head even further; though deeply ashamed, orders were orders.

"We are merely carrying out orders; the right and wrong of this matter are beyond our judgment."

"If Your Highness returns to Jingdu, the Qin King, mindful of your imperial health, will surely cease his assault on the capital."

"Only then can Shedynasty truly achieve peace and prosperity."

Hearing this, Li Xiaolan burst into a light laugh, as if hearing the funniest joke in the world.

"This so-called peace and prosperity is built upon the corpses of the Qin Family."

"When the birds are gone, the fine bow is put away; when the rabbits are dead, the hunting dogs are cooked—is this His Majesty's loyalty? What a cold, calculating, heartless schemer."

"I intend to take the Qin Family away; if you insist on harassing us, then trample over my body first."

With that, Li Xiaolan continued forward, escorted by Xiao Xiangxiang, Shu Feng, and the Tianji Camp Guards.

Though Qin Tianhu worried for Li Xiaolan's safety, seeing her firm resolve, he could only let her proceed.

The Black Commandant, seeing this, felt deeply conflicted; after all, this Qin Family member was Shedynasty's sole Mingyue Princess—if anything happened to her, how could he answer for it?

In desperation, the Black Commandant spurred his horse back to the rear to consult with the commanding officers.

Learning that Li Xiaolan had left her carriage and was leading the column on foot, several Deputy Generals and Staff Officers frowned deeply.

They exchanged glances—neither chasing nor letting go seemed right.

"This matter… is truly difficult."

"The Qin Family has worked tirelessly for Shedynasty, giving countless sacrifices; now, before the Southern Campaign is even fully over, we're to do this kind of 'cook the hunting dog after catching the rabbit'? Won't the whole world condemn us?"

"It's utterly disgraceful!"

"Shh, lower your voice—this is a superior's order; we only obey, and must not judge privately—risking death for speaking out."

"Then what should we do?"

The Black Commandant clenched his teeth and growled: "We must carry out His Majesty's command!"

Upon hearing this, the officers shook their heads in urgent protest.

"Who will bear responsibility if the Mingyue Princess is harmed?"

"His Majesty's order never even mentioned the Mingyue Princess—clearly, he left himself an escape route; should she be harmed, we'll all be forced to carry the blame."

"That's true…"

"The best course now is to follow the column slowly and steadily; after all, the Mingyue Princess moves slowly. When reinforcements arrive, higher-ranking officers will decide what to do—then, even if heaven falls, it won't touch us."

"Exactly right—let's do it!"

Out of concern for Li Xiaolan's safety, the Black Commandant and the officers refused to launch an attack on the Qin Family; they maintained a distance of one li, trailing behind slowly and steadily.

If Li Xiaolan returned to her carriage and the column sped up, they would immediately attack.

Conversely, as long as Li Xiaolan remained outside, they would not strike.

Li Xiaolan understood this perfectly; she kept the column moving forward, but being pregnant and weak, she began gasping for breath within half a Envoy.

Seeing this, Xiao Xiangxiang felt a pang of sorrow and urged repeatedly: "Young Madam, please return to rest; if you exhaust yourself, what then?"

Shu Feng quickly added: "The pursuers haven't advanced—they may be hesitating out of respect for your status. The goal has been achieved; please return now."

Li Xiaolan shook her head, her eyes resolute: "This time, the pursuers will surely launch an attack."

"Every moment we delay is another moment gained."

"Didn't the Brocade Guard say Qin Feng is already leading reinforcements? The longer we hold out, the greater our chance of meeting him."