《《蛮族之花》 Flower of Wilderness》Yina_bubbles

25、第 25 章 Befor

　　Chapter 25 — Before the Storm

　　Xie Zheng studied the map for a long moment after Nanny Zhang finished explaining what she knew. His expression had become increasingly grim. “Suyuan is still in Younis?” he asked.
　　Nanny Zhang nodded. Xie Zheng's fingers tightened slightly around the edge of the table. He had expected the princess's daughter to be frightened. He had not expected her to send the only two people she trusted away from her and remain behind herself. Nanny Zhang lowered her eyes.

　　“Once she decides something, it is very difficult to make her change it.”
　　Ayao immediately spoke. “General, please don't don't waste anymore time by then, it might be too late.”

　　Xie Zheng looked toward the ashes jar resting on the table. Princess Shuran had already died. He could not allow her daughter to disappear as well. “I will send riders to the capital first,” he said. “They will take the news, the map, and the princess's ashes directly to the Emperor.” Nanny Zhang looked relieved, but only for a moment. “What about Suyuan?”
　　“I am going after her.”

　　Ayao's eyes widened. “Then let us come too.”
　　Xie Zheng shook his head.

　　“No.”

　　“But—”

　　“You have travelled from Younis to the border already. You are exhausted, and neither of you is trained for military travel.” His voice remained firm but not unkind. “If you come with us, the rescue party will have to slow down to protect you. That could cost us valuable time.” Nanny Zhang understood immediately. She bowed her head.
　　“Then we will stay here.” “I'll leave soldiers to protect you,” Xie Zheng said. “You will remain at the frontier until the capital sends further orders.” Ayao clenched her hands, clearly unhappy, but she knew he was right.“Please bring her back,” she whispered.

　　Xie Zheng looked at her. He folded the map carefully and handed it to one of his most trusted riders. “Ride for the capital immediately. Do not stop unless necessary. Tell the Emperor everything you have learned.” The rider bowed and left. Outside, horses were already being prepared. Xie Zheng stepped toward the barracks entrance and looked north. Somewhere beyond the mountains and frozen plains, Suyuan was still in Younis. And if Nanny Zhang was right, she was not waiting to be rescued. She was waiting for something else.

　　Xie Zheng mounted his horse. “Prepare twenty riders,” he ordered. “We leave before dawn.” Behind him, the frontier camp stirred into motion. For the first time since the ashes of Princess Shuran had reached Xian's border, help was finally moving toward Suyuan.But whether it would reach her in time was another matter.

作者有话说

Our general on the road