19. A pointless discussion
The next morning the group set off for the mansion of the Marquis, Xin had asked to join them as she needed to harvest some herbs that only grew on that side of the forest. Zhu had quickly noted that they would be happy to allow Xin to travel with them. In the mansion Zhu introduced Xin to the Marquis, who had heard of the daughter of mr. Tong, but never seen her before. He invited her to stay at his mansion until she had finished her business at the forest. As they had traveled most of the day, not other business could be done. After dinner, when Xin had retired, the Marquis told them that General Xuo Ling would come the following morning. Pei told the Marquis about the story of the Ghost Army that they had heard and he showed the drawing of the mark. "And we need to discuss the border path." The Marquis nodded: "My soldiers told me about the path. I've made a first rotation, so the path is under watch, but it might be best to block it. Especially as you've discovered various weapons."
"You can't block it. The trade agreement states that the border paths have to remain as they are." Zhu interrupted. Pei looked at him surprised: "Why were border paths so specifically included? Are there more?"
"I have to check with the officials who have drawn the agreement up. But if I remember correctly there was one border path which had collapsed, both parties wanted to keep it as it was."
"I suppose that is this path." Pei commented.
"And there are two more border paths further east." The Marquis said. "Those are watched from both sides and are often used for smaller quantities that need to be transported fast." He added. They decided to leave the discussion for the night, as the moon was already shining bright. They bid each other a good night and left for their own rooms.
The following day Rushuang accompanied Xin on her foraging trip. The previous day the had bonded over plants during the trip tin the carriage. The others remained in the Mansion for the conversation wit Xuo Ling. That conversation only revealed that amongst the soldiers the story of the Ghost Army was also known and getting louder. Xuo Ling also didn't recognize the mark, but would report it if more or this mark was seen. "I'll aske Mingjing Office to do the same." Su said, to which Pei gave a short nod. After this conversation on e of the guards came in with a message for the emperor. Zhu quickly read it, his expression showed his concern. "I have to return to the capital tomorrow." He announced to Pei, Su, Zihou and Xie, who were all present. The Marquis was just then seeing Xuo Ling off. When he returned to Marquis acknowledged the news. "I had hoped that Prince Qi might train the troops for a few days." He said. Zhu nodded: "I can't answer for my brother, but I do not require him during the travel or in the capital." Pei quickly looked at Su: "Do you have to return to Mingjing Office?"
"I'll send my report by pigeon. I haven't heard anything about cases requiring my attention. So if needed we can stay a few extra days. But you had your own work interrupted." Su gently reminded him. "I took those reports with me, I can work on them here." Turning to the Marquis Pei said: "I can stay longer."
"We will travel to the capital with Zhu." Xie said. "Rushuang needs to get back to her patients." Pei nodded, relieved that Xie could accompany his brother. Xie continued: "I'll split the men, you take the remaining five with you. But do me a favor and let them train with you." Pei smiled: "Okay, thank you brother. Where are your men now?"
"You don't think I would let Rushuang into the forest on her own do you? I sent them to keep an eye on the girls."
"Do they know?" Su asked, smiling. Xie shrugged: "By now Rushuang should have realized that they are with her. But I did give them the assignment to remain hidden as long as possible." Both Su and Pei knew Xie loved testing the abilities of his soldiers and Rushuang, so the answer didn't surprise them. As there were no other things requiring their attention Pei went to their room tot get the Honggu reports, the Marquis made sure Su had writing implements and the entire group went to one of the largest pavilions to work.
Pei showed the Marquis the Honggu reports and the letters from the Marquis to the county magistrate. "No, I didn't send the letter, but there were troops of mine near Honggu who could have issued the letter. I'll ask the captains who led the troops. But why are you interested in this? We know Lei Zheng was the traitor, directed by Prince Yun." The Marquis inquired, looking at Pei.
"There are discrepancies between the reports and on the battlefield the mark we're hunting was found. I want to know if those that have colluded with Prince Yun are operation under that mark and are trying to cause chaos again." Pei explained. The Marquis nodded approvingly: "Your loyalty to the empire is still so large, it is impressive." Su who had been listening with a half ear mumbled something under her breath, Pei turned to her, raising his eyebrow in question. Su raised her head and shook it. "I apologies, it was in relation to my report." Pei knew she was lying, but left it. Apparently the sentiment Su had displayed at the Marquis remarks was shared by Zhu: "It is high time that certain court officials shared your view, Marquis." Before anyone could remark on that, they heard footsteps of approaching people. "Xie Beiming! I have said it before, I don't need your men to follow me." Rushuang briskly walked to her husband, Xin followed in a slower pace. "How long?" Xie asked, disregarding the indignation of Rushuang. This discussion was ongoing according to Rushuang, but to Xie it was closed. There was simply no way he would let Rushuang walk around in a forest – or anywhere – without him or his men protecting her. Su briefly looked up, she saw Zhu extend his hand to help Xin, she saw the expression on Rushuang and Brother Xie's face and turned back to her report. This discussion she had heard many times. Indeed she and Pei had had the same discussion, quite soon after their engagement had been announced. She had seen two of the soldiers of Prince Qui following her while she was conducting her work for Mingjing Office. At first she thought nothing of it, but when she noticed she was being followed every time she was out of their home, she decided to confront Yan about it. She had told him she could defend herself and take care of herself, she had done that for quite a while at that point. But she quickly found Yan refusing to butch on the issue. Gently, well no actually forcefully, he had reminded her he had already saved her at least twice and he had added that protecting her was his job. Simply put: the guards were there to stay. Yan had also taken I upon him to train a few guards of Mingjing Office. Those trained by him were always at Su's side. Deciding she would not win this debate Su let it go, but made sure she always knew who her guards for the day were.
When she had finished the report, Pei asked her to take a stroll with him. Quickly she realized that they were relieving Rushuang and Xie, who had joined Zhu and Xin for a stroll through the Marquis' flower garden. Su and Pei kept an eye on Zhu and Xie while they enjoyed their last afternoon together. Su wondered whether they would ever meet Xin again.