03. Kidnapping

The crossing of the river took 5 days and although the escort team was seasoned, Nie Linzhi couldn't take this trip lightly. In days when rebellion was rampant, more evils could emerge.

"How about the thing I ask you?"

Ningning was half sulking, but answered her master regardless; "I asked the envoy and escort leader to send someone to accompany me to greet the other boats, but only the envoy leader send someone with me."

The envoy leader of engagement was the one from Han Junjie's grandmother's side, the one approving the alliance named Qian Kun. Nie Hoya, Nie Feiyu and a group of elders greeted him in formal attire, and entertained the old man grandly in the front hall. They talked about the kingdom's founding and the history of countless battles. After drinking three times, the governor helplessly explained that his daughter contracted a serious illness, and the doctor concluded she wasn't appropriate for marriage. After another round of explanation, the new bride was set to be the cousin they formally adopted, known to be beautiful and talented.

In contrast to Qian Kun, the marriage escort team was Han Ji - one of the best generals under Duke Li. Han Ji was a decorated war hero, the commander of the Tiger division, and the son of one of the generals who died in the battle of that year. He was almost 2 meters tall, had deep eyes and a beard, with hard muscles all over his body. He was equipped with a long sword they could tell by glance was heavy. Known for his hand to hand combat and bravery, he was a bit more arrogant and imposing than Qian Kun. He was indifferent and his hatred manifested with a cold demeanor. Nie Feiyu was tasked by his father to be considerate, but he was a bit unhappy. Still, he took the initiative to be better than the other party and did not dare to show displeasure. Flattering and considerate in every move and words, fully aware that he was the man responsible for his cousin's safety.

Nie Linzhi was out of the wedding gown, and she handed Ningning a cake. "You've worked hard, don't mind him. His team rode non-stop from the border and had to pick us up at Junyu and escort us back to Han city. If that's you, you must also be tired and want to rest."

Ningning ate the cake wordlessly.

"Mama Xu, open the snacks and ginseng wine and give it to them. Give the cook more money and make more food for the guards and envoy team. Tell everyone to be courteous and mindful of words and deeds, we will be together for 5 days and nights. We can't afford to offend anyone."

"Yes, Madam."

"What did you call me?"

"Of course 'Madam', you are a married woman now."

"I told you to be careful with words and deeds, there's no wedding ceremony yet so don't get ahead of ourselves."

"But-"

"Mama Xu."

"Yes, Miss."

Nie Linzhi nodded and dismissed the servants.

"Brother Ji, hurry up and eat. The madam is very generous and gives us ginseng wine to warm up our body!"

The young soldiers were laughing and drinking, feasting merrily in the dining hall. Oblivious to the darkening face of their commander.

"What are you doing brooding here?"

Han Ji saluted to Qian Kun, the older man was a father figure for Han Junjie and Han Ji. he was the only reason that despite his reluctance and hatred, he didn't turn down the task to escort the bride back.

"Scheming! She really thinks she will be the duchess after this?! Dream on!"

Qian Kun blew his cigarette, "She will marry your lord, of course she'll be your lady."

If not for his sense of respect, Han Ji would've spit to the ground and stomped his feet various times because of the old man's words. He was so angry when he knew the great madam accepted the marriage arrangement with their mortal enemy - the Nies!

"Mr. Qian, what is the great madam thinking? Why did she accept the woman from the Nie family?"

"How dare I guess what the great madam was thinking? I just follow the lord's plan, that's all."

"What plan?"

Qian Kun answered Han Ji with a thick blow of smoke.

The night was deep, the water was calm, and Nie Linzhi was protected in the middle among the sailing seven boats.

The tiredness was wearing off and she couldn't sleep.

"Ningning. Ningning."

Her attendant was the same as her, an early bird and heavy sleeper; they hardly stayed awake at night and she couldn't wake the old Mama Xu. Nie Linzhi took the thickest coat and walked out. As expected from a military family, soldiers were stationed in an orderly manner and they didn't ask or stop her. They were focusing on guard.

"Where are you going, Miss Nie?"

"General Han," It was Han Ji, out of his usual military uniform, but as imposing as ever. "I can't sleep, I need some air."

"The winter wind is strong. Please head back in, Miss."

"I'll come in after I'm done."

"Miss-"

"As I said, I will head inside once I'm done sightseeing."

Han Ji's appearance might be intimidating for most people, but Nie Linzhi grew up with the elite of society, the cusp of political power. The kind of people that could stare down any big man and make them tremble on their knees. This confrontation was nothing.

Han Ji didn't realize he was coerced, he just thought there's no point in arguing with the woman. He just stood behind her with a sword on his side.

Starless night in the winter was just a perfect time to overthink. Nie Linzhi couldn't help to laugh when she remembered how smart and decisive she used to be. All the things she did in the past was to add honor to her father and soared her reputation. Of course she also measured, the capital city was full of people she couldn't offend after all.

All that brain and brawn.. she still fell into the beauty trap.

Nie Linzhi's punch on the balcony's railing and soundless grimace didn't escape Han Ji's eyes. He noted that Miss Nie probably had something wrong with her head somewhere. One time she was laughing, then she was nostalgic, and another time she looked angry.

Han Ji soon paid no mind as shrill screams from women and sudden attack on the nearby boat caught him off guard.

"Miss, get the woman gathered in the kitchen and tell them to be quiet."

Nie Linzhi ran inside and woke the women on the boat, soon the sounds of fighting and screaming was heard throughout.

The boat's kitchen is located in the lower deck at the innermost side, they will be protected until the fight ends.

"Hug.. Uhuk.. What is this smell?" Nie Linzhi noticed the smell too late and everyone dropped to the floor.

A constant horse step and soft cushion greeted Nie Linzhi when she opened her eyes.

"Linzhi, are you alright?"

"Feng Xinian? What are you doing here?"

"You tell me to come, you want me to save you."

"What? Of course not, I'm on my way to my husband's house. Why would I.." Something suddenly hit her mind. She gripped his shoulder, "Who sent you the message? Where is the letter?"

The man broke free from his best friend's grip, "It's the usual channel, here, I have the letter."

Three years ago, she only had her assets and excluded the trinkets or pets. Her bird was also sold. If he said it was the usual channel, then her bird should've come to him in the royal college.

"Zhang Siyuan you little shit!"

Feng Xinian dumbfounded, for years he only heard her praising and simping over Zhang Siyuan. The bulging veins, crumbling letter, and vicious look on her face was really something else.

"I wrote this letter, but this is an old letter. Zhang Siyuan tried to drag you and the Royal Teacher to this heirs problem."

"What? Why did he drag my grandpa into this?"

"Are you dumb? The Royal Teacher is the late king's study companion and the current king's teacher, whoever got his support would get the scholars' approval. The road to be a king is easier when you have scholars on your side!"

"So Cheater Zhang makes me look like I'm supporting Duke Li?"

Nie Linzhi closed her eyes and took a deep breath again, "NO! He made you have a rift with Duke Li through me! People would assume that you kidnapped me and automatically put us in the opposite camp!"

"But my grandpa never voiced his opinion about the crown prince thing.."

"Exactly! And the only camp strong enough to resist Duke Li is the Zhangs!"

"But my grandpa never cared about this."

"Only you and your grandpa never care! Your other clansmen will do anything to preserve themselves and climb to higher branches."

"Cheater Zhang is provoking my family to lure them into the Second Prince's camp?"

"Precisely!" Her mind was racing, but the hatred for Zhang Siyuan was burning. "Send the signal to stop your men. Tell them to lay low. They can't have a confrontation with Hans' guard."

"What men?"

"Those attacking the boats!"

"I don't attack the boats, I just follow your boat and take you when they're off guard."

What the hell? Who is the attacker?!

"Feng Xinian, listen to-" Before she could finish her words, the carriage abruptly stopped. Feng Xinian was renting a small carriage as a camouflage so he fell forward and Nie Linzhi supported him.

Before Nie Jingyi, Feng Xinian was her 'little brother' and years of habit made her stick her head out of the window, but she slapped away the curtain and as fast as she was slapped by the show of power.

The intense change of her expression made him worry, "What is it?"

Nie Linzhi put her index finger to his mouth.

In the snow a few meters ahead, a column of horse archers stood in the middle of the road, blocking the way. The bow strings were fully stretched and ready to shoot.

The situation behind was as pessimistic, the same dozens of archers caught up in an instant. They were surrounded.

A horse came out of the side, a young man in military uniform was carrying a big machete pointing at the carriage and laughed loudly.

"Miss Nie, my name is Ma Zifeng. If you come with me, I will respect you and let your little lover go."

It was a dire situation, but the duo snarled at the same time. Ever since they were children, they despised being connected like that.

Ma Zifeng was the youngest son of a warlord up north, but his maternal uncle was the governor of this city fortress. He had always been ruthless and arrogant, this was the reason his parents sent him here to help the uncle's family - the Chens. The locals called him the Hell Jade for his scholarly appearance but brutal skills.

Just like any other powerful family, the Chens and the Mas tried to expand their power in the chaos. They took a few cities across the river, but were beaten by the Hans under Han Junjie's command. Ma Zifeng was young and vigorous, he was spoiled by his mother and brothers, and most importantly his father doted on him. After consecutive wins, they got more eager and ready to attack Han Junjie's land.

He had been dissatisfied with Han Junjie, he was the same age as him but got all this power and reverence only because his father couldn't take the mantle of leadership. It wasn't fair!

At that battle, Ma Zifeng took the vanguard's captain position, boasted to have Han Junjie's head on his machete and displayed it on top of the Chens city fortress.. but he lost. Defeated in a miserable state and the entire army was pushed back to their side of the river, humiliated for years.

When he found out Han Junjie was recently married, he knew they would take a water way, but he still sent a spy to keep an eye on them. With Heaven's permission, he caught this 'a knight saving the beauty' scene and got his chance to get his revenge on Han Junjie.

Seeing that there was no movement in the carriage, Ma Zifeng's face darkened and ready to make a gesture.

"How can I trust you, Young Master Ma?"

"Ha.. ha.. ha.. Beauty, as long as you obediently follow me, these two can leave."

"Then please General Ma change these servants with your people and give them horses."

Feng Xinian's argument was shut down by her one look and he exited the carriage. The two swiftly left the premises and Nie Linzhi sighs of relief as no other horse steps heard. Even if Ma Zifeng sent people to chase, Feng Xinian's hidden guard could subdue them as long as they're not heavily outnumbered.

There was a sound of footsteps approaching, the compartment door was pulled open and a white jade-faced man in his mid-twenties came in. He had a golden crown on his head and a snake belt around his waist. His eyes froze when he saw Nie Linzhi.

Ma Zifeng had also heard the praises of Han Junjie's bride, but seeing with his own eyes was different.

Nie Linzhi's hair was let down, a white thick coat draping over her body, but he could tell her outline. Round face, doe eyes, and a redden pair of ears. The evil intention was evident.