Conspiracy

The tent buzzed with the raucous voices of the Tianlang Tribe, laughter and jeers swirling into a cacophony like a pack of ravenous wolves surrounding prey, their howls filled with untamed arrogance. Amid the uproar, Bao Yuxing's mocking words cut sharp and deep, a blade piercing the Xiongnu Second Prince's pride. His face flushed with fury, his grip on the wine cup trembling, but he could find no words to retaliate. 

Just as the moment grew unbearably awkward, the black-robed figure beside the Second Prince stepped forward. His voice, neither loud nor soft, resonated like a bell tolling in the wilderness—steady and unyielding. "Chief Bao, our visit here carries the utmost sincerity. I urge you to reconsider." 

The words cleaved through the clamor like an invisible sword, silencing the crowd. All eyes turned toward the speaker, a figure shrouded in shadow. Draped in a jet-black robe that melded seamlessly with the darkness, he revealed only a pair of eyes, sharp as a hawk's, their icy intensity stirring unease in those who dared to meet his gaze. 

Bao Yuxing narrowed his eyes, a flicker of vigilance sparking within him. This black-robed man had intrigued him from the start—not just because of his peculiar attire, but because of the subtle deference the Second Prince showed him, a relationship that spoke volumes. 

The black-robed man made no further moves but introduced himself with deliberate calm. "I am a diplomat from the State of Yan." 

The declaration landed like a thunderclap, causing everyone present to pale. A Yan diplomat here, deep in the grasslands—what was his purpose? Bao Yuxing let out a cold laugh, his tone edged with suspicion. "A diplomat from Yan traveling so far into our land—is Yan seeking to lay its hands on something that isn't theirs?" 

The black-robed man's gaze swept across Bao Yuxing with a faint, enigmatic smile before shifting to the Second Prince. The latter took the cue, straightening his robes and bowing respectfully. In a solemn tone, he said, "Chief Bao, this envoy from Yan has come with a proposition to forge an alliance against Qin. Yan offers nothing but sincerity. All provisions, weapons, and supplies required for this campaign shall be borne by Yan. The captured Qin cities and territories will remain untouched by Yan. I ask Chief Bao to weigh this offer carefully." 

Bao Yuxing's eyes gleamed as he absorbed the words, drumming his fingers on the table in contemplation. The conditions were tempting, almost suspiciously so. "Such generous terms—it almost sounds too good to be true," he remarked with a wry smirk. 

Finally, the black-robed man spoke again, his voice measured yet filled with certainty. "Chief Bao, our goals are straightforward. First, if your forces breach Qin's borders, it will plunge the state into internal turmoil, allowing Yan to reclaim lost lands. Second, this war will tie down Qin's resources, granting the Six States respite and dulling Qin's blade. Such an outcome benefits both your tribe and Yan. What say you, Chief Bao?" 

Bao Yuxing pondered for a moment, his gaze hardening. Then, he burst into hearty laughter, raising his cup in a gesture of acceptance. "Very well! The Tianlang Tribe agrees to this!" 

The Second Prince exhaled a visible sigh of relief, a triumphant gleam in his eye. "Chief Bao, your wisdom knows no bounds! I propose that we launch the campaign in the spring, once the snow melts and the grass thrives. By then, with ten other tribes joining forces, coupled with the Tianlang Tribe and the Xiongnu royal army, we'll command a force of 200,000 strong—enough to make Qin tremble!" 

Before the applause subsided, a gust of wind tore through the tent flaps, sending sand scattering across the room. A burly figure strode in with fiery determination, slamming himself into an empty seat to the left. "Brother! Today was infuriating—enough to drive me mad!" 

Bao Yuxing glanced at the newcomer and burst into laughter. "Second Brother, what's gotten you so riled up?" 

The man, Bao Yukun, commander of the Tianlang Tribe's cavalry, growled out his tale—a failed skirmish with Qin forces. His coarse voice echoed with frustration, each detail stoking the tribe's anger. 

"That Qin Yi dares provoke the Tianlang Tribe? He's asking for death!" 

"If he's come, he shouldn't leave alive!" 

Yet Bao Yuxing's face darkened, his authority casting a shadow over the fervor. "Enough! Let's not let our emotions cloud our judgment." He turned to Bao Yukun, his tone sharp. "What movements has Qin Yi made?" 

Bao Yukun hesitated before gesturing for the soldiers to bring in prisoners. A group of trembling women was shoved into the tent, their eyes darting with fear. Among them, a veiled young woman stood out. Unlike the others, she remained upright, her slender frame outlined by a green dress. She exuded an unyielding grace, like a lotus swaying in the wind—fragile yet resolute. 

Bao Yuxing's gaze locked onto her, his expression darkening with desire. Slamming his hand on the table, he declared, "This one is mine!" 

The room fell into an eerie stillness, broken only by the crackle of firewood. Bao Yuxing advanced toward the veiled woman, his eyes gleaming with unspoken greed as they roved over her, as though seeking to strip away her mystery. 

The woman stood rigid, her fear suppressed by sheer willpower. She raised her head slightly, meeting Bao Yuxing's predatory gaze with calm, defiant eyes—clear as crystal, cold as starlight. 

That look startled Bao Yuxing, momentarily freezing the leer on his lips. Then, his smile deepened, tinged with dangerous excitement. He relished a challenge, and the more unyielding his prey, the more thrilling the hunt.