Love Lock

Chapter 333 The Eagle Only Believes in Strength

Half an hour ago.

As Tang Xiaotong followed the Turkic guard toward Bolu Khan's golden tent, Turkic people were dancing around a bonfire in the distance, the night wind carrying faint songs and the melodious lingering notes of the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle).

That noise and jubilation belonged to Princess Yujia's people, and in a way, it has now become part of the background noise of his life.

However, the closer Tang Xiaotong got to the golden tent that shimmered under the torchlight, the more stagnant the air around him became.

He pursed his lips, secretly wondering why Boru only saw him at this time.

Since marrying Princess Yujia and becoming the "son-in-law" in the Turkic people's eyes, he has been well aware that he is at the intersection of two worlds and two kinds of loyalty, and is walking on thin ice.

Boru Khan, his hot-blooded brother-in-law, was by no means an easy person to get along with.

Tonight's unexpected summons is destined to be more than just a simple family reunion.

The tent flap was lifted by the guards, and a scent mixed with the aroma of milk, roasted meat fat, and some kind of unique grassland spice wafted out.

The tent was brightly lit, with the soft crackling of burning tallow candles illuminating the large space as if it were daytime.

Bolu Khan was sitting cross-legged on the wolf-skin rug in the main seat. When he saw Tang Xiaotong enter, a warm smile immediately appeared on his well-defined, rugged face, typical of the grassland people.

"Hahaha, my good brother-in-law, you've finally arrived! Come on, sit here!" Bolu's voice was loud and clear, with a deliberate air of intimacy. He waved to the seat next to him, which was covered with soft sheepskin.

Tang Xiaotong suppressed her thoughts and a perfectly timed smile appeared on her face.

He stepped forward, placed his hand on his chest, and bowed: "Khan, what urgent matter has summoned you so late at night?"

Tang Xiaotong sat down politely, her posture composed, but her gaze quickly swept across the tent.

Apart from Boru, there were no other nobles or generals present, which made him feel a little more at ease.

Could it be that Bolu really just wanted to have a chat with him?

"Hey, we're family, why be so polite?"

Bolu personally picked up a silver pot and poured the rich mare's milk wine into the silver bowl in front of Tang Xiaotong. His movements were practiced and natural, so that Tang Xiaotong could not see anything unusual.

"My sister is going to the Yinshan trade market with you soon, and I will miss her often. She is stubborn, but she has the softest heart. You must take good care of her there." Boru spoke earnestly, his eyes revealing his genuine concern for his sister.

This opening was exactly what Tang Xiaotong had expected.

He picked up the silver bowl, took a small sip, and the warm wine, with its unique acidity, slid down his throat. "Khan, rest assured, Yujia is my wife, and I naturally cherish and love her."

He put down his wine bowl and said sincerely, "She has done so much for her people and has a broad mind. It is my blessing, Tang Xiaotong, to marry her. We will live a good life in the market and come back to visit the Khan and our relatives on the grassland whenever we have time."

Boru nodded in satisfaction and sighed, "Yes, my sister has always cared about the tribe since she was a child. Now that I can see her find a home and live a peaceful life, I am at ease."

Then, Bolu changed the subject, following Tang Xiaotong's lead, and said, "Speaking of which, the opening of this Yinshan trade market, which allowed Benhan's people to exchange furs, cattle, and sheep for much-needed grain, salt, iron, and cloth, and to get through the winter safely, is all thanks to you, brother-in-law!"

Tang Xiaotong smiled politely: "Khan, you are too kind. It is my wish that our two countries can cease hostilities and maintain friendly relations for generations to come."

A complex look flashed in Bolu's eyes as he said, "And your Princess Consort of Cangzhou, tsk tsk, what an extraordinary woman! Who would have thought that she could persuade the King of Cangzhou to put aside past grievances, not only to cease hostilities but also to be willing to lead us former adversaries to trade and live a good life? Truly admirable!"

Speaking of Princess Han Lei, Tang Xiaotong's face was full of pride: "The Prince and Princess have the world in their hearts and are benevolent and kind. Under their rule, Cangzhou is now developing agriculture and commerce, and is changing rapidly. It is no longer the poor and desolate place it used to be. The Princess said that she believes that by strengthening trade through the Belt and Road Initiative, and achieving mutual benefit, not only Cangzhou, but also the surrounding countries, including the Turks, will have a better and better life."

The atmosphere inside the tent seemed harmonious and peaceful, with flickering candlelight illuminating two faces, each with their own thoughts.

Boru Khan chatted for a few more minutes about market trade and Princess Yujia. He laughed heartily at times and sighed at others, perfectly portraying the image of a tribal chief who cared about his sister and was grateful to Dajing.

However, just as Tang Xiaotong relaxed slightly, thinking it was just a simple chat, Bolu suddenly slammed the silver bowl in his hand onto the low table, making a crisp sound.

He leaned forward slightly, his smile fading somewhat, and a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes.

He lowered his voice and said, "Brother-in-law, we're family, let's talk behind closed doors, no need to be so formal. I've recently heard some rumors that things aren't peaceful in the Great Jing territory. It seems that war has broken out again at Dongguan, and it's said... the King and Queen of Cangzhou have personally led the elite troops of Cangzhou a thousand miles to reinforce Dongguan? Is this true?"

Upon hearing this, Tang Xiaotong felt a sudden chill and instinctively tightened her grip on the wine bowl.

This information was highly confidential. How did Boru find out about it?
Thinking of this, Tang Xiaotong remained expressionless, revealing just the right amount of surprise and bewilderment: "Is that so? Where did you hear about this, Khan? I've been busy with the market and wedding matters lately and haven't heard anything about it. Could it be a rumor?"

He gave vague answers, trying to bluff his way out of it.

Bolu grinned, revealing a set of white teeth, his smile carrying a hint of knowing-it-all playfulness.

“Brother-in-law, that’s not right. Since we are close relatives, we should be honest with each other. It’s true that the King of Cangzhou has transferred a large number of troops to Dongguan. Now Yong’an City in Beiguan is sparsely armed. It’s as clear as day.”

As Bolu spoke, he took a swig of wine, leaned even closer, and his voice seemed to carry a hint of seduction.

“Brother-in-law, look! You are now the son-in-law of the Turks, and we are family now, much closer than you are to the King and Queen of Cangzhou! They are too far away to help us now, and they are in dire need of protection themselves. This is a golden opportunity! You have been in Yong'an City for quite some time, so you must be familiar with the city's defenses and have the King of Cangzhou's deep trust... Could you think of a way to work together from the inside and outside to open the gates of Yong'an City and let our Turkic warriors into the city? As long as we take Yong'an City, all the vast lands north of Cangzhou will belong to our Turks! At that time, you will be the greatest contributor to our Turks, and you and Yujia will enjoy endless wealth and glory!”

Tang Xiaotong's heart skipped a beat!
After beating around the bush for so long, the truth is finally out!
Tang Xiaotong's heart sank as Bolu spoke, but her eyes suddenly sharpened.

He put down the silver wine bowl, straightened his back, and spoke in a clear and firm voice.

"Khan! You are mistaken! The King and Queen of Cangzhou have treated the Turks well, and have worked hard to promote trade and mutual benefit, which has benefited the people of both sides. Now you want to take advantage of their misfortune and do such an unjust thing. Is this the behavior of a hero? Is this not repaying kindness with enmity!"

Seeing Tang Xiaotong's attitude, Bolu's smile vanished instantly, his temper changing faster than flipping through a book, replaced by an offended arrogance.

He snorted, leaned back against the wolf-skin rug, and his tone became stiff.

"Treason? Brother-in-law, have you been blinded by the winds of the grasslands? The eagles of the grasslands soar through the sky, conquering their prey with their sharp claws and beaks, not waiting for others' charity or pity! They call it trade and commerce? That's just a means for the Great Jing to control us! Do you want me, Bolu, and all the warriors of the Turks, to live forever in the shadow of the Great Jing, surviving on the meager grains that slip through their fingers?" "You're wrong. This isn't charity, it's mutual benefit!" Tang Xiaotong's expression changed as he argued, "Without the Great Jing's supplies, how many cattle and sheep would have died in the Turkic tribes last winter? How many old people and children would have starved to death? Without Turkic horse hides, how could the merchants of Cangzhou have profited? Your Highness and Princess genuinely hope for peace on the border and harmony among all ethnic groups! Khan, your ambition is too great; it will only bring you trouble! Now that our people have only enjoyed a few days of peace, are you going to personally shatter this hard-won tranquility?"

"Peace? Tranquility?" Boru Khan seemed to have heard the biggest joke in the world. He suddenly stood up, looking down at Tang Xiaotong, his voice rising several decibels. "That's nothing but a coward's excuse! My ambition is to restore the glory of my ancestors, to let the iron cavalry of the Turks once again gallop across the world! Not to cower in this corner of the grasslands, barely surviving on grain and provisions obtained from appeasing the Great Jing Trade! Tang Xiaotong, I'll ask you one more time, will you help... or not?"

The previously harmonious atmosphere inside the tent suddenly became as tense as a fully drawn bowstring. The burning candlelight seemed to flicker precariously under this invisible pressure.

Tang Xiaotong also stood up, meeting Bolu's aggressive gaze without fear.

He said, word by word, "I, Tang Xiaotong, am a citizen of the Great Jing Dynasty. The King and Queen of Cangzhou have shown me immense kindness. Yujia is my wife, and I love and respect her, but I will never betray my homeland for this reason, nor become a sinner who invites wolves into the house! I will pretend I never heard of what happened tonight. Khan, please think carefully, lest you make a mistake and regret it later!"

After saying that, he turned and walked out of the tent.

"Halt!" Boru Khan shouted sternly, his voice icy. "Did I say you could leave?"

Bolu's shout seemed like a signal. With his shout, the tent flap was suddenly flung open, and two burly Turkic warriors who had been waiting outside rushed in, blocking Tang Xiaotong's retreat like two iron towers. Their hands were on the hilts of their swords, and their eyes were menacing.

Tang Xiaotong stopped in her tracks, realizing that things were unlikely to end well tonight.

He took a deep breath, slowly turned around, looked at the gloomy-faced Bolu Khan, and sneered, "What? Khan, are you trying to force me to stay? Is this how the Turks treat guests? Is this what you call 'family'?"

When Boru Khan saw that force was ineffective, he suppressed his anger and put on a serious expression.

"Brother-in-law, why are you doing this? I'm doing this for your and my sister's future. Think about it, if you help me achieve great things, you'll be a founding hero, sharing glory with my sister. Wouldn't that be better than being a mere trade guild leader under the King of Cangzhou? Besides, the Dongming Empire is incredibly powerful, and the King of Cangzhou is currently in dire straits. Why should you be buried with him? As long as you agree, wealth and honor will be within your grasp!"

"No need to say more!"

Tang Xiaotong resolutely refused, his young face filled with righteous indignation.

“I, Tang Xiaotong, am just an orphan. Although I am no hero, I know how to write the words ‘loyalty’ and ‘righteousness’! The Prince and Princess trust me and have entrusted me with the important task of border trade. How could I stab them in the back? If Yu Jia knew that you were acting this way, she would never agree to it!”

"You!" Seeing that he wouldn't listen to reason or threats, Boru Khan's patience finally ran out, and his face turned fierce. "Fine! What a loyal and righteous Tang prince consort! Since you won't listen to reason, then don't blame me for being ruthless!"

He suddenly waved his hand, "Take him down for me!"

Upon receiving the order, the two Turkic warriors immediately pounced on Tang Xiaotong like hungry tigers, grabbing his arms from both sides and twisting them behind his back.

Although Tang Xiaotong had some martial arts skills, his struggles were like an ant trying to shake a tree in front of these two strong Turkic men who were known for their courage and strength; he couldn't move an inch.

"Bolu! You are ungrateful and treacherous! How have the King and Queen of Cangzhou treated you? Don't you feel it? How many Turkic lives have been saved by trade and exchanges? And this is how you repay them? Aren't you afraid of chilling the hearts of all your people who yearn for peace?"

Tang Xiaotong glared at Bolu and shouted angrily, her chest heaving with rage.

Boru Khan descended from his seat and approached Tang Xiaotong, his face contorted with rage.

"Gratitude? Devotion? Hmph! That's the kind of emotion only the weak need! The eagles of the steppe only believe in strength! Only by taking Yong'an City, or even Dajing, can my Turkic people truly rise and stop being subservient to others. As for my people..." He sneered, "As long as I can bring them more pastures, wealth, and slaves, they will naturally support me!"

As he spoke, Bolu drew his gleaming curved sword from his waist with a swift motion, the cold blade almost touching Tang Xiaotong's cheek.

"Tang Xiaotong, don't blame me for being ruthless. I'll give you one last chance. First, cooperate obediently and help me take Yong'an City, and you and Yujia will remain the noble princess and her consort. Second..."

With a flick of his wrist, the tip of his knife moved downwards, pointing at Tang Xiaotong's ankle. "I will sever your Achilles tendons, so that you will remain a slave on the grasslands like a lame dog forever, and you will never see Yujia again in this lifetime! You choose!"

The cold blade stung his skin, and the threat of death and the fear of maiming assaulted him simultaneously. Cold sweat beaded on Tang Xiaotong's forehead, and his heart pounded. But he gritted his teeth, his gaze fixed on Bolu, and spat.

"Bah! You wolf in sheep's clothing! I, Tang Xiaotong, would rather die standing than live on my knees! Kill me or torture me, it's up to you! But let me tell you, Bolu, those who do many evil deeds will surely perish! You will pay the price for your ambition!"

"Stubborn fool!" Boru Khan was furious, his eyes flashing with murderous intent. He kicked Tang Xiaotong to the ground and shouted at the two warriors, "Hold him down!"

Tang Xiaotong was pinned down on the fluffy carpet, and could only struggle in vain.

He felt Boru crouch down, the cold blade already pressed against his ankle, and even the shadow of death loomed over him.

In despair, Tang Xiaotong suddenly looked up at the two Turkic warriors who were holding him down.

He struggled, asking painfully, "What about you? Are you also willing to follow him down this dark path? Think of your families! Think of the lives you lived before the trade was established? Relatives freezing to death in winter, children starving to death! Now that we finally have a stable life, a hope, do you really want to destroy all of this with your own hands and go back to that life of uncertainty and danger?"

The two Turkic warriors who were holding him down visibly stiffened, their grip loosened slightly, and their eyes revealed struggle and hesitation.

They exchanged a glance, and one of them couldn't help but speak up, saying, "Khan, the prince consort... he is, after all, our Turkic benefactor. The Turks remember kindness; to treat our benefactor like this is probably..."

"Shut up!" Boru Khan interrupted sharply. "This is none of your business! Hold your tongues! If you dare to say another word, you'll be punished the same as him!"

The two warriors' eyes flickered, and they dared not speak again. They could only obey and forcefully hold Tang Xiaotong down, but they avoided Tang Xiaotong's gaze and even closed their eyes in reluctance.

"Bolu, you can't do this, you'll regret it." Tang Xiaotong turned her head and glared at Bolu.

Bolu ignored him, grinned maliciously, and with a flick of his wrist, the tip of the knife was about to stab down!
Tang Xiaotong gritted her teeth and watched helplessly as the tip of his knife fell.

At this critical moment!
"Pfft-"

A muffled thud, like a sharp blade piercing flesh, suddenly rang out inside the tent.

Boru shuddered violently, his movements abruptly halting. The sneer on his face froze, replaced by utter astonishment and disbelief.

He slowly lowered his head and saw a blood-stained knife tip protruding from his chest, the warm blood quickly soaking through his magnificent robes.

The two Turkic warriors, who had their eyes closed, suddenly opened them upon hearing the strange noise. What they saw before them terrified them!

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