Chapter 26: The Map is the Cause

Chapter 26

The Map is the Cause

Nie Shuang returned to her room, closed the door, and laughed so hard that she collapsed onto the bed. The expression on the Hou’s face was priceless. How’s that!? This was what he got for looking down on her. And to think, she had gone easy on him—out of respect for Xu Shi’s kindness, she hadn’t demanded even more.

She got up and signed the divorce letter, leaving the date blank for her father-in-law to fill in later. Soon enough, the chests of gemstones were delivered to her, and she went to the treasury to inspect and count them. Once satisfied, she handed the divorce letter back for delivery.

Look at that—she hadn’t even left yet, and she was already a wealthy woman. Life was truly good...

As Nie Shuang mulled over her destination, her mind drew a blank. She didn’t want to ask the Hou for advice—worried that it might leak her plans—and she certainly didn’t want anyone in the family knowing where she was heading, fearing of causing them more trouble.

A’Yi had been getting close to one of the General’s attendants, who had let slip that the General kept maps of the entire region in his study, along with notes on various cities’ strengths and features for planning military strategy. Intrigued, Nie Shuang decided she would sneak a look the next day after the General left the house.

The following day, Nie Shuang, accompanied by A’Yi and Xiao San, made her way to the Xu Yang Quarters. Once the General had left, she entered the quarters. Today, the General hadn’t brought his close attendant, A’Fu, with him. When A’Fu saw Nie Shuang, he bowed respectfully.

“Young Furen, the General just left not long ago.”

Nie Shuang feigned disappointment.

“Oh, really? I had planned to borrow a book from the study. Never mind, I’ll come back another time,”

She said, turning to leave. A’Fu, who was a close attendant and knew how the General felt about the Young Furen, quickly stopped her.

“Young Furen, please feel free to enter. The General gave instructions that you may go in anytime.”

Hiding a smile, Nie Shuang turned back and nodded, allowing him to lead the way. Once A’Fu had shown her to the study, he quickly sent someone to inform the General.

“Young Furen came to the quarters to look for the General, claiming she was here for a book, but surely, she just wanted to see him!”

A’Fu’s expression and tone was eager. The messenger ran swiftly to deliver the news.

Meanwhile, Nie Shuang wasted no time once she was inside the study. She immediately started searching the bookshelves, instructing A’Yi to keep watch at the door, while Xiao San, who couldn’t read, looked for any scrolls that resembled maps. After a short while, Nie Shuang let out a joyful exclamation.

“I found it! The list of cities,”

She told Xiao San.

“Keep looking for the map. I want to compare it with the cities that interest me.”

The handwriting was beautiful—General Song’s calligraphy was strong and elegant, and despite the complexity of the characters, it was easy to read. Nie Shuang read quickly, and she could skim through it without forgetting. She mentally noted the names of potential port cities and trade hubs. In no time, she had narrowed it down to about ten cities. Xiao San, meanwhile, was rifling through scrolls full of illustrations and text. Finally, she hesitantly handed one to Nie Shuang.

“Young Furen, I’m not sure if this is the map you’re looking for.”

Nie Shuang quickly scanned the map. It was a rough sketch of the empire—mapping techniques in this era were clearly not very advanced. She hurriedly spread the map out on the table, with Xiao San helping to hold it down. Nie Shuang started locating the cities she was interested in. The cities in the north or near the northern border were immediately dismissed. Why would she want to be anywhere near him? Her gaze shifted southward, focusing on four or five cities. As she considered each, weighing their strengths and weaknesses, she thought to herself:

This city has bustling trade but is merely a transit point... This one is large, but it’s in a flood-prone area every year... This one attracts foreign merchants but is frequently raided by tribes. And this one is militarily important but lacks any outstanding features. Finally, Nie Shuang settled on Huangjing City.

Located within the governance of Kang Wang[1], it was prosperous and stable, a central hub for travel and trade. It had fertile land and was surrounded by smaller cities. If war broke out, there would be easy escape routes. This city was the perfect choice!

Just as she made her decision, A’Yi’s voice called out from outside the room,

"The General has returned!"

Nie Shuang was startled. What!? How had he returned so quickly!? He had just left!

She and Xiao San hurriedly gathered the documents and maps. Grabbing a random book to pretend she was reading, Nie Shuang sat at a table by the window, while Xiao San quickly poured tea and took her place beside her mistress. They had barely composed themselves when the door was opened.

"Nie Shuang!"

Song Qilin stepped into the room, his eyes bright with delight. Seeing her sitting with a book, he rushed over and pulled her into his arms, ignoring Xiao San, who was left standing awkwardly in the background.

Nie Shuang gestured subtly for Xiao San to leave, afraid the young maid might give them away. Trying to suppress her panic, she spoke sweetly to him,

"General, I was bored with nothing to do, so I came to find a book in your study. I hope you don’t mind."

To Song Qilin, she appeared shy, giving a flimsy excuse about reading. He smiled affectionately, not wanting to call her out on it.

"Mmm...I’ve already told the servants you’re welcome to come here anytime,"

He replied softly, his tone and expression filled with warmth, sending shivers down Nie Shuang’s spine.

She had forgotten he had once told her that... if she wasn’t ready, he wouldn’t force her. But if she ever changed her mind, she could come find him at Xu Yang Quarters.

Her presence here today made him think she had done just that...

As soon as someone informed him of her arrival, he had dropped everything and rushed back to the manor.

"Nie Shuang...have you changed your mind?"

Nie Shuang raised her eyebrows, confused. Changed her mind? What was he talking about?

Her bewildered expression made her look irresistibly cute, as though she didn’t know what to do. Well, she must be embarrassed. There was no point in asking more questions. Song Qilin’s heart swelled, his long-dormant emotions now flowing freely as if refreshed by some magical elixir.He didn’t care that it was the middle of the day. He embraced her tightly, letting out all the longing he had bottled up, and kissed her passionately. Nie Shuang, still utterly confused about what was happening, could hardly catch her breath under his intense kiss!

[1] Wang refers to the first-rank prince, next to the crown prince. But in this case, it refers to the ruler of the region.