The claim that "Wuhuan and Xiangping are unstable" was just an excuse Bai Xiaowen had made up on the spot. Besides firing back at Yuan Shang, he mainly wanted to lay the groundwork for leaving early.
If he spent ten-odd days in Jizhou, more than half the time for his main quest would be gone. Recruiting troops would become next to impossible.
Bai Xiaowen's words had an edge to them, yet his tone was earnest and his expression sincere.
Yuan Shang was irritated, but he could not tell whether his second brother was mocking him or speaking honestly.
Lady Liu, with her limited understanding, missed the barb entirely. She asked with concern, "Xi'er, is there truly trouble in Youzhou? Those damned tribesmen are insatiable. Your father has given them wagonloads of rewards over the years, more than anyone could count, yet they still won't settle down."
"Mother, I learned from a confidential report that the Wuhuan tribes have ties to certain underground forces in Xiangping City. They seem to be plotting something," Bai Xiaowen said. "Please don't mention this report to anyone outside the family."
"Of course," Lady Liu said with a nod.
"I'm afraid I can't stay in Ye City for long," Bai Xiaowen added. "I must return as soon as possible."
Lady Liu chided him gently. "If you had matters to attend to, why put yourself through such an exhausting journey?"
Bai Xiaowen's words were sweet as honey. "I hadn't seen you in three months, Mother, and I missed you terribly. I was also afraid you would worry if I failed to arrive on the promised date."
"Good, good..." The more Lady Liu looked at Bai Xiaowen now, the more pleased she was with him.
Yuan Shang felt an inexplicable surge of annoyance. "It's late, Mother," he said