Huancheng Shen Shen

Capítulo 31

"Your Highness is too kind."

"Then, as a princess of the Liao Kingdom, it is naturally your official duty as well. Shouldn't you put me first in everything?"

"Identify the priorities of matters, with the people's livelihood being the most important and the most important of all."

"...Lu Ziqi, don't push your luck!"

"This county would not dare. If the princess wishes to tour my 'Northern Cliff,' this county can arrange for someone to accompany her."

"Hmph! Thanks to my sister, my identity has been exposed. If this attracts any malicious people and something happens to me, can you bear the responsibility?"

"This county believes that the people of 'Beiya' are honest and simple, and that no one would dare to offend the princess. If the princess is worried, this county can allocate more manpower to serve as guards to ensure the princess's safety."

Yelü Ping, unable to bear it any longer, took a step forward and said, "I don't want anyone else, I only want you!"

Lu Ziqi calmly took a step back: "I am merely a civil servant, unaware of martial arts. I may not even be able to protect myself, let alone shoulder the heavy responsibility of protecting the princess."

He sneered and slapped his left shoulder: "You're being far too modest!"

He furrowed his brow and dodged her palm strike: "Why press me so hard?"

"Isn't being the son-in-law of my Great Liao Dynasty a thousand times better than being a mere county magistrate?"

"Since I am a citizen of the Great Song Dynasty, I will dedicate my entire life to serving and bowing to the Emperor of the Great Song Dynasty."

"Don't be so ungrateful!"

“I am indeed dull-witted and not worth the princess’s trouble.”

One's palm strikes were swift and relentless, while the other retreated and dodged, defending without attacking. In the blink of an eye, the two had exchanged more than ten blows in the small reception room.

Yelü Ping was both ashamed and annoyed, and his anger flared up. He pressed forward relentlessly, unleashing a series of vicious and cunning attacks.

Lu Ziqi was afraid of alerting the guards from both sides inside the courtyard; any misunderstanding that might arise would be difficult to resolve. A county magistrate from the Song Dynasty and a princess from the Liao Dynasty were fighting inside a county office within Song territory…

Therefore, they had to try to keep the fighting taking place in a small open area in the center of the room, and they had to be careful not to approach the doors and windows that Yelü Ping had insisted on keeping closed, so as not to let people outside see the figures moving inside. They also had to be careful not to touch the tables and chairs, so as not to let the 'bang' sounds carry out.

The fatal flaw is that this enraged princess is clearly reckless and only wants to vent her anger. As a princess of the Liao Kingdom who has always valued martial arts, even if her martial arts skills are not top-notch, her innate fierce aura is not to be underestimated.

Most importantly, Lu Ziqi's martial arts skills were truly mediocre. Although the Lu family required its members to cultivate both literary and martial arts skills from a young age, giving them some foundation, and Huo Nan occasionally offering guidance in recent years, his focus wasn't on martial arts, leading to frequent neglect of practice. He might have an advantage against ordinary people, but he would falter against truly skilled opponents. Moreover, having to pay attention to so many things simultaneously, he would likely soon find himself overwhelmed and defeated.

He smiled bitterly to himself. Had he known Princess Xingping would be so fierce and willing to fight at the slightest provocation, he would never have chosen such a ruthless approach to try and extinguish her hopes. What a miscalculation…

Compared to her, Yao Yao, though a bit temperamental, at least only talks, so she can be considered gentle.

Gentleness... indeed, comparison is necessary for discernment...

He suddenly opened his brow and raised the corners of his lips into a faint smile, which made Yelü Ping pause slightly in surprise.

Lu Ziqi seized the opportunity and instead of retreating, he advanced, grabbing the man's wrist and pinning his pulse point. He said in a low voice, "Excuse me." He then released the man and bowed respectfully.

In this way, Yelü Ping could no longer continue to pester him, and could only stand there panting heavily with resentment.

“Princess, I was disrespectful and offended you just now, and I apologize in advance. However, you and I both know that there is absolutely no possibility of your wish being fulfilled. I am just a minor county magistrate, and I am not qualified to be on your behalf in any way.”

"If I say you have it, then you have it!"

"Princess Xingping is of such high status and has such profound knowledge. You are joking with me, Lu."

"Since you know my status in the Liao Dynasty, you shouldn't doubt my words!"

"It is precisely because Mr. Lu knew this that he remained so clear-headed."

"Have you... heard some news?"

"No. Actually, many things can be understood without waiting for a definitive result."

Yelü Ping clenched his fist again, tilting his head slightly to look at Lu Ziqi's calm and composed expression: "So, if I weren't Princess Xingping, would you be willing to be my husband?"

"There can be no such 'what if'."

"Why not? For you, I'm willing to give up my princess status and just be your wife!"

She was tall, only about half a head shorter than Lu Ziqi. Looking down, one could see into her light brown eyes, which shone with a dazzling light, so bright it was almost blinding. Having changed out of her Han Chinese attire and into Liao Dynasty riding clothes, her beautiful face and heroic bearing were even more striking. Such a woman, even just standing there casually, would naturally become the center of attention. Moreover, she possessed such a distinguished and esteemed status.

Right now, she's willing to give up everything. To be honest, it's impossible not to be moved when you first hear this.

However, the current King of Liao has only been on the throne for fifteen years, and he will probably need to rely on his older sister's influence to make his throne more secure.

No matter how strong one's personal will is, when faced with the greater good of the nation and the world, there is no way out but to back down.

As for her, who is used to having the power to command, it is hard to say whether the name Lu Ziqi is more about romantic love or about conquering someone she can't have.

"How could I, Lu, possibly deserve such favor from the princess..."

"Don't give me that nonsense! I'm just asking you, do you agree or not?!"

He sighed inwardly, standing with his hands behind his back: "I already have a wife at home. If the princess is not a princess, then according to the laws of our Great Song Dynasty, I can only become a concubine. That would be tantamount to being a slave, with no freedom whatsoever, and no dignity whatsoever. Would you still be willing to do that?"

"I……"

"If you are willing, then, considering your deep affection for me, I am willing to defy the world for you, even if it leads to war between the Song and Liao dynasties, shattering the peace we have achieved over the years. At worst, I will resign my post and flee to the mountains with you. At the very least, I will sacrifice my life to meet you again in the afterlife! What do you say?"

His words, each one forceful and resounding, chilled Yelü Ping to the bone.

She staggered back half a step: "What? You ask me what? You've put it this way, what else can I do?" She took a deep breath, not letting the tears in her eyes fall: "How could I not know the power struggles behind my identity, but I just don't want to become a political sacrifice! My man, I will choose myself. And you, are the one I've chosen. Dongqing, remember, no matter what, I will never give up on you!"

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The door opened, and a fiery red figure rushed out. Footsteps echoed in the courtyard, then fell silent after a moment.

A moment later, a sturdy man strode in: "Lord Lu, they've all left."

"Officer Xing, quickly dispatch some skilled and quick-witted men to disguise themselves and secretly protect Princess Xingping and her entourage. Report back immediately if there is any disturbance!"

"Yes!" After a slight hesitation, he asked, "What is Princess Xingping trying to do, following you all the way to our county? Could it be some kind of conspiracy?"

"Officer Xing, you're overthinking it. They just wandered into our county while hunting and decided to take a few days to relax. Since they're all guests, we'll just do our best to be hospitable."

"Old Xing understands!"

The door closed, leaving the room silent.

Lu Ziqi rubbed the aggravated injury on his left shoulder and pinched the space between his eyebrows, feeling a wave of weariness wash over him.

Although the Song and Liao dynasties have temporarily ceased hostilities in recent years, how could the long-standing grievances be resolved so easily? Even if the common people are kind and honest and would not vent their hatred on innocent Liao people, it is inevitable that some people with ulterior motives will take the opportunity to cause trouble.

Both countries now have new emperors who have ascended the throne, and with young rulers and uncertainties, there are too many variables in all aspects. The slightest misstep could have far-reaching consequences. Not to mention, the increasingly powerful Tangut people are watching us from the west with predatory eyes.

He had planned to provoke the proud Princess Xingping with harsh words, hoping to incite her to return home and eliminate any possibility of unforeseen events. He never imagined she would be so persistent.

If this continues, how will things end...?

The author has something to say: The status of concubines in the Song Dynasty was really low—equivalent to an object...

Other:

By the way, this story will be going to be a paid subscription tomorrow. This is my first time doing so here, so everyone, as always, please don't leave if you can stay... TT...

As usual, there will be three updates tomorrow on the first day of the paid subscription! At 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM sharp!

Holy crap, who the hell set this rule?! *screams to the sky and crawls away in a frenzy*

Chapter Thirty-Five: Another Showdown

The monster has something to say:

Ugh, this chapter was originally supposed to be a free public chapter since there wasn't enough time to set it up, but it's been turned into a paid chapter now! Those of you who have already read it, please don't buy it again!!!

The next two chapters will be released precisely at 3:15 and 3:30!

If the release didn't happen as scheduled and you've all been waiting, then the monster is going to slap itself!

Also, it seems there's some kind of system that awards points based on comments, but I haven't figured it out yet. However, if anyone is interested, feel free to post a long review; I'll welcome all submissions and the more the merrier! I'll be happy to award points!

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With the medicine she had gotten for Lu Ziqi in one hand and the pastries she had bought for Lu Ling and herself in the other, Song Xiaohua strolled leisurely down the street, humming a local folk tune she had just learned. She occasionally responded loudly and cheerfully to the people who greeted her warmly.

Although the rain had stopped, the sky remained overcast, and the chilly wind inevitably brought a sense of gloom. But Song Xiaohua's mood was incredibly sunny and cheerful. This was all thanks to the brand-new, thin, quilted cotton-padded jacket she was wearing—a truly warm and practical garment, protecting her from both cold and heat, and even lightning strikes…

Since Lu Ziqi has kept this matter in mind and acted upon it, his thoughtfulness and care for Song Xiaohua demonstrate that he already has feelings for her. Therefore, why dwell on his longing for his deceased wife?

As the saying goes, a man who is loyal is a good man. To encounter such a rare treasure after transmigrating is definitely the result of God being kicked in the head by a donkey. He must wholeheartedly guard and protect her, treating her with the magnanimity of someone who would cherish her as if she were his own flesh and blood... Why does this sound a bit like a mother treating her son... Pfft...