Tuoba Heyan's eyes flashed with displeasure. He watched the old eunuch leave before lowering his head to continue reviewing the memorials.
Damn it, so many things are bothering me! I just got back, and a mountain of official business is already waiting for me! How am I supposed to get a good night's sleep?
Tuoba Heyan put aside his thoughts and continued to work diligently.
A moment later, someone knocked on the door of his imperial study again. Tuoba Heyan frowned. "Who is it?"
“Your Majesty.” A man of about twenty-five years old stood outside the door, bowing respectfully.
"Come in." He recognized the voice as his personal bodyguard, Long Yu.
“Your Majesty, Princess Wushang will be entering the palace tomorrow. Please give your instructions.” Long Yu stepped forward and bowed.
Tuoba Heyan only looked up upon hearing the name. "Heh, Princess Wushang? No need to bother me before she's dead. Just do what you need to do." She's just a princess sent for a political marriage; what's the point? And I heard she brought her deceased husband's son with her? What a joke! Does Emperor Zhou think I won't investigate thoroughly? He actually appointed a former general's daughter as a princess to marry him! How ridiculous! Does my silence mean I agree? Humph! But I don't have time to deal with these people right now!
The Great Xia Zhou Dynasty and Qing Zhao Dynasty reconciled because Tuoba Heyan had other important matters to attend to! Otherwise, did he really think that a princess sent for a marriage alliance could avert war? That would be utterly ridiculous!
"Yes." Long Yu immediately went downstairs.
However, I'm having some trouble with Tuoba Heyan's "do it the way it should be done"... What exactly should I do?
Long Yu stared speechlessly at the night sky, realizing he had really set himself up for a difficult task.
However, Tuoba Heyan once said, "Don't bother me before the person dies." That means he doesn't need to trouble himself with Princess Wushang's matter. So... we can just follow the rules for ordinary concubines, right?
After seeing that Huangfu Jun'an had fallen asleep, Ji Wushang got out of bed with peace of mind, only to find someone standing outside. She went over and discovered that it was Beigong Minhao.
After thinking for a moment, he called Hongfei, who was sleeping behind the curtain next door, and said, "Hongfei, you can go out and let the Prince of Zhenbei rest. You don't need to guard him anymore."
"Yes." Hongfei nodded and immediately went out.
Logically speaking, since Bei Gongminhao took over everything from Nan Xuzong, he should also be the master of Hong Feicuiwu and the others...
Hong Fei went out and gently opened the door. When Bei Gongminhao heard someone open the door, he immediately turned around. He thought it was Ji Wushang, but when he saw Hong Fei, the expectation in his eyes immediately disappeared.
"Second Master, the Fourth Imperial Concubine said that you don't need to stay here, and that you should go and rest," Hong Fei said immediately after bowing.
“It’s alright, I’ll keep watch,” Bei Gongminhao said, then turned his back and stopped looking at Hong Fei.
Hongfei had no choice but to bow and say, "Yes."
Seeing Hong Fei enter looking dejected, and having overheard their conversation, Ji Wushang waved his hand, "Go and rest over there! You don't need to keep watch anymore."
"Yes," Hongfei replied.
Ji Wushang watched her retreating figure and suddenly called out, "Hongfei."
“This servant is here.” Hongfei immediately bowed.
“From now on, just call me…Princess!” Ji Wushang thought for a moment and said. Now that she was Princess Wushang, if she were still called the Fourth Imperial Consort by these maids in the Qingzhao Palace, she would probably be killed within two days by someone using a pretext against her!
I must cure Huangfu Jun'an's illness before I die, otherwise, I fear I will not die peacefully! Having already betrayed Nan Xuzong, Huangfu Jun'an is my only pillar of support in life!
The next morning, Ji Wushang got up to feed Huangfu Jun'an breakfast and give him his medicine. Before leaving, Ji Wushang had thoroughly researched all the medicines for Huangfu Jun'an's illness, including when to give them and what types to give. He was gradually understanding all of this so that even after he went to Qingzhao, he could still take care of Huangfu Jun'an.
After Ji Wushang finished feeding the animals and had a simple breakfast himself, he took Huangfu Jun'an and got into the carriage.
Around sunset, Ji Wushang and his group finally entered Qingzhao territory. Ji Wushang lifted the curtain and saw that Qingzhao's capital was extremely prosperous, comparable to the imperial city of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty! It was hard to imagine that what he had heard was that Qingzhao was originally just a poor little country, but after Tuoba Heyan took power at the age of twenty, he rapidly developed Qingzhao into such a prosperous and powerful country in just six years.
It's hard to imagine that the monarch, who was only twenty-six years old, was so capable!
Ji Wushang lowered the curtain and then gently patted Huangfu Jun'an's back. Huangfu Jun'an was asleep at the time.
The carriage continued forward. Before long, it stopped in front of the palace gate.
Ji Wushang began to feel nervous, still unable to calm down about the fact that she was going to remarry.
Bei Gongminhao dismounted from the Red Hare and walked to Ji Wushang's carriage. "Princess Wushang, we have arrived at Qingzhao Palace. Please alight from the carriage."
Hearing Bei Gongminhao address her as Princess Wushang, Ji Wushang sighed inwardly, but still handed Huangfu Junan over to Hongfei and Cuiwu, saying, "Hongfei and Cuiwu, you two take good care of Nianlang for me."
“Yes.” Hongfei and Cuiwu both nodded.
Ji Wushang lifted the curtain and got off the carriage himself.
"Please, Your Highness, accompany me to the palace." Bei Gong Minhao was extremely courteous, leaving those around him in awe. What kind of feeling is it to escort the woman you love to marry another man as his concubine?
Ji Wushang's face remained expressionless. "Then I'll trouble you, Prince Zhenbei."
Ji Wushang left Hongfei and Cuiwu to take care of Huangfu Jun'an, while he himself went to the palace with Beigong Minhao and some of the maids who had accompanied him on his dowry.
Ji Wushang wore a long phoenix coronet and wedding robes, a light veil on her head, and her long skirt trailed on the ground, exuding endless charm. This alluring red dress stung Beigong Minhao's eyes; today she possessed a mature woman's beauty and allure that would drive any man mad!
Beigong Minhao sighed and followed behind Ji Wushang.
After passing through several palace gates, she saw many officials waiting there. Ji Wushang looked at the officials with cold eyes. She glanced at Beigong Minhao, who immediately said, "They are here to welcome Your Highness."
"It's good that he didn't come." Ji Wushang wasn't asking him about that; rather, she had already figured out the situation.
She, the princess sent for a political marriage, was not given much attention. Only a few officials came to greet her, but Tuoba Heyan did not appear. Humph! He was showing off his authority!
However, this was exactly what he wanted; he simply did not want to have any contact with that Tuoba Heyan! If he could, he would rather immediately pick those fragrant herbs, use the Yuehai Pearl to cure Huangfu Jun'an's illness, and then immediately disappear with Huangfu Jun'an completely!
Bei Gongminhao's eyes turned slightly cold. "Princess, please."
Ji Wushang had already stepped forward. The ministers did not see Ji Wushang's stunningly beautiful face, but just by looking at her exquisite figure and graceful movements, they knew that she was a beauty that was rarely seen in a thousand years.
"Your subjects pay their respects to Princess Wushang." Long Yu, along with the other ministers standing beside him, bowed to Ji Wushang. Ji Wushang's cold gaze swept over them. "No need for formalities," she said in a clear, aloof voice.
Long Yu and the others were all stunned. This Princess Wushang had such a powerful aura. Although they couldn't see her face clearly through the veil, the gaze she emanated was enough to make them feel immense pressure!
It seems that Princess Wushang who came this time is a stunning beauty!
And isn't it a bit disrespectful of me to bring these officials with me to greet you?
Long Yu glanced at the ministers beside him. They were all acting according to Long Yu's wishes; none of them dared to make a move or speak first. They were simply doing what Long Yu had instructed them to do!
Who made Long Yu both Tuoba Heyan's personal bodyguard and favorite minister?
“The King is extremely busy and has encountered an urgent matter that prevented him from greeting the Princess. Please forgive him,” Long Yu said, stepping forward and bowing.
“My lords, there’s no need for you to explain or worry. Before I was married, I heard that the King was diligent in his duties and loved the people. He often stayed up all night reviewing memorials. He really should take better care of his health and get more rest! And if there are urgent matters, of course he should go and handle them. How could I possibly have any objections? It is I who have troubled you all by coming to wait for me.” Ji Wushang said, and then performed a ritual of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty for them.
Bei Gongminhao was utterly astonished by Ji Wushang's words and actions. He never expected Ji Wushang to be so eloquent. First, she told Long Yu and the other ministers not to worry about explaining, meaning that if Tuoba Heyan didn't come to greet her, so be it. It was simply a matter of looking down on Princess Wushang of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty! Why bother explaining so much? Wasn't this just trying to cover up the truth?
Second, Ji Wushang said that she had heard of Tuoba Heyan's diligence in governing and love for the people before she got married. This was meant to elevate Tuoba Heyan and tell him to rest. In fact, she was using a positive term to belittle Tuoba Heyan. If it were about reviewing memorials, he could put them aside for a while. After all, the matter of the marriage alliance between the two countries was definitely more important than the memorials of other ministers!
Third, following Long Yu's lead, it was said that Tuoba Heyan had urgent business and could not leave, and Ji Wushang had no objection. This was to show that Ji Wushang was very polite and considerate, and fully protected the face of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty.
Fourth, Ji Wushang said that she had caused trouble for Long Yu and the others, and even bowed to them, which shows that she, Ji Wushang, understands the hardships of her subjects very well.
With just a few words, Long Yu and the others were left embarrassed, but their words were impeccable and impossible to refute!
Ji Wushang gave a cold smile.
Since they're trying to intimidate him, how could he possibly accept his fate? In General Ji's mansion, in the Marquis of Jin'nan's mansion/Prince's mansion, when have he ever bowed his head? Bowing his head only leads to being trampled underfoot! So Ji Wushang told himself that here, anyone who dared to block his path would suffer a torturous death!
Whether it's Tuoba Heyan or anyone else, I won't let them get away with it! Anyone who provokes me, anyone who bullies me, anyone who bullies Huangfu Jun'an, they will all pay the price!
"...It's getting late, Your Highness. Please rest in your palace. Tomorrow, I would like to invite Your Highness to a banquet in the main hall. The King has prepared a welcome-home feast for you." Long Yu wiped his sweat and said respectfully.
Ji Wushang's cold voice rang out, "Thank you very much, sir. Please lead the way."
"Princess, this way please." Long Yu immediately led the way. Seeing Long Yu's attitude, the ministers immediately made way for Ji Wushang and Beigong Minhao.
Ji Wushang bowed before leaving.
The palace that Tuoba Heyan bestowed upon Ji Wushang was named Miro Palace. This palace was neither particularly large nor small, and it was located in the deepest part of the royal palace, making it quite secluded.
Ji Wushang's expression didn't change much. Wherever he lived, it didn't matter. Tuoba Heyan knew how to pick locations, making him live in such a secluded place. But it suited his wishes perfectly. If Tuoba Heyan wanted to ignore him, why couldn't he just be invisible?
Bei Gongminhao surveyed the entire Mi Luo Palace, his heart filled with displeasure. He was furious. Ji Wushang was, after all, a princess, yet he was treated worse than a mere concubine. Was this meant to make Ji Wushang feel ashamed, or was it meant to remind Ji Wushang not to forget her place?
Ji Wushang looked at Beigong Minhao, thought for a moment, and then stepped forward, "Prince Zhenbei."
"Princess." Bei Gongminhao bowed to Ji Wushang.
Ji Wushang looked at him and said, "Please, Prince Zhenbei, do not bow. We are grateful for your escort along the way. You must be tired."
"It's no trouble at all," Beigong Minhao said, looking at her. "It's what Minhao should do."
Ji Wushang smiled, looked at the simple Mi Luo Palace, and said calmly, "I like Mi Luo Palace very much. It's quiet and secluded enough. I just don't like others disturbing my life with Nianlang."
“That’s good.” Bei Gongminhao knew her other meaning, which was to tell him that he didn’t need to be angry or feel indignant on behalf of Ji Wushang.
Ji Wushang nodded.
Beigong Minhao looked at the sky and said, "Then, I won't disturb the princess's rest any longer. I'll go down first."
“Okay.” Ji Wushang nodded, and at this moment, Hongfei and Cuiwu carried Huangfu Junan in.
"Mother." Huangfu Jun'an looked at Ji Wushang and called out in a clear voice.
Ji Wushang felt a little more at ease. "Nianlang, come here," he said, picking up Huangfu Jun'an.
Beigong Minhao stopped and glanced at them from the side before walking out of the Miro Palace.
In the deep palace, in the imperial study.
Tuoba Heyan bent over his desk again to review the documents. His tall and straight figure made him look like a god descending to earth.
Long Yu knocked from outside, "Your Majesty."
"Hmm." Tuoba Heyan gave a soft hum, without saying much, and continued with what he was doing.
"Your Majesty, I went to greet Princess Wushang this afternoon."
"Hmm." He didn't offer much further comment.
Long Yu looked at her, unsure whether he should say or not what had happened back then. He just felt that this woman was not simple!
Tuoba Heyan's dark eyes narrowed, and he temporarily put down his wolf-hair brush. "Speak freely if you have something to say."
"Reporting to Your Majesty..." Long Yu then told Tuoba Heyan everything about welcoming Ji Wushang at the palace gate. Tuoba Heyan listened and his eyes narrowed, but he did not show any reaction. He simply said, "You may leave. You do not need to guard me tonight."
“…Yes.” Long Yu felt strange. This side had mentioned that Princess Wushang was not simple, so why hadn’t the king made any comment? Shouldn’t someone be sent to investigate Princess Wushang more thoroughly?
Tuoba Heyan lowered his head and continued reviewing the memorials, his wolf-hair brush in his hand as serious as ever. But after a long while, he carefully recalled what Ji Wushang had said.
interesting.
Tuoba Heyan put down his writing brush. He did often review memorials until late at night, but he had never stayed up all night. Tonight, he would put the matter aside for the time being!
He walked out of the imperial study and gradually disappeared into the night.
Ji Wushang carefully gave Huangfu Jun'an a hot bath, then coaxed Huangfu Jun'an to sleep before leaving.
"Hongfei, Cuiwu, have you finished everything?" Ji Wushang asked as he sat down at the table.