She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

”That’s all in the past.” Yujia interrupted him, her voice light yet resolute, ”Now I am the future concubine of the Emperor of Da Jing Dynasty, arranged by Heaven.”

When Alan came in carrying the tea tray, the two had already finished their conversation and restored calm.

”Princess, your favorite mare’s milk tea.”

Wulan placed the teacup on the desk and hesitated for a moment before speaking, ”Mr. Li from the Honglu Temple said that tomorrow, there will be an attendant from the palace coming to teach the Princess the etiquette of Da Jing.”

Yujia paused slightly while lifting the teacup, then took a sip as if nothing was amiss, ”I understand.”

After He Shu left, Alan couldn’t help but kneel in front of Princess Yujia.

”Princess, have you really thought it through, to marry the Emperor of Da Jing? The day we entered the palace, I noticed the Emperor’s eyes were constantly on you, not like a...”

Yujia gestured to stop her from continuing, and Alan had to hold her tongue.

Princess Yujia put down the teacup and lightly traced the rim with her fingers, ”The young eagles of the prairie must eventually learn to perch under the eaves. Alan, do you remember the children on the prairie when we left that day?”

Alan nodded, her eyes already red.

”They were so thin you could see their ribs, yet they were still helping the adults herd sheep.”

Yujia’s voice was calm, ”Last year’s white disaster froze to death most livestock, if not for the grain from Da Jing Dynasty, how many people would starve this winter?”

”But Princess you...”

”My happiness in exchange for such a number of lives, it’s a deal worthwhile.”

Yujia suddenly smiled, this time with the carefree spirit unique to the prairie children.

”Besides, who says birds in a golden cage aren’t happy?”

Alan couldn’t hold back anymore, tears burst from her eyes, ”But prairie eagles shouldn’t be caged!”

Yujia reached out, helped her up, and wiped away her tears.

”Who said I’m an eagle? I’m just a little sparrow from the prairie, I can live anywhere. Alan, after learning the etiquette, accompany me for a walk outside. Once I enter the palace as concubine, it will be difficult to have the opportunity to leave the palace again.”

”Okay!”

Alan nodded vigorously, revealing a look of helplessness in her eyes.

She also understood that a princess in an arranged marriage was not only the Emperor’s concubine but also a hostage.

As night deepened, the guest house finally quieted down.

Yujia sat alone in the candlelight, once again unfolding the decree.

There was no one else in the room, and she no longer concealed the emotions in her eyes.

The amber eyes held anger, unwillingness, but more than anything, deep helplessness.

The flickering candlelight cast Princess Yujia’s shadow on the wall, resembling a bird imprisoned.

...I’m a lazy partition line...

Noon sunshine scorched the earth, the leaves beside the main road drooped wiltingly, and the sound of cicadas chirped incessantly.

Han Lei wiped the sweat from her forehead, her fingertips touching the oily waxy texture of her skin.

This carefully crafted disguise had stayed on her face for two days and nights.

”Princess Consort, there’s a small stream ahead.”

The driver, Da Si, pointed to the shimmering water surface not far away.

Han Lei squinted her eyes, peering through the carriage curtain. The stream meandered through the mountains, with reeds growing densely on both banks, an indeed secluded spot.

She needed to find a place to freshen up and change back into women’s clothing before entering the city.

Han Lei, having a background as a military doctor, had some counter-surveillance abilities.

In Liangzhou, she spent two nights boldly staying at the inn in the guise of a ”little fatty.”

But the trail of the ”little fatty” ended in Liangzhou.

Upon arriving in Jingzhou, she needed to change her appearance again before appearing in public to avoid unnecessary trouble.

She touched her plump cheeks, and decided, ”Let’s rest here, I’ll go ahead to wash and change.”

Xiao Zhengfei frowned upon hearing this, ”Princess Consort, in the wild like this...”

”It’s fine.” Han Lei interrupted him, handing out boxed meals bought from the system, ”Let everyone have lunch first, I’ll be back soon.”

Han Lei thought for a moment and added, ”Zhengfei, after lunch, take a rest, then you lead the trusted aides to return to Beiguan first, tell the Prince I’ll stay a few days at the brewery in Jingzhou, check the business here and return, so he doesn’t worry while waiting.”

This time, she finally remembered to send word first.

They had been out for almost a month, Zhao Zun was worried that the dead soldiers of Champion Marquis might harm her.

If she didn’t send word back soon, he feared Zhao Zun might leave Beiguan to come to the Capital City to find her.

Doing so, they would not only miss each other, but Zhao Zun, upon reaching the Capital City, might also encounter problems.

Xiao Zhengfei’s face showed a look of concern, ”But, Princess Consort, if we leave...”