Volume One, Chapter 13: The Princess Is Surprisingly Childlike

“From now on, you shall be a retainer of this princess.” Princess Changning pinched a token and casually tossed it to him.

Gu Han and Bai Yunfeng both froze for a moment. Bai Yunfeng quickly kowtowed, “Thank you, Princess, for your great kindness. Your servant Bai Yunfeng pledges loyalty to Your Highness.”

At that moment, the bandits who had originally intended to make a move couldn’t help but feel a surge of frustration, thinking, “This time, we’re completely subdued.”

They had secretly planned an assassination to make a break for it, hoping to find a mountain stronghold to continue their old ways—they all knew the terrain well.

Yet unexpectedly, the second-in-command’s midnight operation was caught red-handed by the princess’s men; some were killed on the spot, others bound.

Speaking of which, just past midnight, Deputy General Yang Zhankui, who had led the advance up the mountain, was directing troops to guard every exit. Wang Chong saw someone sneaking toward the council hall with a knife. Without hesitation, he slashed off the bandit’s head. The remaining few were quickly tied up.

The rest immediately abandoned any thought of escape upon seeing the situation.

Though Third-in-Command Chen Wei was filled with regret, he dared no longer harbor any treacherous thoughts and clenched his teeth tightly, nodding fiercely, “Your Highness, we swear to serve you to the death.”

“That’s more like it!” Princess Changning nodded with satisfaction.

Thus, Wang Chong and several other deputies swiftly reorganized, temporarily dividing these bandits into several small squads.

Wang Chong and Yang Zhankui each took charge of a few squads, assigning them numerical designations, effectively making them the princess’s personal guards.

Once everything was arranged and ready to depart, Princess Changning called Bai Yunfeng over and said, “Give him two squads to guard the two sides of my phoenix carriage.”

Gu Han froze for a moment, casting a cold glance at Bai Yunfeng.

Bai Yunfeng was quite excited. He had expected to be taken as a mere servant, but the princess treated him as a retainer and even assigned him two squads.

Though guarding the carriage’s sides was somewhat thankless and exhausting.

His heart pounded loudly, yet he said, “By your command, Your Highness, I shall dedicate myself fully and not betray your trust.”

Princess Changning played with her nails, laughing heartily. “I heard there’s a fierce Tiger Ridge ahead. Go and bring back a tiger!”

“Pfft—” Someone couldn’t help but stifle a laugh, as all the palace maids and eunuchs bowed their heads to cover their mouths.

Gu Han glanced at Princess Changning a few times, his eyes flickering slightly as a faint smile curled his lips.

How fond the princess was of tigers! She had replaced the raccoon slave she once held with ‘Little Tiger’, and now, having spotted Tiger Ridge on the map, her interest was truly piqued.

Bai Yunfeng gasped inwardly; this princess seemed a bit mad!

Indeed, how had he not realized last night?I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.