Volume One, Chapter Seven: The Princess Must Gather a Hundred Youth Brigades

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Qing Luan hastily advised, “Princess, you really shouldn’t speak like that—it sounds like the words of a bandit woman! Back in the palace, the Empress and the Emperor pampered you, but now that you’re in Sheye Kingdom, you must no longer be so carefree. In any household, a bride is expected to be dignified and charming, isn’t she?”

“Nonsense!” Chang Ning laughed and scolded playfully, clutching her cat and continuing to tease it, completely disregarding the admonition.

Laughter and playful chatter filled the phoenix carriage. Gu Han rode at the head of the procession; though his face was calm, the laughter from the carriage was clearly audible in his ears.

The corner of his mouth twitched slightly before he quickly resumed his stern expression.

Soon, the procession traveled for nearly fifteen days and arrived at the first provincial capital—Bianzhou.

Princess Chang Ning shed her usual casual demeanor; inside the phoenix carriage, she changed into a solemn court robe and sat in the high seat to receive the local people’s homage, radiating regal bearing.

She murmured to herself, “Bianzhou, the first battle... I wonder what will happen?”

The phoenix carriage gradually stopped at the gates of Bianzhou city.

Prefect Liu Hanzhang stood at the forefront, followed by a group of officials, all kneeling in unison to perform the grand salute to Princess Chang Ning.

“I, Liu Hanzhang, Prefect of Bianzhou, along with all officials, respectfully welcome Your Highness the Princess!”

Liu Hanzhang deliberately displayed humility and enthusiasm; the princess would stay only a few days, but she must be treated with utmost care!

Princess Chang Ning sat inside the phoenix carriage, lazily playing with the cat in her arms. She casually ordered Qing Luan to roll up the carriage curtains and smiled faintly: “Rise.”

Then, under Liu Hanzhang’s guidance, the phoenix carriage slowly entered the Bianzhou Prefect’s office.

Dressed in palace attire, Princess Chang Ning sat upright on the central high seat and formally accepted the officials’ kowtow.

“We humbly wish Your Highness eternal health and happiness!” the crowd cried out in unison, their voices thunderous.

Chang Ning nodded slightly, a subtle smile playing on her lips.

At the welcoming banquet hosted by Liu Hanzhang, Princess Chang Ning symbolically drank a cup with everyone before politely excusing herself.

She then left and boarded the prefecture’s carriage to head to Liu Hanzhang’s backyard, where Lady Liu and the noblewomen of Bianzhou hosted a feast.

On the other side, Prefect Liu Hanzhang raised his cup and approached Gu Han, his face beaming with smiles.

“General Gu, I have long heard of your great name. The Emperor has entrusted you with escorting the bride, which shows the depth of his trust in you!”

Gu Han glanced up slightly, replying coldly, “Prefect, you flatter me. I am merely fulfilling my orders.”

Liu Hanzhang paid no mind to his coldness, his smile unwavering. “General, you’re too modest.

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However, this thousand-mile journey escorting the bride must have been arduous. Once the princess is wed and the marriage alliance concluded, you can finally relax a bit.”

Gu Han nodded faintly, unwilling to say more.

He was always reserved and strict with military discipline. He disliked such noisy occasions.

Liu Hanzhang, however, seemed oblivious to his frosty demeanor and continued probing, “General Gu, I’ve heard the Yellow River’s water levels have been unstable. The court debated repairing the dikes many times last year. What are your thoughts on this matter?”

Gu Han lifted his gaze to meet his, his tone even: “I am not a court official and dare not speak rashly on such matters.”

Liu Hanzhang chuckled, “General, you’re humble. If this summer you happen to return to the capital after escorting the bride and inspect the dike repairs, you will surely have the chance to demonstrate your expertise.

At that time, I would also seek your guidance.”

Gu Han clearly understood the underlying meaning.

Liu Hanzhang was testing his attitude and subtly hinting that if they cooperated, both could share the benefits of the dike project.

Liu Hanzhang was a relative of Concubine Yu, and his attempt at alliance-building was too obvious. Gu Han had no desire to be drawn into factional struggles or palace intrigues.

He sneered inwardly but kept his expression calm. “Prefect, you are too kind.

However, my mission is not yet complete, so I dare not entertain other matters.”

Liu Hanzhang smiled knowingly, then laughed heartily and patted Gu Han’s shoulder.

Meanwhile, Envoy Wang discreetly exchanged glances with Deputy Envoy Zhang, who had already drunk too much and seemed oblivious.

During the meal, Envoy Wang finally spoke, steering the conversation to official business: “I hear the princess will select performers tomorrow. Prefect, how are the preparations?”

Liu Hanzhang immediately smiled and cupped his hands, replying, “Don’t worry, Envoy Wang. I have already received the imperial edict. In recent days, we’ve selected fifty performers and artists from the guesthouse. The princess may choose freely tomorrow.”

“That’s excellent,” Envoy Wang nodded, a satisfied expression on his face.

However, a trace of meaning flickered in Liu Hanzhang’s eyes, and his smile deepened.

Seemingly casually, he said, “Actually, there’s one thing I don’t understand. The princess places such importance on the troupe—is it merely for entertainment along the way, or is there some deeper purpose?”

Envoy Wang smiled cautiously, “The princess’s intentions are beyond our guessing.”

Liu Hanzhang narrowed his eyes. “Exactly as you say, Envoy.”

At that moment, Gu Han suddenly spoke, his voice cold and clear: “Since matters are settled, it’s best to rest early. The princess has many affairs tomorrow, and delays are unacceptable.”

His tone brooked no argument, silencing the previously noisy banquet for a moment.

Seeing this, Liu Hanzhang hastened to laugh it off, “General, you speak wisely. Come, come, one more toast to you in thanks.”

Gu Han raised his cup, took a symbolic sip, then stood to take his leave. “I will withdraw first. Please, enjoy yourselves.”

Following him, the escort officers and some county magistrates also took their leave, leaving only Liu Hanzhang’s close aides remaining.

Watching Gu Han and the others depart, Liu Hanzhang’s smile gradually faded. Squinting, he muttered, “This frontier general is not easy to handle.”

Assistant Magistrate Li feigned indifference, took a sip of wine, his mind drifting as he smiled softly, offering no reply.

The small feast in the prefect’s backyard had already grown lively.

Lady Liu and the wives of the officials had formally paid respects to Princess Chang Ning, kowtowing to her.

Now, the princess sat at the main seat, chatting happily with Lady Liu.

Lady Liu presented several sets of golden headdresses and local embroidered pieces, exquisite in pattern and craftsmanship.

“Your Highness, these headdresses were designed last month by the top artisan at my brother’s shop. They cannot compare to those in the palace, but they are sent with all my heart. The handkerchiefs were embroidered by my daughter personally; I hope you won’t find them crude,” Lady Liu said respectfully.

Chang Ning took the embroidery, glanced casually, and smiled, “Forget the headdresses; the patterns are quite nice, and the embroidery is commendable. I shall accept them.”

Upon hearing this, Lady Liu immediately showed a pleased smile, “I’m glad Your Highness likes them.”

When the feast ended, Lady Liu instructed her servants to place the headdresses beneath the embroidered pieces and prepared two boxes of eastern pearls to send to the steward Xu Gonggong’s quarters.

Maid Qiu Tao, holding the odd-eyed cat, whispered into the princess’s ear as they walked, “Princess, Lady Liu seems gentle and kind, but her eyes dart about constantly. She’s clearly a schemer.”

Chang Ning smiled faintly, teasing the cat’s ears lazily. “What does it matter if she is scheming? It’s all just a performance. If I want something, does the Liu family dare not prepare it?”

Xu Gonggong overheard and smiled wryly—Princess, what you want isn’t just a thing; it’s like gathering a hundred young troops!

“Princess, how do you find the prefecture’s office?” Xu Gonggong quietly asked.

“It’s quite fine!” Chang Ning smiled slightly.

Lady Liu had already stepped forward to support the princess as they headed toward the courtyard she had arranged.

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