Chapter 61 (1/2)
Chapter 61
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Along the way, flags fluttered in the air as drumbeats echoed in the skies. The people hurried out of the city and were greeted with this sight. The armored military guard was protecting the entourage at the side. Its magnificence was comparable to an Emperor's outing.
At the area where the Tang Empire's horse carriages had reached, one of its curtains opened, revealing the Prince of Tang behind it. He was dressed in a bright yellow robe along with a yellow fur coat draped over his shoulder. He stepped off the carriage and strode forward, holding his head high. If it were not for his bruised face, he would have looked perfect.
Everyone's expression, including Zhao Che and Chu Qiao, squelched at the sight of the Prince. This sight saddened even the emissaries from the Tang Empire. No one would have expected the Prince to appear in public in such a state!
Poor Zhao Qi and the rest of the officials from the Xia Empire, everyone was not prepared for this. All of them were stunned and dazed, not sure of what to do. However, luckily for them, the elders of the court were present to deal with this situation. The Elder of Wei family, Wei Guang, bowed deeply as he said, ”We heard that Prince Li Ce has a talented and romantic personality with a handsome appearance. Now that I have the honor to see the Prince, you are indeed glowing, brighter than the moon and the stars.”
Just after Wei Guang finished his sentence, everyone hurriedly fell on their knees, with the civil officials creating poems for the Prince, praising him as if he was the best in the world, the handsomest man to have ever walked the Earth. However, the military officials were not as good with their words; they merely gave him a thumbs-up while praising his looks with their limited vocabulary: Pretty, handsome, beautiful.
Li Ce laughed in delight but started to cry in pain as the wounds at the corner of his mouth hurt. He waved at the officials as he said, ”Thank you, thank you.” He had accepted the praises wholeheartedly. No one would know how the Emperor and Empress of the Tang Empire would feel if they were here.
After using every possible way to coerce the Tang Emperor's dearest child into the carriage, they were finally on their way. Bugles were played the whole way as they marched majestically towards Zhen Huang City. Who would have known,but after just a few steps, Prince Li Ce commented, ”Why does the fanfare sound like I am going to war?”
Zhao Qi was stunned as he was secretly relieved that he did not have to personally meet him again. This bugle piece was specifically made for such ceremonies, there were pieces that were used when heading for battle, pieces that signified a successful conquest, and pieces that were only used for the Emperor's travels. For welcoming esteemed dignitaries, there was a piece to be played with respect to their rank. Now that everything was in order, why would the Tang Empire be unhappy?
After over half an hour of negotiation, the Xia Empire had no choice but to make a concession. Within moments, extravagant tunes started to play. Immersed in tunes that were played by young women in bright clothes, the army finally started to move once again. Li Ce did not seem bothered about the wounds of his face as he repeatedly opened the curtains of his carriage., waving towards the ordinary people as he smiled, seeming amiable and approachable.
Chu Qiao sighed secretly as she rode on her horse, following the battalion of the Dauntless Cavalry Camp as they sent Prince Li Ce all the way into Sheng Jin Palace.
Zhao Che and Vice-General Cheng followed the Prince into the palace as Chu Qiao and the troops returned to camp. When they reached the gates, they saw a black hawk soaring overhead. An archer saw it as he pulled out his bow and tried to shoot it out of the sky. Who knew, but another arrow was shot directly at his arrow, deflecting his arrow from the hawk.
Seeing that, the hawk started to get arrogant as it squawked loudly, circling around them a few times before flying away.
”Instructor Chu! Why did you deflect my arrow?”
Chu Qiao gazed coldly at the soldier as she sneered at him, riding her horse into camp.
After a few days of hard work, there was finally time to rest. When everyone returned to camp, except for the guards at the sentry post, they fell into deep slumber. Dressed in ordinary clothes, Chu Qiao sneaked out from the side gates.
The weather was getting warmer and the Chu Shui Lake had already defrosted. Looking from afar, a tall and graceful male dressed in white robes was standing on the bank of the river, looking graceful as the wind blew past him.
Chu Qiao came forward and smiled, ”Whom are you posing for?”
Yan Xun turned and smiled gently, looking up and down at Chu Qiao, he said, ”Are you afraid?”
”Nope.” The girl smiled slyly.
”Stubborn.” Yan Xun laughed as he continued, ”The whole capital already knows about it, you have become a celebrity this time.”
Chu Qiao was stunned. ”Everyone in the Capital knows? No one reported it?”
”Zhao Che said that he didn't see you hit anyone and the entire cavalry camp followed that story as well. Even the Tang Prince did not admit that you hit him, insisting that he had fell on his own. Even the victim did not pursue this matter, so what could the Emperor do?”
Chu Qiao covered her laugh as she said, ”If I knew that this was going to happen, I would have hit him harder.”
”AhChu, are you used to life in the army?”
”It's okay,” said Chu Qiao as she nodded. ”Zhao Che still does not trust me. I have tested it a few times, but it isn't that bad. Everything is under control.”
Yan Xun nodded slightly as he said, ”Okay. You have to be careful. If some things are not meant to be, don't force your way through.”
”I know. Don't worry.”
”Then I won't bother you any longer. This token is able to make the people of Da Tong guild to work for you. You may find this useful when you are outside.”