FBC – Chapter 204 Returning to the Capital

After drinking the pregnancy-stabilizing medicine, Gu Hua summoned Min Dongsheng and spoke with him for half an hour. The two of them finalized their strategy for returning to the capital.

When Min Dongsheng left, she called Zhou Zhilan to invite Chiyan and Deputy General Qi in for a private talk.

After dismissing everyone else, only the three of them remained in the room.

In a soft voice, Gu Hua asked, “You both know about the situation with the Duke, don’t you?”

The two men nodded. “Yes.”

Gu Hua let out a breath of relief. She didn’t press for more details—she believed that whatever Mu Junyan wanted her to know, he would tell her himself.

“That’s good. I just want to ask—where is the Duke now? What will be done about King Duan of Dali? What should I do next? I suppose I’ll need to bring the Duke’s coffin back to the capital.”

Chiyan and Deputy General Qi exchanged glances.

Deputy General Qi spoke first. “Replying to Madam—our Commander has always given only one-way orders. We only know our own tasks, not the broader situation. I have been ordered to guard the southern border and to maintain a temporary truce with Dali.

“As for peace negotiations, or whether Dali will submit, or whether King Duan will be released—all that will be decided by the Commander. But from what I know of Dali over the years, it will take them at least five or six years to recover their strength. They simply cannot wage war again for the time being.”

Gu Hua nodded. That meant at least five or six years without war.

She turned to Chiyan, who quickly replied, “Replying to Madam—I am in charge of the scouts, as well as overseeing matters in Bianjing. I am also tasked with escorting Madam and the Princess back to the capital. As for what comes after, no orders have been given yet.”

Gu Hua understood.

“I asked you both here because there is something I need to say.”

The two men answered together, “Please give your orders, Madam.”

“Jiang Duo has failed in his objective this time. I worry that on the way back to the capital, he may harm the Princess and me. The two of you are battle-hardened—what would be the safest way?”

What Gu Hua truly worried about was Princess Shuhe.

The Jiang family behind Jiang Duo had suffered repeated setbacks and huge losses. They would hardly let her off easily.

The Princess would be returning with her to the capital, and might get caught in the crossfire. Yet Gu Hua had to personally escort the Princess back. At the same time, this would look like the Princess herself was escorting Mu Junyan’s coffin into the capital, which would help allay suspicions from scheming parties.

Gu Hua had painstakingly befriended Princess Shuhe to pave another path for Mu Junyan.

She no longer wanted to be a canary in a gilded cage. Rather than relying on a man, it was better to stand on her own feet.

Through Princess Shuhe, she intended to enter the court. The influence of the women of powerful families was not to be underestimated.

By clinging tightly to Princess Shuhe, she would also gain the support of the Empress and the Sixth Prince.

Chiyan said firmly, “Please rest assured, Madam. Five hundred of the Black-Armored Guards’ elite will escort you and the Princess all the way back to the capital.”

Deputy General Qi immediately added, “I have also chosen a thousand elite cavalry, who will either disguise themselves as merchants or commoners to secretly follow Madam back to the capital.”

Chiyan, fearing she might still worry, continued, “My scout battalion has nearly two thousand men spread across all the prefectures of Great Liang. They will be in contact along the way. Should any mishap occur, they can reinforce us in the shortest possible time.”

Only then did Gu Hua feel truly reassured.

“Chiyan, do you know if there is any official among the peace delegation who can be of use?”

Chiyan nodded. “Censor Cui, Deputy of the Privy Council, is related to the Jing State Duke’s household by marriage. His grandson is on good terms with our Lord. He can be relied upon.”

“A fifth-rank Deputy of the Privy Council—excellent.”

Gu Hua felt completely at ease now. It was good to have someone in the delegation she could use.

“When they came for the peace talks, they wanted to avoid alarming Mu Junyan and kept us from learning in advance. So although they brought many Tianwu troops, most were disguised and came quietly. But for the return trip, I plan to ask the Princess to use her full ceremonial carriage to return to the capital. Together with my entourage, that will be at least a hundred people. A grand procession will intimidate anyone with ill intent along the way. If anyone dares openly attack us, once even one is caught, it will be irrefutable evidence of an assassination attempt against a royal princess—a capital crime.

“Furthermore, with Jiang Duo returning to the capital with our entourage, it will prove that he knew and acknowledged that no further peace talks were necessary, and that the Princess could indeed return.”

Deputy General Qi broke into a grin and gave her a thumbs-up. “Madam is brilliant!”

Even the usually stoic Chiyan revealed a trace of admiration on his face.

Madam had truly changed— From a timid girl who only relied on men, into a courageous and resourceful woman.

No wonder the Lord had fallen for her.

Gu Hua personally walked the two men to the door. As Deputy General Qi was leaving, she called after him.

“General Qi, may I ask you a personal question?”

His name was Qi Jun, a fifth-rank Roving General, one of the most outstanding young generals personally cultivated by Mu Junyan.

Qi Jun bowed respectfully. “Please ask, Madam.”

Gu Hua lowered her voice. “May I ask—do you have a wife and children at home?”

He hadn’t expected this question. His bronzed face immediately turned red, and his usually loud voice grew much softer.

“Replying to Madam—I am not yet married.”

Gu Hua was delighted. “May I ask where your family is from?”

“Replying to Madam—my ancestors were from Juzhou.”

Gu Hua let out a small “ah” of regret. For a princess to marry, her consort had to be from a noble family.

Besides, his family was far away in the southern borderlands.

It seemed the Princess’s budding feelings might end in disappointment.

When Qi Jun and Chiyan walked out of the residence, Qi Jun was puzzled. He nudged Chiyan and whispered, “Why do you think Madam asked me that?”

Chiyan, expressionless as always, said, “I don’t know.”

Qi Jun stroked his chin. “Could it be that Madam has a younger sister she wants to match me with? I’m quite a fine catch myself, don’t you think? Very likely.”

Chiyan shot him a sharp look and said nothing.

Qi Jun punched his arm. “What’s with that look? I’m already twenty-two. I’ve stayed unmarried all these years to defend the southern border, but my family is pressing me hard. If Madam really favors me, I should take the initiative to propose. That would show my sincerity.”

Chiyan said calmly, “Madam does indeed have two younger half-sisters. One is thirteen, the other nine.”

Qi Jun: “…”

That seemed… too young.

But still, Madam must be trying to arrange a match for him. Otherwise, why wouldn’t she ask Chiyan?

Just as he was about to press the matter further, Chiyan quickened his pace, clearly afraid of being pestered, and in a flash was out the gates, on his horse, and galloping away.

Qi Jun: “……!”

The next day.

Gu Hua explained her plan to Zhao Luoxuan. The Princess didn’t hesitate—she now trusted Gu Hua completely.

After Gu Hua gave her detailed instructions, Zhao Luoxuan summoned Jiang Duo.

“Lord Jiang, prepare yourself. Tomorrow we depart for the capital.”

Jiang Duo was stunned. “That is impossible, Princess. His Majesty’s command—”

Zhao Luoxuan cut him off. “Father’s command was for peace between the two states. But can Dali still fight? Do they even have the means to? I must return to the palace at once and report the truth to Father. Only then can he make the right decisions and avoid being deceived by schemers.”

Her words were pointed. Jiang Duo’s face darkened, but he dared not oppose her.

“Yes. I will prepare immediately.”

“When we came here, Lord Jiang said to keep a low profile, to avoid panic, and so we traveled quietly. But now, after our great victory, I must return in glory. Lord Jiang, see to it that my full ceremonial carriage as a first-rank Princess is prepared for tomorrow’s departure.”

Jiang Duo’s eyes widened. “That is impossible, Princess—it would be far too ostentatious—”

Zhao Luoxuan’s face turned cold. “What, Lord Jiang—you don’t want the people of Great Liang to hear of our great victory in the south, to share in the joy? How strange. You oppose me at every turn. Must I obey you in all things? If Lord Jiang is unwilling to escort me, then I will return to the capital myself, and you can stay here alone.”

Jiang Duo’s face went pale. “That is not what I meant.”

“What else could you mean? You’re just siding with outsiders and harboring ulterior motives.”

Zhao Luoxuan was fuming. Only when Gu Hua discreetly tugged at her sleeve did she stop.

She exchanged a glance with Gu Hua, then snorted coldly. “Nanny Mo, summon Deputy Cui of the Privy Council.”

Deputy Cui, who had been waiting outside, entered at once.

“Your servant greets Your Highness.”

“Lord Cui, since Lord Jiang refuses to follow my orders to escort me back to the capital, I now entrust the matter to you. Arrange everything so that I return in the full ceremonial carriage befitting a first-rank Princess.”

Deputy Cui bowed. “Yes. Please rest assured, Princess. I will see it done at once.”

“Lord Jiang, you may go and rest. There’s nothing more for you here.”

Jiang Duo: “……!”

Nothing more for him?

His anger flared, and he said coldly, “Princess, I am His Majesty’s personally appointed envoy for the peace talks, and Deputy Director of the Privy Council, a second-rank official!”

Zhao Luoxuan raised an eyebrow and snapped, “And I am His Majesty’s own daughter, the first-rank Princess Shuhe, by imperial decree!”

Jiang Duo: “……!”

Gu Hua secretly gave Zhao Luoxuan a thumbs-up.

That first-rank Princess title had been specially conferred by the Emperor to appease her and the Empress.

Even though the peace talks had failed, she still bore that title.

Rank crushes rank—and besides, she was the Emperor’s legitimate daughter.