The Great General and the Eldest Princess - Chapter 4

The night gradually receded. Di Shengyue stood by the window, looking outside. The sky was a pale grey-blue, and a faint halo of light was vaguely visible on the horizon.

Di Shengyue quietly climbed out the window. She was quick and agile, managing to slip out of the Eldest Princess’s Manor without startling anyone.

It was already Yin Shi (3 a.m. to 5 a.m.) when she arrived at the “Heming Tea House.” Di Shengyue booked a private room and waited quietly, sipping her tea.

This tea house was owned by the Third Prince.

After about two incense sticks’ time, the figure of the Third Prince, Xiao Jinteng, appeared at the “Heming Tea House.”

Xiao Jinteng was tall, clad in a dark ink-colored Shu brocade lined robe. A black cloud-patterned rhinoceros belt was tied around his waist. His hair was neatly combed, and a pair of apricot-shaped tiger eyes gave him an air of authority.

The Xiao Kingdom had many princes, but only a few were favored by the Emperor.

Currently, the most capable contenders for the throne were the Third Prince, Xiao Jinteng, and the Fourth Prince, Xiao Shengrui.

The Third Prince was the son of the current Empress and was much liked by the Emperor, though he was a little too outspoken.

The Fourth Prince was born to the Noble Consort Wan. Consort Wan was the daughter of the Minister of Personnel, providing a powerful backing. The Fourth Prince’s temperament, like Consort Wan’s, was very steady, and the Emperor thought highly of this son.

Although the Second Prince, Xiao Jinyan, was born to Consort Rou, Consort Rou was the Empress’s dowry maid; she came from a humble background and lacked family support. She had only beauty but no intellect. Xiao Jinyan’s personality was very much like his mother—extravagant, shallow, and naturally foolish. The Emperor held this son in low regard as well.

Although the heir apparent had not yet been decided, the court was essentially divided into two factions.

The Third Prince, Xiao Jinteng, commanded mostly military generals, while the Fourth Prince, Xiao Shengrui, had more civil officials under his banner.

When she was married into the Eldest Princess’s family, the Emperor immediately promoted the original General Liu to Grand General.

This General Liu was a man of Xiao Shengrui, which was why Xiao Jinteng was so anxious.

In her previous life, she had noticed that the Fourth Prince, Xiao Shengrui, lacked military generals and that General Liu was someone she knew well. That was why she chose to meet with the Fourth Prince, presumptuously analyzing the current court situation for Xiao Shengrui.

She was just waiting to become a meritorious minister who helped Xiao Shengrui ascend to the throne.

Thinking back now, her former self was truly naive.

Supporting a prince was nothing compared to holding power in her own hands.

As Di Shengyue thought this, a faint glint of sharp insight flashed in her eyes.

“General Di, what a coincidence.” Xiao Jinteng walked towards her.

“Your Highness is a clever man; naturally, you know this is not a chance encounter,” Di Shengyue set down her teacup and looked at Xiao Jinteng.

A flicker of brilliance appeared in Xiao Jinteng’s eyes. He sat down opposite Di Shengyue: “Since that is the case, I won’t beat around the bush either. Your glorious battle records of strategizing from a thousand miles on the battlefield are legendary to me. It was truly foolish of the Emperor to have you marry into the Eldest Princess’s family. I genuinely feel sorry for the General.”

Di Shengyue raised an eyebrow. Xiao Jinteng’s words clearly showed an intention to win her over.

“The Emperor’s decree forced General Di into this marriage. General must be filled with resentment. Doesn’t General want to reclaim her military authority?” As he said the words “military authority,” Xiao Jinteng’s index finger forcefully tapped the table. He stared intently at Di Shengyue, trying to gauge her reaction.

Yet, Di Shengyue maintained a calm, indifferent expression.

“Your Highness thinks, what should I do?” Di Shengyue looked through the window at the quiet street below.

Xiao Jinteng said, “The General’s talents should not be buried like this. My manor is currently in need of an advisor. What does the General think?”

Upon hearing this, Di Shengyue retracted her gaze.

She looked at Xiao Jinteng and smiled faintly: “Does Your Highness believe that the position of an advisor alone can move me?”

Di Shengyue was extremely beautiful, with elegant features and bright eyes and teeth.

Because of years of campaigning, her skin was not as fair as that of ordinary women, but her whole demeanor exuded a heroic and spirited aura.

The smile at this moment possessed a unique charm.

Xiao Jinteng was momentarily stunned. He composed himself and said, “I promise the General that I will restore your General’s position.”

Di Shengyue toyed with the teacup in her hand, remaining silent for a long time.

Finally, Di Shengyue spoke: “General Liu does have some ability, but he is too rigid, always using the same troop deployment methods. The Wei Kingdom is not that foolish anymore.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinteng’s eyes instantly lit up.

Di Shengyue’s words indicated that she did not think highly of General Liu.

If General Liu lost the battle, the Emperor would certainly think of replacing him. At that time, he could seize the opportunity to recommend his own person.

As long as he won this battle, he could control more military power.

Thinking this, the look in Xiao Jinteng’s eyes grew more fervent toward Di Shengyue.

Di Shengyue was indeed worthy of being a Grand General; a few words had revealed the key to the situation.

“Then, how does the General think victory can be achieved?” Xiao Jinteng asked.

“That depends on Your Highness’s sincerity,” Di Shengyue placed the teacup on the table. The cup striking the table made a crisp sound in the quiet room. “There is still over a month until the end of this war, which is enough time for Your Highness to plan.”

With that, she left the tea house without waiting for Xiao Jinteng’s reply.

An inconspicuous carriage was parked not far from the “Heming Tea House.”

Di Shengyue glanced at it and quickly withdrew her sight.

The corner of her mouth curved up slightly, revealing a hint of mockery.

She recognized that carriage; in her previous life, she and the Fourth Prince had plotted matters inside that very carriage.

How could the Fourth Prince not care about her secret meeting with the Third Prince?

In her past life, she had been too eager, which allowed the Fourth Prince to take advantage.

Now, it was still early; she could take her time to plan.

A ray of sunlight pierced through the thick clouds.

Di Shengyue looked at the slightly brightening sky, a small smile on her lips.

What she wanted was merely the first step right now.

On her way back to the manor, she recalled a shop in the capital famous for its peanut brittle.

Thinking of her Princess, a subtle, gentle smile inadvertently appeared on the corner of Di Shengyue’s mouth.

Because it took some time for the peanut brittle to be prepared, it was already Chen Shi (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.) when Di Shengyue returned to the Princess’s Manor.

Xiao Yinxue was sitting in the main hall, looking at her with a sullen face, her eyes holding suppressed anger: “Where were you all morning?”

“What’s wrong, Princess?” Di Shengyue found Xiao Yinxue’s temper strange.

She thought carefully—she hadn’t provoked her, had she?

“The General may not know, but today is the ‘Return Visit’ day,” Luoxiang replied. “The General was supposed to enter the palace with the Princess at Mao Shi (5 a.m. to 7 a.m.) to pay respects to the Empress.”

Di Shengyue was stunned; she really didn’t know about this.

She had just returned from the battlefield. In her previous life, she never cared about Xiao Yinxue, so how could she have accompanied her for the “Return Visit”?

The thought of Xiao Yinxue going for the “Return Visit” alone, facing the gossip in the palace, made Di Shengyue feel a pang of guilt. It was her oversight.

Since her rebirth, she had only focused on her own affairs and never properly understood everything about Xiao Yinxue.

But it was alright; she had plenty of opportunities to make amends now.

“Princess, it’s my fault, I was negligent,” Di Shengyue walked forward, lifting the peanut brittle in her hand, and said, “How about this pastry as an apology?”

Xiao Yinxue’s expression softened considerably when she saw the pastry: “You went out all morning just to buy me pastry?”

Di Shengyue nodded.

Xiao Yinxue took the paper bag and placed it on the table, a faint smile flickering in her eyes.

Di Shengyue’s lips slightly curved. The Princess’s personality was actually quite endearing; her temper flared quickly and subsided just as fast, making her easy to placate.

Xiao Yinxue gently unwrapped the oil-paper package.

Her gaze, upon seeing the pastry inside, suddenly turned cold.

She abruptly stood up, placed the paper bag heavily into Di Shengyue’s hands, and said, “Hmph, you keep it and eat it yourself!”

With that, she angrily left the main hall.

Di Shengyue looked blankly at Xiao Yinxue’s retreating figure. Now, what was that about?

“General, the Princess…” Youtao said, “is allergic to peanuts.”

Di Shengyue was momentarily speechless.

At lunchtime, as soon as Xiao Yinxue appeared in the main hall, she saw Di Shengyue setting a bowl of cod and tofu soup on the table.

The fish soup had been slowly simmered until it was thick and savory, and bursts of fragrance drifted toward Xiao Yinxue’s nose.

“You made this?” Xiao Yinxue’s eyes held a hint of surprise as she lightly raised her brow and asked.

“I personally cooked this soup for the Princess as an apology,” Di Shengyue personally ladled a bowl of soup for Xiao Yinxue, smiling with curved lips, “Would the Princess like to try?”

“I didn’t know you could cook,” Xiao Yinxue looked suspiciously at Di Shengyue, took the fish soup, lowered her head, and took a small sip.

The fresh, delicious aroma of the fish soup filled her mouth and tongue; it was unexpectedly tasty.

Xiao Yinxue’s eyes involuntarily brightened. She picked up another piece of fish and put it in her mouth.

The tender and savory fish melted in her mouth, blending with the fragrance of the thoroughly stewed soup, making her appetite grow.

The taste was, surprisingly, quite good.

Xiao Yinxue subconsciously glanced at Di Shengyue, noticing that she was constantly watching her, her eyes full of smiles: “It was my carelessness before; I didn’t know the Princess was allergic to peanuts. Today, I specifically made this cod and tofu soup to apologize to the Princess. How does the Princess find the taste of the soup?”

She awkwardly turned her head away: “The taste is… just barely acceptable.”

Di Shengyue found her contradictory behavior amusing.

The corner of her mouth curved into a slight arc, and she pretended to be disappointed: “It seems I still didn’t make it very well. In that case, don’t eat it yet. Let me research it some more.”

As Di Shengyue spoke, she reached out to take the bowl away.

Xiao Yinxue protectively guarded the bowl in front of her like a child, discontentedly saying, “This was all made to apologize to this Princess! Who said you could take it away!”

“Didn’t the Princess say she didn’t like it?” The smile on Di Shengyue’s lips deepened.

Teasing Xiao Yinxue was genuinely entertaining.

“Hmph, seeing as you worked so hard, this Princess will reluctantly accept it,” Xiao Yinxue said haughtily.

As if afraid Di Shengyue would snatch it away again, she took another large gulp of the soup.

She seemed to have drunk too quickly, and a small smudge of soup was left on the corner of her lips.

Seeing her adorable appearance, Di Shengyue felt her heart soften.

She took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the soup stain from the corner of her mouth, saying with a fond smile, “Why are you acting like a child? There, there, I won’t fight you for it. It’s all yours.”

They were very close. Xiao Yinxue could see Di Shengyue’s deep eyes the moment she looked up. Those eyes, full of tenderness, now reflected only her image.

For some reason, Xiao Yinxue’s heart suddenly started racing.

Xiao Yinxue subconsciously avoided Di Shengyue’s gaze. She lowered her head and began drinking the soup from the bowl.

She fiercely scolded herself in her heart, Why are you timid? If she looks at you, you should look back!

Despite thinking this, Xiao Yinxue ultimately did not lift her head.

Di Shengyue’s eyes were too gentle—so gentle that they felt as if they could draw her in.

Xiao Yinxue had a small appetite. After only two bowls of soup, she couldn’t drink any more, but her gaze lingered reluctantly on the remaining soup on the table.

“If the Princess likes it, how about I make it for you all the time from now on?” Di Shengyue said.

“Who, who likes it?” Xiao Yinxue’s cheeks suddenly flushed, making her already beautiful face look even more vibrant and lovely.

“Yes, the Princess doesn’t like it,” Di Shengyue looked deeply at her and said, “I like it.”

“Li- What like? This… you… why are you speaking so shamelessly.” Xiao Yinxue’s cheeks instantly turned red.

“I said I like cooking for the Princess. Where did the Princess’s thoughts go?” Di Shengyue chuckled softly.

Realizing she had misinterpreted the meaning, Xiao Yinxue’s cheeks suddenly felt hot. She quickly changed the subject, saying: “Youtao! Youtao! Why haven’t you called someone to clear the table yet?”

Di Shengyue watched Xiao Yinxue’s reaction, the smile in her eyes deepening.

Before, she had only thought the Princess was willful and spoiled, but now she found her true nature exceptionally endearing.

Xiao Yinxue felt Di Shengyue’s gaze was too intense, making her extremely uncomfortable.

“Princess, Eunuch Guo has arrived with the Empress Dowager’s imperial decree,” Luoxiang appeared in the hall at just the right moment and reported.

“Then quickly invite Eunuch Guo in!” Xiao Yinxue seemed to have found a savior and instructed Luoxiang.

As soon as Eunuch Guo saw Xiao Yinxue, a smile appeared in his eyes: “I have come to invite the Princess and the General to an audience with the Empress Dowager.”

“Grandmother has returned to the palace?” Xiao Yinxue spoke of the Empress Dowager, her eyes holding unconcealed joy.

“The Empress Dowager has missed the Eldest Princess greatly, so she sent me to invite you as soon as she returned to the palace,” Eunuch Guo said, “Please come, Eldest Princess.”

Upon hearing this, the two quickly followed Eunuch Guo into the palace.