The Woman Disguised Herself as a Man and Abolished the Prince, Married a Princess and called the Empress - Chapter 12

 On the fourth quarter of the wèi hour (1:00 PM to 3:00 PM) the next day, sunlight filtered through the bamboo leaves, casting dappled shadows. Accompanied by Li Yongdao, Xiong Shaoqing arrived at a small hut surrounded by lush green bamboo. A gentle breeze stirred, causing the leaves to rustle softly.

Wind chimes hung from the eaves, their crisp ringing especially pleasant in the tranquil setting.

Looking at the scene, Xiong Shaoqing thought to herself, “This place is quite peaceful. The Xu family must live a comfortable life here.”

Seeing the Clan Leader and Young Clan Leader, Steward Xu warmly welcomed them into the house. Mrs. Xu then served two steaming cups of mountain tea, and the fragrant aroma instantly filled the air.

As Xiong Shaoqing inhaled the scent of the tea, she mused that this visit might yield some crucial information.

A graceful young girl with lively, large eyes stared intently at Xiong Shaoqing from the side.

The person who had captured her attention was dressed in a dark green brocade suit with white plum blossoms embroidered on the lapel. A wide black leather belt with several exquisite copper buckles was cinched around her waist, both practical and elegant.

The girl remembered seeing Xiong Shaoqing from a distance the day before and thinking she was stylish and uncommon. Now, seeing her up close, she noticed a scholarly aura in Xiong Shaoqing’s every movement.

The girl’s gaze fell on Xiong Shaoqing’s cheeks, where a pair of shallow dimples appeared, adding a touch of approachability. She secretly marveled at how smooth her skin was, so flawless it made her envious.

Xiong Shaoqing leaned forward slightly, her expression sincere, and looked at Mrs. Xu frankly. “Mrs. Xu, please forgive my sudden visit. I’ve come to ask about the Zhuoguang Clan. Any guidance you can offer would be greatly appreciated.”

“Young Clan Leader, you’re too kind. Since you’re asking, I’ll tell you everything I know,” Mrs. Xu said with a gentle smile.

She took a sip of tea, and a look of solemnity appeared in her eyes. “The Zhuoguang Clan claims to worship the God of Light and pursue enlightenment, but in reality, their actions are barbaric and cruel.”

“Factional struggles are constant within the clan. Women have a pitifully low status and are controlled by men for their entire lives.”

She paused, seemingly lost in thought, her eyes distant. “For example, the women in the royal family—if they win a man’s favor, they have everything they could ever want. They live in luxury and can even manipulate affairs at court.”

“But once they fall out of favor, their fate is worse than that of an animal.”

Mrs. Xu shook her head slightly, her voice growing heavier. “In Zhuoguang, women, regardless of their family, are nothing more than playthings for men. Even a princess can only be used as a tool for political marriage. In terms of status, she’s not even equal to an ordinary man.”

As she spoke, she unconsciously clutched the corner of her clothes, a flicker of pain in her eyes. She then turned to look at Steward Xu, and her expression gradually softened. “Luckily, I was fortunate to meet your Uncle Xu back then. We risked everything to escape that horrible place.”

“Thinking back on those days, they’re truly unbearable.”

Xiong Shaoqing’s brows furrowed, and a trace of guilt flashed in her eyes. “Mrs. Xu, I’m so sorry for making you recall these painful memories.”

Mrs. Xu waved her hand gently, her demeanor elegant and calm. “Young Clan Leader, these things are in the past. You don’t have to worry about it. I only hope that what I’ve told you can be of some help.”

Mrs. Xu continued to detail the situation of the Zhuoguang Clan’s factions. Xiong Shaoqing listened intently, committing everything to memory, thinking what an unexpected gain this was and how it gave her a deeper understanding of the clan.

The young girl, seeing that Xiong Shaoqing had no airs of a Young Clan Leader and was very approachable, especially with the dimples that appeared when she smiled, couldn’t help but feel a sense of closeness.

“Jing’er, I’m going to the kitchen to prepare a meal for our guests. Please take good care of them and don’t be rude,” Mrs. Xu said, standing up and walking unhurriedly toward the kitchen.

The girl skipped toward Xiong Shaoqing like a cheerful deer, her eyes curved into crescent moons as she smiled. “My name is Xu Jing. There are so many fun places around here. Let’s go see them!”

Xiong Shaoqing smiled and nodded. They walked and chatted along the way.

“Sister Xiong, let me tell you, the origin of our Goumang Clan is so interesting! A long, long time ago, when heaven and earth just separated, a group of super powerful beings appeared. They understood yin and yang and the five elements, and they could even use magic! They were so majestic!”

As she spoke, she gestured with her hands. “These powerful beings are our Goumang Clan’s ancestors. They chose Goumang Peak as their home. Don’t underestimate this peak; I heard it wasn’t originally in our world. It just ‘swooshed’ over from somewhere else!”

Xu Jing’s eyes widened, and she made an exaggerated gesture, mimicking a mountain peak falling.

Seeing Xiong Shaoqing listening with rapt attention, Xu Jing became even more excited and continued.

“That Sacred Tree on Goumang Peak is magical! When our girls reach the age of fifteen and our boys reach the age of twenty, they have to eat the fruit from the Sacred Tree. After eating it, their bodies become super strong, and they get much better at martial arts!”

Xiong Shaoqing remembered the Sacred Tree she saw during her last visit to Goumang Peak when she awakened her innate bloodline. It was indeed as her uncle had said. However, after the innate spiritual root was implanted in her body, all the fruits on the Sacred Tree withered.

A hint of shame crept into Xiong Shaoqing’s heart at the thought. She told herself that regardless of whether she was the Young Clan Leader or not, she would be responsible for the Goumang Clan. Just as her uncle had said, it was her duty to lead the clan to find a new home in the coming age of chaos.

Xu Jing skipped in front of Xiong Shaoqing, her feet lightly lifting and falling, her eyes shining with excitement. “Sister Xiong, I turned fifteen half a year ago! After I ate the Sacred Tree fruit, I felt like my lightness skill improved by a huge step. Now, I can easily jump to the top of the tallest tree!”

As she spoke, she gestured as if she were taking off. Changing the subject, she tilted her head, her face full of curiosity, and clasped her hands in front of her chest. “Sister Xiong, you’ve traveled all over the country. You must have so many interesting stories. Please, tell me some!”

Xiong Shaoqing nodded and began to talk about her time at the Xuanbing Camp. Xu Jing was fascinated by Xiong Shaoqing’s military life and expressed her desire to go down the mountain and experience it for herself.

Xiong Shaoqing considered that Xu Jing had grown up on Goumang Peak and had little contact with the outside world. She was pure and good-natured, a rare find. Along with what her uncle had mentioned, that Goumang Peak would undergo a catastrophic change and cease to exist in a few years, a new foothold had to be found.

She thought back to the clan records she had read last night, which stated that Xu Jing’s strengths were her meticulous observation skills, a strong sense of direction, a flexible physique, and excellent lightness skills. She would be very suitable to be a scout.

Thinking of this, Xiong Shaoqing decided to take Xu Jing back to the camp. As for the household registration… well, she would just have to trouble her senior sister again.

“Life at Xuanbing Camp isn’t easy. The training is very intense,” Xiong Shaoqing said seriously, looking directly at Xu Jing, her voice firm.

Seeing Xiong Shaoqing’s serious expression, Xu Jing put away her usual playful demeanor, puffed out her chest, and said with determination, “I’m not afraid of hardship! No matter how tough the training at Xuanbing Camp is, I can handle it!

“When I first started training in martial arts, I fell countless times and went through a lot of pain, but I never gave up. Even though I’ve always been on Goumang Peak and haven’t seen the world, my resolve is very strong!”

Xiong Shaoqing nodded slightly, a hint of assessment in her eyes. “Alright, let’s spar. If you can pass my test, I’ll take you down the mountain to train at Xuanbing Camp.”

With that, she lightly tapped her foot, pulled back slightly, and assumed a fighting stance.

Xu Jing’s eyes instantly lit up with excitement. Without a word, she expertly drew the soft whip from her waist, flicked her wrist, and the tip of the whip cut a sharp arc through the air. “Okay, Sister Xiong, I won’t hold back!”

Xu Jing’s whip was like a dragon emerging from its lair, its tip dancing fiercely in the air. Each strike was accompanied by the sound of wind, and the momentum was intimidating.

Xiong Shaoqing remained calm. Using her innate bloodline, she instantly spotted the flaw in the whip technique. She lightly twisted her wrist, and her long sword moved like a spiritual snake, accurately striking the weak point and easily defusing Xu Jing’s fierce attack.

Xu Jing stood frozen, her face full of shock, not yet recovering from the surprise of her defeat.

Xiong Shaoqing put her sword away and stood there, her expression gentle. She said softly, “Your whip technique is strong, but not flexible enough.”

With that, she moved, as light as a breeze stroking a willow branch, and her sword tip lightly touched the ground, pointing at the swaying bamboo leaves. “Look at these bamboo leaves. They sway with the wind, seemingly weak, but they hide great strength. If you can incorporate that flexibility into your whip technique, its power will be completely different.”

A glimmer of understanding appeared in Xu Jing’s eyes. She put away her whip and carefully observed the swaying bamboo leaves. After about a quarter of an hour, she swung her whip again. This time, the whip’s force was still strong, but it was also more graceful.

Xiong Shaoqing nodded in approval and met her with her sword. The two sparred in the bamboo forest, the sounds of their sword and whip clashing filling the air. Xiong Shaoqing’s sword sometimes neutralized Xu Jing’s attacks and other times guided her to comprehend the essence of the sword.

In the midst of the battle, Xu Jing felt the profoundness of Xiong Shaoqing’s swordsmanship, and her whip technique became more nimble and versatile.

After about a hundred moves, Xiong Shaoqing had a good understanding of Xu Jing’s abilities and gave her some more pointers. Xu Jing benefited greatly from this.

Xiong Shaoqing looked up at the sky, a faint smile on her face, and her voice was gentle. “It’s getting late. Let’s head back. I’ve agreed to let you join the camp.”

Xu Jing’s eyes instantly sparkled like the stars in the night sky. The corners of her mouth turned up, and she instantly cheered, jumping and clapping her hands. “Wow! That’s great! Thank you, Sister Xiong! I can finally go down the mountain and see the outside world! There must be so many delicious and fun things!”

The two returned to the Xu family’s house, where a meal was already prepared. Everyone sat down and enjoyed a lively dinner. After the meal, Xu Jing told her parents about her plan.

Steward Xu’s eyes were filled with love and worry. He sighed lightly, “Jing’er, you’ve reached the age of fifteen. It’s time for you to go out and see this vast world. It’s just that the battlefield is dangerous, and we can’t bear to let you go.” His voice was low, filled with endless care.

Mrs. Xu’s eyes were slightly red, but she forced a gentle smile and gently stroked Xu Jing’s cheek. The warmth of her palm was filled with affection, and her voice was as soft as a spring breeze. “My dear daughter, you’ve grown up so fast.

“Your mother knows you have ambitions and that you’re a responsible child. When you leave, I don’t ask for anything but for you to be safe. No matter what difficulties you face, home will always be your anchor, and your father and I will always be your support.”

Xu Jing “plunked” down on her knees in front of her parents, her hands clenched into fists. She raised her head, her face full of determination. “Dad, Mom, I know you love and worry about me, but I’m big now and can take care of myself!

“Sister Xiong is so powerful, and she’s promised to look after me. You can put your minds at ease! When I’ve seen enough of the world and eaten lots of delicious things, I’ll definitely bring some back for you!”

Hearing this, Xiong Shaoqing quickly stepped forward, her expression solemn. “Steward Xu, Mrs. Xu, please rest assured. I will protect Sister Jing and keep her safe.”

Seeing Xiong Shaoqing’s firm expression, the Xu couple felt much more at ease.

As it was getting late, Xiong Shaoqing and Li Yongdao said their goodbyes, agreeing to leave at the first quarter of the chén hour (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) the next day.

That night, Xiong Shaoqing returned to her room and picked up her brush at the desk. She wrote: “Dear Senior Sister, I hope this letter finds you well. It has been a while since we parted ways in Yongning Prefecture. I have fond memories of your care. I have kept the Xuan iron dagger you gave me with me and cherish it greatly.

“I am writing this letter because I have a favor to ask. I would like to trouble you to get household registration for Xu Jing and allow her to join Xuanbing Camp as an exception. To make it easier for her to travel, we will say that she is my younger cousin.

“I know this is presumptuous of me, and I hope you will be generous and forgive my rude request. I will repay you for your kindness in the future.”

Xiong Shaoqing stopped writing. After the ink dried, she sealed the letter with wax.

Early the next morning, Xiong Shaoqing and Xu Jing bid farewell to their family. Before they left, Li Yongdao told Xiong Shaoqing not to worry too much. The great change would likely happen in about six or seven years, and he would suppress his cultivation to watch over the clan.

He also told Xiong Shaoqing that she must grow up quickly so that she could stand on her own when the change occurred.

Xiong Shaoqing nodded solemnly, feeling the weight on her shoulders grow a little heavier.

After half a day of travel, Xiong Shaoqing and Xu Jing arrived in Feidu City.

It was the height of summer. The sun hung high in the sky, a sweltering heat and the clamor of the market filling the air. The streets were bustling with people. Vendors shouted their wares, their voices rising and falling.

Xu Jing was amazed and lingered at the various stalls. Xiong Shaoqing spotted a jewelry shop and realized she hadn’t given her senior sister a gift yet. This was the perfect opportunity. She patted Xu Jing’s shoulder and pointed to the shop. “Let’s go have a look in there.”

Xu Jing nodded and went into the shop with Xiong Shaoqing. Inside, the sparkling, translucent jewelry dazzled, attracting the eyes of passersby.

Xiong Shaoqing’s gaze settled on a white jade hairpin as pure as frost, with a lifelike blooming lotus flower carved on it. She remembered her senior sister’s two personal maids were named Pink Lotus and Green Lotus, so her senior sister must be fond of lotuses.

In the moment Xiong Shaoqing was lost in thought, the shop owner had already approached, a big smile on his face. He praised, “Miss, you have great taste! This white jade hairpin is made of top-quality Hetian jade, with a fine and warm texture. The lotus symbolizes purity and is very fitting for your temperament.”

Xu Jing, meanwhile, was drawn to a meticulously carved jade bangle. The verdant bracelet seemed to hold the essence of spring.

The shop owner quickly introduced it, “This jade bangle is a rare treasure. The color of the jade is uniform, and it has ice cracks within it, like a landscape painting. Wearing it will not only show your elegance but also bring you good luck.”

Xiong Shaoqing bought the jade hairpin, and Xu Jing also took out her money to buy the jade bangle. Afterward, the two went to a restaurant for a meal.

Xiong Shaoqing requested a private room, and the waiter enthusiastically led them upstairs.

During the meal, Xiong Shaoqing and Xu Jing agreed to pretend to be cousins, which would make it easier to enter the camp. As for the household registration, Xiong Shaoqing already had a plan.

“You eat first. I’ll be out for a little bit. Don’t leave. Wait for me to come back,” Xiong Shaoqing said, looking at the devouring Xu Jing with concern.

Xu Jing’s cheeks were stuffed full, like a greedy little hamster. She clutched a half-eaten piece of pastry in her hand and mumbled indistinctly, “Mmm-hmm, okay! I’ll stay here and finish all this delicious food. I won’t go anywhere. I’ll wait for you to come back!”

Xiong Shaoqing didn’t stop. The moment she stepped out of the restaurant, she agilely darted into a narrow, dark alley nearby. Her aura turned cold as she said in a low voice, “You’ve been following me all this way. Show yourself, my lord, Dark Guard. You must be tired after following me since Yongning Prefecture.”

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