The Woman Disguised Herself as a Man and Abolished the Prince, Married a Princess and called the Empress - Chapter 19

The news reached Yongning Prefecture, and Empress Ye Jinyu, whose heart had been hanging in suspense, immediately approved Liu Hanyue’s departure. When Liu Hanyue received the news, the taut string in her heart also relaxed a bit, and she thought to herself, “I can finally go. I can’t let down my mother-empress’s trust.”

That day, Liu Hanyue, dressed in magnificent palace attire and a phoenix coronet with tassels, stood tall at the front of the procession. She swept her gaze over the people and horses behind her, raised her hand, and calmly commanded, “Depart!” The vast procession then moved toward the frontier.

As they traveled, the bitter wind howled and seeped through the cracks in the carriage. Liu Hanyue hugged a warm flask inside the carriage and closed her eyes to rest.

Along the way, she successively visited the four camps: Lei Huo (Thunder Fire), Cang Lang (Gray Wolf), Qimen (Mystical Gate), and Qing Yan (Green Flame). Although she felt tired, she knew in her heart that she carried a heavy responsibility, and every step was crucial.

Although the journey was smooth and there were no major disturbances, she dared not relax her vigilance, secretly reminding herself: The calmer it is, the more careful you must be. Who knows what variables are hidden in the shadows.

The procession followed the winding official road for a month, safely arriving at Feidu City. When they entered the city, the common people braved the biting cold wind to welcome them on both sides of the road, with cheers and applause rising and falling.

The corners of Liu Hanyue’s mouth curled into a gentle smile, and she raised her hand to wave in greeting. Looking at the enthusiastic people, her heart was filled with emotion: “The people love me so much; I must do this (consolation) mission well and make the soldiers feel at ease protecting the border.”

The procession rested briefly and then continued its journey out of Feidu City, heading for the Xuanbing (Mysterious Ice) Camp.

Xuanbing Camp was located on a high mountain outside Feidu City. It was early winter, with white snow covering the surroundings, and the cold wind sliced like a knife.

Sitting in her carriage, Liu Hanyue looked at the snowy scenery through the curtains, and when she thought of the long-lost person she was about to meet, a sense of anticipation grew in her heart.

Looking from a distance, amidst the silver-clad landscape, a neatly arranged formation was faintly visible. As they approached the camp, a large banner fluttered in the wind, with the characters  (Xuanbing) written on it, majestic and solemn.

On the fifteenth day of the eleventh month of the fourth year of Tianyou, Xiong Shaoqing stood in the ranks of the Xuanbing Camp. The cold wind howled, making the banners snap. She occasionally stomped her feet, trying to dispel some of the cold, while looking into the distance, with a faint sense of anticipation for the noble guest who was about to arrive.

Finally, Liu Hanyue’s figure appeared in her sight. She was dressed in a magnificent palace ceremonial gown, with golden threads embroidered into phoenixes that shimmered in the sunlight.

Xiong Shaoqing’s gaze was immediately drawn to her. She watched Liu Hanyue, who was walking slowly, surrounded by a pair of guards and palace maids, with every step exuding grace and nobility.

The camp commander, Lin Jingmo, had already received the news and stood ramrod straight at the very front of the welcoming party. She was in military attire, looking heroic and dashing. Xiong Shaoqing noticed a flash of admiration in Lin Jingmo’s eyes, likely because this was the first time she had seen such a noble person as Liu Hanyue.

As Liu Hanyue drew closer, Xiong Shaoqing was momentarily stunned. She almost didn’t recognize her. Only a little over half a year ago, they were flying kites together in Yongning Prefecture, wandering through the streets and alleys, laughing and talking freely.

At that time, Senior Sister was so approachable, without any of the princess’s airs. “Is this really the Senior Sister I played so freely with in Yongning Prefecture?” Xiong Shaoqing wondered to herself, as memories of the past flooded back like a tide.

“Greetings, Princess Qinglan!” Lin Jingmo led the entire three thousand female soldiers of the camp in a thunderous shout, a sound so loud it pulled Xiong Shaoqing back from her memories.

“You may rise,” Liu Hanyue smiled and nodded, her voice clear and bright. “I have come on the Empress’s orders to extend my regards. All soldiers, you have worked hard.”

The voice reached Xiong Shaoqing’s ears, familiar yet with a hint of distance.

The first group of veteran soldiers was led by Captain Xiao Li, an older but heroic female general who stood on the left. The second group of new recruits was led by Xiong Shaoqing. Both of them had serious expressions, their gazes fixed on the front.

Liu Hanyue took a few steps forward and announced loudly: “The Empress has decreed that all kinds of supplies have been prepared, and every soldier will be granted two taels of silver to show the vastness of the imperial grace.”

As soon as her words fell, countless boxes of supplies were carried up by the attendants, and the glistening silver dazzled everyone’s eyes.

“The three armies thank the Empress for her grace!” Lin Jingmo led all the female soldiers in kneeling down.

Xiong Shaoqing knelt with them, looking at the princess in front of her, so regal and imposing. Her heart was filled with mixed emotions. She remembered how thoughtful Liu Hanyue had been a little over half a year ago, arranging her bedroom for her and even gifting her a (profound iron) dagger before they parted.

Meeting again today, there was an indescribable sense of distance. However, these emotions could only be hidden in her heart, because she knew today was an important occasion that did not allow for any impropriety.

At this moment, she could only kneel down in unison with the other female soldiers, shouting: “Thank you for the Empress’s grace! Long live the Empress!”

After the (consolation), Liu Hanyue personally walked up to Xiao Li and Xiong Shaoqing to converse with them. Seeing that familiar yet unfamiliar person standing in front of her, a ripple stirred in Xiong Shaoqing’s heart, but her face remained calm and serious like a soldier’s.

“I heard that in the previous battle of Xiqu, you and your comrades worked together to kill the leader E Longgu. You are truly young and promising. It is a blessing to our Shu Kingdom to have a capable person like you,” Liu Hanyue said with a gentle gaze as she looked at Xiong Shaoqing.

Xiong Shaoqing slightly bowed, her voice steady but with a hint of undetectable nervousness: “Your Highness, you flatter me. It was only my duty, and the credit belongs to everyone. I dare not claim it alone.”

With that, she lowered her eyes, trying to hide the slight ripple of emotion that had arisen from their reunion.

After the inspection, the female soldiers marched in neat steps to the training ground to drill. For a moment, the sounds of commands and footsteps intertwined.

Camp Commander Lin Jingmo stood beside Liu Hanyue, slightly bent over, and made a guiding gesture, respectfully saying, “Your Highness, please come this way.”

Liu Hanyue nodded and followed Lin Jingmo to the camp room specially prepared for her.

Along the way, she thought about how difficult the conditions were at the Xuanbing Camp and how much effort they must have put into this room.

Stepping into the room, a wave of warmth washed over her.

Liu Hanyue’s gaze swept over the silver lamps that emitted a soft glow, the warm stove burning high-quality smokeless charcoal, the thick carpets on the floor, and the exquisitely carved furniture. Every detail showed great care.

After leading her there, Lin Jingmo saluted: “If Your Highness needs anything, please feel free to summon me.” With that, she withdrew.

Liu Hanyue looked at her retreating back, secretly praising her. Lin Jingmo was skilled in managing her troops and was also considerate in her actions.

Just as she was thinking, a black shadow flashed by, and Fuqu appeared. Liu Hanyue looked up, her eyes filled with unconcealed concern: “You’ve worked hard these past few days.”

“Your Highness, you are too kind. It’s all my duty,” Fuqu hurriedly replied.

“Between the two of us, why are you still so formal?” Liu Hanyue smiled. “Come here, I have something very important to tell you.”

Fuqu took a step forward and leaned in slightly. Liu Hanyue whispered softly, her voice as light as silk. These words were only passed between the two of them, and no third person could hear a single clue.

After giving the instructions, Liu Hanyue straightened up, her expression becoming serious: “Go now. This matter is of great importance. You must be extremely careful.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Rest assured,” Fuqu’s expression tightened, and she gave a crisp reply.

She then turned and disappeared instantly, like lightning, leaving behind only a faint sound of wind.

Liu Hanyue summoned Fenhe to help her change. Her magnificent clothes were taken off one by one, and she changed into a simple, elegant daily outfit.

She looked at herself in the mirror. Although her features were the same, the paleness could not be hidden. She frowned slightly and looked at Qinglian: “Bring that thick cloak from the shelf.”

The cold poison had been with her for many years, and she could never get rid of her fear of the cold.

Liu Hanyue wrapped the cloak around herself and stood up. She no longer looked like the majestic princess from the court, but more like a gentle and charming older sister from next door.

Pushing open the door to the camp room, the cold wind “swooshed” in. Liu Hanyue subconsciously shivered but only tightened her cloak and stepped out without hesitation. Fenhe and Qinglian followed closely behind her.

Not long after, a black shadow suddenly flashed by, as fast as lightning.

In the study in another corner of the Xuanbing Camp, Deputy Commander Feng Jueying was engrossed in the military book in her hands. She was frowning, seemingly lost in thought over a tactical problem. At this moment, a black shadow appeared behind her without a sound.

“Who’s there!” Feng Jueying looked up vigilantly, but the visitor just smiled coldly and pulled a star-shaped token from her sleeve. The token gleamed with a cold light in the candlelight, causing a chill to run through people.

The moment she saw the token, Feng Jueying’s face changed dramatically. She quickly got up and saluted: “This subordinate greets the Sir.”

“You may rise,” the person in black slowly sat down, their voice low and hoarse, yet with an irresistible authority. “I have an urgent matter to discuss.”

Feng Jueying bowed her head, secretly guessing, but her face remained respectful: “Please instruct, Sir.”

The person in black leaned forward slightly, their gaze as sharp as a blade. They leaned close to Feng Jueying’s ear, their voice so low it was almost inaudible.

As the subtle words entered her ears, Feng Jueying’s eyes widened, and her face was filled with shock. She subconsciously whispered in surprise: “This is a matter of losing one’s head!”

Her heart pounded violently. If this matter were to be exposed, she and the entire Xuanbing Camp would be doomed.

“Losing your head? Heh,” the person in black let out a cold, biting laugh. They picked up the star-shaped token again and placed it heavily on the table. “Do you have a choice? If you fail to do it, then Sir’s mother might… you can weigh the consequences yourself.”

Feng Jueying’s eyebrows were tied in a tight knot, and she was in a fierce internal struggle. On one hand was a capital crime, and on the other was her mother’s safety. This dilemma caused her great pain.

After struggling for a moment, her shoulders slowly slumped. An endless sense of helplessness surged in her heart. In the end, she couldn’t resist.

“This subordinate understands. I can only do as you say.”

Seeing this, a satisfied smile appeared on the person in black’s face. The smile looked particularly sinister in the dim light. They took a jade bottle from their arms and gently pushed it onto the table: “Don’t worry. As long as the matter is successful, your mother will be safe and sound, and the position of camp commander will be within your grasp.”

Feng Jueying looked at the jade bottle, her heart filled with mixed feelings—the hope for her mother’s safety and the fear of the unknown consequences.

“Do it well, and you won’t be let down,” the person in black stood up, flung their cloak forcefully, and instantly disappeared into the dark corner.

Feng Jueying’s eyes were blurred. She knew that from this moment on, a terrifying conspiracy had quietly begun, and she could no longer escape. She took a deep breath to calm her emotions and commanded in a loud voice:

“Someone, call Peng Yongsen here.”

The guards outside the camp room heard the order and hurried away to follow the command.

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