The Woman Disguised Herself as a Man and Abolished the Prince, Married a Princess and called the Empress - Chapter 7

The storefront signs along the streets were antique, with intricate bird and flower patterns carved into the wooden doors and windows. The alleys were bustling with life, adorned with blooming flowers. A gentle breeze passed through, causing petals to flutter and land on the shoulders of passersby.

Xiong Shaoqing noticed several women in flowing skirts strolling by, a sight that astonished her, as it was almost impossible to see in Yu Kingdom.

In Yu Kingdom, the women on the streets were mostly married matrons. Occasionally, one might see a female warrior roaming the land, but respectable young maidens were rarely seen in public.

Upon her arrival in Shu Kingdom, she immediately fell in love with the atmosphere. She believed women should have the same rights as men and had always disdained the traditional “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” enforced in Yu Kingdom.

In Shu Kingdom, she sensed an air of equality, which filled her with hope for the future.

She and Su Xianfeng walked into a clothing shop.

Xiong Shaoqing chose a light blue short tunic. The tunic hugged her figure, revealing her slender neck and strong arms. She paired it with loose-fitting trousers, which allowed for easy movement. She cinched her waist with a belt, making her appear even more upright and agile.

With a deft hand, she tied her long hair into a bun, securing it with a simple wooden hairpin, looking both capable and heroic.

She then glanced at her master, who still wore a flowing white robe, though it was a new style of local clothing.

The two left the shop and headed to a bulletin board. A special recruitment notice caught Xiong Shaoqing’s eye.

Her eyes lit up instantly, and a smile crept across her face.

It was recruiting only female soldiers—a perfect fit for her.

She knew she needed to build her own power base in Shu Kingdom. Getting into the political core and earning military merits seemed like an excellent path.

Full of anticipation, Xiong Shaoqing went to the recruitment office, but she was told she needed a household register to enlist. Thinking quickly, she claimed she had left it at home and hurried away.

Su Xianfeng followed her with a smile. They walked into a small alley. As Xiong Shaoqing pondered how to solve the household register problem, Su Xianfeng suddenly spoke, “Go to Yongning Prefecture in the capital. The household register issue will surely be resolved there.”

Hearing this, Xiong Shaoqing’s furrowed brow smoothed out instantly. She had absolute trust in her master, Su Xianfeng. If he said it could be solved, it would be.

The two rested for a night in Feidu City and set off the next day. After half a month of travel, they arrived in Yongning Prefecture.

Yongning Prefecture was even more prosperous than Feidu City. Street vendors lined the streets, their stalls filled with a dazzling array of goods: exquisite porcelain, fragrant pastries, various medicinal herbs, and handicrafts.

Merchants gathered, chatting and laughing, with money constantly changing hands in the busy market.

A magnificent carriage passed through the crowd, its wheels rumbling. The ornate garments and jewelry of a noblewoman could be glimpsed through the curtains.

In the streets and alleys, opera performers sang with gusto, their voices clear and melodious, drawing crowds of onlookers who applauded and cheered.

“It’s been a few years, and Yongning Prefecture has become even more prosperous,” Su Xianfeng remarked, his eyebrows slightly raised in genuine appreciation.

Xiong Shaoqing was quite surprised. “Master, you’ve been here before?”

Su Xianfeng nodded and pointed to an inn. “Let’s go rest and recuperate. Tomorrow, I will take you to get your household register.”

As they entered the inn, the waiter greeted them warmly. Xiong Shaoqing, as usual, booked a two-room suite with two beds.

That night, after washing away the dust of their journey, Xiong Shaoqing stood by the window, watching the lanterns hanging high. The brilliant shops looked even more magnificent in the lamplight.

A street musician played a zither, its music flowing like water through the night, adding a touch of serenity to the bustling streets.

She thought to herself, I’ve finally arrived in Yongning Prefecture. To achieve my revenge, I need to build my own influence and actively befriend capable people. I can no longer be as aloof as I’ve been recently.

She made up her mind to change and prepare for future challenges.

The next day, Su Xianfeng led Xiong Shaoqing to the center of Yongning Prefecture. After about half an hour, they arrived at a solemn mansion. The exterior walls were built with premium green bricks, with golden glazed tiles inlaid in the seams.

The mansion’s gate was tall and heavy, made of black lacquered wood with gold accents. The door knockers were two lifelike bronze lions, exuding a sense of both power and nobility.

The plaque above the door was prominently engraved with “Princess Qinglan’s Residence.” The calligraphy was strong and powerful.

Su Xianfeng led Xiong Shaoqing forward. A guard immediately stopped them, but Su Xianfeng pulled a token from his sleeve. Upon seeing it, the guard bowed respectfully. “My lord, please.”

Xiong Shaoqing was secretly amazed and followed Su Xianfeng into the inner courtyard. A distinctive garden greeted them, where mountains, water, flowers, trees, and architecture were skillfully integrated. They passed through a deep, winding corridor, and a wide-open space appeared before them.

A tranquil green pond was nestled in the courtyard, with fish playing among the lotus leaves, creating a delightful scene. A small stone bridge spanned the pond. At the end of the bridge stood a half-pavilion, where several ink-wash paintings exuding an artistic fragrance hung.

Looking at the scene, Xiong Shaoqing was quite surprised. This was different from the princess’s residence she had imagined. She had expected it to be extravagant and ostentatious, but it was elegant and refined, with the character of a scholar.

She felt an instant affinity for the owner of the garden, given their similar tastes.

“Lord Su, it’s been several years. Please wait in the guest room. The princess is still in the palace, but I have already sent someone to inform her,” a middle-aged man came forward, greeting them eagerly.

Su Xianfeng smiled slightly and nodded. “Manager Lin, you’re too kind.”

Xiong Shaoqing followed Su Xianfeng to the Tranquil Bamboo Study. Upon entering, she saw a simple screen painted with an ink landscape, giving it a profound sense of depth.

Behind the screen, a large nanmu wood table was placed in the center. On it was a set of exquisite porcelain tea ware. The glaze was warm, the style was ancient, and a faint aroma of tea lingered.

“Lord Su, please have some tea. This is top-grade Pre-Rain Longjing.”

Su Xianfeng took the teacup, took a small sip, and looked at Xiong Shaoqing. “Shaoqing, this tea is good. You should try it, too.”

Xiong Shaoqing came back to her senses, picked up a cup, and replied, “Okay, Master.”

She took a small sip. The tea was mellow and sweet, with a slight bitterness at first, followed by a faint sweetness. It was as if she could taste the morning dew and the moisture of spring rain from the mountains.

Xiong Shaoqing put down the teacup and couldn’t help but praise, “This tea is truly rare.”

“You have a keen eye, my friend. This tea is indeed a superior selection of West Lake Longjing. One must taste it carefully to appreciate its subtleties.”

A gentle, clear voice came. Xiong Shaoqing looked in the direction of the voice and saw a woman in a light pink palace dress, accompanied by two maids, walking slowly toward them.

The palace dress was embroidered with golden phoenixes, making it both luxurious and elegant. The skirt swayed slightly, like ripples on a spring lake. A faint scent of lotus wafted toward them.

The woman curtsied slightly. “Your disciple, Hanyue, greets you, Master.”

“Hanyue, you needn’t be so formal,” Su Xianfeng replied with a smile, then looked at Xiong Shaoqing. “This is your senior sister, Princess Qinglan of Shu Kingdom, Liu Hanyue.”

Xiong Shaoqing quickly stood up, bowed her head slightly, and cupped her hands in a respectful gesture. “I greet you, Senior Sister.”

“Hanyue, this is my final disciple, Xiong Shaoqing.”

Liu Hanyue had a faint, gentle smile. “Junior Sister, please rise.”

She turned and instructed Manager Lin, “Go and prepare a banquet. Bring all the specialty dishes of Yongning Prefecture, and don’t forget the various pastries. Also, without my permission, no one is to approach the Tranquil Bamboo Study.”

“Fenhe, Qinglian, you two go guard outside.”

“Yes.”

After the servants had left, Liu Hanyue turned to Su Xianfeng, her brows showing undisguised joy.

“Master, you saved me when I was a child, and now my medical skills are somewhat advanced. You’ve been gone for several years. This time, you must give me good guidance. I still have some questions I want to ask you.”

Su Xianfeng’s lips curled into a slight smile. “Hanyue, you have good talent. I believe you will one day surpass me.”

“Master, you flatter me. Your medical skills are divine. How can my little firefly light dare to compete with the bright moon?”

Su Xianfeng’s eyes twinkled, and he said with a laugh, “You little girl, why are you so similar to this boy, both so good at flattering me?”

“Boy?” Liu Hanyue was a bit puzzled and looked closely at Xiong Shaoqing.

She saw a pair of eyes as bright as stars, filled with determination. Her long hair was simply tied up with a wooden hairpin, with a few strands loose, framing a face full of heroic spirit.

Her features were well-defined: sword-like eyebrows, sharp eyes, a straight nose, and thin, pressed lips that gave her a resolute air. She exuded a capable and composed aura.

“She is the heir apparent of Yu Kingdom. She has been cross-dressing as a man since childhood, so I’m used to calling her ‘boy,'” Su Xianfeng explained casually.

Liu Hanyue finally understood. “I see. But Junior Sister does look heroic and scholarly, with a androgynous beauty.”

Hearing this, a blush quickly appeared on Xiong Shaoqing’s cheeks and spread across her face. Her two dimples deepened and became more prominent, making her look lively and adorable.

“Oh, Junior Sister is shy. Senior Sister isn’t one to flatter people; I’m just telling the truth,” Liu Hanyue turned to Su Xianfeng. “Master, don’t you agree?”

“Yes, yes, yes,” Su Xianfeng shook his head helplessly, thinking to himself that this was going to be interesting.

“Junior Sister, I have a question for you. Master just said you are the heir apparent of Yu Kingdom. What is your purpose in coming to Shu Kingdom? Would you mind telling me? Senior Sister might be able to help,” Liu Hanyue’s voice was sincere, and her caring eyes seemed genuine.

Xiong Shaoqing looked at Su Xianfeng, who gave her a reassuring look.

“Senior Sister, it’s a long story.”

“It’s okay, Junior Sister, take your time. We have all the time in the world.”

As Liu Hanyue spoke, she poured tea for Xiong Shaoqing.

Xiong Shaoqing felt a powerful aura in the room. If she hadn’t awakened her inherent bloodline, she would never have noticed it.

This person’s martial arts skills must be on par with her master’s. Her master must have also sensed the person’s presence but signaled for her to speak openly. She must be a top-tier hidden guard.

“Junior Sister, no rush. Have a sip of tea to wet your throat,” Liu Hanyue’s gentle words interrupted Xiong Shaoqing’s thoughts.

After drinking the tea, Xiong Shaoqing slowly began to recount her experiences, honestly telling everything except for the matter of Mount Goumang.

Listening to Xiong Shaoqing’s story, Liu Hanyue’s brows furrowed. She gently held Xiong Shaoqing’s hand.

“Junior Sister, you’ve suffered,” Liu Hanyue’s voice was gentle and soft. “You’ve survived those difficult days. With Master and me by your side, everything will get better.”

Xiong Shaoqing felt a warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time. She responded to Liu Hanyue with a slight, comforting smile.

“Junior Sister, I can arrange an official position for you. You can settle down in Yongning Prefecture first, and we can plan for the future. What do you think?”

Liu Hanyue extended an olive branch to Xiong Shaoqing. Though it was their first meeting, she thought that since they were from the same lineage, Xiong Shaoqing wouldn’t be a useless person. She needed to recruit talented people, so she might as well go with the flow.

As Liu Hanyue was thinking, a firm voice interrupted her plan.

“Senior Sister, I appreciate your kindness. I just arrived and have no foundation. Who would be willing to serve me in the officialdom?”

Xiong Shaoqing paused, a determined glint in her eyes. “When I passed through Feidu City, I saw they were recruiting female soldiers. I plan to start from the bottom, earn military merits, and build my way up steadily.”

Admiration shone in Liu Hanyue’s eyes. “What Junior Sister said is very true. However, you need a household register to enlist. Don’t worry, Junior Sister, I will take care of this small matter.”

Xiong Shaoqing was just thinking about how to bring this up, but Liu Hanyue was as transparent as a piece of jade and had already taken the initiative, saving her the trouble of mentioning it.

A warmth instantly filled Xiong Shaoqing’s heart.

“Thank you, Senior Sister.”

Liu Hanyue waved her hand gently, her eyes showing sincere concern. “Junior Sister, you’re too polite. We are from the same lineage; it’s our duty to help each other. It’s just a small matter, and I’m very glad to be able to help you.”

Xiong Shaoqing felt even warmer. She stepped forward and took Liu Hanyue’s hand, bowing. “Senior Sister, I will never forget this kindness. If you ever need me in the future, I will do everything in my power to help.”

Liu Hanyue quickly helped Xiong Shaoqing up, and their hands were clasped tightly.

Su Xianfeng cleared his throat. “Hanyue, I’m hungry. Is the banquet ready?”

“Master, look at me, I almost forgot the time. It’s already the first quarter of the hour of (7-9 PM),” Liu Hanyue said, standing up and opening the door. “Qinglian, go to the dining hall and see how Manager Lin is doing with the preparations. Tell him to hurry and order the kitchen to serve the dishes.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Qinglian bowed and left.

“Fenhe, come here.”

Fenhe did as she was told. Liu Hanyue whispered something to her. Fenhe nodded respectfully, indicating she would handle it.

Seeing Fenhe hurry away, Liu Hanyue turned back, her red lips parting slightly. “Master, Junior Sister, we can go to the dining hall now.”

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