There's Something Wrong With My Little White Flower - Chapter 31

Chapter 31: Princess of a Weak Nation in a Peace Marriage X Barbarian General

Because the Prince’s health had recovered and the trade market negotiations were successfully concluded, Jiang Peifeng specially hosted a grand banquet, both to celebrate and to see off the members of the envoy delegation.

The Huji (foreign female dancers) from the capital’s Dance and Music Troupe were graceful, performing dazzling, exotic dances that brought the atmosphere to a fever pitch. Prince Kangping was initially somewhat dissatisfied that he was the chief envoy but had failed to participate in any of the talks. Seeing Jiang Peifeng’s enthusiasm now, he grudgingly managed to quell his anger.

Cheng Zhibi, his mission successful, sat unobtrusively beside Ruan Jiyun, sincerely thanking her.

“I thank the Princess on behalf of the people of Great Jing for the successful completion of the trade market agreement.” He then added with a wry smile, “If only there were more people like the Princess among the Royal Clan.”

Just moments ago, he had heard Prince Kangping discussing with Jiang Peifeng his plan to purchase several Xiji warhorses for a thousand taels of gold to defeat the Marquis of Chengen’s polo team and avenge his loss in the spring match.

He sneered at the few taels of silver involved in grain tax but instantly bought a thousand taels worth of famous horses. This made Cheng Zhibi suddenly doubt whether his desire to serve the country was right or wrong.

Seeing him somewhat dejected, Ruan Jiyun offered comfort: “I remember someone once told me that a person only needs to focus on the task at hand, and even moving an inch is an achievement. Deputy Envoy Cheng has achieved what you set out to do on this trip, and you will surely continue to do so in the future.”

The gentle tone, falling on Cheng Zhibi’s ears, suddenly dispelled the gloom that had been lingering. The young official felt as if enlightened, staring blankly at the beautiful Princess before him.

“Your Highness is right, I was too attached to appearances!” he said with some shame. “While I worry about the inaction of my superiors, there are certainly many others in the court striving in the dim light. Since I hold this position, I ought to gather my spirits and strive forward.”

Ruan Jiyun was still unaware of the seed her casual remark had planted in the young official’s heart. And Cheng Zhibi, with sparkling eyes, looked at Ruan Jiyun with growing admiration.

He was about to say something more when he suddenly saw a figure approach, intentionally or unintentionally sitting precisely in the empty seat between him and Ruan Jiyun.

Jiang Peifeng calmly faced their gazes and poured herself a glass of wine: “Deputy Envoy Cheng is leaving soon. I offer you a cup of wine to wish you a smooth journey.”

Cheng Zhibi was simple-minded. Seeing Jiang Peifeng drink heartily, he quickly joined her for a cup.

The wine immediately flowed down his throat like fire into his stomach, instantly turning Deputy Envoy Cheng’s fair cheeks crimson. Fortunately, he prided himself on his tolerance and quickly composed himself within a few breaths, showing the bottom of his cup to Jiang Peifeng.

Jiang Peifeng watched him with a smile, raised her hand, and poured another glass. When she was about to drink again, Ruan Jiyun pressed down on her hand.

Taking the wine cup from Jiang Peifeng’s hand, she handed over her untouched bowl of Snowflake Congee: “Drink some hot soup first to warm your stomach. It’s only been a few days since you recovered. Have you forgotten you were coughing this morning?”

Jiang Peifeng’s lips curled into a slight smile. She instinctively reached for the hot soup. Taking a sip, she frowned: “It’s not sweet either.”

Ruan Jiyun knew how particular she was about food. Hearing this, she took the soup back and handed her a piece of jujube paste cake instead: “Then eat this. This is sweet.”

Their actions showed perfect understanding, but Cheng Zhibi stared at the two people before him, almost dumbfounded. Ever since their first meeting at the General’s residence, he had always felt the relationship between the two Highnesses was so close it was enviable.

While he was still staring, Xing Yude pulled him over to the next table, refilled his wine cup, and laughed: “Deputy Envoy Cheng, an emergency! Quick, help me drink with these officials!”

Although Deputy Envoy Cheng is a capable official, his ability to read the room still needs work. Xing Yude quickly glanced at the next table, noting that after all this time, the Deputy Envoy still hadn’t realized that his presence at the Princesses’ table was a complete hindrance.

He turned and pushed the young Deputy Envoy Cheng in front of a few Xiji officials, smiling and signaling for him to take this round of drinks.

The Great Jing envoy delegation returned satisfied, and the trade market was enthusiastically opened under the promotion of both sides. Xiji’s livestock, minerals, jewels, and spices continuously flowed onto the Great Jing merchants’ lists, exchanged for essential living materials such as grain, medicinal herbs, and cloth.

Ruan Jiyun also received new shoes and other gifts personally embroidered by her Imperial Concubine Mother. Xing Yude was very thoughtful, arranging for his trusted confidants to manage the postal route through the trade market, and letters arrived frequently.

Everything was so calm and smooth that Ruan Jiyun almost believed this life would continue forever.

Until the late autumn arrived, bringing shocking news from the trade market.

The Golden Di barbarians in the north had mobilized their army, crossing the boundary river and pressing straight into Great Jing territory.

The Golden Di lived in the cold northern lands, an environment even harsher than Xiji’s. Unlike Xiji’s stable policy of gradually unifying its tribes over the years, they worshipped strength and glorified war.

With winter approaching and the Golden Di facing food shortages, they frequently invaded neighboring borders. The prosperous yet weak Great Jing was their best target. After the army crossed the border, the North You Province garrison sent out an urgent plea for reinforcements, but assistance was continually delayed. After holding out for ten days, Commander Lu Chengfeng and his over 2,170 soldiers died for their country, and North You City fell.

The main Golden Di army then moved southward like a swarm of locusts, consuming the fertile lands of the Jing Dynasty.

By the time the news reached Xiji, the Golden Di army had already crossed the Jade Dragon River and were about to attack the capital, Huajing.

Jiang Peifeng, as the leader of the Snow Cavalry, had not returned to the residence for several days. Although a vast desert separated Xiji and Great Jing, the Golden Di’s actions would affect the newly established trade market. With the threat of common danger, the shadow of war had already descended upon all neighboring countries.

As a Princess of Great Jing, Ruan Jiyun’s worry was even greater. The last message Xing Yude had sent from the palace only mentioned the Golden Di’s invasion, causing panic among the Royal Clan, who were urging Emperor Zhaozong to temporarily relocate south to Jingzhou.

Now that the Golden Di were almost at Huajing, she wondered if the relocation had taken place and if her Imperial Concubine Mother was safely protected.

Her heart heavy with worry, she busied herself nonstop, classifying and extracting large stacks of medical records, which were distributed by maidservants to the waiting medical officials. If war broke out, the Witch Hospital would be overwhelmed with myriad tasks. All wound medicines, hemostatic drugs, and various external remedies for cold and frostbite needed to be inventoried and prepared.

Fortunately, with Cheng Zhibi’s help, they had purchased a substantial amount of medicinal materials from the trade market in advance, otherwise, they would be even more frantic now.

This intense work lasted until dusk. Ruan Jiyun finally returned to the General’s residence. The moment she entered, she saw a light on in one of the main rooms that hadn’t been lit for days. Her eyes brightened, and she lifted her skirt and ran toward it.

Jiang Peifeng was standing in the center of the room. This was the first time Ruan Jiyun had seen her dressed like this. The white, narrow-sleeved military uniform was sharply tailored, with only a golden thread embroidered into a totem at the collar. A wide belt of black calfskin tightly cinched her slender waist, and the beautiful golden saber hung at her side. She was already tall, and wearing this uniform made her look even more statuesque and elegant, her calves encased in military boots looking slender and straight.

Hearing the movement, she turned around: “Why don’t you come in?”

Ruan Jiyun looked up at her, a hint of worry in her gaze: “What are you going to do?”

Jiang Peifeng looked at her deeply, then walked over to her side, gently wrapping one arm around her soft waist and pulling her close: “I’m going to Shaming Pass.”

Ruan Jiyun’s heart suddenly sank: “Has the Golden Di… conquered Huajing?”

“It’s not that bad yet,” Jiang Peifeng patted her back, gently comforting her. “The five or six tribal kings within the Golden Di nation don’t fully obey each other. Their focus on Great Jing is simply because winter has arrived, and they are short on clothing and food, using the campaign to cause some panic and plunder. I don’t believe they want to expend too much military force. However, Xiji is an ally of Great Jing. Before the situation is clear, we must make some preparations.”

As for what preparations, she did not elaborate. Ruan Jiyun listened quietly for a moment, then looked up at her: “I know you will go to aid my dynasty if necessary, but… I heard the Golden Di are very savage. You, you must be careful.”

Jiang Peifeng was slightly stunned, then smiled. She stared at Ruan Jiyun’s thoroughly flushed cheeks and said softly: “Don’t be afraid, Your Highness. I’ve been fighting wars since I was fifteen.”

This remark only made Ruan Jiyun more distressed. Seeing her look downcast, Jiang Peifeng leaned in and spoke in a coaxing tone, like to a child: “I might not return until spring. Doesn’t Your Highness plan to give me something to take with me?”

Ruan Jiyun said blankly: “I prepared some medicines for you earlier. They are all labeled and sorted. I’ll have Ashinuo fetch them for Anjisa later…”

She couldn’t say more, as Jiang Peifeng reached out and covered her eyes, gently kissing her rosy lips.

The heart that had been in panic and confusion was soothed by this kiss. Her vision was blocked by Jiang Peifeng’s palm. She couldn’t see anything, only feel their breaths intermingling with a faint fragrance. Ruan Jiyun tilted her head up and heard her say in her ear: “Little Princess, I will take care of everything. You don’t have to worry about anything.”

She released the hand covering Ruan Jiyun’s eyes and gently kissed her on the corner of her lips again: “I’m leaving.”

Jiang Peifeng’s departure meant the thousands of elite troops of the Snow Cavalry all left with her. In late autumn Xiji, cold winds swept through the land. The cavalrymen were fully armed. Anjisa, riding beside Jiang Peifeng, cautiously pulled out a sachet and tucked it into his clothes with exceptional care.

Jiang Peifeng glanced at him: “You didn’t say too much to your wife-to-be, did you?”

“General—” Anjisa dramatically tilted his head back. “With military orders in hand, how could I say anything I shouldn’t? I only told her we were going to Shaming Pass to guard against the Golden Di invading the border. I didn’t mention anything else!”

Jiang Peifeng smiled faintly: “Good for you for knowing your place.”

“But General, can that Great Jing official’s words be trusted?” Anjisa pondered, still feeling somewhat worried. “Would their Emperor really abandon his people and flee?”

In Anjisa’s simple understanding, the ruler of all people was naturally like a divine being from the heavens, who should protect the populace. How could he flee the palace before the Golden Di even attacked? He found the matter unbelievable.

“A sense of responsibility is merely a virtue, not a prerequisite for a monarch,” Jiang Peifeng said softly. “I only hope now that this Emperor of Great Jing has slightly better luck.”

The northern wind swept up the sky-high swirling yellow sand, like a dim and inauspicious net.

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