After much to-do, they were both tired, leaning against Xuan’s chest. She felt a little unreal. Xuan fell asleep, and she woke up, seeing him, her eyes widened, as if afraid he would run away.
“Where did you go for this past month?”
Regarding her arbitrary imprisonment, she couldn’t gather any information. During the New Year period, the Yan army suddenly attacked the Rong camp, killing the first two thousand troops, and then disappeared that night.
The Rong army didn’t see their banner flags, leading to suspicions that the Yan army was probing, Xuan noted. They had been cautiously on guard for the past month.
A sudden attack made her grip Xuan tightly, her body trembling. When two countries exchange hostages, tensions run high. With their armies facing each other, they were fortunate to be alive. Perhaps the Rong Guo Zhu spared them, fearing repercussions from the Yan and Di.
It’s fine now. It was confirmed to be the work of bandits. Otherwise, how could I still be alive? Xuan reassured her. He realized he couldn’t always protect her and that she needed to understand the dangers ahead.
Okay, nothing’s wrong. Let’s get up and eat. I’ve had Feng Shou prepare a welcome feast. The officials are probably waiting, and we can’t keep them, he urged, suppressing his fears as he stood up.
Chen Bi…
Hurry up and get ready. They’ll be here to escort you soon, he instructed, tossing clothes into her arms. Today, you’ll come with me.
But I’m just a woman…
You are a first-rank consort.
During dinner, she sat beside Xuan, smiling demurely and toasting the officials. She pondered whether the young officials, newly entering service with Xuan, had ever resented, feared, or regretted their positions.
Her contemplation was interrupted when her eyes met the beautiful phoenix eyes of Wang Ling, the only one at the banquet who spoke freely. He casually took a sip of wine, showcasing his bravery and insight as a top scholar from the Lang Yao Wang family. She hoped he might loyally serve Xuan.
After dinner, while considering how to approach Xuan, he praised Wang Ling’s strategy and Mu Fei Yun’s courage. She relaxed, realizing Xuan was clever and aware of what she noticed.
