He had misunderstood my intentions, but I was in no hurry to argue. Yan Huo was too cunning; if he knew my true thoughts, he might exploit them, and I would not get the information I wanted. For now, I could only be patient.
“May I ask Your Majesty about the whereabouts of this Wujin Token?”
He raised an eyebrow and spoke leisurely: “Only Xia Zhichun knows the token’s location.”
“Then may I ask Your Majesty if you know Xia Zhichun’s whereabouts?”
Yan Huo paused briefly, then smiled and nodded: “I’ve said that whenever the Princess has a request, I will do my utmost. Finish this cup, and I’ll have Mo Qu take you to see Xia Zhichun.”
I was surprised by Yan Huo’s easy agreement to let me meet Xia Zhichun. Typically, he would seize such opportunities to set conditions, yet he offered assistance without hesitation. Could he have another plan?
I gratefully raised my cup: “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Just as he was about to drink, he seemed to remember something and put down his cup. “Oh, I almost forgot. Is the Cavalry General who accompanied the Princess to Xi Liang currently married?”
General Shen? I was momentarily stunned, then replied, “Not yet.”
“My sixth imperial sister, Princess Qinghe, is eighteen, beautiful, intelligent, and unmarried. She mentioned having a very good impression of your country’s General Shen. If the Grand Princess has no objections, why not facilitate this marriage?”
If it were someone else, I would be happy to see it through. A marriage alliance would help stabilize relations with Xi Liang, especially with Nan Rui and Qi Kingdom at odds. But General Shen…
“Zhao Hua fears she cannot make this decision,” I politely declined. “Although General Shen is unmarried, he may already have a marriage arrangement. Let me consult with General Shen before responding to Your Majesty.”
Yan Huo’s expression was strange, seemingly triumphant, disbelieving, and somewhat regretful. “The Princess isn’t reluctant, is she? I hear Emperor Hong intends to bestow General Shen in marriage to the Princess. Could it be the Princess also has her own desires?”
That prickling sensation on my back returned, making me uncomfortable. Looking around, only Mo Qu stood nearby, steady as an iron tower.
Yan Huo, seeing me unresponsive, raised an eyebrow: “Princess?”
