Shen Zhonglei thought it made sense. He said, “Okay, I’ll listen to Xiaoya and be your body double. After I complete these tasks, I’ll find a suitable person to replace me as emperor. Then we can leave. Is that acceptable?”
The black-clad man was overjoyed. Trembling, he pulled out a large seal wrapped in yellow cloth and held it before Shen Zhonglei. “This is Manyi Country’s national seal. You must protect it. It represents power and status…” Suddenly, Shan Xiaoya’s vision went dark, and she inexplicably collapsed.
The national seal emitted a dazzling, sky-piercing light.
The light surrounded the black-clad man and Shen Zhonglei, spinning faster and faster… Finally, the black-clad man disappeared in the light, leaving only Shen Zhonglei standing there, his eyes gleaming.
Shan Xiaoya awoke to find herself already on the road to Manyi Country. She looked curiously at Shen Zhonglei’s back as he drove. “Brother, where are we going?”
“A brief response came: Manyi Country!”
“How do you know the way to Manyi Country?”
“I know.”
Shan Xiaoya looked puzzled at the luxurious carriage. She said nothing more, observing Shen Zhonglei driving. She felt he was different somehow but couldn’t quite pinpoint how.
The two arrived at the tribute city of Manyi Country. Dan Xiaoya walked into the tribute city, unexpectedly seeing a scene completely contrary to her expectations. She had thought a country ravaged by war would be desolate and filled with anxious people. Instead, her first impression was of prosperity and peace. The citizens were content and happy, showing no signs of war’s side effects.
The two arrived at the main gate of the imperial palace. The imposing palace gave a sense of oppression. Two rows of fierce, expressionless guards stood at the gate. Dan Xiaoya followed Shen Zhonglei, who appeared calm, but were stopped by the guards.
The two guards closest to them blocked their path with their weapons. One of them spoke in a slow, gentle tone: “Stop! Can people like you enter this imperial palace?”
Somewhat nervous, Dan Xiaoya glanced at him and coldly retorted: “Open your eyes and look carefully. Is this gentleman someone you can stop?”
Shen Zhonglei raised an eyebrow, looking at Dan Xiaoya with interest…
