Startled, I tried to shoo it away. It flapped its wings, gripping my shoulder’s clothing and refusing to leave. Que’er tried to help but was sharply pecked. Finally, the Xi Liang Emperor quickly reacted, grabbing its wings and pulling it down.
“Princess, princess!” it cried piercingly, spreading its wings and flying towards the woman with the gold headband. She extended her arm, and it settled comfortably, continuing to cry, “Princess, princess! Save little Huang!”
This must be the second princess of Nan Rui.
I couldn’t help but give a meaningful look to the stoic general who hadn’t changed his expression throughout. The second princess, noticing everyone’s gaze on little Huang, looked slightly embarrassed. “This is the parrot of the Fifth Princess. We brought it this time to try and find her whereabouts.” So this talkative parrot belonged to the princess who had run away from an arranged marriage. If it could indeed help locate the Fifth Princess, it would save An Jin some trouble.
The second princess approached me and smiled, “It seems little Huang quite likes your dog.” I was stunned.
These two princesses do not seem to look alike from our brief encounter. Her cheekbones were slightly prominent, with full and naturally upturned lips. When not smiling, she seemed aloof and unapproachable, but when she smiled, she became somewhat cute and much more approachable.
I smiled at her and bowed properly. The parrot named Xiao Huang stared at me with its green bean-like eyes.
The Second Princess looked me over and asked, “May I ask which family you are related to?
“
Just as I was about to answer, the new Emperor of Xiliang brought Yuan Xiang to my side and said, “Thirteen, take Yuan Xiang back first. I’ll come find you later.”
His tone was gentle, but I felt something was off.
The Second Princess’s gaze became somewhat ambiguous. The Cavalry General remained stern, only glancing our way briefly.
I frowned and said, “Your Majesty, I thought I made it clear before that we should not meet unless absolutely necessary. As for Yuan Xiang—” I glared at it, meaning we would settle this later. “I will have someone bring it to see Your Majesty.”
“Thirteen…” His expression was slightly sad.
