Commander Zhao Wu was stunned at the outright rejection. Although Beimin is indeed stronger than the Western Region, we have been quickly developing over the past few years. Not only that, our King is ambitious, and even if we aren’t able to conquer all of the Central Plains, at least two of the nations would fall if we wished for it.
Why would Beimin be so confident and reject a marriage alliance without even a proper discussion?
Pei Qianhao did not continue, only bowing politely before turning to leave with a placid expression.
Du Rin boarded the horse carriage outside the entrance, watching through the curtains as Commander Zhao Wu exited the residence. She silently harrumphed to herself. Commander Zhao Wu is the personal guard of the Grand Empress Dowager, and he has always worked under her orders.
It was also the Grand Empress Dowager who instructed him to accompany me on this trip. I hate being followed everywhere, and I hate it even more when others try to remind me how to behave.
Commander Zhao Wu spoke to her through the curtains. “Your Highness, please don’t leave on your own next time. This is Beimin, not the Western Region; if anything happens to you, the Grand Empress Dowager will…”
Du Rin cut him off before he could finish. “Commander Zhao Wu, this Princess understands. I’m quite familiar with the capital of Beimin, so instead of worrying about me, you should worry about yourself. To the posthouse.” The soldiers cracked their whips on the horses and sped off before Commander Zhao Wu could answer.
Commander Zhao Wu watched the trail of dust left behind by the carriage as he thought to himself that the princess was rather difficult. She was probably bullied often in the past, so she likes to use her authority to pressure others now. Even so, it was out of line for her to say that she has her eyes on Prince Hao when Princess Consort Hao was standing right in front of her.
It was no wonder that Prince Hao rejected the idea immediately. Among the four nations in the Central Plains, all males, no matter their status, would wish for their wives to be gentle and virtuous. In contrast to that, the Imperial Princess’ personality makes it difficult to attract the males of Beimin.
Back at the Prince Hao residence, Su Xi-er looked at Pei Qianhao and said, “Commander Zhao Wu seems like a nice person.”
“He takes his orders from the Grand Empress Dowager, so he is a little more tactful compared to the others from the Western Region. With his ability to read the room, he rose up after the internal strife in the Western Region’s court.”
Pei Qianhao then paused before he took Su Xi-er in an embrace. He whispered gently in her ear, “The Western Region doesn’t know that Beimin is already in a marriage alliance with them.”
Su Xi-er was the real imperial princess, and she had married Beimin’s powerful Prince Hao. This was part of why even if the Western Region had sent a formal request, Pei Qianhao would have rejected Commander Zhao Wu’s request. He did not care what Tan Ge did in the Western Region, but he would teach her a lesson if she dared to be audacious in Beimin.
“A-Jing, I’m going to see Zhen Yu. Liuli seemed to be flustered earlier, so I’m sure something must have happened.” She extricated herself from Pei Qianhao’s embrace and made her way towards the side yard.
Pei Qianhao creased his brows. I sent Liu Yinyin away, only to be burdened with Xie Yun and Zhen Yu; we have to deal with all these complex relationships.
At this moment, Wu Ling walked up and bowed to give his report. “Prince Hao, the covert guard has informed us that the Third Imperial Prince has entered the capital in secret.”
Pei Qianhao nodded and waved. “Place more guards in the residence. We don’t have to look for the Third Imperial Prince.”
“We don’t have to look for him? Prince Hao, the Western Region Imperial Princess looks exactly like Tan Ge, and the Third Imperial Prince also chose to return at this time. It’s too much to be a coincidence.” Wu Ling shared his concerns.
