Chapter 69: The Chijin Prince’s Chosen Companion for Touring

Standing in the grand hall, the Chijin Prince was flanked by Mu Zhan, with officials from Northern Yue trailing behind him. They had all arrived on horseback.

Unlike Young Lord Yan, who was frail and rode in a carriage with the Second Prince, the Northern Yue delegation wasn’t bound like prisoners and could freely explore the capital.

They had already heard rumors about Yan Ziqi and Princess Ning’an’s romantic entanglement. It was said that Yan had carried the princess out of the carriage with unmistakable affection. The Chijin Prince initially thought Da Qi’s women were reserved but was surprised to see Ning’an’s bold pursuit of her interest.

He had also heard that princesses in Da Qi were allowed to keep consorts, and the idea of being her companion intrigued him.

After the Northern Yue delegation performed their traditional greetings, the Mingde Emperor allowed them to rise. The Chijin Prince had Mu Zhan read out their list of gifts. Though not extravagantly lavish, the offerings were respectable.

“There are also ten beautiful women to present to His Majesty of Da Qi,” Mu Zhan continued.

With Grand Tutor Wen absent and the imperial princes too young to participate in court matters, the forty-five-year-old Imperial Secretary stepped forward.

“Our court has prepared state gifts in return, which will be delivered when the Chijin Prince departs the capital.”

However, the Mingde Emperor politely declined the women, stating he had no need for them. He had seen enough of such arrangements, and besides, keeping these women would only bring more eyes and ears from Northern Yue into his court.

At that moment, Yan Ziqi mused over the idea that when the Chijin Prince returned, the Emperor would likely send the Tong family to escort him. After all, the Northern Yue delegation had returned General Tong, so it made perfect sense for Da Qi to send him back in return.

The balance of power for an emperor never favored any single family. Even during the era of Duke Xiangguo, there had been the Marquis of Zhongyong as a counterweight. Although the Tong family had built up the Yun Armor Army at the border, the Iron Cavalry was still formidable. And with Lieutenant Ge gone, there was still Ling Jibai by Yan Ziqi’s side, so they could retrieve the Long Yinghua flower without any concerns.

The Chijin Prince understood Da Qi’s desires, and capturing General Tong had merely been a fortunate bonus. Although his father had entrusted him with negotiations, he intended to secure benefits from Da Qi in exchange. He already had a calculated plan in mind for how and what to negotiate.

“I’ve given His Majesty a gift. Surely, His Majesty would reciprocate by giving me someone?” the Chijin Prince said, making his intentions clear: he wanted a political marriage and a bond between their two nations. And the person he had in mind was none other than Princess Ning’an.

The Mingde Emperor, however, was unyielding. “Since the Northern Yue delegation has come from afar, let me extend my hospitality first. You may tour the capital for a few days, and we can discuss the matter later.”

Da Qi could rescue General Tong from the Hongluo Guesthouse if necessary, but doing so would lack the dignity of a great nation. It was one thing for an individual to act dishonorably, but the imperial court and the Mingde Emperor himself could not afford to bring such shame upon their reputation. A country that deceived its allies would be the subject of scorn.

Although the land was largely dominated by Da Qi and Northern Yue, there were smaller states as well. Breaking trust or reneging on promises was a severe offense. Banditry and coercion were behaviors beneath the dignity of a ruler.

The Chijin Prince, understanding this, agreed and requested that Yan Ziqi accompany him as a guide. Yan Ziqi and he had once gotten along quite well, like brothers. However, with the Chijin Prince’s interest in Princess Ning’an and the constant connection between Ning’an and Yan Ziqi, a hint of rivalry was inevitable. Nevertheless, as a newcomer in unfamiliar territory, he needed to interact with someone as knowledgeable as Yan Ziqi, and so he chose him as his companion.

Yan Ziqi bowed, accepting the task. “I obey, Your Majesty.”

Touring the city on official funds was indeed delightful, Yan thought.

With the Northern Yue delegation now leaving the palace, only Mu Zhan remained by the Chijin Prince’s side. Yan Ziqi asked, “Where does the Chijin Prince wish to visit?”

The Chijin Prince responded, “Let’s start with the Duke of Xiangguo’s residence.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Yan Ziqi’s face. Given the prince’s nature, he would have expected him to suggest a visit to a teahouse or a place of entertainment. Yet, here he was, requesting to visit his own residence. After all, Yan Ziqi’s father had defeated Northern Yue soundly in the past.

The Chijin Prince, clad in a deep purple brocade robe, wore a friendly smile as he presented his burly figure, with a solid build that added an air of honest simplicity.

“Princess Ning’an is probably staying at Brother Yan’s residence,” he said, hinting knowingly, “and I assume you’ve heard of my background.”

The Chijin Prince’s mother had been a maid in the empress’s court.

The Chijin Prince was nothing more than a fleeting spring encounter for the Northern Yue Emperor; even after his birth, no one acknowledged him as a prince.

His mother, a palace maid, struggled to protect him, surviving until he was five before passing away. Chijin learned early on to read people’s intentions, silently enduring abuse from eunuchs and maids, all while planning future retribution.

Finally, at the age of ten, Chijin found a mentor. His master described him as ambitious, like a ravenous wolf. Flowers that bloom in hell are always more resilient than those nurtured in greenhouses.

When Chijin was fifteen, his master took him out of the palace, allowing him to serve alongside his half-brother, the Crown Prince. Back then, however, he was merely a nameless figure. Even though the Crown Prince was his elder brother, he could only kneel and address him respectfully as “Your Highness.”

Five years ago, Chijin had personally carried the Crown Prince’s body back to the palace. His master had died protecting the prince, yet even his sacrifice couldn’t save him. The Duke of Xiangguo had been a terrifying enemy.

But the deaths of both his master and the prince were enough to bring down Duke Xiangguo. It was only when Chijin returned the Crown Prince’s body that the Northern Yue Emperor realized he had an outstanding son. All past grievances were thus set aside, and the Emperor entrusted Chijin with military command, charging him with avenging the Crown Prince.

Mu Zhan, the son of Chijin’s mentor, earned the rank of general by following him and taking up his father’s duties. Though the Chijin Prince held the military power along the border, he knew governance required more than brute force. Excessive killing would only leave him with no allies.

Chijin sought to marry a Da Qi princess, for while his own mother was of humble status, his wife would be noble. His future children would thus carry esteemed blood. However, the Northern Yue Emperor had many children and was still able to father more. Furthermore, he couldn’t push Da Qi too hard, knowing full well that they had more than just General Tong on their side.

What else could Yan Ziqi do? Since the Chijin Prince wanted to visit his residence, he obliged. After all, his household could afford to host him.

When word reached Li Ning’an, she had an unsettling premonition. Sure enough, a maid from the Duke of Xiangguo’s residence soon arrived at the door, announcing, “Princess Ning’an, the Chijin Prince heard you are here and wishes to pay a visit.”

Though she was on the verge of declining, Li Ning’an changed her mind and replied, “Let him wait in the flower hall.”

A flower hall stood at the front of the residence, perfect for receiving guests.

Supported by Hongxiu, Li Ning’an made her way to the flower hall, where the Chijin Prince was already seated.

“Are you injured?” The Chijin Prince’s eyes held concern as he stepped forward to assist her, but Yan Ziqi quickly positioned himself between them, preventing the prince from getting too close.

The Chijin Prince returned to his seat, just as Princess Ning’an coyly remarked, “Seeing Yan Lang made me so happy that I couldn’t help but…well, I sprained my ankle and bruised my leg.”

It was winter, so with the layers of clothing she wore, no one would dare question her story. If Li Ning’an claimed that’s how she got hurt, then that was how it happened.

Yan Ziqi had no choice but to go along with this pretense, unable to refuse. Li Ning’an even suggested, “If you think it’s too fake, we could always make it more convincing and turn the pretense into reality.”

Hongxiu coughed from the sidelines, surprised at how much bolder her princess was acting compared to when she pursued Fu Minglang.

The Chijin Prince seemed to understand Li Ning’an’s implications but showed no concern. “Northern Yue has effective remedies,” he offered. “Why not let Mu Zhan fetch them?”

The Chijin Prince gave Mu Zhan a look, though Mu Zhan didn’t move. After all, this was the Duke of Xiangguo’s residence, and the steward had nearly looked ready to devour them. The steward despised Northern Yue, for if not for them, the lord, lady, and young heir of the residence would still be happy.

If it weren’t for the sake of the greater good, the steward would have poisoned them.

Clicking his tongue, the Chijin Prince remarked, “We’ve come all this way to visit, and there should be some trust in Da Qi.”

During the journey, he had confided in Yan Ziqi about his background, even receiving a look of sympathy. After all, he harbored a grudge against the Northern Yue Emperor—an enmity over his mother’s death. Yet his father had, after all, granted him life.

Without pressing the matter further, Mu Zhan left for the Honglu Guesthouse.

As he arrived, he found his subordinates in a standoff with Da Qi’s Fourth Prince and the foolish young General Tong. Tong Lian, who, emboldened by his standing in Da Qi, commanded Mu Zhan, “Release my father at once.”