Chapter 52

Within two days, Liu Ju heard that Wang Xin had written a letter to apologize, offering to pay a huge sum of money to compensate all the victims. He also admitted his fault and asked to be stripped of his title of marquis to atone for his own and his son's sins.

Guangyun's choice was the same as Wang Xin's. He apologized on behalf of his mother and handed over the county and land granted to Xiucheng Jun to atone for his sins.

He dealt with both the Wang family and Xiucheng Jun at once. Liu Che probably didn't want the empress dowager's family to decline too much and be looked down upon, so he turned around and generously rewarded Tian Sheng and also gave his son Tian Zujin an official position.

Tian Sheng: ...What a blessing! This unexpected find is so satisfying! Thanks, Wang Xin, and thanks, Xiucheng-kun.

Of course, these are all about Wang Xinxiuchengjun's secret manipulation, taking revenge on the princess through marriage, and Guangzhong Wang's previous crimes, and have nothing to do with the current "Crazy Horse Case".

The verdict in the "Crazy Horse Case" is expected to be handed down within the next two days. Although the imperial decree hasn't been released yet, the outcome is clear to everyone. Guangzhong's death sentence cannot be commuted. The only question is the punishment for Eyi.

Liu Ju didn't know what punishment Emperor Wu of Han would impose, but he didn't ask any more questions. He had been busy these past two days.

The head of the guard noticed that Liu Ju had suddenly become very clingy, running to her eight hundred times a day and always giving her all kinds of rare jewelry. He would give her gifts in the morning, at noon, in the afternoon, and in the evening.

Two days passed like this. On the third day, the guard was speechless: "What's wrong with you? Are you going to empty your private treasury and give it all to me?"

Liu Ju pursed his lips: "It's not impossible if my elder sister wants it."

Chief of Guards: ...

Noticing his abnormality, the guard looked at him seriously and asked, "What's wrong with you? Can you tell me?"

"Nothing, I just feel a little sad that my sister has done so much for me, but I can't do anything for her."

The guard was startled, then instantly understood what he meant: "But what Sister did was not what you wanted."

Liu Ju shook his head: "This only shows that we have different ideas. I can't bury my sister's deep love for me and her painstaking planning. I can feel my sister's intentions."

The captain of the guard felt warm in his heart. "Sister is not only doing this for you, but also for myself, for Zhuyi and Shiyi, and even more so for our mother. Brother, our life and death, honor and disgrace are tied together. Only when you are well, can we be well. So, sister is doing this for you, and for herself. You don't have to do this."

"I know. It's for me, too. Just because it's for me and for Sister herself doesn't mean I can just accept it and take it for granted and do nothing."

The guard chuckled: "Then what do you want to do for my sister?"

Liu Ju raised his head and asked earnestly, "What does Sister want?"

"Anything?"

"As long as Sister wants it and I can afford it, it's all fine." After a pause, Liu Ju added, "Even if I can't afford it now, I can afford it in the future."

Later...if I can afford it...

The guard was stunned for a moment, his eyes flickering. Suddenly, he had some thoughts and jokingly said, "What if my sister said that she wanted to be a prince like the other brothers?"

Liu Ju: …the princes…

After a moment of hesitation, he finally reacted and answered without hesitation: "Okay, I'll help you, sister. Wait until I grow up and have the power."

The guard was startled. She had originally asked in a joking tone, but Liu Ju's reaction was unexpected. She was very surprised: "You...you are willing?"

"Why not?" Liu Ju snorted, "Liu Hong, born to Madam Wang, will definitely be a vassal prince in the future. If father has other brothers, they will also become princes.

"Why can they do it, but my sister, who is born of the same mother as me, can't? My sister also has a fiefdom!"

But how can a princess's fiefdom be compared with that of a vassal? The significance of the two is far different.

The guard's throat tightened: "This is different."

"What's the difference? To me, they're the same. If there's any difference, it's that I'm closer to my elder sister. Whatever they have, my elder sister should have more."

Liu Ju was furious. How could his elder sister not compare to others? What was the difference? He just wouldn't listen.

If the emperor doesn't give it to me, he will. When he has power, he will give my sister whatever she wants.

Feeling his affection and his supreme protection for himself, the guard felt warm in his heart: "You are good to me, I know it. But you can't say these words carelessly, if others hear it, it will cause trouble. Don't mention it again in the future. I was just joking, don't take it seriously."

"I understand. I won't tell anyone until it's done. Not my father, the emperor, or my mother, and not my fourth sister either. She's simple-minded and would definitely reveal the truth if she knew. So this is a secret between the three of us."

Liu Ju nodded and agreed obediently, but he knew that his sister was not joking. She just didn't dare to take it seriously.

Since Sister doesn't want to discuss it further, then let's not discuss it. He's got it in mind anyway. He'll definitely work hard to make it happen for Sister. Fist pump!

Liu Ju turned to Zhu Yi next to him and asked, "What about Third Sister? What does she want?"

Zhu Yi was stunned, lost in thought, and hadn't heard anything. Liu Ju called out again, and Zhu Yi finally came to his senses.

"Third sister?"

Noticing the worry in Liu Ju's eyes, Zhu Yi chuckled, "Third sister is fine, she's just thinking about something."

"What is Third Sister thinking about?"

Zhu Yi did not answer directly, but looked at the guard: "Eldest sister, Second sister said that your words that day made her suddenly enlightened, and in fact, it also enlightened me.

"I know that although you are speaking to my second sister, you are actually taking this opportunity to let me hear it. While guiding my second sister, you are also guiding me. I understand your painstaking efforts."

Liu Ju:?

Is this really like this?

The guard didn't shy away; she had noticed Zhu Yi had been lost in thought for the past few days. She didn't point it out, because some things must be figured out on your own, otherwise, no matter how much others said, it would be useless.

She had been waiting, waiting for Zhu Yi to come out. She believed her sister wasn't the type to dwell on trivial matters. Now that she had taken the initiative to bring it up, it seemed like she had gained something.

The captain looked at her seriously, with encouragement in his eyes.

Zhu Yi said, "My eldest sister said that Li Ji almost spoiled my second sister. That's because Li Ji came from a poor family and could barely make ends meet at home. Her life now is so much better than before that she feels very content and thinks that just living in peace is enough.

"She's like this, so she thinks her second sister should be like this, too. She forgets that her second sister is a princess of the royal family, unlike a peasant family. How can a princess's vision and understanding be limited to the word 'safety'?"

In terms of birth, Wei Zifu's was of a lower birth, but her education of her children was completely different from Li Ji's. So besides birth, it is also related to one's character.

Because it involved his biological mother, Zhu Yi did not mention it, saying only, "If you can't be trapped by peace, how can you be trapped by love?"

Liu Ju: ???

What? Love? Why love again?

Zhu Yi continued, "My eldest sister told my second sister to think clearly about what she really wants and what path she wants to take. This applies to my second sister, and even more so to me."

"I like my cousin, too. My second sister has given up because she has a clear understanding of herself and knows that what she wants is definitely not love. What about me? Am I going to spend my whole life waiting for a response from him just for this one feeling?"

Liu Ju was completely stunned.

Cousin...cousin...also?

"Third sister also likes cousin Qubing!"

Zhu Yi pursed his lips and said nothing.

This was tacit agreement. Liu Ju opened his mouth wide.

Wow! Guangzhong, Wang Chong'er, and the second sister—we thought it was a love triangle. Turns out the second sister likes her cousin, making it a quadrilateral. Now, with the third sister added to the mix, it's a quintuple.

Even melodramatic TV dramas don't have as many characters as you. It's the classic story of him loving her, and him loving her, but she loves him, and she loves him too, and he loves no one!

Liu Ju… Liu Ju’s face was disheveled in the wind, and after a long while he managed to utter, “Cousin… Cousin is truly a heartthrob.”

"A heartthrob?" The guard raised an eyebrow. "That's quite fitting. A man like him, there are few women who wouldn't be attracted to him."

Zhu Yi shook his head: "My eldest sister is not moved."

The guard chuckled: "Who said I haven't been moved?"

Liu Ju of all the counties was stunned at the same time, and looked sideways.

"I was once moved, but I know we are not suitable." The guard admitted it without hesitation, saying, "The future husband I want should be someone who can understand me, tolerate me, and grow with me side by side;

"Someone who can be considerate and take care of me, who stays by my bedside when I am sick and feels comfortable; someone who pays attention to me, values ​​me, and is able to detect my little emotions at the first moment and find ways to relieve me.

"I know there's no perfect person in the world. I don't ask him to do 100%, but at least 70%. I'm sure Cousin Cao Xiang can do this 70%, but Cousin Qubing..."

The guard shook his head: "He can't. His mind is all on his country, on the border war, on the iron cavalry and the golden sword, not on me, and certainly not on any of the women around him."

Liu Ju agreed. With such a requirement, it would be difficult for his cousin Qubing to achieve even 3 or 4 points, let alone 7 points.

He will not stop for women, nor will he bother about them.

"Of course this is not the most important thing. The most important thing is..." The guard's eyes were firm, "My husband must be someone I can control and manage. At the very least, I must be able to keep a hold of him.

"Between us, I should be the master and he the deputy. I'm a princess, it's not like I don't have a choice. On the contrary, I have thousands of talented people in the world to choose from. Why should I choose someone who is difficult, powerful, and completely outmatched?

"As for the heartbeat..."

The head of the guard turned to look at Zhu Yi: "So what? In my short life of just a few decades, I have achieved a status and height that most women in the world cannot reach, and I have such a great advantage in authority.

"I have more important things to do, so why should I cling to a small heartbeat? So when I realized this, this heartbeat disappeared without a trace.

"Especially Cousin Cao Xiang has something that I'm attracted to. What's even more rare is that, besides being attracted to him, he's also more suitable for me."

Zhu Yi listened carefully and immediately understood the biggest difference between himself and his elder sister.

My eldest sister has always had a clear understanding of herself, knowing what she wants and what she should do. When something conflicts with her needs or her life plan, she is able to distinguish between the important and the unimportant, making decisive choices and looking for something that fits in.

She only started thinking about these things recently and has vaguely found the direction.

Zhu Yi stood up and said, "Eldest sister is right, we do have a lot to do."

The guard's mouth curled up: "Then have you thought about what to do?"

Zhu Yi pursed his lips and said, "If I tell you I want to go to the Western Regions, will my elder sister and younger brother support me?"

The captain's eyes moved, and he didn't seem to be very surprised.

Liu Ju's eyes widened. "The Western Regions? The marriage has been settled. Is Third Sister still thinking about the Wusun issue?"

"Of course not." Zhu Yi shook his head. "What I meant by going to the Western Regions wasn't a marriage alliance, but the trade route you mentioned. My brother, connecting to the Western Regions is already a long and arduous task, and adding the trade route plan to it will naturally be even more difficult. Zhang Qian's strength is limited, and I'm afraid he won't be able to take care of many things."

Liu Ju frowned: "It could be someone else."

"Since it can be someone else, why not me?" Zhu Yi curled his lips. "Brother, I didn't act on impulse. I thought it over carefully. I'm not going to cause trouble for Zhang Qian, but I think my strengths can be used in this matter.

"What's more, I've been in Chang'an since I was born. I've always been in Chang'an. I also want to go out and see what the world outside Chang'an and the Han Dynasty looks like."

The last sentence successfully made Liu Ju's words of persuasion, which were about to come out of his mouth, stuck in his throat. His mouth opened and closed, but he didn't say it out loud, but he was unwilling to swallow it.

The guard pulled him and said, "Since that's what your third sister wants, let her try it."

Then he said to Zhuyi, "You should think about how to tell your father."

Zhu Yi nodded.

The guard captain chuckled: "We will go with you."

Liu Ju looked at his eldest sister, then at his third sister, and finally swallowed his words.

The three of them came to the imperial palace and met Eyi at the door. They greeted each other and went in together.

Liu Che put down the red brush in his hand and asked with a smile: "Why are you here together?"

Wei Changliu Ju did not move, but Zhuyi and Eyi all came forward and knelt, offering their support: "We ask your Majesty to allow us to study the customs and cultures of the Western Regions with Marquis Bowang, and to accompany him on his diplomatic mission to the Western Regions in the future."

They said in unison. After they finished speaking, they were both startled and looked at each other, seeing surprise in each other's eyes.

Liu Che raised his eyebrows, glanced at E Yi, and then set his eyes on Zhu Yi: "Why do you have such an idea?"

"Over the years, Marquis Bowang has told my younger brother and us a lot about his experiences in the Western Regions, and occasionally mentioned the Western Region language. My daughter has learned some of it and even communicated with his guide, Tang Yifu.

"Both the Marquis of Bowang and Tangyifu said that their daughter had a keen understanding of language. The Marquis of Bowang even said that if his daughter studied hard, she could become a great linguist.

"But at the time, my daughter didn't think much of it, and even laughed, saying there wasn't a language master in the world. So she just used it as a pastime. Even so, my daughter can now have simple daily conversations with her father in a foreign language.

"I am confident that if I put my best effort into this, I will be able to quickly master the means of communicating with the countries in the Western Regions.

"There are very few people in our dynasty who understand the languages ​​of the Western Regions. Apart from Tang Yifu, the only one who knows them is Zhang Qian, who has been to the Western Regions. Others may occasionally speak a few words, but their use is minimal and they cannot serve as a bridge of communication.

"Tang Yifu is getting older and may not be able to accompany me to the Western Regions anymore. This second trip to the Western Regions cannot rely on Zhang Qian alone."

Well-reasoned and well-founded.

Liu Che suddenly remembered that Zhang Qian had indeed praised Zhuyi to him, but Zhuyi did not care and he did not take it seriously either.

Liu Ju was stunned. He recalled a time when Marquis Bowang mentioned an interesting story from the Western Regions and a plot, saying that these two sentences would be more interesting if spoken in the Western Regions dialect. So he repeated the two sentences in the Western Regions dialect.

At the time, he only felt that the accent of the Western Region dialect was completely different from theirs. However, the third sister next to him had already recognized some words and asked Zhang Qian if "so-and-so" meant what we, the Han people, meant.

It turns out that the third sister learned something from Marquis Bowang and Tang Yifu after this?

Liu Ju suddenly felt that he paid less attention to his third sister and lowered his head in shame.

Over there, Liu Che had already turned to look at E Yi: "What about you?"

E Yi frankly said, "My daughter doesn't have the same natural talent for languages ​​as my third sister, but she does have her own strengths. She's known since she was young that she has a keen sense of direction. Even if she's never been to a place, she only needs to go there once to get a general idea of ​​the route and terrain."

After saying this, E Yi presented the prepared silk and had the eunuch pass it to Liu Che, continuing, "The first one is the Glazed Street. The Crown Prince made glass, and once the Glazed Street opened, it was packed with visitors. Before it opened, my daughter went there once with my eldest sister and others. We haven't been there since."

"The second picture is of Shengping Tower. Earlier this spring, my daughter went there to play at Madam Yun's invitation. That was also her only time in Changling.

"My daughter has drawn them all down, so you can check them out one by one."

Liu Ju blinked and hurried over to take a look. He was shocked at the first glance and almost said "Wow".

Eyi not only drew the layout of Liuli Street and Shengping Tower, but also marked all the branch buildings along the way to Liuli Street and Shengping Tower.

The painting skills were lacking, but the route distribution and building layout were almost the same as he remembered.

Liu Che's pupils trembled.

E Yi continued, "Within Chang'an, my daughter has only been to these two places once. I have been to the others multiple times, so they cannot be used as a basis. If necessary, you can choose any place to retest your daughter."

Liu Che said nothing, but when he looked at E Yi, his eyes had changed, from the initial carelessness and indifference to the current seriousness, and even a hint of appreciation.

E Yi had seen him express this admiration to Wei Chang, to other Yis, and even to Shi Yi, but this was the first time in more than a decade that he had done so to himself.

E Yi's heart was in turmoil, and his hands hanging at his sides unconsciously clenched, but he calmed down in an instant and continued, "My daughter knows that the prince has made a compass to guide the direction.

"But a compass can only tell east, west, south, and north, and is very useful in grasslands and deserts. But entering a country or city still requires human identification.

"My daughter believes that with me here, the group heading west can avoid getting lost or straying, and won't have to worry about getting too far and losing their way back. Especially..."

E Yi paused and took a deep breath. "The last time Zhang Qian went to the Western Regions, he encountered many setbacks. Although he brought back many things, his knowledge of the Western Regions' topography was limited, making it impossible to draw an effective map. This time, my father is going to the Western Regions again, and I'm sure he wants to gain something in this area."

"I don't know how to draw maps, but I think my skills can be of vital importance to those who are proficient in this field."

Liu Ju took a deep breath. This skill was truly rare.

He looked at Liu Che, and the same emotion flashed through the eyes of both father and son. They had been searching for someone skilled in making maps, but they had forgotten that some people, while not experts at making them, were skilled at memorizing them. One memorizing, the other drawing, the combined power of these two swords was astonishing.

Liu Che collected his thoughts and wandered back and forth between Zhuyi and Eyi. One person was skilled in speech, enabling communication; the other was skilled in memory, enabling navigation. Both were crucial for a mission to the Western Regions.

If they weren't princesses, Liu Che would have packed them up and sent them off with Zhang Qian without a second thought. But they were princesses. Especially Zhuyi...

Liu Che's mind raced, his fingers drumming on the table as he looked towards the various towns: "The journey to the Western Regions is not peaceful. Even if we conquer Hexi, there will still be many difficulties and dangers."

Zhu Yi nodded repeatedly: "Daughter understands. Daughter is not afraid."

This risk is at least much smaller than that of a marriage alliance.

Liu Che added, "Although the mission to the Western Regions is a long and arduous one, it is not necessary for the princess to go in person. The significance of a minister's mission and that of a princess's mission are also very different."

The princess's mission would raise the diplomatic stakes dramatically. Which countries would require an emperor to meet with, which countries would require the prince to intervene, and which countries could be handled by ministers. And which ministers should be sent?

The value of each person's wealth is different, and these are all very important.

The princess represented the imperial family, holding a far greater status than a courtier. This move would appear to elevate the status of the Western Regions and lower the Han dynasty, inevitably inviting speculation from other states. Some believed the move was a diplomatic mission in name only, but a marriage alliance in reality.

Zhu Yi understood, but she also keenly realized that Liu Che was only talking to her and was asking about "you" rather than "you guys".

She turned to look at E Yi. She was a Han princess, and so was E Yi. Even though their favors differed, the significance of being a princess was the same.

E Yi replied with a smile, "Yesterday I submitted a letter of apology, asking the Emperor to take back my fiefdom and remove my title of princess."

Except for Liu Che who had known about it for a long time, Liu Ju and the other two were shocked.

Zhu Yi opened his mouth wide: "Second sister, you...you..."

"The Wang family and Xiucheng Jun have already been punished by my father, and Guangzhong has been sentenced to death. I have also committed crimes, so naturally I should be punished as well."

"But you're a princess, unlike them. Even if you need to be punished, it doesn't have to be this severe. Besides, the title and fiefdom of a princess are nothing compared to the Marquis of the Wang family or the County Lady of Xiucheng Jun. We didn't know about this, which means the emperor hasn't approved it yet, right?"

The last sentence was asked to Liu Che.

Liu Che nodded: "I have not agreed yet."

The word "for the time being" is used very well.

Even if he hadn't thought about it before, at least he did think about it now.

Eyi seemed to sense his hesitation and knelt down to plead again: "I beg you, father, to grant me your permission to remove my title of princess and allow me to go to the Western Regions as Zhang Qian's deputy envoy.

"I am willing to serve the country and relieve my father's worries. When I return one day, I will atone for my sins today with my achievements and restore my title as princess."

This move was a risky one. If she had performed meritorious service, her guilt would be expunged today, and her title and fiefdom restored without issue. But if she hadn't, the emperor's decree could not be arbitrarily altered. And since she was out of favor, her future would be extremely uncertain.

It's not that Eyi hasn't considered this, but she still wants to give it a try and win the princess's glory on her own.

Liu Che's expression flickered. He neither agreed nor refused. He just said, "I need to think about it. You all can go down."

Zhu Yi opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately chose to close it and obediently leave with everyone else.

Outside the palace.

E Yi looked at Zhu Yi and said, "I'm sorry, I didn't expect you to volunteer to go to the Western Regions. I didn't mean to argue with you."

Zhu Yi shook his head. "I know. Your strengths are more important than mine. Languages ​​can be learned. Even if you don't have my talent, it will just be harder and take longer to learn.

"But as long as you're willing to work hard, you'll always gain something. At least basic communication isn't a big problem. And your strengths may not necessarily be achieved through hard work.

"Especially since the Emperor is unlikely to let me go. I just wanted to give it a try. The Emperor... Although the Emperor didn't say it explicitly, judging from his attitude just now, he will most likely agree to your request. Have you really thought it through?"

E Yi raised a smile and said, "Yes."

The two made the same choice, and they could understand each other. Zhu Yi stopped trying to persuade them. E Yi bowed and said goodbye.

Zhu Yi sighed, feeling rather regretful. She turned to look at the guard chief: "Eldest sister, you knew that the emperor wouldn't allow me, right?"

The guard nodded and looked at E Yi, who was now only a black dot in the distance. "But her actions today did surprise me. I thought my father would let her reflect on her mistakes for two years, or reduce her fiefdom, or something else.

"I didn't expect her to do what Wang Xin Guangyun did, directly asking to relinquish her title as princess and reclaim her fiefdom. But her move was clever.

"Although my brother's plea may have temporarily allayed my father's grudge, there's no guarantee it won't resurface due to other circumstances. Retribution will be meted out later, and the punishment will be even more severe.

"But with this request now, even if she remembers it in the future, it will be considered a severe punishment. As long as she doesn't do it again, father will not pursue it further."

Zhu Yi nodded. "Given her situation, if she stays in Chang'an, there's no telling what her future marriage will be like. The Wang family marriage is off the table. But Father was able to marry her to the Wang family due to the Empress Dowager's wishes. There's no doubt he'll marry her to the Zhao, Qian, Sun, or other families for other reasons in the future."

"That's not the path she wants to take. A blessing in disguise. Without the title of princess, she'll have the opportunity to travel to the Western Regions, which isn't entirely a bad thing. At least she can control her own destiny."

"That's right." The Wei Chang smiled. "Although being an envoy to the Western Regions is different from marrying a princess, it's still dangerous. Back then, Marquis Bowang went through many hardships and was even captured by the Xiongnu. He escaped and was recaptured many times.

"Although this mission will take place after conquering Hexi, we can only guarantee that the land we pass through is ours, not Xiongnu territory. This is slightly safer, but the risks in other areas remain. Especially since the situations in the Western Regions vary, and their attitudes towards the Xiongnu vary.

"This journey will not be easy. If she can truly return safely and achieve merit, it is only right that she be re-ennobled based on her merits. The Emperor will certainly look upon her with new eyes. From now on, she will have value, no longer being the dispensable daughter who can be discarded at any time.

"That's fine. If she succeeds, she'll set an example for all future princesses. She'll tell them that for a princess, the future isn't just about being favored by the emperor."

This journey is not easy...

Zhu Yi sighed again, "I know. Eldest sister didn't try to persuade me because she knew that the emperor would reject it. And it's not that you don't want me to succeed, but you're worried that I won't be able to return from this trip. The emperor is also considering this."

Liu Che could give up E City, but he might not be willing to give up other cities.

Being pampered is sometimes a privilege, but also a shackle.

But as a person who is pampered, you have already gained many things that others do not have because of the pampering, so it would be pretentious to talk about this again.

Therefore, on this point, the chief of Wei never mentioned it, and neither did the other townsmen. They just sighed and left it at that.

Liu Ju stepped forward and took Zhu Yi's hand. "Third sister, it's okay. Just because you can't go this time doesn't mean you can't go in the future."

"Once we have eliminated the Xiongnu threat, we will establish friendly relations with the nations of the Western Regions, become a force they look up to, and make them submit.

"By then, the trade routes will be vast and smooth, and the Western Regions will be like the back garden of our Han Dynasty. It won't be too late for you to go there again."

Back garden?

The chief guards and all the other townspeople raised their eyebrows. This ambition was truly extraordinary.

Zhu Yi rolled her eyes and burst out laughing: "Okay. Then I'll wait for you to finish the back garden. But you have to be quick, otherwise I'm afraid I'll be too old to walk by then."

"Sister is still so young, I have confidence, I can do it." Liu Ju clenched his fist.

Zhuyi smiled even more.

Liu Ju added, "Since you have a natural talent for languages, don't let it go unnoticed. Even if you don't go to the Western Regions, when trade routes open up, our dynasty's prestige grows, and nations come to pay their respects, we'll need talents like you. Then, you can go to the Honglu Temple and take charge of foreign affairs."

Zhu Yi blinked and thought this arrangement seemed very good.

But it is still early for all the nations to come and congratulate her, so she cannot just wait here.

Zhu Yi looked at the Chief of Guards and said, "Sister, although the marriage is over now, the trip to the Western Regions remains. Even if the entourage you prepared for the marriage is changed in direction, taking another route should not be a bad idea."

The guard chief naturally understood her hidden meaning. "Yes. I will find an opportunity to have them join the delegation as Eyi's entourage and helpers. We will go together and serve as the vanguard of our Western Trade Route. This will not be a waste of my efforts."

Liu Ju: ...Then you really don’t waste anything.

Zhu Yi's eyes rolled. "If there's a vanguard, there must be a rearguard. Especially with trade in the Western Regions. While it's oriented towards the Western Regions, our dynasty is the focus. All personnel from the Western Regions must be deployed and controlled by our dynasty. If my guess is correct, my eldest sister intends to stay in the base camp herself and assist my younger brother in commanding the overall situation."

Wei Chang smiled but said nothing, his meaning was clear.

Zhu Yi curled his lips and said, "I will come to help my elder sister and be my younger brother's right-hand man."

Liu Ju: ...No, I've only just started this Western Regions trade route project. It's still just a written plan, nothing more. Why do I feel like you've already planned everything for the next few years?

Liu Ju looked at the chief guard, looked at the various towns, then thought of his uncle and cousin, blinked, and held his chin.

If things continue to develop like this, will he be able to have Azure Dragon on his left, White Tiger on his right, Vermillion Bird in front, and Black Tortoise behind him, and be completely awesome?

Oh, the picture came out in my mind, it was so cool!

Ha ha ha ha.

It's so beautiful that I can't help but smile.

The Wei Chang and Zhu Yi, completely unaware of what was going on in their minds: ???