Chapter 7 Chassis.

The Grand Secretary's carriage caught up and stopped beside the imperial palanquin. A woman wearing a veiled hat was helped down from the carriage. "Seventeenth Sister! It's me! I've come to see you off!"

Lingyi never imagined that the Sixteenth Princess would come to see her off. The two of them were the closest when they were in the palace, but everything seemed to have changed after the marriage was arranged. If they couldn't see each other in the palace because of the rules, they had met at a banquet later. The Sixteenth Princess was somewhat uncomfortable when she saw her. Not only was she no longer as intimate as before, but she also seemed to be avoiding her intentionally or unintentionally.

The sixteenth princess originally thought she wouldn't come. She and Lingyi were close in age and had grown up together since childhood. They talked about everything and never hid anything from each other.

The only thing she didn't tell Lingyi was that she was in love with Xie Jiayu.

At that time, everyone in the palace thought that Xie Yulang was over twenty years old and still unmarried because he was waiting for Lingyi to grow up.

She felt sad, but she was also genuinely happy for Lingyi. Even though her uncle held a high position and great power, she never had the thought of competing for her.

Until that day, Emperor Jiahe issued an imperial edict, betrothing her to Xie Yu, and Lingyi was betrothed to Qin Lie of Jizhou.

The sixteenth princess was puzzled, but secretly delighted. Because of this secret delight, she had no face to face Lingyi.

Especially after their marriage, Xie Yu was gentle and considerate, always obeying her every whim. The Grand Secretary treated her like his own granddaughter, and she lived a comfortable life without any complaints. On the other hand, Qin Lie, though handsome and dashing, was nothing more than a brute.

She felt increasingly ashamed, as if she had stolen Lingyi's happiness, and was even more unwilling to see her.

But Lingyi was leaving, and she tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep. Finally, she couldn't help but follow her today.

Upon hearing the Sixteenth Princess's voice, Lingyi immediately stood up and lifted the carriage curtain to get down. However, she was reminded by Granny Zhao that she should bring the Sixteenth Princess onto the imperial carriage.

The two burst into tears as soon as they met. The sixteenth princess sobbed, "Seventeenth sister, I'm only arriving now. Are you upset with me?"

Lingyi shook her head: "I have never blamed my sister. I was happy for you when I saw that you were doing well."

The sixteenth princess's tears fell even more rapidly. She was filled with shame and remorse, and she held Lingyi's hand, unable to speak.

Lingyi choked up and said, "I used to play in the East Palace often. My sister-in-law, the Crown Princess, doted on me, and my brother Yulang loved me as well, treating me like his own sister. I used to wonder what kind of sister-in-law he would marry, and whether she would like me. I never imagined that it wouldn't be him marrying his sister-in-law, but that we would become even closer and he would become my brother-in-law. Sixteenth sister, as I leave the capital, I only hope that you and your brother-in-law will be well, that my brother-in-law and sister-in-law will be well, that my fifteenth sister and Aunt Liucui will be well, and that I will be well too. As long as we are all well, we will surely meet again in the future."

The two still had so much to say, wishing they could hide in a corner during a cold palace banquet like they did when they were children, and chat naively for ages.

But on their wedding day, they lost that right.

No matter how reluctant they were to part, they couldn't delay their journey. In the end, they said goodbye with tears in their eyes, and from then on, they went their separate ways to face their own destinies.

The sixteenth princess stepped down from the phoenix carriage and said to the window, "At least my mother still has some influence in the palace, so you can rest assured. I will ask Aunt Liu Cui and Sister Fifteen to take care of them."

Lingyi nodded with tears in her eyes: "Thank you, sister."

As the two bid each other a reluctant farewell, Qin Hong said with a puzzled look, "It's really strange. When we were in the capital, I looked forward to going back every day, but now that I'm leaving, I feel reluctant to go."

Of course I'd be reluctant to part with it.

Behind these solemn city gates lie the widest roads, the most bustling markets, the most delicious dishes, the finest wines, the most beautiful maidens, and the most exalted power.

Qin Lie gazed at the towering city wall, his eyes distant: "There will be a day when I return."

After the sixteenth princess left, the caravan continued on its way. Lingyi stared blankly out of the car, seemingly numb.

Zhao Mama sighed inwardly. This seventeenth princess seemed naive and ignorant of the ways of the world. Just now, she uttered such comforting words. Even if she had taught her word by word, she would not have been able to speak so fluently.

Rumors circulated in the palace that Xie Jiayu was aloof and reserved, and that he treated the seventeenth princess with special favor.

I still remember the glass mirrors that Silla presented as tribute. They reflected every detail of people perfectly. There were three mirrors in total, and Emperor Jiahe bestowed them upon Consort Guo, the Crown Prince, and the former chief minister.

A few days later, someone saw one of them in the Seventeenth Princess's palace. Some people thought it was a gift from the Crown Prince, but later they learned that the Crown Princess also loved the glass mirror and would not give it to anyone else.

Since then, rumors have been rampant in the palace, growing ever more intense.

Who is Xie Yu? He has inherited the true teachings of the old chief minister. If he doesn't want you to notice, you can hardly tell his mood. He is so blatant and doesn't hide it afterward. What's the difference between him and announcing it to the world?

Is this favoritism simply a case of loving someone because of their family, or a sibling relationship?

Although Granny Zhao had never experienced matters between men and women, she did not believe it.

However, Lingyi's words were not originally meant for her; as long as the Sixteenth Princess believed them, the task would be accomplished.

After the Sixteenth Princess returned to her residence, she happened to run into Xie Yu, who was returning from the morning court. Seeing the tear stains on her face, Xie Yu asked gently, "What happened?"

The sixteenth princess said, "It's nothing. I... I just went to see off my seventeenth sister, and I haven't washed my face yet."

She had never mentioned Lingyi in front of Xie Yu before, but today Lingyi said that Xie Yu treated her like a younger sister, so it must be true. If Xie Yu really had feelings for Lingyi, given the old chief minister's position in the emperor and the court, he would naturally ask for her hand in marriage. How could it be her turn to marry into the family?

Despite thinking this way, she still carefully observed Xie Yu's reaction.

Xie Yu was slightly taken aback, and the Sixteenth Princess's heart sank. Then she heard Xie Yu suddenly realize, "I was so busy with official business that I forgot today is the day Princess Yongjia is leaving the capital. Back in the Eastern Palace, I was considered her half-teacher, so I should have gone to see her off."

Seeing his reaction, the Sixteenth Princess felt a sense of peace wash over her, as if all the invisible shackles had been removed. She had never felt this way since her marriage. She asked expectantly, "I also miss my Seventeenth Sister very much. Could it be that Grandfather petitions Father to allow Seventeenth Sister to return to the capital for a two-month stay every year?"

Princesses are always naive. Xie Yu lowered his eyes and smiled, "You know that my grandfather is cold and impartial, and never uses his power for personal gain. If I were to speak up, I would surely be scolded. However, he has always favored you, so it might be useful if you ask him for help."

.

Although she was heartbroken, Lingyi didn't sleep a wink last night and cried again this morning, but she quickly fell asleep.

So exhausted, I slept incredibly soundly and woke up still inside the imperial carriage.

When Pearl saw that she had woken up, she quickly served her some refreshments and tea, saying, "Please enjoy, Princess."

Lingyi then realized she was starving. She ate two snacks, and when she drank her tea, she found it was a bit cold. When had the princess ever drunk cold tea? She merely frowned, and Pearl immediately knelt beside her, pleading, "Princess, please spare me! It wasn't my negligence, it's just that the caravan hasn't stopped for so long..."

Lingyi interrupted her, "Has the convoy stopped for so long?"

Pearl replied, "Your Highness, the caravan only stopped at the post station once, at noon, and did not stop again after that."

Lingyi lifted the curtain of the carriage window and saw that the stars were already twinkling outside. It was her first time leaving the capital and she had never traveled outside before. Looking at the stars and the dim shadows of the trees she passed, she felt a sense of novelty.

She turned to Pearl and said, "Since we're on a journey, there's no need to be so particular about everything. You don't need to kneel down all the time. I'm not a demanding master."

She was gentle by nature and never scolded or beat the palace servants. After spending so many days together, the other three personal maids were able to occasionally joke with her, but Pearl was timid and remained silent in her presence.

"This servant thanks Your Highness the Princess." Pearl remained respectful.

After another half an hour of travel, they finally arrived at the inn where they would stay.

Even the best room in the post station was rather cramped and old-fashioned. When Lingyi went up to the second-floor room and sat on the bed made up by the palace servants, the bed creaked with the slightest movement. Her first thought was that when the prince consort came tonight, no matter how much he clung to her, he wouldn't get his way. Not to mention the noise from the bed, his strength might even break it.

Fortunately, Qin Lie stayed on the first floor with his guards that night and did not come up. Lingyi thought that he still knew that important matters were important, and felt relieved.

They traveled for several days, rushing during the day and staying at post stations at night.

The princess had grown tired of the scenery outside. Her phoenix palanquin was spacious and comfortable, and although it was still bumpy, it was not unbearable.

Lingyi is small in stature, so she can lie on it to sleep or read stories, and there can be two people serving her.

She deliberately drank less water and ate less, so that if she stopped halfway, hundreds of people would immediately know that she was doing such a thing and would have to wait in a row, especially on the official road in the wilderness. Just thinking about that situation gave her nightmares!

The joy of her trip had completely vanished, and now Lingyi only hoped to return to Jizhou as soon as possible to avoid all these inconveniences.

Many people probably thought the same as her. On the night of the sixth day, just after she had finished her dinner, the head guard, Qiu Min, came to ask for instructions.

The journey to Jizhou was quite long, and the princess's dowry, consisting of dozens of carts, was not only heavy but also contained many precious porcelain items. Traveling was extremely cautious, with each day's journey covering less than a hundred li (approximately 50 kilometers). The prince consort suggested that the dowry and any temporarily unused luggage be transported slowly, while they themselves traveled light and returned to Jizhou ahead of time.

Lingyi was extremely unwilling. The princess was entering the city, and so many people were watching. Without a dowry of ten miles of red procession, how embarrassing would it be for her to return to Jizhou alone in such a disgrace? She couldn't possibly explain to everyone that her dowry hadn't arrived yet, could she?

But when asked, Qiu Min said that if he brought the dowry, it would take at least twice as long on the way, so he "wisely" agreed.

Although they were supposed to travel light, the princess's food and clothing could not be neglected in the slightest. After careful selection, Zhao Mama finally found that there was enough stuff for eight carriages and enough people for four carriages.

Granny Zhao sat on one chair, her four personal maids on another, and a dozen or so servants took turns sitting on the two chairs.

Qiu Min took the list and went out. Ling Yi had just washed her mouth and let her hair down when the door was pushed open from the outside without her being informed.

Granny Zhao shouted, "Who dares to trespass into the princess's room?!"

The newcomer was Qin Lie, whom she hadn't seen for several days. He was already tall and imposing, and now, dressed in light armor without a helmet, his battle-hardened aura was even more pronounced. Just a fleeting glance from him sent a chill down Zhao Mama's spine, and she involuntarily lowered her head.

"go out."

Qin Lie gave a brief order, and Zhao Mama and the others filed out, leaving only the two of them in the room.

Despite being a palace maid accompanying the princess, she was completely obedient to the prince consort, just as all the eunuchs were trembling with fear and dared not appear before him on their wedding night.

As soon as Zhao Mama left the room, she instructed the palace servants to prepare more hot water. In her opinion, the prince consort must have come to see the princess to have marital relations.

Granny Zhao has incredibly sharp eyes; otherwise, she wouldn't have been appointed as the head nanny by Consort Guo. However, after serving him for so many days, she still couldn't see through this taciturn prince consort. But there was one thing she was certain of—the prince consort was obsessed with lust.

No wonder, the princess was not only exceptionally beautiful, but also had flawless, tender skin that seemed to drip water. In her decades in the palace, she had seen so many favored concubines, yet none of them could compare to her.

Men either don't get involved, or once they do, they can't easily let go.

A few days ago, the prince consort visited the princess for the first time, which made Granny Zhao uneasy. Now that she thinks about it, she was just worrying unnecessarily.

You've only been away for a few days, and you're already here?

Before Granny Zhao could even relax, a quarrel broke out inside the room.

It wasn't an argument, but Lingyi's voice was unusually loud: "I need all those things for the journey, and I have to go with them. I can't leave anyone behind!"

The list was prepared with her permission; it contained items that had to be kept.

Qin Lie advised, "Second sister-in-law has traveled more than a thousand miles back and forth, and there are only three carriages in total. Now we have to leave one behind. Not counting the phoenix carriage, the princess needs more than ten carriages by herself. Even the nanny by her side needs a carriage for her to rest. There are post stations along the way where meals can be provided, but we still need a carriage just to transport ingredients. We have left five sets of tea sets. It is really too extravagant."

Lingyi replied matter-of-factly, "Second sister-in-law is merely the wife of a prince of a different surname, while I am a princess. How can we be compared?"

Qin Lie's expression turned cold. "The princess is of noble birth, with three imperial chefs providing her with meals every day and so many people serving her, yet she is still so emaciated. This shows that they are not taking good care of her. As the princess's husband, it is my duty to replace all those who are not taking care of her."

Lingyi could easily sense the threat in his words, and angrily retorted, "How dare you?!"

Qin Lie looked at her angry eyes, smiled mockingly, and was about to turn away when his sleeve was grabbed and he looked down into Ling Yi's tearful eyes.

Lingyi didn't want to cry either; she was a princess, the most honored person here.

But she could clearly sense that he wasn't bluffing; he genuinely dared to do it, and he really could.

Admittedly, Zhao Mama and Mingzhu were assigned by Consort Guo, and in her heart they were not as close as Aunt Liu Cui and the palace maids who originally served her.

But now, on this unfamiliar journey, they are the most familiar people around her.

A sudden sense of dread rose within me, a premonition that I would be left helpless and alone, an overwhelming panic.

Lingyi tugged at Qin Lie's sleeve, trying to plead with him, but couldn't bring herself to say anything to soften her stance; only tears streamed down her face.

Looking at the thinner face in front of her, tears kept welling up from her glassy eyes, and her pearly teeth left teeth marks on her red lips.

After traveling for several days, everyone inevitably looked somewhat haggard, but she remained dazzlingly fair, and her thinness added to her delicate and charming appearance.

We haven't even left Danzhou yet, and we're still too close to the capital. Qin Lie told himself this, and sat down on the chair with Lingyi in his arms. He softened his tone and explained, "I was impatient these past few days while traveling, not because I was angry with you."

Lingyi nestled in his arms like a newborn animal, completely docile, but her tears continued to fall, slowly sliding down the cold metal plate on his chest.

Granny Zhao was on tenterhooks outside, but there was no sound from inside the room. After a while, Qin Lie finally pushed the door open and came out.

After he left, Zhao Mama and the others dared to go in to serve her. They saw Princess Yongjia sitting there, her face still bearing traces of tears, but her lips were red and moist, slightly swollen, and her short shirt had many creases on the back, which clearly showed what she had just done.

Granny Zhao felt relieved again. As the saying goes, couples quarrel in bed and make up in bed. In the end, she had been worrying too much.

Qin Hong lay in bed for a while before Qin Lie returned.

Seeing that his hair was wet and his clothes had been changed, Qin Hong sat up and asked in surprise, "Why are you taking a bath on such a cold day?"

All the hot water in the post station was used by the princess. Although it was fine for these grown men to take a cold shower, Third Brother, like him, often went ten days or half a month without bathing when marching and fighting. He had just bathed the day before yesterday, so there was really no need for him to do so today.

Instead of answering, Qin Lie said, "The princess has left four carriages. You can arrange them tomorrow morning."

The so-called arrangement was nothing more than replacing the groom with one of their own people.

Previously, the princess's dowry included members from various families, leaving the general's mansion like a sieve.

At the time, we deliberately let it go, but now that we're out of the capital, we're bound to encounter bandits and outlaws. These people have nothing left but the reputation of being "loyal to their master."

Qin Hong, though seemingly rough, was actually quite shrewd. After deciding on a candidate in his mind, he asked curiously, "Third Brother, didn't you say that besides the Phoenix Carriage, you only left her two carriages? How come there are suddenly two more?"

Qin Lie paused in wiping his hair, and instead of answering, asked, "Have you finished reading the military strategy book I gave you before we went to the capital?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Hong immediately lay back down on the bed, clumsily closing his eyes to avoid answering.

Qin Lie snorted coldly, then slowly lay down on another bed and closed his eyes to sleep.