The palace gates were heavily guarded, solemn and heavy, making it difficult to breathe.
Only after seeing the talisman of Princess Qiao Lian'er did the guard go in to report.
“Miss Qiao, it is you who is to meet the Emperor. We are waiting for you outside. There will be palace servants to guide you inside,” Pei Zhujin said.
On the way here, we had already explained the relevant etiquette, and Qiao Lian'er remembered it all.
A moment later, a rather qualified-looking eunuch came out with a whisk. After greeting the three, the eunuch said to Qiao Lian'er, "Princess, please. You've come at the right time; the Emperor has just finished reviewing the memorials."
Qiao Lian'er followed the eunuch across the wide square, her eyes lowered and her gaze focused, without looking around.
But even out of the corner of my eye, I could still see rows of golden palaces stretching endlessly, their carved beams and painted rafters gleaming with splendor and luxury, displaying supreme reverence and solemnity.
This is the core of power in the Great Swamp Kingdom, and also the place with the heaviest stench of blood. Countless struggles have taken place here, countless undercurrents have surged beneath the surface, and countless heads have rolled here.
As Qiao Lian'er stepped onto the long white jade steps, she could feel the layers of deathly aura surrounding her pressing against her body. She couldn't help but soften her breathing, not wanting to disturb those resentful spirits.
"Please wait a moment, Your Highness, this old servant will go in and inform them."
Upon arriving outside the main hall, the old eunuch said.
Qiao Lian'er waited by the side of the gate, her eyes still lowered. She could glimpse the hall inside, supported by huge red pillars, with golden dragons coiled on the pillars and phoenixes dancing in the sky, exuding a majestic aura.
The old eunuch seemed to whisper a few words inside before coming out again.
Seeing that Qiao Lian'er was well-behaved and didn't even lift her eyelids, and considering that this girl came from a peasant background, and was visiting the capital for the first time, and was meeting the emperor, and was only thirteen years old, it was truly rare to see her so composed and calm, with an attitude full of respect and humility, yet not timid.
"Princess, please come in."
Qiao Lian'er followed him into the main hall and caught a glimpse of the emperor sitting upright on the golden throne, exuding an aura of power.
She knelt down and bowed, saying, "Your subject, Qiao Lian'er, greets Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!"
From the moment she entered the palace, the emperor observed her silently.
She's just a country girl, yet she possesses such intelligence and poise. Even in a place like this, she remains dignified and elegant. She's quite remarkable.
"You are Qiao Lian'er, who used ten formations to help the Great Swamp Kingdom achieve a great victory in this battle against the Northern Frontier Tribe Alliance."
"I have only done my best. The victory was mainly due to the wise decision-making of the Emperor and the bravery of the soldiers. My contribution is only a small part."
The emperor nodded slightly.
"I hereby grant you the Qingfeng Plain fiefdom, and you shall have the right to recruit soldiers. According to regulations, a county lord may only recruit three thousand soldiers. However, since you are knowledgeable in military strategy and formations, I intend for you to recruit five thousand soldiers and train a formidable army of formations. If there is a call to arms in the future, I hope you will achieve further military merits."
"The army that was stationed in Qingfeng Plain has already withdrawn. You have ready-made camps and training grounds to use. Within Qingfeng Plain, the people live in peace and contentment, agricultural production is thriving, and annual tax revenue can be guaranteed."
Qiao Lian'er pondered that her home was in Datian Village, but training and managing soldiers was a bit unrealistic.
"The soldiers' pay and provisions will be provided by the imperial court, so you don't need to worry about that. All expenses should be reported directly to me without going through other government offices."
"If you need any assistance, just report to me and I will assign people to you."
Qiao Lian'er understood. The Emperor wanted her to train an army that was loyal to the Emperor and skilled in battle formations, so he didn't want anyone else to interfere.
For her, this is an opportunity, an honor, and a challenge.
Moreover, she had no choice but to obey; it was the emperor's decree.
"Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to serve you with utmost loyalty."
As Qiao Lian'er left the palace gate, a group of eunuchs followed behind her, each carrying a box of the same size, which was a reward from the Emperor.
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