The Yuntian Continent is dotted with numerous nations, their relationships intricate and complex. Large and small kingdoms crisscross the land, having endured nearly 500 years of separation. As the saying goes, what is united will eventually divide, and what is divided will eventually unite; the conflicts between these nations have become increasingly apparent. Among them, the vast and powerful Da Jing Kingdom stands out, its rulers ambitious and militaristic. Through the efforts of several generations, Da Jing Kingdom has become a force to be reckoned with, attracting the attention and alliances of many smaller nations.
The current ruler of the Great Jing Kingdom, Jin Changjiang, has six sons, all of whom are skilled warriors with exceptional abilities and martial arts skills. They are all now of marriageable age. The first three princes have already married princesses from other countries, making the Great Jing Kingdom's intention to form alliances with other nations quite clear.
The remaining three princes were all 20 years old, full of vigor and youthful energy. Jin Changjiang planned to marry a princess to each of them. Jin Changjiang was over sixty years old, and years of fighting on the battlefield had taken their toll. His health was deteriorating day by day, so he thought of handing over the great cause of national rejuvenation to his sons.
On the vast, desolate grassland, a long convoy slowly moved along, the sound of horses' hooves and wheels creating a unique melody.
The leading man was dressed in splendid robes, his long hair meticulously styled and secured with a jade crown. His sharp, eagle-like eyes gleamed with a sinister light, and the deep wrinkles between his brows and the straight lines of his lips revealed his meticulous and serious character. He was Jin Mingrui, the third son of the Great Jing Prince Jin Changjiang.
The largest carriage was filled with the fragrance of perfume and the delicate scent of a young woman. The curtain was gently lifted by two hands, revealing the wild grassland outside, with the fragrant aroma of fresh grass wafting towards you.
"Your Highness, look! This place is exactly the same as before, nothing has changed." A woman with her hair tied up in a traditional Chinese bun and wearing a long blue dress turned her head to look at the woman in the main seat, her tone filled with excitement and nostalgia.
Since marrying into the Great Jing Kingdom with the princess, they have been unable to return to their hometown for 12 years. If it weren't for certain circumstances, they probably would never have been able to return to their beloved homeland, to see the familiar faces and blood relatives again.
The woman seated in the main seat possessed a dignified posture, her hands clasped together on her abdomen. Every movement exuded the poise and elegance cultivated by a life of luxury. The pearl flowers on her head shone brightly, simple and elegant, while the gold tassels on her hair swayed gently, making a crisp tinkling sound as they jingled.
Her features could only be described as dignified; the combination of ordinary features gave her a strangely comfortable air, and the corners of her mouth were in a standard curve that never fell. Upon hearing the maid Qingti's voice, Helan Min's lips curved slightly upward, her eyebrows and eyes crinkling, revealing a hint of pleasure and joy.
His voice was soft and clear, perfectly matching the impression he gave off. His tone also carried a hint of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex emotion encompassing regret and reflection), and a subtle sense of melancholy.
"Yes, it's been 12 years since I've been back."
"Your Highness, don't be sad. At least we're back now and can stay in Yong Kingdom for a while longer. Speaking of which, your niece should have grown up by now and become a beautiful young lady. You should be happy."
Knowing his master's personality, Qingpi quickly changed the subject and started talking about something more enjoyable.
"Mm." Helan Min nodded. Being able to marry a prince was already a blessing for him, so why should he be sad about anything else? He should be content.
The convoy moved slowly forward, finally arriving at Wancheng, the capital of the Yong Kingdom, before sunset. The dim, hazy sunlight shone on the ancient city walls of Wancheng, casting a warm yellow glow that carried a profound historical atmosphere, making it unforgettable.
On the city wall, a middle-aged man in magnificent robes saw the long procession and his face lit up with ecstatic joy. He hurriedly ordered his men to descend the wall and greet them at the city gate. He was none other than Helan Xiong, the current ruler of the Yong Dynasty and Helan Min's elder brother.
With a swift movement, Jin Mingrui dismounted, stroked his restless horse, and strode towards Helan Xiong. The two embraced tightly, smiled at each other, and displayed the passion and boldness of the people of the grasslands.
"Haha, it's been many years! Brother Helan, you still look the same. Time has truly been kind to you."
"Not at all! You must be tired from your long journey. I've already prepared the banquet at the palace. Come with me to the palace to rest." Helan Xiong smiled modestly, secretly pleased with himself, his words always subtly revealing his flattery towards Jin Mingrui.
He had no choice but to appease them. Yong was just a small country, its territory less than one-fifth the size of Da Jing. In recent years, Yong's situation had gradually declined, falling from a second-rate country to a third-rate one. If it weren't for Da Jing backing it up, it would probably have been annexed by neighboring countries long ago.
"Big brother, it's been a long time." Hearing this voice, Helan Xiong looked up and saw his sister, who was now dressed in a dignified and elegant manner. For a moment, he could hardly recognize her.
My younger sister was once a quintessential daughter of the grasslands, galloping across the plains on horseback, her riding attire as fiery as the wind, the most dazzling jewel of Yong Kingdom. Now, however, she has shed her armor and donned the elegant dresses favored by women, exuding a more feminine grace and gentleness.
"It's been 12 years, Min'er." The brother and sister smiled at each other, everything understood without words.
Da da da—
A group of people walked into the city gate laughing and joking, but before they could even take two steps, the sound of horses' hooves came from outside the city, followed by a woman's silvery laughter, which, like fireflies in the dark, drew people's attention to her.
"Sister, hurry up and catch me! Why are you so slow? You can't catch me, none of you can compare to me—" The black horse kicked up a cloud of dust, and only the woman's fiery riding attire and her long hair flowing in the wind could be vaguely seen.
She would occasionally turn her head to look behind her, shouting loudly, her smugness and arrogance undisguised. He was like a blazing fire, warm and bright, like a slowly rising sun, drawing people closer involuntarily.
"Whoa—" As they approached the city gate, the woman in red tightened the reins and landed gracefully on the ground.
Jin Mingrui then saw the other person's face, a deep sense of amazement flashing in his eyes. The woman had fiery red lips, bright phoenix eyes, and a wide smile that revealed her pearly white teeth, which was not impolite but rather delightful. His features were exquisitely beautiful, like a work of art meticulously sculpted by the finest craftsman, and his slightly curved phoenix eyes were filled with a sky full of stars.
"Wuxia, didn't I tell you before that we have distinguished guests today? Why did you still drag your sister out for a horse ride? Aren't you afraid of offending our guests? Hurry up and apologize to the Prince." Helan Xiong stepped forward and said, but there was not much reprimand in his tone.
"Father, I know I was wrong, please forgive me this time." Helan Wuxia stuck out her tongue, looking even more charming and cute. She stepped forward and took Helan Xiong's arm, acting coquettishly, making it hard for anyone to refuse.
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