"This is all I know, Your Highness, please let me go." The prefect of Xuzhou told him everything he knew.
Princess Qi Yuandong of Qi was filled with doubt upon learning of General Xu Yuanzhang's death. General Xu Yuanzhang was a hero of Xuzhou, and his passing seemed to conceal a hidden secret. The princess decided to travel to Xuzhou herself to uncover the truth.
The following morning, the princess, accompanied by her entourage, finally arrived in Xuzhou after a long journey. The prefect of Xuzhou was very surprised to learn of the princess's arrival, but still showed due respect and welcome.
Princess Qi Yuandong realized that to get the prefect to fully confess, she needed to adopt a more subtle strategy. Instead of directly threatening the prefect, she expressed her deep condolences for General Xu and stated that she was willing to do everything in her power to protect the general's reputation.
In the reception room of the Xuzhou prefectural residence, Princess Qi Yuandong had her first conversation with the prefect. The princess subtly expressed her concern about the truth behind General Xu Yuanzhang's death, while the prefect seemed somewhat evasive.
"Princess, I must tell you frankly, General Xu did not die from any cause, but rather he was with Jiang Jinhua, one of the Emperor's former concubines, and died suddenly! I beg you, please do not investigate further!"
The prefect of Xuzhou didn't want to get into trouble. This General Xu had made a mistake and changed his name to come here, so it was likely that the emperor was intentionally protecting him.
"What?! Didn't you tell me in the palace that he died of natural causes? That he died of illness?"
Qi Yuandong stood up excitedly and looked at the minister in front of her. She didn't understand why things were like this.
"Sister Jiang? She's still alive? So they passed away together. Hehe, brother, you really kept this from your sister for a long time!"
As Qi Yuandong spoke these words, tears welled up in his eyes.
General Xu Yuanzhang served as the vanguard in the border battles of yesteryear, killing countless enemies and returning in triumph. His name became a legend in the State of Qi, and countless people praised his heroic deeds. Princess Qi Yuandong of Qi had long heard of him, but she was filled with curiosity about this hero.
To celebrate General Xu's victory, the King of Jiang held a grand banquet in the palace. Nobles, officials, and foreign envoys were all invited. Qi Yuandong, who was then living in the Qi household, attended the banquet with her mother, eager to witness the hero's prowess.
When General Xu Yuanzhang entered the banquet hall, all eyes were drawn to him. Dressed in military uniform, he was dashing and exuded an extraordinary aura. Qi Yuandong watched him from afar in the crowd, a feeling he had never experienced before welling up inside him.
At the banquet, General Xu Yuanzhang was invited to sit at his brother Qi Jingxuan's table. Princess Qi Yuandong took the opportunity to talk to him, and she was deeply attracted by his knowledge and eloquence.
As the banquet progressed, Qi Yuandong found it increasingly difficult to take her eyes off General Xu Yuanzhang. Her heart was filled with a fluttering emotion she had never experienced before. She began to realize that she might have fallen in love with this hero.
After the banquet, Qi Yuandong returned home and strolled alone in the garden. The stars in the night sky seemed to be telling her her heart's story; her heart was filled with longing for General Xu Yuanzhang.
At that time, she silently made a wish in her heart: she hoped to have the opportunity to meet General Xu Yuanzhang again and get to know him more deeply.
She finally accepted the fact that her beloved had left her for someone else and wanted to visit his grave.
After a long search, the princess finally found General Xu Yuanzhang's tomb on a small hill. His name and deeds were engraved on the tombstone, and the princess was filled with grief and loss.
Princess Qi Yuandong laid flowers at General Xu Yuanzhang's tomb and bowed deeply to express her condolences and respect. Tears fell onto the tombstone, as if telling of her endless longing for the general.
Qi Yuandong arrived at the imperial palace and saw Jiang Jinhua, who had disappeared for a long time.
"Princess, what brings you here!"
Qi Yuandong didn't reply, but instead looked at the child in her arms, "So big already, probably over a year old, time really flies!"
Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably; the child looked remarkably like Xu Yuanzhang.
"Princess, please come in and have a seat," Jiang Jinhua invited, though she didn't know why the princess had come to her place.
"No, I have to go back now. This is just a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it; the child will need money in the future." Qi Yuandong glanced back reluctantly, but said nothing, got into the carriage, and left.
With a heavy heart, Princess Qi Yuandong embarked on her journey back to the State of Qi. She knew that although she and General Xu Yuanzhang were now separated by death, their love would forever be etched in her heart.
Although it was just my own unrequited love.
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