The guards on the city wall were already on high alert. In the light of the torches, a gatekeeper shouted loudly:
"Halt! State your identity!"
The Imperial Guard captain beside Qin Zhaoqiong rode forward, his voice loud and clear:
"By imperial decree, Her Highness the First Princess has led one thousand Imperial Guards, traveling day and night, to Zhenbei Pass! Please verify the documents!"
Upon hearing this, there was no disturbance on the city wall, and the basket was quickly lowered.
The Imperial Guard captain took a sealed copper box from his bosom and placed it in the basket.
Inside the bronze box were official documents bearing His Majesty's private seal and the official seal of the Xuan Ge Division, as well as a pass token and a crimson gold fish-shaped tally representing the eldest princess's status.
The city gate officer carefully checked and found nothing wrong. He confirmed that the documents and seals were genuine, the token sequence was correct, and the shape and pattern of the fish tally matched the records perfectly.
"The survey is correct! Open the city gates!"
The heavy winch made a teeth-grinding creaking sound, and the huge black iron city gate slowly opened to both sides, revealing the deep passageway inside the city.
The Imperial Guard cavalry filed in, their hooves striking the basalt pavement with a crisp, cold echo.
The city gatekeeper led the way, and the procession did not stop, but went straight through the empty streets and alleys, arriving at the Xuanwu Army camp located on the west side of the city gate.
The central command tent was brightly lit, and the charcoal brazier dispelled the chill of the north.
When Qin Zhaoqiong removed his cloak and stepped into the tent, exuding a chill, the several generals who were already waiting inside immediately stood up.
The Imperial Guard scouts had gone ahead and already informed the army of their arrival tonight, so they were waiting here.
All the generals bowed and clasped their hands in unison, their voices loud and clear:
"Your humble servants greet Your Highness the Eldest Princess!"
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