Their targets were Consort Jing and Bai Chuxiao, but now that they had escaped, Wei Baichuan had no interest in engaging the Flying Cloud Cavalry. Both armies marched headlong towards Yizhou.
The nearby Yizhou garrison commanders let them into the city without questioning them, as if they had been given prior notice. Bai Chuxiao breathed a sigh of relief after successfully leading Consort Jing into Yizhou territory. Not long after, Yu Fengyang, Cui Hao, and their Flying Cloud Cavalry caught up with them.
As for Wei Baichuan and his group following behind, they were stopped as soon as they reached the territory of Yizhou. "Where did you come from? You are not allowed to enter the fiefdom of the Prince of Ping without permission."
Wei Baichuan said coldly, "Didn't the Flying Cloud Cavalry already go ahead?"
The general leading the way said, "What Flying Cloud Cavalry? We don't know them. They have the late emperor's golden token, so they can naturally pass."
Wei Baichuan gritted his teeth, suddenly remembering that Bai Chuxiao had only returned the Imperial Sword, but still possessed a Golden Token. The Golden Token of the Great Xia Dynasty had virtually no power; it could neither mobilize troops nor grant immunity from death.
Besides, Emperor Wenxuan is dead, and Chu Tianling has already ascended the throne. What use is that plaque now? Is it really as if the late emperor himself were here? Could the spirit of the late emperor still grace us with his presence? Even if he could, what good would it do? A new emperor, a new court.
These people are clearly feigning ignorance. Wei Baichuan shouted angrily, "How dare you! We are on His Majesty's orders to go to Zhenzhou on important business. Let us through immediately!"
The leading general, however, remained unconvinced. "Words are no proof. Without His Majesty's written order, no other troops are permitted to set foot in Yizhou. You must retreat immediately, or I will have no choice but to treat you as rebels."
Wei Baichuan's face was ashen. He had set off immediately; what imperial edict did he have? Besides, Chu Tianling hadn't even ascended the throne yet when he left.
Showing the token of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, Wei Baichuan coldly said, "I am the heir of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, and I am indeed acting on His Majesty's orders. You may go ahead and inform Prince Ping. If you delay this important matter, I'm afraid you won't be able to bear the consequences." He didn't believe that Prince Ping could pretend to be stupid.
The leading general hurriedly said, "So it's Prince Wei! This humble general will go and inform the Prince immediately. Please wait outside the city for a moment, Your Highness."
Wei Baichuan nodded coldly, then whispered to a man in black behind him, "Send a message to Fuzhou at top speed."
They couldn't enter Yizhou for the time being, but Bai Chuxiao and her group would eventually have to enter Fuzhou. Naturally, the troops in Fuzhou wouldn't dare to play dumb like they did in Yizhou.
After entering the city, Bai Chuxiao urged her horse to slowly come to a stop. Consort Jing clutched her chest, barely suppressing the urge to vomit.
Bai Chuxiao gently helped Consort Jing down, asking with concern, "Mother, are you alright?"
Consort Jing looked tired and pale, and nodded slightly.
Bai Chuxiao said to Zhan Chi, "Let's find an inn and rest for the night before we leave."
The wind was biting cold; if Consort Jing continued to travel in this weather, she might fall ill.
Once inside the inn, it was much warmer. After resting for a while, a glimmer of color returned to Jing Guiren's face. She slowly asked, "Xiaoxiao, how much longer do we have to walk?"
Bai Chuxiao also drank some hot tea and smiled, "Mother, once we pass through Fuzhou and reach Zhenzhou, we won't have to worry anymore."
The Northwest is a vast region, but most of it is uninhabited. It is divided into three major prefectures: Dingzhou, Ningzhou, and Zhenzhou. Each prefecture is about twice the size of the others.
Now that the two countries are at war, Chu Tianze, as the commander-in-chief of the Northwest, can command all the troops in the three northwestern states. Although the local government garrisons may outwardly comply but inwardly disobey, they would never dare to act like the Cangzhou army.
Consort Jing said with a hint of heartache, "Xiaoxiao, you've had a hard time these past few days. It's all because of your mother that you've been a burden."
Bai Chuxiao quickly replied, "Mother, what are you saying?"
Consort Jing gave up her own son for Chu Tianze's life and raised him with all her heart for so many years, always thinking of Chu Tianze's best interests. In the end, they are the ones who owe her the debt.
Consort Jing sighed softly, "Over the years, I have always felt guilty. Your true mother is that legendary extraordinary woman, not me..."
Bai Chuxiao quickly grabbed her hand, "Mother, you're the one who should feel guilty. There's no need to say such things anymore. Get some rest tonight..."
Consort Jing squeezed her hand tightly and said seriously, "Xiaoxiao, thank you... Tianze is lucky to have you..."
Since leaving the capital, this was arguably the best night's rest Bai Chuxiao and her companions had had, all thanks to Prince Ping. However, Prince Ping couldn't hold out for much longer.
Early in the morning, Bai Chuxiao helped Consort Jing into the carriage. After the group met up with the Flying Cloud Cavalry outside the city, they sped off towards Fuzhou.
...
A large, luxurious sedan chair was quietly parked on the road Bai Chuxiao and her entourage were sure to take. Several thousand elite soldiers guarded the chair, clearly indicating that the person inside was no ordinary individual.
Bai Chuxiao made a hand gesture, and the Flying Cloud Riders behind her immediately stopped.
Yu Fengyang and Cui Hao accompanied Bai Chuxiao as she dismounted and approached the magnificent sedan chair. Bai Chuxiao smiled slightly, "Your Highness Prince Ping..."
The carriage curtain was lifted, and a refined-looking man in his thirties, dressed in a blue brocade robe, stepped down with a smile. He sized up the woman before him for a moment before speaking, "The Princess Consort of Yan is indeed as rumored."
Bai Chuxiao smiled faintly, "I must thank Your Highness this time."
Prince Ping smiled gently, "Seventh sister-in-law, there's no need to be so polite. Although I haven't had much contact with my seventh brother, he has made the most contributions among all my brothers over the years, and I admire him greatly. If you don't mind, you can just call me Third Brother."
Bai Chuxiao smiled, "Third Brother"
Prince Ping nodded with a smile, "That's right. I've heard that my seventh brother married a queen who is also a skilled warrior, and I've been very curious about it. It's been worth waiting here for you today."
Bai Chuxiao smiled and said, "Third Brother's insightful nature is what makes his wife admire him."
Prince Ping shook his head and said, "Now that my sixth brother has ascended the throne, I can't delay things for you for much longer. I hope you won't blame your third brother."
Bai Chuxiao smiled and said, "How could that be? I'm already extremely grateful for your help, Third Brother."
Prince Ping chuckled, "Alright, I won't keep you any longer. Please give my regards to the Dowager Consort."
Bai Chuxiao nodded slightly, cupped her hands in greeting, and said, "Third Brother, farewell."
The greetings were merely polite formalities; the brothers weren't even that close, let alone Consort Jing. However, Prince Ping's act of granting them passage was already a great kindness.
Cui Hao and Yu Fengyang also bowed respectfully to Prince Ping. If it weren't for Prince Ping's help, they would have been in serious trouble.
Prince Ping waved his hand dismissively, then returned to his sedan chair and leisurely departed, escorted by a group of elite soldiers.
Outside Yizhou City, the general who had gone to deliver the message to Prince Ping finally returned. "Your Highness, I apologize for keeping you waiting. The Prince went to a mountain villa in the suburbs to enjoy wine and admire the snow, which caused the delay. I hope Your Highness will not be offended."
Wei Baichuan said coldly, "How dare I? Do you think we can let them pass now?"
The general replied, "Of course, Your Highness, please."
Wei Baichuan, his face grim, led his men towards Fuzhou. They'd been delayed for so long; Bai Chuxiao and the others were probably almost there already. Hopefully, they could still make it in time.
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