Xiao Yuanshuang lowered her eyes.
The large pearl hairpin on her head swayed back and forth with the carriage.
Of course she wasn't stupid. The emperor was just making empty promises, saying she was just as capable as Empress Murong Yue, as if he would pass the throne to her.
But Murong Yue is an only child.
She has two older brothers.
He wants the throne, unless all his brothers die.
But take it slow, take it slow.
Her muddle-headed father may not be good at much else, but what he said—that she was no worse than Murong Yue—was true; she believed in herself.
If Murong Yue can become an empress, so can I.
Xiao Yuanshuang took a deep breath, smiled gently, tied the ribbon for Xiao Yuanche, and straightened his clothes. "Second brother, I heard that Murong Yue is very beautiful. Don't let yourself be bewitched and forget about the important matter."
Xiao Yuanche snorted, "She's just a woman. Don't worry, when the time comes, I, your second brother, will show you my skills and make sure I can take her down."
Xiao Yuanshuang concealed the disgust in her eyes, "Yes, Second Brother, don't worry. No matter how many fine men there are in Qing Kingdom, they will all treat Murong Yue with utmost respect."
"Second brother, you are dashing and debonair, far surpassing most men in the Qing Kingdom."
"Go, Second Brother, win over Murong Yue!"
snort.
Xiao Yuanche proudly raised his head, "Don't worry, if I marry the Empress of Qing, I'll find you a husband in Qing."
"I've heard that General Yan Qinghe of the Qing Kingdom is a brave and skilled warrior, and a man of great talent. If you, my dear sister, could win him over, hahahaha—"
"Then the Qing Kingdom will belong to both of us."
Xiao Yuanche laughed wildly.
When General Yan Qinghe was mentioned, a hint of longing flashed in Xiao Yuanshuang's eyes.
The delegation, in a grand procession, stopped at the south gate of the capital at dusk. Seeing that only a few shabby officials were there to greet them, the brother and sister were somewhat unhappy.
Murong Anle smiled broadly, "Second Prince, let the accompanying troops remain at the camp outside the capital. You and the other officials can take your entourage and guards into the city."
Xiao Yuanche wrapped his coat tighter around himself; it was so cold, he felt like his head was going to freeze off.
Just as she was about to agree, Xiao Yuanshuang stepped forward and bowed, "Lord Murong, my brother and I are unfamiliar with this place. We wonder how many guards we can bring into the city?"
Murong Anle raised an eyebrow. It seemed that the Third Princess was much more cautious than the Second Prince.
"The army should not exceed fifty people. As for servants, it is recommended to bring only personal attendants."
"You two will stay in the palace, while the accompanying officials will stay at the official post station."
Xiao Yuanche frowned and immediately retorted, "Fifty people? What can fifty people do?"
Murong Anle remained neither humble nor arrogant, "Second Prince, fifty men are an army. Our Great Qing Imperial City is very safe. I believe it is not your turn to use the army."
"When there are too many people in the military, it is easy for conflicts to arise."
"I still hope that you two have had a pleasant time in Daqing since you've come all this way."
Murong Anle's words were a soft rebuff.
What if someone brings too many troops into the city and causes trouble for no reason? Or what if they are framed and detained?
"..." Xiao Yuanche couldn't find a rebuttal for a moment.
Xiao Yuanshuang remained calm. "Of course we trust the Qing Kingdom and His Majesty. Fifty people it will be. However, this is my first time traveling so far, and I can't be without those around me..."
Murong Anle smiled and said, "Your Highness is too kind. Of course, you can bring along all the people you are used to."
Most of the Yue delegation was left outside the city, where the garrison in the suburbs of the capital had already prepared a place.
These soldiers from the south are really strange.
They were all freezing, but after getting used to the temperature here, they started wearing very thin clothes.
The soldiers were all dressed in cotton-padded clothes, trousers, and shoes, layer upon layer.
The soldiers of Yue were complaining that they were freezing to death, but they refused to wear any more clothes.
They seem to be more resistant to the cold than the locals in the capital.
Upon entering the military camp, Qi Yuan stood on a high platform, first expressing a warm welcome, and then explaining several rules.
"Both sides can exchange blows, but should stop when they have made their point; intentional injury is prohibited."
"When you encounter civilians while out and about, you must put away your weapons and give them the space. If you have a conflict with civilians for no reason, you shall be beheaded."
"If you have a conflict with the powerful and wealthy, come back to me."
ah?
The Yue soldiers were completely bewildered; the first point was understandable.
What does the second point mean?
Does this mean that ordinary people have a higher status than officials and soldiers?
What about the third point? How do you interpret it? It means that if a conflict arises with members of the royal family, and they come to you, Qi Yuan, can you handle it?
I had long heard that the Qing Kingdom had many strange and unusual rules.
It seems that was indeed the case!
But the most outrageous things are yet to come.
After Qi Yuan's speech, it was time for dinner.
The leader of the Yue Kingdom delegation was a general named Han Qi, a man in his thirties who had fought in battles and led troops. This was the first time he had ever seen such a dining style in all these years.
The dining area was not a tent or outdoors, but a bungalow.
He had eaten for so many years, and this was the first time he had ever seen an army eat indoors.
The Qing Kingdom squad leader accompanying him explained with a smile, "If it were a combat army, of course they would use tents, but this is a garrison."
"Both the Emperor Emeritus and His Majesty have said that it is an honor for us to join the army to protect our country."
"Give us the best conditions within our capabilities."
The squad leader was wrapped in a thick cotton coat and wore a rabbit fur hat, which covered his ears and chin completely.
They are particularly proud when talking about their own cafeteria.
Han Qi couldn't help but nod. When it comes to winning people's hearts, the Qing Kingdom has a set of tricks.
Upon entering the canteen, there were rows of counter-like structures where squad leaders and ordinary soldiers lined up together, making it impossible to distinguish between superiors and subordinates.
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