Wow.
She was breathtakingly beautiful.
Like a double-petaled peony painted in oils.
Even with rich, heavy strokes of ink, an artist could barely capture three-tenths of her beauty on paper.
Once the veil fell, her face was hidden from view, and Yan Tongshu withdrew her disappointed gaze.
After sitting for a while, Yan Tongshu left with the other officials.
Meng Zheng was standing at the entrance, speaking with a man dressed as a Northern Liao guard.
The man was tall and broad-shouldered, with handsome features. Just standing there, he carried an extraordinary air about him—he certainly did not look like an ordinary guard.
Yan Tongshu did not want to disturb them and was just about to leave when Meng Zheng waved her over.
Yan Tongshu walked toward them.
Meng Zheng introduced them. “Lord Yan, allow me to introduce you. This is an old friend I met in Yinzhou, Xie Li.”
Then he said to Xie Li, “This is the Lord Yan whose reputation you’ve been eager to witness for yourself.”
Yan Tongshu suddenly felt rather shy.
Did these people from Northern Liao really like her that much?
Chancellor Yelu had said he had long admired her reputation, and now here was another Xie Li who had supposedly been eager to meet her.
“So you are Lord Yan.” Xie Li hurriedly saluted. “I have long heard of Lord Yan’s achievements and admire you beyond words. To see Lord Yan in person today is truly the greatest fortune of my life.”
Yan Tongshu quickly replied, “Not at all, not at all. Brother Xie Li, you’re far too kind.”
Xie Li thumped his chest, his sincerity utterly unmistakable. “I mean every word. They come straight from the bottom of my heart. Ever since I first heard of Lord Yan, I have longed to meet you. Now that I finally have, I am incredibly happy—truly, incredibly happy.”
Yan Tongshu blinked.
On the outside, she remained calm, but inside, a tiny version of herself was already spinning in delighted circles.
Today, the people of Northern Liao had praised her so much that she felt light-headed. She might just float away.
“Oh, right.” Xie Li took an ornament made of tough cowhide from inside his robe. Strange runes had been drawn across it, and he smiled as he said, “This is a talisman blessed by the Heavenly God. Please accept it, Lord Yan.”
The Heavenly God religion was the state religion of Northern Liao. It was divided into the Orthodox Sect and the New Sect, and its followers likewise fell into two groups: the good and the extremists. The assassins belonged to the extremist faction of the New Sect.
For an orthodox believer like Xie Li, a blessing from the Heavenly God was extraordinarily precious.
Yan Tongshu was just about to decline when Xie Li immediately bowed, holding it out to her with both hands. “Please, Lord Yan. You must accept it.”
Unable to refuse, Yan Tongshu accepted it with a smile. “Then, if we have the opportunity, I’ll treat you to a meal next time.”
“Yes!” Xie Li beamed, his face bright and sunny. “I’ll be waiting for you, Lord Yan.”
After speaking with Xie Li, Yan Tongshu bade him farewell. Meng Zheng patted Xie Li on the shoulder, then followed Yan Tongshu away.
Curious, Yan Tongshu asked, “How did you and Xie Li meet?”
“We fought first and became friends afterward.” Meng Zheng smiled. “Seven years ago, I went to Yinzhou. At the border market between our two countries, I ran into a thief. He was a slippery one. He used the Liao language to signal his accomplices, intending to surround me, but I beat them so thoroughly that they fled in disarray. Seeing that things were going badly, the thief cried for help in Liao and falsely accused me of bullying him because I was from our country.
“Xie Li happened to pass by and, hearing him, believed the story. He rushed over. I didn’t understand Liao, so I assumed Xie Li was one of the thief’s accomplices, and the two of us started fighting. As we fought, we realized that both of us possessed exceptional martial skills, yet neither of us was using excessive force. We didn’t seem like bad people, so we stopped. We found someone who understood both languages to explain what had happened, and that was when we finally cleared up the misunderstanding.”
“Of course, while we were sorting everything out, the thieves escaped.” Meng Zheng paused, clasping his hands behind his back as he continued. “Xie Li felt terribly sorry about it, so he had the interpreter tell me to meet him at the same place and time the next day. I came as agreed. I hadn’t been waiting long when Xie Li arrived, escorting the whole group of thieves. He left them for me to deal with. I handed them over to the officials jointly appointed by both countries to manage the border market.
“Xie Li admired my martial skills, and I admired his sense of right and wrong. He hadn’t allowed the old grievances between our countries to cloud his judgment, so we became friends.”
Yan Tongshu asked, “If neither of you knew the other’s language, how did you communicate?”
Meng Zheng answered with two words: “By gesturing.”
As he spoke, he pointed toward the candied hawthorns, then looked at Yan Tongshu as if asking whether she wanted one.
Yan Tongshu nodded.
Meng Zheng took out some money, bought a skewer, and handed it to her with a smile. “Just like this.”
Meng Zheng continued, “Later, I worked hard to learn some Liao, and he also began studying Han Chinese. Our conversations were still rather halting, but thanks to our mutual understanding, we could more or less figure out what the other meant. Unfortunately, I returned home after spending only half a year in Yinzhou.
“I was surprised to see him this time as well. Especially since his Han Chinese has improved so much. He greeted me, and we chatted for a while. He told me that he greatly admired you, Lord Yan, and wanted to give you a gift. We were talking about that when you came over.”
“Lord Yan.” Meng Zheng turned around, walking backward. Yan Tongshu’s reflection was mirrored in his eyes as he said, “You are now a distinguished figure renowned throughout both countries, praised by everyone.”
Yan Tongshu was overjoyed. “That only proves the people of both countries have excellent judgment.”
“Yes, Lord Yan is absolutely right.” Meng Zheng burst out laughing.
“However…” Yan Tongshu voiced the doubt in her mind. “Although Xie Li was dressed as a guard, he isn’t an ordinary guard, is he?”
“He’s with the Northern Privy Council. I don’t know his exact position,” Meng Zheng replied. “But he’s a distant relative of Empress Dowager Xiao, so his status is certainly no ordinary matter. He is also Princess Xing’an’s archery and riding instructor.
“I asked him just now why he was here. He said he had been ordered to protect the princess personally. He is highly skilled, so presumably Empress Dowager Xiao made these arrangements for the princess’s safety.”
Yan Tongshu took a bite of the candied hawthorn.
It made sense.
Princess Xing’an bore the responsibility of preserving peace between the two countries. During the delegation’s journey, they had to contend with the Northern Prefecture’s hawkish factions watching them like wolves, as well as certain ill-intentioned people within their own court. It was only reasonable for Empress Dowager Xiao and the Northern Liao Emperor to arrange for several highly skilled experts to protect her at close range, in case anything unexpected happened.
When they reached their destination, Yan Tongshu waved goodbye to Meng Zheng and climbed into her carriage.
She had to return to the Kaifeng Prefecture to handle official business.
That evening, there would be a welcoming banquet hosted by the civil officials for the Northern Liao delegation. It would not be until two days later that the emperor would receive the delegation and host a banquet in their honor.
…
That evening.
The Northern Liao delegation had specifically sent word that they wished to meet representatives of the Legal Bureau, so Yan Liangrong and He Liqing had also been invited to the banquet.
He Liqing would turn forty-one in September of this year. She was the energetic older woman Yan Tongshu had met after the Legal Bureau’s examination.
Yan Liangrong had the Fish Village case to her credit, while He Liqing had distinguished herself through the domestic abuse case.
Unless anything unexpected happened, both Yan Liangrong and He Liqing would be promoted after October.
When the Legal Bureau had first been established, it had been decided that it would be an organization for women, with every position filled by women. However, because this was the court’s first women’s department and its first selection of female officials, the female officials had no experience. Therefore, several male officials had been temporarily assigned to serve in supporting positions.
After six months, officials would be promoted from among the first recruits based on their achievements.
At that point, Cen Xu would return to the Ministry of Justice.
Then, a year later, another round of promotions would be carried out, with the head of the Legal Bureau selected from among those promoted from the first cohort. At that time, Pei Jin’an would also step down and return to her original department.
But the time had not yet come. The Lusi had not yet selected the first group of officials to be promoted, so Cen Xu was still accompanying Yan Liangrong and He Liqing to meet the Northern Liao delegation.
After Cen Xu brought Yan Liangrong and He Liqing into the banquet hall and they paid their respects to Chancellor Yelu, he praised the Lusi lavishly, just as he routinely did with the other officials of Wu. He then had a maid lead Yan Liangrong and He Liqing to meet the princess.
Only then did the two women realize that the ones truly curious about the Lusi were not the Northern Liao delegation, but Princess Xing’an.
The reason no one had said so explicitly at first was that they needed to keep Princess Xing’an’s journey confidential.
The maid led them all the way to the princess’s room.
The moment Princess Xing’an heard that people from the Lusi had arrived, she immediately came running out from behind the screen.
She was wearing a great many ornaments. Just as Yan Tongshu had guessed, they jingled as she moved, producing a light and lovely melody.
Princess Xing’an sat down on the couch.
Yan Liangrong and He Liqing knelt to pay their respects, but she immediately had her maids help them to their feet.
Her two maids, A-Lian and A-Fu, were twin sisters born to the same mother.
The elder sister, A-Lian, had double-lidded eyes, while the younger sister, A-Fu, had one double-lidded eye and one single-lidded eye. Apart from that difference, their other features, height, and proportions were exactly the same.
If not for the different clothes they were wearing, no one could tell them apart at a glance.
Princess Xing’an’s voice was clear and bright. “A-Lian, go bring some tea for the two female officials.”
“Is that what I should call you?” Sixteen was the age when one was curious about everything. Princess Xing’an looked first at Yan Liangrong, then at He Liqing. “Before I came, I made a point of asking about you. They said that the first female officials appointed to the Lusi were all ninth-rank historians, and that you would not be promoted until six months later. Are the two of you among those who will be promoted?”
He Liqing was older, so she answered on their behalf.
With a smile, she said, “Yes. Historian Yan and I are both currently on the list. It has already been submitted to His Majesty. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will advance another rank in October.”
“Wow.” Princess Xing’an’s beautiful eyes shone brightly. “You’re officials—female officials.”
Yan Liangrong asked, “Does Northern Liao have no female officials?”
Princess Xing’an shook her head. “We aren’t allowed to become officials. At most, we can marry, then command men to carry out our orders like Empress Dowager Xiao. When I heard that your country had established female officials, I was incredibly envious and curious. That’s why I insisted that Uncle Yelu let me meet you.”
Her bright eyes sparkled. “How are female officials examined? Do you take the same examinations as men?”
He Liqing smiled gently. “Not exactly. Since the Lusi and male officials have different responsibilities, the examination subjects are also quite different.”
“What do you have to take? What do you usually do? Do you investigate cases like Lord Yan? Oh, right—you…”
She pointed at Yan Liangrong. “Your surname is Yan too. Are you related to Lord Yan? My master admires Lord Yan very much. Do you investigate cases as well?”
Yan Liangrong and He Liqing exchanged a glance.
Judging from their ages, Princess Xing’an was still only a child in their eyes. She had far too many questions about the Lusi. Since she was asking them all at once, the two women hardly knew where to begin.
He Liqing smiled. “Princess Xing’an, it’s still early today. Why don’t Historian Yan and I tell you everything from the beginning?”
“Mm!” Princess Xing’an nodded excitedly. She then called for A-Lian and A-Fu to bring some pastries, invited Yan Liangrong and He Liqing to sit down, and began chatting with them over snacks.
Princess Xing’an was strikingly beautiful, with the open and cheerful personality of someone raised on the grasslands. She was straightforward, carefree, and exceedingly warm toward others. Although she had an endless number of enthusiastic questions about the Lusi, Yan Liangrong and He Liqing did not find her tiresome in the slightest. On the contrary, they found her utterly adorable.
The three of them chatted until deep into the night. Princess Xing’an listened to all sorts of interesting stories about the Lusi, as well as fascinating tales of life and customs in Bianjing. Her heart yearned to see the city for herself, and she was reluctant to part with them.
It was not until someone knocked on the door that Xie Li reminded her, “Princess, it’s late.”
Princess Xing’an pursed her lips in disappointment. How had the time passed so quickly? She had not even finished listening to the two female officials.
“It’s all right.” He Liqing smiled gently. “The delegation will be staying in the capital for some time yet. If you would like to hear more, Historian Yan and I will be happy to serve you whenever you wish.”
“Really?” Princess Xing’an’s face instantly blossomed into a radiant smile. She tugged at Yan Liangrong’s sleeve. “I’ve never been anywhere this far from home. I’d like to look around Bianjing too. Could you accompany me?”
“We’d be delighted to…” Yan Liangrong had not finished speaking when A-Lian reminded her, “Princess, Chancellor Yelu forbade you from leaving.”
Princess Xing’an lowered her head in disappointment.
She was a princess, yet she had no freedom at all.
Yan Liangrong thought for a moment. “Princess, how about this? Tomorrow, when Historian He and I come over, we’ll bring you some delicious food and fun things from Bianjing.”
Princess Xing’an bit her lip. “Can you?”
“Of course.” Yan Liangrong smiled. “I can’t make any promises about everything else, but the Yan family’s Foodie’s Haven specializes in selling food. Its pastries and cakes are extremely popular throughout Bianjing and receive rave reviews.”
Princess Xing’an nodded eagerly. “Then, Sister Yan, Sister He, you must come tomorrow. Chancellor Yelu wouldn’t let me leave or show my face during the entire journey. I nearly went crazy from being cooped up. When you’re here talking with me, I…I feel much better.”
“We promise,” Yan Liangrong and He Liqing assured her repeatedly.
Only then did Princess Xing’an let them leave. She also asked Xie Li to escort them out of the Court of State Reception.
When Yan Liangrong came out, Yan Tongshu had already emerged and was waiting for her in the carriage.
Cen Xu was standing beside her.
Yan Liangrong and He Liqing walked over and briefly explained the situation to Cen Xu.
A faint smile curved Cen Xu’s lips. “So that’s how it is. Princess Xing’an certainly has a guileless and carefree nature. If she were to marry into our imperial family and enter His Majesty’s harem, she likely wouldn’t cause any trouble.”
He Liqing said, “Choosing such a lively and innocent princess, one who already has such a favorable impression of Bianjing, is proof enough of the sincerity behind Northern Liao’s desire for peace.”
Cen Xu nodded. He then turned and saluted Yan Tongshu before taking his leave.
Yan Tongshu gave a slight nod and boarded the carriage with Yan Liangrong.
That evening, after returning to her room, Yan Tongshu looked at the cotton Qin Yi doll on the bed and suddenly felt irritated. She simply stuffed the cotton doll beneath the quilt and ignored it.
The next day, Yan Liangrong was at the Lusi handling several requests for assistance when Gao Qi suddenly approached her with a mysterious air.
“Historian Yan, someone is looking for you.”
“Who is it? Is it a young woman from some family who has encountered trouble but is too embarrassed to speak of it?” Yan Liangrong asked.
Gao Qi lowered his voice. “Their accents don’t sound local. They’re wearing veils and acting very secretive.”
Veils?
Yan Liangrong’s first thought was Princess Xing’an. But then she reconsidered. The princess was under strict guard at the Court of State Reception and could not easily leave.
Gao Qi said, “They insist that you come outside. They refuse to come in.”
Yan Liangrong nodded. Since that was the case, she would go out and meet her.
Everyone who came to the Legal Office was a poor soul driven to the end of their rope.
People like that had worked up tremendous courage just to take the first step. Even the slightest disturbance might send them plunging into an abyss, so Yan Liangrong dared not let down her guard.
As she stepped outside, someone lightly tapped her on the shoulder from behind.
Then she heard a clear, melodious voice say, “Sister Yan, I came to find you.”
Yan Liangrong’s face went white with shock.
This was the princess of the Northern Liao peace delegation.
She was the granddaughter of Empress Dowager Xiao and the daughter of the King of Northern Liao.
The Northern Liao court, the anti-peace faction in their own dynasty, and the extremists of the Celestial God Cult were all watching the delegation like hungry wolves. They had even survived a terrifying assassination attempt earlier.
And now Princess Xing’an had simply run out of the Duting Post Station!
If anything happened to her, the two nations might go to war, and rivers of blood would flow. The consequences would be impossible to imagine.
This was Princess Xing’an’s first time in Bianjing and her first time leaving the post station. As she gazed at scenery completely unlike the northern frontier, she was overwhelmed with excitement and delight. She did not notice Yan Liangrong’s dramatically changed expression at all. Instead, she greeted her with a bright smile.
“Sister Yan, look! I came out. Now we can play together today.”
Yan Liangrong steadied herself and asked, “Princess, did you come out alone?”
“Of course not.” Princess Xing’an waved to Xie Li in the distance. “I came with my master.”
Yan Liangrong was still uneasy. “Does Chancellor Yelu know?”
“I’d never tell that old stinkbag.” Princess Xing’an looped her arm through Yan Liangrong’s. “Sister Yan, I know what you’re worried about. Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of myself and absolutely won’t let anything happen to me or ruin the peace talks between our two countries.
“Besides, I have Xie Li. He’s my master, and he’s very skilled in martial arts. Back home, whenever I got bored staying in the palace, Xie Li would secretly take me out to play. We did it all the time, and nothing ever happened.”
Princess Xing’an shook Yan Liangrong’s arm coquettishly. “Sister Yan, please, don’t send me back, all right? I’ve been so miserable and bored on this journey. That old stinkbag Chancellor Yelu only lets me stay in my room or in the carriage. He even assigned so many people to keep a close watch on me. I’m practically suffocating.
“Besides, I came out this time because I wanted to see the bustle and splendor of Bianjing, but also because I wanted to meet Lord Yan of the Kaifeng Prefecture. My master has told me so many stories about her. She’s amazing! I’ve been dying to meet her.”
Yan Liangrong had been worrying about how to persuade Princess Xing’an to return, but the moment the princess took the initiative to ask to see Yan Tongshu, her headache vanished.
If Princess Xing’an went to the Kaifeng Prefecture to see Yan Tongshu of her own accord, wouldn’t that amount to walking straight into a trap?
Yan Liangrong nodded at once. “All right. I’ll take you to see Yan Tongshu.”
“Wonderful!” Princess Xing’an ran toward Xie Li, cheering as she went. “Master, Master! We’re going to see the legendary Kaifeng Prefecture! Master, I’m so happy! It’s the legendary Kaifeng Prefecture!”
A bright smile appeared on Xie Li’s handsome, rugged face as well.
Even though they were merely going to the Kaifeng Prefecture, Yan Liangrong still dared not be careless. She had Gao Qi, who was quick on his feet, go ahead and search the streets for patrolling Divine Guards or Kaifeng Prefecture constables.
During the Northern Liao delegation’s stay in the capital, patrols had been tightened to more than three times their former level. Constables and Divine Guards were everywhere, so finding them would not be difficult.
Because Xie Li had brought Princess Xing’an out without permission, the two of them had been sharing one horse. Afraid something might happen on the way, Yan Liangrong had Zhao Sheng bring her carriage over. She invited Princess Xing’an to ride with her, while Xie Li followed behind on horseback.
The moment the three of them entered the Kaifeng Prefecture, Meng Zheng received word and stepped through the main gate with Zhuo Yue.
When Yan Tongshu heard that Princess Xing’an had run out of the Duting Post Station without permission, she wore the same stunned expression as Yan Liangrong.
Princess Xing’an, however, was remarkably bold. She walked around Yan Tongshu three times to the left, then three times to the right, studying her from head to toe with great interest.
“You’re different from what I imagined.”
Yan Tongshu glanced at Meng Zheng and Zhuo Yue, who stood silently by the entrance, then asked with a smile, “What did you imagine I would look like?”
“Hmm…” Princess Xing’an rested her chin in her hand as she thought. “I heard that Yan Tongshu, magistrate of the Kaifeng Prefecture, is upright and incorruptible, unafraid of power, and bold enough to poke a hole in the heavens themselves. So I imagined that someone like that would have a square, rigid face to match her personality. She would be very thin, with hollow cheeks, and wear a dark, stern expression all day long—so frightening that anyone who saw her would be terrified. If a baby saw her, it would surely let out at least three great wails.”
“Then I absolutely mustn’t grow up to look like that.” Yan Tongshu played along. “Otherwise, if I have a few more nieces and nephews in the future, they’ll run away in fear the moment they see me. I’d end up a complete recluse.”
Princess Xing’an froze for a moment, her amber eyes shining brightly.
Then she abruptly turned to Xie Li. “Master, this Lord Yan is so interesting. She’s nothing like the way you described her. She’s so lively and real.”
Xie Li smiled. “Lord Yan is simply Lord Yan. If she’s different from what I told you, then the rumors must have twisted the truth.”
When Princess Xing’an turned around, she naturally spotted Meng Zheng and Zhuo Yue standing by the entrance. Frightened, she hid behind Yan Tongshu.
“Lord Yan, bad people have come to capture me. You have to protect me.”
Zhuo Yue said, “Princess, you should return to the Duting Post Station.”
“No.” Princess Xing’an resisted with every fiber of her being. She looked pleadingly at Yan Tongshu. “Lord Yan, I won’t cause any trouble, and I’ll protect myself. Don’t make me go back so soon, please. All the way here, I was either shut in a carriage north of the frontier or locked up at the post station. I’ve been so bored I’m practically turning into dried meat. Please!”
Yan Tongshu looked helplessly toward Meng Zheng. Meng Zheng pulled Xie Li aside and asked why he had brought the princess out without permission.
Xie Li let out a sigh. “I began teaching the princess horseback riding and archery when she was eighteen. I taught her for six years. Meng Zheng, to me, Princess Xing’an is a friend, a younger sister, and family. Back in Liao, I was willing to give her as much freedom as possible. But now…”
Deep sorrow gathered in Xie Li’s eyes.
“She doesn’t know.”
Meng Zheng’s brows drew sharply together. “Doesn’t know what?”
“She doesn’t know.” Xie Li repeated the words. “She doesn’t know she was brought here to marry for the sake of a political alliance. She thinks she pleaded with Empress Dowager Xiao for a long time, and that the empress dowager finally relented and allowed her to travel with the delegation for pleasure. Meng Zheng, I’m one of the people deceiving her. Before that tragedy arrives, I want her to be as happy as possible.”
Xie Li looked at Meng Zheng with an earnest, pleading gaze.
“Meng Zheng, we’re friends. I’m begging you—let her be happy for as long as she has left. Once this is over, she’ll never be able to return to the grasslands. She’ll never again ride freely across the plains alongside her steed and the eagles.”
Xie Li poured every ounce of sincerity and strength he possessed into his plea.
For a moment, Meng Zheng was speechless.
At last, he said, “Only within the boundaries of Kaifeng Prefecture.”
Only within these boundaries could he and Kaifeng Prefecture guarantee Princess Xing'an’s absolute safety.
