Early the next morning, just as the sun peeked over the horizon, Gu Baozhu came over to call Song Jinzhao and the others to the dining hall for breakfast.
Gu Baozhu stuck close to Song Jinzhao, their clothes brushing against each other, not at all acting like they had only met a day ago.
"Jinghong sent a messenger to my father overnight yesterday. They already know the County Princess has arrived in Songzhou. Once we enter the city, you can get a good rest."
Squeezed to the back, Song Qiming looked helplessly at his sister, mouthing the words silently. Isn't this girl a bit too overly familiar?
Song Shixue opened her mouth and wiggled her eyebrows: She was like this yesterday too, naturally sociable?
The brother and sister were old enough to be sensible, so they could tolerate it.
But Song Anhao, who had tried to speak several times but couldn't get a word in, couldn't hold back anymore.
He squeezed between the two of them, putting his hands on his hips to separate them. "Sister, how far is Songzhou City from Suining Prefecture? How long until we get there?"
Having sat in a carriage for two months, he had long lost his patience.
Worried that Song Jinzhao would leave soon, Gu Baozhu immediately said, "Songzhou City has lots of delicious food and fun things to do. The County Princess can stay a few more days to rest up before heading to Suining."
Song Jinzhao smiled and shook her head, but didn't say anything.
Seeing that she didn't respond, Gu Baozhu had no choice but to look away, appearing slightly dejected.
After breakfast, the large entourage set off for Songzhou City.
The scorching sun hung high in the sky, making everyone sweat profusely. It wasn't until late afternoon, when the sun was about to set, that they finally saw the walls of Songzhou City.
Outside the city gates, seeing a large group approaching from afar, a carriage driver immediately lifted the curtain and spoke inside, "My Lord, they are here."
Gu Gaoyuan emerged from the carriage, standing on the frame to look into the distance, a hint of joy in his eyes.
"After waiting all afternoon, they have finally arrived."
"There are many of them, at least a hundred," came Gu Huaiyuan's voice from behind him.
Gu Gaoyuan turned his head. "If there were too few, they wouldn't have been able to wipe out the Qingfeng Stronghold."
A moment later, just as Gu Jinghong was about to make introductions, Gu Huaiyuan bowed to Song Jinzhao first. "I, Gu Huaiyuan, the Defender of Songzhou City, pay my respects to County Princess Linghui."
Gu Gaoyuan's expression paused slightly before he spoke a step late, "I, Gu Gaoyuan, the Prefect of Songzhou City, pay my respects to County Princess Linghui."
This woman was dressed simply; how could his younger brother be so sure she was County Princess Linghui? Shouldn't the County Princess be sitting in a carriage?
Song Jinzhao stared at the two men bowing before her. "This is the first time I have met you two lords. How did you know I am County Princess Linghui?"
Gu Jinghong blinked; he was wondering the same thing. He hadn't even spoken yet, so how did his father and uncle recognize her?
Gu Huaiyuan pointed to the fine steed Song Jinzhao was riding and said, "This horse is a Ferghana horse, the very one County Princess Linghui must have won from Prince Wei of the Shuobei Kingdom. The only woman who could ride such a horse is you, Your Highness."
Song Jinzhao curled her lips into a smile. This Defender of Songzhou City was a capable man.
"For Lord Gu to be a military officer yet so meticulous is truly rare."
Gu Baozhu rode forward a step. "Eldest Brother, Second Brother, the County Princess is exhausted from the journey. Let's hurry and enter the city."
Gu Jinghong followed closely behind and called out, "Father, Uncle."
Gu Huaiyuan glared fiercely at his son: I'll deal with you when we get back.
Understanding his father's meaning, the corners of Gu Jinghong's eyes couldn't help but droop.
Gu Gaoyuan looked at Song Qiming. "I presume this is Lord Song?"
So young and accompanying County Princess Linghui, with a similar resemblance in their brows and eyes, he had to be her younger brother.
Song Qiming dismounted and greeted them, "I pay my respects to the two lords."
Although the Prefect of Suining and the Prefect of Songzhou were of the same level, Song Qiming was of the secondary fifth rank, while Gu Gaoyuan was already of the primary fifth rank, meaning Song Qiming was one grade lower in official rank.
Gu Gaoyuan quickly stepped forward to support Song Qiming's hands.
"Lord Song, there is no need for such formalities. I have long heard that you are young and promising, a rare talent seen only once a century in the Dongzhao Kingdom. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation."
Saying he was young was almost an understatement; he looked like a mere youth.
To be of the secondary fifth rank at seventeen meant that when he returned to the capital in three years, he would surely be promoted further. It could be said that his future was boundless and enviable.
Thinking of this, Gu Gaoyuan settled his mind and reached out his hand to gesture to Song Jinzhao.
"After receiving the letter last night, my father had people tidy up the relay station overnight for the County Princess to stay temporarily. Please, enter the city."
