Chapter 270: Chapter 270

The wind howled, its cold gusts rushing straight at them, whipping up strands of hair and causing the thick cloak to billow, turning Jiang Shaohua’s cheeks red.

The swift journey had been underway for several days. After leaving Nanyang County, Jiang Shaohua led the group on galloping horses towards the Capital City. They covered a hundred miles by day, resting at a post house or camping outdoors by night. With wind and sun bearing down on them non-stop, it was inevitable to feel somewhat weary and exhausted.

The two hundred trusted aides, all tall and strong men, naturally didn’t mind. Even Chen Jinyu gritted his teeth and endured.

For the royal funeral, the emperor’s body was to be kept for seventy-nine days before being buried in the Imperial Mausoleum. From receiving the funeral notice to setting off, and until this moment, counting the days, more than half a month had passed. There really was no room for even the slightest delay.

Little Flower ran alongside for a few days, but became too tired to continue, now obediently lying on Hua Ma’s back. Jiang Shaohua had switched to a white stallion.

For this journey to the Capital City for the funeral, each person used three horses, rotating daily to ensure the horses remained vigorous.

"Commandery Princess, it’s only two days away from the Capital City," Song Yuan said with concern, looking at Jiang Shaohua’s reddened cheeks, "Princes Dongping and Huaiyang along with other Vassal Kings should be on their way as well. There’s no need for such haste; let’s rest for a couple more hours at the post house tonight."

Jiang Shaohua exhaled slowly and said softly, "Better to enter the palace early."

Pingzhou was still at war, and in the palace, Empress Dowager Zheng and Prime Minister Wang were in a constant power struggle. If not for the emperor’s funeral, things might have already turned chaotic.

Earlier, she had stayed away to avoid getting embroiled in the turmoil. Now she had to come to the Capital City; she had to navigate this muddied water. So it was better to be proactive and seize the initiative early.

Song Yuan never opposed the Commandery Princess’s wishes, nodding in agreement at her words.

That night, everyone missed the post house again due to the journey and camped outdoors once more.

Jiang Shaohua lay in a makeshift tent, peeking through the cracks to glimpse the starlight, silently contemplating the people and matters she would soon face upon entering the palace...

"Commandery Princess, are you still awake?" a familiar girl’s voice sounded near her ear.

Jiang Shaohua snapped back to reality and softly hmm-ed in response.

Traveling in haste, the personal soldiers shared tents with ten people to each. She shared one with Chen Jinyu, with Yin Zhutu Bai sleeping in the corner.

Chen Jinyu poked her head over, her bright black eyes twinkling, "Commandery Princess, what is the Capital City really like? I’ve lived sixteen years, and it’s my first time there!"

Chen Jinyu was born and raised in Nanyang, this being her first true journey far from home, and first time visiting the Capital City. It was naturally an exciting and exhilarating experience.

Jiang Shaohua seemed to see her former self during her first trip to the Capital City in her past life, finding it somewhat amusing and strangely wistful: "It’s also my first time coming to the Capital City. You ask me, how would I know?"

Chen Jinyu scratched her head with a small laugh, "I always feel like the Commandery Princess knows everything and can do anything, so I instinctively ask you."

Jiang Shaohua sighed lightly, "There’s no one in this world who is omnipotent. In Nanyang County, I call the shots. Outside Nanyang County, in the Capital City, even with authority, lands, and soldiers, I am no more than a Vassal King of a single region. The court officials, Empress Dowager Zheng, and Prime Minister Wang alike, none are easily dealt with." Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚•𝙣𝙚𝙩

"Sister Jin Yu, once we enter the palace, you must be extra cautious."

Chen Jinyu nodded solemnly.

The tent fell silent for a moment, then Chen Jinyu’s hushed voice sounded again, "Commandery Princess, entering the palace, you’ll definitely meet Young Master Zheng, won’t you?"

Jiang Shaohua responded with a hmm.

The tent was dim, and even at such a close distance, one couldn’t make out the Commandery Princess’s expression.

Chen Jinyu leaned a bit closer and whispered, "And what about Fourth Young Master Wang, does the Commandery Princess want to see him?"

Jiang Shaohua smiled helplessly, "Why are you asking all these questions tonight?"

Chen Jinyu blinked and grinned, "Just passing the time, casually asking around. Go on, go on, I promise I won’t tell anyone."

During the day, rank and formality dictated their interactions, and it was all business and serious. In private, Chen Sheren remained lively and endearing.

Jiang Shaohua couldn’t resist her pestering and had to think seriously before replying, "No, I don’t."

The past was already behind her, like clouds of smoke.

She had embarked on a new path, unwilling and determined not to look back.

Two days later, Jiang Shaohua and her group finally reached outside the city gate.

The towering, almost majestic city gate stood lofty before them. The garrison soldiers stood solemn, with long knives sheathed at their waists. Everyone entering the city lined up in a long queue, undergoing questioning and inspection one by one.

During the national mourning period, the merchants or common folks entering the Capital City were far fewer than usual. Even so, those waiting to enter the city still stretched out for several miles. Jiang Shaohua’s group of two hundred, with three horses each, created a rhythmic clatter of hooves, causing the ground to tremble slightly.

This commotion quickly drew everyone’s attention.

The City Gate Guard General’s eyes narrowed, and he personally descended from the city gate.

Song Yuan rode forward, cupping his hands towards the City Gate Guard General, "I am Song Yuan, the personal soldier commander of Nanyang County Princess."

So it was Nanyang County Princess who had arrived.

These days, people entered the Capital City for the funeral daily, whether inspectors of a state or Vassal Kings from various regions, each with a status more prestigious and greater than the last.

Upon hearing Nanyang County Princess’s name, the City Gate Guard General remained unmoved, responding with cupped hands, "Please have Commander Song present the identification token. Also, entering the city requires careful inspection. It’s a matter of duty, so please forgive any offenses."

Song Yuan’s brow furrowed slightly, turning to report to the Commandery Princess.

City gate inspections were standard. However, when faced with those of significant status that couldn’t be offended, the city gate soldiers often only went through the motions before opening the gate and letting them through.

This City Gate Guard General’s official stance was merely taking advantage of her youth for another key reason, making a show for Prime Minister Wang’s faction.

It was also indicative of how fierce the factional struggles had become within the court.

A chill flickered in Jiang Shaohua’s eyes as she said coolly, "Go tell him that this Commandery Princess needs to enter the city gate immediately. Do not delay my time."

Song Yuan nodded, turned back to the City Gate Guard General, and spoke again in a much firmer tone, "The Commandery Princess needs to enter the palace immediately for the emperor’s funeral. Please make way at once."

The City Gate Guard General was not to be trifled with either, responding emotionlessly, "The Commandery Princess, being of noble birth, need not undergo inspection and may enter first. However, all personal soldiers must remain behind for the time being, lest someone with ill intentions mix in."

This was blatantly making things difficult.

Song Yuan’s expression darkened, ready to take action when a familiar voice sounded from behind, "Commander Song, hold your temper. I will enter the city first, and after the inspection, Commander Song should directly lead them to the Nanyang Prince Mansion to settle in."

Song Yuan immediately said, "I will accompany the Commandery Princess into the palace together."

The Commandery Princess venturing alone into the treacherous lion’s den, how could he feel at ease?

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over to the City Gate Guard General’s face, suddenly asking, "Is your surname Zuo?"

Her gaze was sharp as a knife.

The military general was gripped with dread, unable to meet her eyes: "I am Zuo Yue."