The day was gradually darkening. Due to the rain, there weren’t many people on the road, just occasionally a farmer slowly walking beside it with an oxcart. Ning Wang’s horse trotted lightly on the wet road, followed by thirty-six elite guards.
The thud of horse hooves alarmed the farmer, who quickly moved aside to let the dignitaries pass. Amidst the jolting of the galloping horse, Qingge felt something bumping against her from time to time, likely an item carried on Ning Wang’s hip. Each bump seemed to jolt her sharply back to reality.
It didn’t take her long to realize what it was: Ning Wang’s token. Gilded with an exquisite dragon pattern, this token wielded the authority to mobilize Yuning’s 300,000-strong army and command the allegiance of all the secret guards from the Qianying Pavilion.
This was the token that Qingge had once knelt and pledged allegiance to. Now, it pressed against her lower back, separated only by a thin layer of brocade, branding her waist.
For Qingge, the sensation was both tormenting and unfamiliar. Amid these strange emotions, she fell into deep thoughts. She had realized that Ning Wang’s seemingly impulsive actions stemmed not from arrogance but from calculated motives. He was an inherently suspicious person, distrustful even of the Xiahou clan to whom he was soon to be allied through marriage. Thus, when confronted with assassins from Xiyuan, his response was to decisively destroy the carriage and horses that carried the Xiahou bride.
He wanted the alliance brought by this marriage and the legitimate daughter of the Xiahou clan, but he did not want any servants and guards that came with her.
Such actions were completely disrespectful—it was a marriage procession, not a sale of a daughter.
But that was just the kind of person Ning Wang was, and Qingge was not surprised. In fact, she was rather pleased to be away from Luo Momo and Mo Jingxi, her supposed overseers. After all, who would enjoy being under constant surveillance?
‘But…’
If they were completely driven away, who would provide the second and third installment of her payment? She didn’t care about other Xiahou people, but Mo Jingxi, the one who promised her the silver, must be brought back.
Or even Luo Momo could work. It was clear that the momo wasn’t any ordinary servant and might be able to pass messages and get the payment for her.
As Qingge mulled over her thoughts, they arrived at the post station. Upon their arrival, a contingent of armed guards emerged to greet them, flanking Ning Wang as he proceeded into the station with Qingge.
Although it was technically a post station, this place looked more like an opulent manor. Stepping inside, they were greeted with the view of elegant pavilions, ponds, and flower-lined corridors. Lanterns hung along the path, each of the dim lights glowing in the misty post-rain night. As they arrived at the courtyard, Ning Wang turned his face towards Qingge and said, “We’ll rest here today. Tomorrow, the Wang Manor will send people to the station to resume the bridal procession.”
Hearing this, Qingge asked, “Your Highness means… this consort’s people won’t come with me?”
“Rest assured, now that we’re within Yuning’s borders, let’s see who dares to court death.” Ning Wang’s words, seemingly comforting his bride, carried an undeniable authority that allowed no opposition.
Qingge lowered her gaze, pretending to look meek, “This consort will naturally follow Your Highness’s arrangements, but what about the maids, servants, and guards I brought from home? May I ask Your Highness where they are now?”
“This Wang’s people have escorted them back home.”
He used the word ‘escort’ so politely that one might think he had respectfully offered them tea before sending them on their way.
Yes, he was never reasonable, and Qingge the secret guard was used to follow his order without question. However, now that she was Xiahou Jianxue, she had to use reason to argue with her unreasonable master, “Your Highness, those are the people who have served this consort for years. This consort isn’t accustomed without them, and moreover, they are part of my dowry.”
Ning Wang was indifferent: “You’ll have to get used to it. As for the dowry, it’s not needed; those are useless people. Once you marry into my family, this Wang will arrange personnel to serve you.”
“But—”
Ning Wang interrupted her, smiling dangerously: “Your Xiahou clan is also a centuries-old aristocratic family, isn’t it? This Wang has long heard about your family’s reputation. How come you don’t understand the principle of obeying your father before marriage and your husband after? Are you saying that the daughters of the Xiahou clan don’t even understand this, or should This Wang fetch a momo from the palace to teach you womanly virtue?”
If Qingge was the real Xiahou Jianxue, she would have been infuriated by this humiliation by now. Members of aristocratic clans valued their reputation greatly, and could never stand dealing with someone like Ning Wang, who so blatantly disregards propriety and protocol.
Fortunately, she was not. The secret guard Qingge did not care about these issues or mind whatever Ning Wang said. Even if he cursed the entire Xiahou clan down to their ancestors, she would think nothing of it. However, she was now acting as a daughter of the Xiahou clan and had to defend the dignity of her natal family.
At least, she should make one or two arguments to show her stance…
Thus, Qingge spoke up with righteous indignation: “Your Highness, our marriage was personally bestowed by His Majesty. Since you have established a marriage alliance with the Xiahou clan—”
Her words were abruptly interrupted by a sharp, piercing gust of wind outside.
She instantly fell silent, unable to speak another word.
The sound was all too familiar.
It was Ye Min, the current head of the Qianying Pavilion. He was also the only person in the world, besides herself, who knew the true face of Number 37.
‘If Ye Min saw me now—’
Qingge suddenly lost any desire to argue with Ning Wang—’It’s none of my concern!’ Even if the Xiahou clan were slandered to death, it was their issue! She just wanted to quickly turn around and go into the room! To hide!
But… she couldn’t be too abrupt, lest Ning Wang became suspicious.
When the faint fragrance of oak leaves wafted in, Qingge’s heart almost burst out in panic.
She knew this scent all too well.
‘Ye Min is here; he is right outside the door!’
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Author’s Note:
Qingge: “Ahhhh!!! What have I gotten myself into?!”
When the unmarried Tiying wrote to save her father, she said: “Qie’s father is an official, known for his integrity,” hence an unmarried woman can also refer herself to with qie (妾) or ‘this consort.’ This is not a typo, nor a mistake made from the author’s lack of historical knowledge or poor logic…
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