Chapter 446: "Feng Shen's Big Gift"
So it's the fifth princess of North Qing. No wonder she's so domineering.
Unlike the favorable impression from Qing Bi (princess), the boy himself wasn't all that fond of this person because the first image he had when looking at that face was the now deceased Xia Hou Hong (fourth prince).
"I am Xia Hou Qi, the sixth son of the current king of Da Xia." For fear of any misunderstanding from the one that he truly wants to give a good impression, the lad swiftly made some distance from the enamored princess before faintly introducing himself.
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The sixth prince of Da Xia?
Naturally the news only made Qing Bi (princess) even happier. She's heard it already from the rumors. After the previous crown prince perished here in the Northwest, the most likely candidate to take up that position would be this child born of the current queen.
"Princess, your subject here deserves to be punished. Because of that strange fog I accidentally lost track of the main party and ran off by myself. If Princess is willing, why don't we take a break for today and have Miss Ling Yue here check up on your conditions for anything serious." Cong Lu (royal guard) carefully offers his suggestion, knowing full well what sort of personality this girl holds.
"Yes Captain Cong Lu, your proposal is perfect. Oh my head, I feel like I'm about to faint from all that exercise. It must be the effect of the black fog here. Let's stay here in Da Xia for the next while." Hurrying to put on the appearance of a frail damsel in distress, Qing Bi (princess) didn't forget to keep a firm eye on the boy's reaction.
Of course, this drastic change from a raging lioness to a cuddly baby cub wouldn't pass on anyone that's with half a brain. They all knew it's for the sake of getting close to Xia Hou Qi (prince).
As much as the boy himself wanted to reject the idea, he can't exactly say no out of consideration for both nation's relationship. "Of course you are welcomed to stay. Just that the housing in the Northwest is too humble for someone of your status. Allow me to send arrangements for some proper accommodations in the nearest city and a banquet to receive everyone tonight."
"Then allow me to thank you for the hospitality. Oh yes, since this is my first time visiting Da Xia, would Your Highness mind showing me the customs and scenic routes around your nation?" forgetting her earlier unhappiness, Qing Bi was already pestering the poor boy by clinging onto him with all sorts of pointless questions.
This would of course not be missed by Hong Ming Yue who would love nothing more than to vex her half-sister. Sadly for this girl, Ling Yue couldn't care less and only focused her attention on discussing the matter of that attack with A'bone.
Just like that, the day had ended with nothing gained for the night.
Well, not exactly nothing because the prince here did gain some extra baggage from North Qing. And because of his status as royalty, he cannot ignore Qing Bi (princess) and could only leave the village for the city with Luo Song's group.
"Ling Yue, I will come back early tomorrow morning." Before leaving, Xia Hou Qi still wanted to explain his difficulties.
"There's no need to worry about my feelings Your Highness. You are the future Crown Prince of Da Xia, the future king. Any word, any action that you do, all of it will be reflected in the relationship of Da Xia and North Qing. Even if you are reluctant, you must do it still am I right?" Ling Yue's word not only stunned the poor boy by how accurate it was, it also left him feeling quite bitter and sad inside.
How can he not know the meaning behind those words?
Since ancient times a ruler would always want both kingdom and beauty. As for the needs of his crush, his love there, he can't give it.....
"But even so, my one and truly can only be you." Showing a sorrowful smile, the conviction in his eyes only grew stronger than ever before.
"Who is that woman?" After getting impatient from the front, the first thing Princess Qing Bi saw was her knight affectionately looking at another girl.
"She is called Ye Ling Yue, an ordinary woman of common birth. By relying on her own looks and slick tongue, the Dowager and Queen is now infatuated with her and even gave the wench a nominal princess title. Don't worry about it, His Highness is only momentarily confused by her. It won't last." Not forgetting to paint her half-sister in an ugly light, Hong Ming Yue starts yapping on and on by the princess's side.
Due to being of similar age and of noble birth, it was quite easy for Princess Qing Bi to hit it off with the girl. It also helped that Hong Ming Yue was quick to divulge the fact that she's from the Three Life Valley.
"So it's just a dirty and filthy civilian. Humph, how dare she covet after someone as prestigious as Prince Hou Qi over there? Such a shameless woman that doesn't know her place in life." Giving off a contemptable rage, Qing Bi starts spewing fire with those vicious eyes of hers at the competition.
Since the hostility was being sent without any intent to remain hidden, it's only normal that Ling Yue would pick up on this very quickly.
"Prince Hou Qi, the time is already getting late. Why don't we begin moving?" The winy princess cries out to the boy as soon as she's caught.
No other way, the poor prince could only reluctantly leave in the end, which somehow brought a sense of relief for Ling Yue instead. She's just glad that there's less pestering annoyances around.
"Brother Cong Lu, why are you not leaving with your princess? If you don't hurry then you will be left behind." Despite the main convoy already out of sight, this man that introduced himself as Feng Shen's friend doesn't seem to have any intent to leave anytime soon.
"Miss Ling Yue, I heard you are a clever person according to the rumors, and from what I can see that is well-deserved indeed. To be frank, I and Feng Shen are sworn brothers. Unlike those whatever heirs to the throne or philandering royalties, our family's Feng Shen is far better of a choice. Oh right, here is something that he asked me to bring you. If in the future you ever come to North Qing, you can just show this anywhere and the path will become unimpeded." With that said, Cong Lu then readily hands over the item in question before mounting his steed.
Now, on this vast open prairie, only two remains and that was Ling Yue and A'bone. Well, three if they included Purple, the giant elephant standing behind the pair.
Towards the last message from the captain, Ling Yue definitely had a strange inexplicable feeling that she couldn't quite understand. Her instincts are telling her the man only came to Da Xia because of the message from Feng Shen, but that can't be right, right?
As odd as this was for her, the stupor only lasted for a few minutes before she came back to reality. Turning her sight over to the item in hand, she quickly recognizes it as the same Phoenix token from way back.
At the time she and Lan Caier was arguing with Hong Ming Yue and Hong Yu Ying for the cloud silk, then that's when Feng Shen showed up and revealed this identification token to the shopkeeper and instantly turned the situation in their favor.
Back then she thought the item was carved out of jade due to its appearance, but now that she's personally holding it in her hands today, it's obvious the material wasn't that simple. Its icy cold to the touch, the same temperature as Feng Shen's body.
Unconsciously, her lips had curled into a smile while a blush overtook her cheeks, The person may not be around but this will have to do for now.....
This translation is only hosted on bcatranslation
"Hey Boss, are you having a fever? Why is your cheeks so red?" Puzzled by the lass's embarrassed appearance, A'bone was ready to reach out for Ling Yue's forehead to test the temperature.
"I'm fine. Ughhh, let's go back first. Sister Caier and Jin Wu Monster should be back from their hunt by now." Not willing to share her little secret, she quickly diverts the topic away from herself.
Meanwhile back on Cong Lu's end.
"Captain, why are we not searching around some more? Didn't His Majesty task us with investigating the source of this darkness?" One of the soldiers quickly rode up to the man's side to ask after finding it strange that they are leaving so soon.
"Hoho, when did I ever say I am here to investigate that? I'm only here to see my brother's future wife." Catching his subordinates by surprise, Cong Lu uncharacteristically revealed a sly smile, "Have some of the brothers here go back first. Tell Feng Shen that I have done as he asked and handed the item to his woman."