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A big thanks to Arya, Julia, and Elamia! ? Many, many thanks for your awesome contribution! ? Your continuous support means a lot to me and keeps me motivated. Cheers to all the readers, and enjoy the happy reading vibes! ??

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Chapter 111: The Princess’s Wish

Xie Wei didn’t call her over just to test her studies. After asking about the silver notes and checking her qin playing, Jian Shu hurriedly reported from outside, “The Three Judicial Offices are holding a joint trial. His Majesty requests your presence.”

Xie Wei paused and said, “I’ll go.”

What case required a joint trial by the Three Judicial Offices?

Jiang Xuening immediately understood, her expression becoming more dazed. She didn’t even have the energy to argue with Xie Wei about the 50,000 taels.

Xie Wei went to the Ministry of Justice, while Jiang Xuening returned home.

She felt downcast on the way back.

Unexpectedly, as the carriage stopped at the gate and she peeked out, she heard a clear, pleasant voice outside, “I thought I was unlucky today, sneaking out of the palace to find you, only to find you weren’t home. But I didn’t have to wait long; you’re back.”

Jiang Xuening recognized the voice instantly.

Her eyes lit up as she looked towards the source of the voice and exclaimed in surprise, “Princess!”

Standing at the gate was Shen Zhiyi.

Today, she wore a light blue riding outfit, with the fabric tightly fitted at her waist and wrists. She stood in front of a beautiful chestnut horse, her black hair tied into a braid, and a riding whip twirling in her slender, fair fingers.

She had a bright smile on her face.

Although there was a scar under her eye, it added a touch of boldness to her delicate features.

Jiang Xuening had never seen her dressed like this. She was momentarily stunned, then revealed an uncontrollable admiration, jumping off the carriage to Shen Zhiyi’s side, saying happily, “You look amazing, Your Highness.”

It had been over a month since they last met, and Shen Zhiyi seemed to have changed.

Her once spoiled demeanor had settled into a calm and dignified presence befitting an imperial princess. Yet, there was a hint of coldness in her eyes, making her even more noble.

Hearing Jiang Xuening’s compliment, she smiled.

“Where have you been? Why are you back so late?”

Jiang Xuening thought of her ordeal at Xie Wei’s residence and couldn’t help but complain, “Although we were ordered out of the palace temporarily, don’t think we can skip our studies. Master Xie had someone bring me over to test my studies today. I almost didn’t make it back alive.”

She stuck out her tongue playfully.

Shen Zhiyi thought she was exaggerating and smiled, then fell silent for a moment before saying, “Master Xie is strict with you, but it’s special. You should treat him well. Not many people in the court receive such favor from him.”

Jiang Xuening was taken aback. “Why do you say that so strangely?”

Shen Zhiyi didn’t explain further. She had the only guard accompanying her hand another riding whip to Jiang Xuening. “I came out of the palace to have fun with you today. I haven’t been able to see the city for years. Show me what you and Yan Lin used to do for fun.”

Jiang Xuening looked at the whip, dumbfounded. “But I can’t ride a horse.”

Shen Zhiyi said, “Then just ride with me.”

Jiang Xuening thought it wouldn’t be too difficult and, with the guard’s help, clumsily climbed onto the horse, nervously holding the reins as they rode into the city.

The weather in the capital was already cold, and there weren’t many people around.

However, the sight of two beautiful women riding horses through the streets naturally attracted a lot of attention.

Jiang Xuening, familiar with the streets and alleys of the capital, pointed out shops and buildings to Shen Zhiyi as they rode. Soon, they reached the western market, and Jiang Xuening suddenly remembered something. “Your Highness, how have you been in the palace these days?”

Shen Zhiyi replied, “Not bad. After all, I’m the emperor’s sister. Who would dare trouble me?”

Jiang Xuening didn’t dare ask more.

Thinking back, according to the timeline of her previous life, without that letter, the Yongyi Marquis’ case should have been resolved by now.

She had done everything she could in this life, but she didn’t know what the final outcome would be.

As they approached a street, they heard lively music and noise ahead.

People were gathered on both sides of the road, watching the commotion.

Shen Zhiyi became curious. “What’s happening up ahead?”

Jiang Xuening found the direction familiar, and a sudden realization struck her. She slapped her forehead and exclaimed, “Oh no, I forgot, today is Fangyin’s wedding day!”

The past two days had been so intense and overwhelming that she had focused all her energy on them. This morning, she was called away by Xie Wei’s people and had no time to think about it. The people from Shu sent by Ren Weizhi had arrived, and You Fangyin’s wedding was today.

Shen Zhiyi seemed to recognize the name. “The concubine’s daughter from the Earl’s residence?”

Jiang Xuening was surprised she knew but didn’t dwell on it. “I need to see her off. Would you like to come with me?”

Shen Zhiyi said, “Let’s go see.”

She had heard that You Fangyin owed Ning Ning her life. It was at the Chongyang banquet at the Earl of Qingyuan’s residence. Although Shen Zhiyi arrived late, she had heard about it and was curious about this concubine’s daughter.

So she tightened her reins and followed Jiang Xuening.

But instead of going to the Earl of Qingyuan’s residence, they went straight out of the city, waiting outside the city gate at a roadside tea shop.

All travelers entering or leaving the capital had to pass this official road.

There were many travelers.

Some merchants were resting at the tea shop.

The tea lady, dressed in simple clothes, walked between the tables with a smile, pouring tea for the guests.

As soon as Jiang Xuening and Shen Zhiyi arrived, the tea lady warmly greeted them, “Would you two ladies like to come down and have some tea?”

Jiang Xuening said, “Let’s stay here.”

Shen Zhiyi dismounted, tied her horse nearby, and walked into the tea shed. However, she hesitated to sit on the greasy, blackened bench.

Seeing their attire, the tea lady knew they were wealthy and quickly wiped the bench with a cloth. But the bench, worn from years of use, didn’t improve much, making her feel embarrassed. She smiled awkwardly, “Sorry for the humble setting, ladies.”

The woman’s smile was genuinely simple.

There was a hint of shyness in her smile.

Shen Zhiyi, not used to such people, was momentarily stunned before saying, “It’s fine.”

The tea lady placed two cups on the table and poured tea for them, “It looks like you’re waiting for someone. The tea is rough, please bear with it.”

Jiang Xuening sat down, took a sip, and smiled, “It’s quite good.”

The tea lady was surprised that this delicate-looking girl didn’t mind the rough tea. She hesitated before walking away with the teapot.

Such a simple tea shop with two elegant ladies naturally attracted attention.

But this was outside the capital, under the emperor’s rule.

People knew these two ladies were not ordinary, and even their horses were exceptional. No one dared to approach or harbor ill intentions.

“Doing business across the country isn’t easy. The borders are chaotic in winter, and the court hasn’t sent troops this year. My business is suffering, so I had to come back early for the New Year. My wife will scold me again!”

“You don’t know? Something happened in the capital…”

“Yes, the Yongyi Marquis.”

“It’s not that bad. There are many ways to do business. If the north is tough, go south. No foreign troubles, abundant resources, and you can make good money. The court is doing its job. Look at these roads connecting north and south, east and west. It takes only a few days to reach Shu, though the mountains are tough. It’s much easier than before, saving money on travel.”

“Oh, speaking of Shu…”

…

The merchants, traveling far and wide, quickly started chatting. Occasionally, couples with children added to the lively atmosphere.

Jiang Xuening glanced at Shen Zhiyi when she heard them discussing the court.

Shen Zhiyi’s gaze was on the rough tea in front of her.

Her fingers touched the coarse edge of the cup. After a long time, she lifted it. Jiang Xuening was about to speak, but Shen Zhiyi had already taken a small sip.

The tea from these roadside stalls was made from leftover tea leaves, tasting bland and slightly bitter.

It wasn’t even worth the word “bearable.”

Shen Zhiyi looked a bit dazed.

Jiang Xuening watched her, finally realizing that Shen Zhiyi had something on her mind. She had been preoccupied all the way, even when they met.

But she didn’t dare ask deeply.

While she was pondering, dust rose on the road as several horses escorted a carriage. The carriage had a bright red ribbon on the horse’s head, indicating a joyous occasion.

This was the custom for distant marriages.

The groom’s family would send people to fetch the bride, and the bride’s family would accompany her with gifts, sending their daughter to her new home. The burly man who had informed them at the Shuxiang Inn yesterday hesitated, about to ask if they should stop for water.

Unexpectedly, someone in the tea shed shouted, “Fangyin!”

It was a long journey to Shu, taking about half a month. So You Fangyin wasn’t wearing her wedding dress, just bright clothes with flowers in her hair.

She had been feeling down when she left the residence.

But hearing the shout, she brightened up and immediately told Han Shishan, “Stop here!”

You Fangyin got off the carriage.

Jiang Xuening came out of the tea shed, followed by Shen Zhiyi.

Han Shishan, the new guard hired by Ren Weizhi, was highly skilled in martial arts and was to escort You Fangyin to Shu. Seeing two beautiful girls approaching, he was momentarily stunned, unsure of what to do.

You Fangyin’s eyes filled with tears instantly. “I thought you wouldn’t come to see me off.”

Jiang Xuening exclaimed, “It’s your wedding day! Your makeup is done, and if you cry, it’ll be ruined. No one will fix it for you. But I’m here now.”

Shen Zhiyi looked at You Fangyin and then at the people escorting her to Shu.

She asked, “Where are you getting married?”

You Fangyin noticed Jiang Xuening’s companion for the first time. She first saw her appearance, then the scar under her eye, feeling curious but also a bit shy in front of a stranger.

Jiang Xuening said, “This is Princess Leyang. She takes good care of me in the palace.”

Hearing “Princess Leyang,” You Fangyin was startled.

But then, hearing that she took care of Jiang Xuening in the palace, her expression became more grateful and close, as if she herself had been taken care of.

She quickly bowed, “Greetings, Princess.”

Everyone around, including Han Shishan, was shocked. They had thought the future mistress was just a concubine’s daughter from the Earl’s residence. They hadn’t expected a princess to see her off, making them respect You Fangyin more, realizing she was not to be underestimated.

Shen Zhiyi said calmly, “No need for formalities.”

You Fangyin, still a bit nervous, replied, “I’m getting married in Shu. I’ve never been that far before. They say the mountains are high and the roads are long, so many people came to fetch me. The Shu Road is said to be very steep and dangerous!”

Shen Zhiyi seemed momentarily lost. “That far…”

“Yes, I don’t know if I’ll ever return to the capital.”

You Fangyin nodded, looking a bit worried. But when she glanced back at the grand capital covered by winter clouds, her delicate features relaxed, and her worries turned into lightness and anticipation.

“Going far away isn’t bad. Not coming back is fine too.”

For her, there was nothing worth staying for in the capital except for Jiang Xuening.

Leaving was fine.

Even if she returned one day, it would be for Jiang Xuening.

She didn’t feel much reluctance to leave her homeland. Instead, she was filled with eager anticipation for her new life, radiating a bright and renewed spirit.

The gray sky pressed low over the land, with withered trees casting shadows on the distant mountains. Occasionally, a crow’s shadow could be seen flying high, seeking refuge in the forest.

The geese had long flown south.

The ground was covered with withered grass, but with the spring wind, it would turn green again.

Shen Zhiyi’s gaze followed the withered grass far away, up to the oppressive sky, as if chasing the disappearing crow, not knowing where it would go.

Leaving the capital, marrying far away in Shu.

She smiled lightly, her expression filled with an indescribable melancholy. “Going far away is nice. I envy you. You’ll be free once you leave here.”

“……”

Jiang Xuening finally understood what had been bothering her.

When did Shen Zhiyi go to marry in a foreign land in her previous life?

It was shortly after the new year.

She had thought there were still a few months, but had Shen Zhiyi already known?

In the distance, the sound of horse hooves approached.

A group of imperial guards quickly rode up the official road from the direction of the capital, stopping near them. The leader, seeing Shen Zhiyi, relaxed and dismounted, bowing to her. “Greetings, Princess. The Empress Dowager and His Majesty were worried when they heard you left the city, so they sent us to ensure your safety.”

Shen Zhiyi’s expression turned a bit weary.

She had known that the promised outing wouldn’t last long.

She smiled at Jiang Xuening, “I’m going back to the palace.”

Jiang Xuening felt a sudden pang in her heart, an overwhelming sadness. She didn’t know where the courage came from, but she grabbed Shen Zhiyi’s sleeve and impulsively asked, “You don’t want to stay in the palace either, do you?”

Shen Zhiyi paused, looked back at her, and after a moment of silence, smiled faintly. “Who would want to?”

But it seemed there was nothing more to say.

Some people in this world have no control over their fate.

She turned and mounted her horse, ignoring the imperial guards sent to protect her, and rode back to the capital, leaving everyone behind.

Jiang Xuening stood there, watching her figure disappear down the road, covered by the gloomy sky, not moving for a long time.

That day, she saw off You Fangyin.

That day, the Tatar envoys arrived in the capital to propose marriage.

And that day, she returned to the Jiang residence alone with two horses, only to be called by Jiang Boyou, who said, “The Three Judicial Offices have concluded the case. The Yongyi Marquis’ residence was found guilty of colluding with the rebels of Prince Pingnan, showing disloyalty. However, considering their past contributions to the state, His Majesty couldn’t bear to execute them. He pardoned their death sentences, confiscated their property, stripped their titles, and exiled the main family to Huangzhou, with thirty lashes for the main branch. They cannot leave without an imperial decree. The imperial edict has been issued. It’s a misfortune, but also a blessing in disguise.”

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