Chapter 183: Northern Frontier Royal Court
Tuoya personally came to pick them up to enter the Royal Court. If she knew that just fifteen minutes before departure, they were still discussing how to escape if they were trapped in the Royal Court, what would she think?
When they departed, they cleaned their felt tents too thoroughly. The subordinates who entered the Royal Court with the three were traveling light. The subordinates left outside the Royal Court to provide backup had their weapons and equipment ready, prepared to rush in and rescue them at any moment.
Tuoya asked curiously, “Why did you dismantle the camp? After the Enthronement Ceremony, you can stay in the Northern Frontier for a while longer.”
Jinsui answered on behalf of Gu Changxiao and Yan Jiu, “Everyone is homesick and just wants to return to their hometown as soon as possible. Lord Yan also needs to prepare his goods and rush back for trade before spring.”
Tuoya said regretfully to Jinsui, “I really want to take you to see the Divine Palace. Can Miss Ji stay here for half a year or so?”
Gu Changxiao and Yan Jiu said in unison, “No!”
Jinsui quickly smoothed things over, “Next time I come, I will prepare more thoroughly and will definitely stay with the Princess for a longer period.”
Tuoya glanced at Liu Yun in the group and smiled, asking Gu Changxiao, “This Princess cannot keep you, but can you let Master Liu Yun stay?”
Instantly, Liu Yun became like a startled cat, looking at Gu Changxiao with wary eyes and pleading, as if he were shouting, “I don’t want to, I don’t want to!”
It was useless even if he shouted. Hei Hu, Hao Duojin, and the others expressed their wishes to Gu Changxiao. None of the Black Feather Camp Soldiers wanted to stay in the Northern Frontier.
Moreover, Liu Yun was particularly favored by Princess Tuoya. Coupled with his high martial arts skills, his intelligence, while not exceptionally sharp, was characterized by quick wit. He was generally not easily deceived, coaxed, or trapped.
Therefore, Liu Yun was indeed the most suitable person to stay in the Northern Frontier. However, Gu Changxiao did not answer Tuoya immediately; he needed to talk to Liu Yun first.
This was Jinsui’s suggestion to him: do not just give orders to old subordinates like Liu Yun, but show them respect and discuss matters with them.
Although the Prince did not agree immediately, the look he gave Liu Yun as he turned away made Liu Yun realize, “It’s over, I’m going to be left in the Northern Frontier.”
He quietly stepped forward and tugged at Jinsui’s sleeve. Jinsui slowed her horse to match Liu Yun’s pace, riding alongside him. “Is something wrong?”
Liu Yun stared at her intently, refusing to speak. Jinsui felt a prickle of unease under his gaze. “What is it?”
He said with a hint of guilt, “It wasn’t me who suggested you stay! The Princess likes you too much and can’t bear to let you go.”
Liu Yun stubbornly replied like an angry child, “It was you!”
Only when you advise the Prince will he be so certain. We traveled together, and you want to abandon me?
Liu Yun looked at Jinsui with wide eyes, reminding Jinsui of a wronged golden retriever.
She quickly comforted him, “Because you are capable! Look at the people the Prince brought; did he keep Hei Hu or Han Xing? I also need your help. Batel has agreed to build a Taoist temple for me, and I need you to supervise.”
Don’t worry, you won’t be in the Northern Frontier for too long. The Prince just wants to keep someone of his own to maintain contact with the Northern Frontier. Are you going to let the Prince ask the Yan Clan to relay messages?”
Seeing that Liu Yun’s expression had not changed, Jinsui felt like reasoning with a teenager was useless. She pulled out her trump card, “What will it take for you to agree to stay?”
The corner of Liu Yun’s mouth curved up, but only for a moment, making Jinsui think it was her imagination. However, when she saw his eyes light up, she knew she hadn’t misread him.
Good for you, Liu Yun! You were waiting for me to say that!
Then I’d like to see what you want! Do you want a wife like Hei Hu?
“Will you grant me whatever I want?” Liu Yun raised his eyebrows and asked, looking directly at Jinsui.
Jinsui dared not promise, “You’ll have to ask your Prince! I’m not Li King anymore, so anything I promise is just empty talk.”
“No, it has nothing to do with the Prince. What I want, only you can give.”
Liu Yun’s certainty surprised Jinsui. What could she give him? But she still nodded, “Tell me, as long as I can do it, I will make your wish come true.”
Then Liu Yun made a request that almost made her fall off her horse: “I want to become a Taoist! A Taoist from your Master’s Sect.”
Jinsui was stunned for a long time. Why would such a young man want to renounce the world and become a Taoist?
“If you really don’t want to stay in the Northern Frontier, tell the Prince. He won’t force you. There’s no need to renounce the world and become a Taoist for this!”
Liu Yun shook his head, “I’m serious. As long as you agree to let me complete my mission and join your Master’s Sect after returning to the Border City, I will be willing to stay in the Northern Frontier.”
Jinsui told him very seriously, “My Master’s Sect currently only has three people: my Grandpa, my younger brother, and me. If you truly want to become a Taoist, I can help you find a good Taoist Temple.”
“No, I want to join your Master’s Sect!”
There is no other Taoist Sect in this world that can cultivate to the point of possessing treasures like the Qiankun Pouch! There really are Immortals in this world! We who are blind cannot see them, but I must not miss this immortal destiny!
Liu Yun’s eyes were full of sincerity, “As long as you agree, I’ll do anything!”
The situation had turned around so quickly. Now he was the one pleading with Jinsui. Jinsui seriously thought about what attracted Liu Yun to her “Master’s Sect.”
She racked her brain but couldn’t figure it out. Was it because the Central Plains Stewed Dishes were too delicious?
She asked directly, “Can you tell me why you insist on joining my Master’s Sect?”
Liu Yun’s mind raced. He couldn’t mention immortal destiny or the Qiankun Pouch. It was said that if you revealed seeing an Immortal, the Immortal would leave.
At this moment, he saw Hei Hu secretly eating brown sugar and instantly had an idea, “Because I envy you, having endless brown sugar and inexhaustible fish oil firearms!”
“Senior Sister! Take mine!”
Jinsui: …
Young man, you’ve truly misunderstood!
She directly covered her face, but then she thought, Liu Yun is still young and will definitely change his mind later. It’s fine to agree to him now, as there’s no rule in our “Master’s Sect” that prohibits returning to secular life.
Didn’t Grandpa return to secular life, get married, and have children?
“Junior Brother, then Senior Sister will accept you on behalf of the sect.” Jinsui patted his shoulder solemnly, which made Liu Yun very excited.
“Don’t worry, Senior Sister. Junior Brother will definitely keep a close eye on our sect’s Taoist temple.”
This child is really putting on an act.
Jinsui remembered his Swordsmanship that day, where he left half a cut unfinished, such a dashing young swordsman. He had even impressed Princess Tuoya with a single strike.
And yet, you want to become a Taoist! The thoughts of young people are truly unique.
Gu Changxiao had noticed them whispering and laughing behind the group, even gesturing with their hands. He couldn’t help but rein in his horse. When they approached, he asked curiously:
“What were you two talking about?”
Liu Yun cupped his hands, “Replying to the Prince, your subordinate is willing to stay in the Northern Frontier and share your burdens!”
Gu Changxiao looked at Jinsui in surprise. In such a short time, you convinced this stubborn boy?
Jinsui smiled and nodded at Gu Changxiao, “Your Highness can tell Liu Yun your arrangements for the Northern Frontier. Our Master Liu Yun will definitely complete this difficult task with excellence!”
Flattery works wonders; young people love to be praised.
Princess Tuoya was very pleased to hear this and immediately guaranteed that the Northern Frontier would treat Master Liu Yun as a distinguished guest. Master Liu Yun’s status in the Royal Court would be equivalent to that of a Princess’s Master in your Great Xia.
On the way, Liu Yun took advantage of a moment when no one was paying attention and said to Jinsui, “Senior Sister, give me more weapons before you leave.”
Jinsui nodded, “Don’t worry, I’ll leave a large box of fish oil firearms for you! Remember, your safety is most important. If you encounter any trouble, don’t be reckless, just run back to the Border City first.”
Liu Yun tentatively asked, “Is this the tenet of our Master’s Sect?”
Jinsui affirmed, “Yes! Our Master’s Sect prioritizes life safety above all else. Nothing is more important than one’s own life.”
Only then did Liu Yun accept. Otherwise, he wouldn’t run when encountering trouble. At worst, he would die, and drag a hundred or eighty people down with him, which wouldn’t be a loss!
The Royal Court was a city. Although not as magnificent as the cities of Great Xia, after generations of construction by the Northern Frontier people, it was quite presentable.
However, the houses on the outer perimeter were mostly felt tents, and the wooden structures were mostly greenhouses used as warehouses. Only closer to the Main City Area were there houses built with stone and tiles, with single-row tiles and wide eaves.
The palace of the Royal Court was beyond Jinsui’s expectations. It was only slightly smaller than the palace in Chang’an, but it had many tall towers. That’s right, tall towers were built within the royal palace.
They were said to be for sacrifices. The Northern Frontier people were extremely devout and needed to offer sacrifices and prayers for everything. Long strings of Seven Colors flags fluttered from the tall towers, completely different from the majesty of the Chang’an Imperial Palace.
The streets within the city were very wide, but they were not paved with bluestone slabs. Grasslands were visible everywhere. As horse hooves passed, dust and sand flew up, making the entire Royal Court appear dirty and gray.
However, the buildings here were mostly decorated with colorful paintings, and the felt tents were adorned with colorful silk cloth. The Northern Frontier women on the road also wore extremely vibrant clothing.
Jinsui began to understand why the Northern Frontier people loved wearing bright colors. In the cold and desolate environment of the north, especially during the long winter when not a single fresh flower could be seen and the sky was often gray, vibrant colors indeed brought great joy.
Passing through the livestock trade zone was an eye-opener for Jinsui. Not only were cattle, sheep, and horses sold here, but also Fierce Beasts like tigers and wolves!
If the timing were right, Jinsui would have really liked to buy a little leopard or a little wolf cub to raise. They were Class I protected animals here, treated as pets. Who wouldn’t be tempted!
Seeing her reluctant to move away from the little wolf cub, Gu Changxiao quickly said, “Does Sui Sui like it? I’ll hunt one for you when we return to the Border City.”
Yan Jiu said softly, “Tigers need to be raised from a young age to become close to people, otherwise, raising a tiger is a disaster. If Miss Ji wants to raise one, the Yan Clan can help you choose a few little tiger cubs then.”
Jinsui quickly asked, “Can they really be raised? What about Pandas?”
“Pandas?” Gu Changxiao and Yan Jiu were both surprised. They had never heard of such a fierce beast!
Jinsui quickly gestured, “They have black and white fur all over, like bears, but they love to eat bamboo and are very cute.”
Yan Jiu was the first to react, “Is Miss Ji referring to the white bears from the Qinling and Shu Provinces? Those are easy to raise. We can bring a few from Qinling.”
Gu Changxiao chuckled, “So it’s the ‘iron-eating beast’! It is indeed the kind of pet Sui Sui should have.”
Princess Tuoya only heard Jinsui’s interest in Fierce Beasts and quickly smiled, “Does the Taoist Nun also need the Tiger God to cure illnesses? Then this Princess can give Miss Ji a tiger.”
Jinsui was more interested in the first part, “Tiger God curing illnesses? How does that work?” Tiger bones and tiger penis are indeed medicinal materials. But what is the Tiger God?
Princess Tuoya’s narrow eyes widened, “You don’t know the Tiger God?”
Then Princess Tuoya told everyone how the shamans of some tribes used tigers to cure illnesses. After a sacrifice, they would make the tiger jump over the shadow of the patient, and thus the illness would be eaten by the Tiger God, and the patient would recover…
Jinsui: …Your Northern Frontier tigers are truly formidable! Then I can’t accept it.
The Royal Court was truly a city with a unique exotic charm. If not for the mission, Jinsui would have really wanted to explore it thoroughly. However, she dared not eat the street food; the grilled meat smelled delicious, and the meat chunks were large.
But the owner of the grilled meat stall was covered in grease. He would grab a live sheep and cut the meat without even washing his hands.
In the large pot of stewed mutton, she personally saw unwashed sheep intestines tumbling in the soup, with green weeds and sheep wool still floating in it…
At the flatbread stall, she personally saw a large dough ball fall to the ground. The shop owner picked it up without changing his expression, casually brushed off the dirt, and mixed in quite a few grass roots before continuing to knead…
However, this doesn’t mean that the Northern Frontier snacks are not clean. Based on her observations while fleeing in Great Xia, not many snacks were made cleanly.
That’s why Grandpa’s Central Plains Stewed Dishes were so popular as soon as they opened. Grandpa directly said that just making the dishes clean made them better than ninety percent of eateries.
Well, when my Taoist temple is completed, I’ll also open a Central Plains Stewed Dishes restaurant. It’s guaranteed to be crowded with customers.
When they first entered the city, the city dwellers looked at them with at most curiosity. But after seeing Princess Tuoya, they only dared to steal glances.
There were quite a few Han Chinese in the Northern Frontier Royal Court, but there had never been a group of Han Chinese like this one, riding horses, wearing bright clothing, and armed.
Upon seeing Eunuch Zhou, who was dressed as an eunuch, someone commented, “This is a Xia Envoy. See that person who is neither male nor female? Only the Imperial Palace of Xia has such eunuchs.”
Eunuch Zhou’s face turned even paler. He looked pitifully at Gu Changxiao, “Your Highness, please don’t leave this old servant to die in the Royal Court!”
He thought that after Lei Zan’s death, he would surely die too. He never expected that Li King would not only spare him but also assign him an important task. His important task would come as soon as the Northern Frontier Crown Prince ascended the throne.
Eunuch Zhou had been anxious until now, fearing that Gu Changxiao intended to kill him during the Crown Prince’s Enthronement Ceremony.
What was amusing was that this damned eunuch was not stupid. He quickly realized the importance of Miss Ji in the Prince’s eyes. He had privately sought out Jinsui many times, offering all the valuables he carried. Jinsui neither accepted his gifts nor met with him.
When they entered the center of the Royal Court, most of the pedestrians were Northern Frontier powerful people, officials, tribal leaders, and other influential and wealthy individuals.
Their gaze towards the Xia Envoy’s entourage was different now, filled with scrutiny and hatred. Some people stared angrily at Gu Changxiao, likely recognizing him as Li King.
Some people glared hatefully at Yan Jiu, recognizing him as a member of the Yan land gentry. Others leered at Jinsui, thinking, “What a beautiful Han Woman, perhaps she’s a gift for Batel?”
Some people deliberately beat Han Slaves in front of them, saying sarcastically, “You dog, how dare you be arrogant in my Northern Frontier Royal Court!”
Gu Changxiao’s hand moved to the sword at his waist. Jinsui also drew her Hand Crossbow. Only Yan Jiu calmly advised them, “They are deliberately trying to provoke us. If we fight, we will fall into their trap.”
Fortunately, Princess Tuoya stopped them in time, “These are my King’s honored guests, do not be disrespectful!”
“Hmph, what honored guests? Didn’t they design the death of Lei Zan? The Princess is actually polite to the Han people who killed her own uncle.”
Jinsui secretly thought, it seems this trip into the Royal Court will not be smooth. Damn it, I really want to blow you all up with fish oil firearms!
