An Eight-year-old Princess

Emperor Ning's admiration for Master Wu Na grew after the incident. So when Master Wu Na asked whether Yun Shang needed to rest at the Ning'guo Temple, the Emperor promptly asked Yun Shang, and upon receiving her confirmation, he gave his permission.

Yun Shang bid Lady Jin and the Emperor farewell before leaving the Palace with Wu Na. She didn't take Qin Yi with her this time. She was accompanied by Qian Yin.

Although Yun Shang did enter Ning'guo Temple, she snuck out from the back door. She, together with Qian Yin, disguised themselves as men and left for the borderland.

Situated in the border area of Ning State and Yelang State, Xiyi town is home to open-minded and progressive people. It is common for boys and girls to laugh and joke together on the street.

When Yun Shang reached Xiyi Town, she stopped at a reasonably clean tavern. She ordered two bowls of beef noodles. Since it was past lunchtime, there were few people in the tavern. She called the attendant to her side.

"My little brother and I have come here for business. During our journey, we learned that recently a war broke out here. Is it true? We were worried. But when we got here, we see that everything is peaceful and tranquil. What's going on here?" Along the journey, Yun Shang and Qian Yin had both disguised themselves as men and called each other brother.

The attendant found few customers in sight so he simply sat by Yun Shang's side and said, "A few days ago, there was a fierce fight. We didn't dare go out. And this town almost become a territory of Yelang State. But later, Prince Jing came here and fought back. You know, Prince Jing is a capable man." At this point, the attendant gave a thumbs-up and continued, "Within no more than half a month, Prince Jing defeated Prince Qingsu of Yelang State and the army of Yelang State was forced to retreat for five li*. Prince Jing and his army set up their encampment five li from here so that civilians could live a normal life. A stretch of encampment is visible when you go to the west of the town."

(*TN: 2.5 kilometers)

Yun Shang said with a big smile, "We are lucky. We have been worried about being engaged in the war. Before we arrived here, we thought that if there was an ongoing war, we would leave as quickly as possible. We are here now. Luckily, nothing is happening."

The attendant said after thinking for a moment, "Prince Jing deserves all the credit. Were it not for the leadership of Prince Jing, we would have to bow our heads to Yelang State. I heard that our army had a battle with the army of Yelang State last night. Our army, led by Prince Jing, won at last. But I heard that Prince Qingsu caught Princess Hui Guo. Princess Hui Guo is a good person. I hope the Prince can get Princess Hui Guo back."

"Princess Hui Guo was caught?" Qian Yin exclaimed loudly. She looked at Yun Shang with surprise.

"Yes. Prince Qingsu, after being defeated last night, claimed that Princess Hui Guo was under his control and that if Prince Jing did not surrender, he would kill Princess Hui Guo." The attendant looked around cautiously before whispering, "I heard that Princess Hui Guo is a kind and beautiful girl. What a pity it is that she has been caught by the ferocious Prince Qingsu. She will be mistreated by that Prince."

On hearing this, Yun Shang frowned and said, "How could it be? We passed by the Imperial City a couple of days ago. Princess Hui Guo was still there. Master Wu Na and the Princess made an appearance together when a malefic appeared in the Imperial City."

"What?" The attendant thought this big news was something he could boast about. So he hastened to inquire, "Is Princess Hui Guo in the Imperial Palace?"

Yun Shang nodded her head and said assertively, "Yes, she is. The Imperial Palace is so heavily guarded that there is a very slim chance that Princess Hui Guo was kidnapped. Even if they kidnapped our Princess, they would be unlikely to arrive here ahead of us."

Qian Yin added, "Prince Qingsu must be deceiving Prince Jing. He is trying to force Prince Jing to surrender. Now Prince Jing is at the border, which is so far from the Imperial Palace that he doesn't know what is happening in the Imperial Palace. Even if someone had sent him a letter, it would take some time to reach the Prince. What if Prince Jing believes the lie?"

The attendant said in a worried voice, "Oh, Prince Qingsu is too crafty."

Yun Shang rose to her feet quickly. "I can't let this happen. I have to tell Prince Jing about the lie lest he be taken in."

"You should tell him. Let me tell you how to find him. When you walk out of here, turn left and go straight. You will see the west exit of this town. Pass the exit, and you will see Prince Jing's encampment." The attendant couldn't suppress his excitement. He said, "You two are gallant men. Please serve yourselves some noodles before you set off."

Yun Shang nodded. After a while, the attendant brought two bowls of noodles. When they had finishing eating, Yun Shang and Qian Yin set out to find Prince Jing according to the attendant's directions.

that you are under his control? Apparently you are here with me. Doesn't he know that Prince Jing has seen you and he would recognize

He has no idea of the real identity of the girl that he has caught. I was raised in Ning'guo Temple, so few people have seen me. It is possible that Prince Qingsu has mistaken another girl for me. I remember that Ning Qian told me that Prince Qingsu saved Hua Jing. I have every reason to suspect

does Hua Jing pose as you, Your

moment, a grim smile appeared on Yun Shang's face. She said, "Only Hua

move. Who are you? This is a military stronghold. You are prohibited from entering." said a soldier. As Yun Shang and Qian Yin rode to the gate of the encampment, they were stopped by two

of your Prince. We come from the Imperial City. We have something important to report to your Prince. Please notify the Prince and give this

was of high-born elegance even though he looked quite tired after a long journey. The soldiers didn't

a military tent. They were led by a man

shouldn't have come here." As he spoke, he walked up to the horse on which Yun Shang was seated and held the horse

their eyes when they saw their Prince holding the horse for the emaciated guest who had come from afar. This gesture was beneath his rank and they couldn't help but look astonished. Yun Shang was also shocked and said, "Un…" Just before she could finish saying the word, Uncle, it occurred to her that if she addressed Prince Jing as

towards the encampment without saying a word. Some soldiers saw this scene and followed Yun Shang. Yun Shang felt

called Yun Shang

Yun Shang was walking by his side. He was startled. Then he looked at the horse and asked Yun Shang, "When did you jump off

only caught a few vague words such as dreaming. Without knowing what Prince Jing said, Yun Shang explained herself, "Prince, if I keep sitting on the horse, I would feel as

Yun Shang.

act as if you've lost your senses. Do

Prince Jing frowned and

Prince Jing was always cool

later, they reached a military tent with a Chinese character for General painted on it. Prince Jing threw the reins to the nearest soldier and walked into the tent. Yun Shang and Qian Yin followed him. Just as they entered the tent, Prince Jing said in a joyless tone,

voice spoke, "No, he doesn't. I am told that you have a guest here and you volunteered to hold the horse for him. We are curious about this person. So we came to meet this person. Where is

only men here, and it seemed that they spoke candidly without meaning harm. Before Prince Jing could explain, Yun Shang said, "I am Xiao Yun, a friend of Prince Jing.

the tent stretched their necks to

while Yun was one of her mother's first names. He really wanted to see what kind of bet she would make up to support this lie. With this thought, he walked directly to his seat and left Yun Shang to stand in

in the Imperial City. We have been exposed to the wind and rain all these years at the borderland. We can't compare with him." said

at the man who was speaking. He was a stout military officer with a

Then she looked round to see another acquaintance besides Prince Jing. It was Wang Shunlai, Prince Jing's valet. Wang Shunlai recognized Yun Shang as soon as he saw her. He pointed

the word Princess, he saw Prince Jing staring at

time we can also have the same bet with Prince Jing. If he loses, we will ask him to do the same for us. How awesome

I have a delicate constitution. So Prince Jing bet that I would not dare come to the borderland from the Imperial City with only one companion within ten days. So we made a deal. If I lose, I would manage to persuade the

taken a fancy to the famous courtesan

Shang's explanation. He smiled and glanced at Yun Shang. Then, he pretended to be grave and said gruffly, "You officers rushed here to see me make a fool of myself. It would be better if

call

Shang replied with a bitter smile, "No, I am not able to do that. I was

you do love that lady, you need only to tell me. I will kidnap the lady and