Chapter 312: A Warrior Dies for His Comrade

Chapter 312: A Warrior Dies for His Comrade

In those days, the sprawling imperial palace had only the empress. It was not easy for the emperor to agree to accommodate some consorts in the Yi Garden, and the noblewomen carefully selected by influential families were all of high quality. The title "Li" in Consort Li's title was well-deserved, as her appearance was outstanding even in the palace. Princess Xuan resembled her mother and was at the blooming age, her beauty could be described as peerless.

Emperor Xingyuan, for once, felt a rare paternal pride and inquired about Princess Xuan's well-being with a gentle expression. After finishing, he smiled and said, "You don't have to be confined to the palace all the time. If you want to venture out, just tell your mother, and remember to bring more guards."

In his view, teenagers all yearn for freedom, and staying in the palace all day is indeed boring.

Princess Xuan's long lashes fluttered, and she softly replied, "Thank you, Father."

"Go and play, I have something to discuss with your mother."

"Xuan'er bids farewell." Princess Xuan curtsied to Emperor Xingyuan and retreated respectfully.

Emperor Xingyuan sipped his tea and looked at Consort Li, "You have brought up Xuan'er well."

Although her disposition is somewhat timid and gentle, it's not a big issue.

"Xuan'er has always been obedient and sensible, it's not due to my efforts." Consort Li said this, her hands clenched tightly into fists.

By now, she had an inkling that the emperor was likely considering Xuan'er's marriage. She had no ability to arrange a favorable marriage for her daughter, and all she could rely on was the emperor.

This matter concerned her daughter's lifelong happiness, and she couldn't help but feel nervous.

"Speaking of which, Xuan'er has reached the age for marriage. As her mother, do you have any thoughts?"

Consort Li's heart skipped a beat, and she lowered her eyes, "I trust in Your Majesty's wisdom."

Emperor Xingyuan chuckled warmly, "In that case, I will keep an eye out."

Telling Consort Li these things was to prepare both her and her eldest daughter, and there was no need to say more. It was still early to mention this to He Qingxiao, and if Consort Li knew his choice now, it would be needless complications if there were changes later.

Having said what needed to be said, Emperor Xingyuan rose and departed.

Consort Li accompanied Emperor Xingyuan to the palace gate and did not turn back until she could no longer see his figure. This was not because she held any illusions or deep affection for Emperor Xingyuan, but because she was afraid that others would think she was not respectful enough to the emperor.

After walking a few steps inside, Consort Li saw Princess Xuan waiting there, her gaze full of worry.

Consort Li quickened her pace and took her daughter's hand.

The girl's hand was slender and fair, her palm damp with sweat.

"Mother—"

"Let's talk inside."

Mother and daughter entered the room, sent the palace attendants away, and began to talk.

"From your father's words, it seems he is going to choose a husband for you." Without others around, Consort Li couldn't bear to let her daughter worry and guess, so she spoke directly.

Princess Xuan's heart settled slightly.

Although she had guessed her father's intentions, guesses were still guesses. It wasn't that she was eager to marry, but hearing that her father was going to choose a husband for her made her feel at ease, as she was worried that her father's visit was for some other bad news.

Marriage—she didn't know who she would marry, whether it would be good or bad, but she always knew that she would eventually leave her mother to marry.

"Did father mention who he has chosen?" Princess Xuan asked with a half-lowered head, her cheeks flushed with shyness.

"He didn't say, but mother thinks your father probably has someone in mind." Consort Li gently patted her daughter's hand, "Xuan'er, don't worry too much. You are your father's eldest daughter, the great princess of Da Xia, the husband your father chooses for you will surely not be bad."

Consort Li tried to comfort her daughter, and in doing so, comforted herself as well.

May heaven bless Xuan'er with a good match and a harmonious life.

Xin You returned to the villa to pay her respects at Empress Xin's shrine. There, she saw a figure in military attire kneeling, assisted by a tall young woman.

"Is that Miss Bai?" Xin You immediately recognized the tall young woman as Bai Ying, with whom she had spent many days together before parting ways upon entering the capital.

Bai Ying, supporting her mother, turned and joyfully greeted Xin You: "Young master Xin."

Hearing it was young master Xin, General Bai, who had been mourning Empress Xin, immediately looked over.

The young man entered, dressed in plain robes, as elegant and upright as a snow-capped pine.

Instinctively, General Bai searched for Empress Xin's features in the young man's face but found none.

She couldn't help feeling a twinge of disappointment.

Though young master Xin claimed to be the empress's adopted son, many, including General Bai, doubted it.

"Young master Xin, allow me to introduce my mother."

Xin You clasped her hands in greeting: "General Bai."

With slightly red eyes, General Bai said, "I've long wished to meet young master Xin, and today I finally have."

"It was remiss of me; I should have visited sooner."

After exchanging pleasantries, Xin You invited General Bai to the reception hall.

General Bai accepted. Over two cups of tea, she inquired about Empress Xin's life outside the palace, finding some solace for her empty heart.

Empress Xin had once been the rock for female generals and strategists like her. Facing doubts and turmoil due to their gender, they would reassure themselves: Empress Xin is here.

With peace, Empress Xin was gone, and the women who had thrived in chaos faded into silence. Now, her presence in court was met with open mockery.

Suppressing her bitterness, General Bai thought, "If only Empress Xin were still here."

"I have heard of the noble deeds young master Xin has performed in the south, and I deeply admire them. Should you ever need assistance, young master Xin, my daughter is at your service. The Bai family stands ready to lead the charge."

General Bai's words struck Xin You like a thunderbolt.

She understood the gravity of these words, hence her surprise.

After all, this was their first official encounter.

"General Bai, I—"

"You may find my words sudden, but I wish to make the Bai family's position clear."

If young master Xin had no ambitions, she would remain Bai Lu, a recluse. But if he sought the throne of Xia, she would be General Bai, ready to fight for him.

This was partly because young master Xin's actions in the south showed he had not failed Empress Xin's nurturing, but more importantly, it was because of Empress Xin herself.

The world says that a scholar dies for one who appreciates him, and a woman adorns herself for one who pleases her. To hell with that! Why can't a woman be the former?

If other women can't, then Bai Lu can!

Xin You could feel General Bai's sincerity and thanked her from the heart.

Not long after seeing off General Bai and her daughter, Aunt Gui arrived.

Aunt Gui was wearing a white undercoat with simple patterns, carrying a basket on her arm. She arrived alone by carriage, unaccompanied.

"You must be Young Master Xin?" Aunt Gui gazed at the approaching young man with eager eyes.

"I am."

Aunt Gui quickly introduced herself: "I am from the Changle Marquis Mansion and was once a palace servant to Her Majesty the Empress. Today, I have come to pay my respects to the Empress and my sisters."

Xin You guided Aunt Gui inside, where she knelt before the memorial altar and started placing offerings from the bamboo basket on the altar.