Love Lock

Chapter 158 Is this also against etiquette?

Zhang Hutou nodded, quickly slung his M16 automatic rifle over his shoulder, and happily followed Wang Dali down the mountain.

This was the first time they had used binoculars to detect enemy activity and reported it via walkie-talkie. It was much faster than when he was a scout.

It turns out that this high point on Yinshan Mountain was the outpost that Han Lei mentioned in the bastion design drawings.

Based on the communication range of the walkie-talkies, a sentry post was set up every five or six kilometers from Yong'an City to here.

The outpost was built using local materials, with stones forming the basic structure of the outpost building. Then, concrete grout was poured in.

Although the buildings at each outpost are still under construction, once these outposts are in place, scouts will no longer need to waste energy riding back and forth to gather information, and the reporting speed will be extremely fast, saving a lot of manpower.

Most importantly, the soldiers on duty at the outpost can live and cook there without being exposed to the wind and rain.

The two walked down the mountain path, their steps light and steady. The last rays of the setting sun shone on them, casting long shadows.

At the foot of the mountain, the Turkic tents were neatly arranged, and a campfire was burning brightly in the center of the camp. Several Turkic soldiers were sitting around the fire, talking in hushed tones.

As Wang Dali and Zhang Hutou approached their camp, several Turkic soldiers immediately stood up alertly, their hands on the hilts of their swords, their eyes fixed on them warily.

"Halt! Who are you?" a Turkic soldier shouted in broken Dajing language.

Wang Dali stopped, his hands still gripping the M16, but he didn't move the muzzle.

"We are soldiers from the Yinshan outpost, and we have been ordered to come and inquire about your purpose."

The Turkic soldiers exchanged glances, clearly hesitant, unsure whether to answer them.

At this moment, the older Turkic leader came out of the tent and his sharp gaze swept over Wang Dali and Zhang Hutou.

"Are you soldiers of Dajing?" the leader asked in fluent Dajing dialect.

Wang Dali nodded: "Yes. We are here on orders to inquire why you are stationed here."

After a moment of contemplation, the leader slowly said, "We are an envoy from the Turks. We have come to Dajing to seek peace and discuss marriage alliances."

"Seeking peace? A marriage alliance?" Wang Dali wasn't too surprised, because this was pretty much what he had guessed.

"In that case, please wait a moment while we go back and report."

The leader nodded, and Wang Dali turned and winked at Zhang Hutou. The two quickly returned to the outpost along the mountain path.

Back at the outpost, Wang Dali immediately picked up the walkie-talkie and pressed the call button: "Number 2, Number 2, this is Yinshan No. 1. The Turks claim to be an envoy, here to sue for peace and discuss marriage. Over."

"Received on the 2nd, received."

There was a moment of silence on the walkie-talkie, then a clear voice came through: "Yinshan No. 1, this is No. 2. His Highness has ordered that they be allowed to pass. His Highness will send someone to meet them. Over."

Wang Dali responded, put down the walkie-talkie, and breathed a sigh of relief.

He turned to Zhang Hutou and said, "Hutou, it seems that something really good is about to happen this time."

Zhang Hutou nodded, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes: "Brother Dali, do you think this marriage alliance will really succeed? If so, we won't have to fight the Turks anymore."

Wang Dali smiled and patted Zhang Hutou on the shoulder: "Let's hope so. We still need to keep a close eye on them and make sure nothing goes wrong."

As night fell, the campfires continued to burn in the Turkic camp at the foot of Yinshan Mountain.

The Turkic leader sat by the fire, holding a cup of hot tea, gazing intently at the distant mountains.

"Chief, will the people of Dajing believe in our sincerity?" a Turkic soldier asked in a low voice.

The leader smiled and took a sip of tea: "Whether they believe it or not is not important. What's important is that they are willing to talk. As long as they are willing to talk, we have a chance."

The soldier nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "The leader is wise."

The leader put down his teacup, his gaze still fixed on the distant mountains.

"Pass down the order: everyone should get a good rest tonight. We'll continue our journey early tomorrow morning."

"Yes!"

The soldier responded and turned to leave.

As night deepened, Wang Dali and Zhang Hutou remained at their outpost on Yinshan Mountain, keeping a close watch on the Turkic camp at the foot of the mountain through their binoculars.

Moonlight spilled across the mountains, draping the earth in a thin silver veil.

"Brother Dali, do you think the Turks will succeed in the peace talks this time?" Zhang Hutou asked in a low voice.

Wang Dali shook his head, his gaze still fixed on the distant camp: "It's hard to say. But since His Highness already knows, let's just wait and see."

Li Zhanghu nodded, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes: "Yes! I hope it will succeed."

Wang Dali smiled and patted Li Ergou on the shoulder: "Don't worry, with the Prince and Princess here, things will definitely get better and better."

In the darkness of night, the outpost on Yinshan Mountain stood silently, like a guardian deity, watching over everything at the foot of the mountain.

In the distant Turkic camp, the campfire gradually died down, and the camp fell silent.

It was evening on the second day.

The Turkic delegation's convoy moved slowly along the official road leading to Yong'an City, the wheels rolling over the yellow earth and raising clouds of fine dust.

Princess Yujia sat inside the carriage, gently lifting the curtain with her fingers, gazing into the distance through the gap.

The outline of Yong'an City gradually became clear in the distance. The towering city walls looked particularly majestic in the afterglow of the setting sun, like an insurmountable mountain pressing down on her heart.

Her mood was much better than it had been a few days ago, at least on the surface.

Every time she lifted the carriage curtain and saw the scenery ahead, an indescribable sense of anticipation welled up in her heart.

She knew that the man—Zhao Zun—was in that city.

Princess Yujia's fingers unconsciously traced the edge of the carriage curtain, a ripple of emotion stirring within her.

What does Zhao Zun look like?

She had sketched his image in her mind countless times.

Perhaps he has a pair of sharp eyes, like those of a hawk on the grassland, eyes that can see through all hypocrisy and lies.

Perhaps, there was a hint of coldness in his brows, like the chilling wind on the summit of a snow-capped mountain, fierce and unapproachable.

She even fantasized about whether Zhao Zun would feel the same overwhelming emotions she had when he saw her.
However, these fantasies were soon shattered by reality.

Her fingers trembled slightly, and the carriage curtain slipped from her fingers, obscuring the view outside. Her mood sank to the bottom.

Her purpose in coming here was not to see him, but to arrange a marriage alliance with the emperor of the Great Jing Dynasty.

This was her fate, and her responsibility. As a Turkic princess, she had no choice.

Princess Yujia lowered her head, her gaze falling on the hem of her skirt.

The gorgeous silk embroidered with intricate patterns symbolized her status and position, but it also acted like an invisible shackle, binding her tightly.

Her happiness had long been devoured by responsibility and power.

“Zhao Zun…”

She murmured softly, as if the name could bring her some comfort.

But she knew that even if Zhao Zun had feelings for her, all of that would vanish when she became the emperor's concubine.

Besides, she doesn't know whether Zhao Zun loves her.

Tears welled up in Princess Yujia's eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. The carriage continued its journey, drawing ever closer to Yong'an City.

Her fate, like this wheel, could not turn back; it could only move forward.

Princess Yujia repeatedly lifted the carriage curtain, looking towards Yong'an City. After a while, she would sigh and lower the curtain again.

Perhaps she herself didn't know what she was expecting or what she was lamenting.

Princess Yujia didn't know how many times she lifted the carriage curtain before the Yong'an City fortress gradually came into view.

The bluish-gray city walls gleamed with a cold light under the setting sun, their sharp edges resembling a lurking beast, silently guarding the city.

As the convoy moved forward, the details of the bastion became increasingly clear.

She noticed the machine gun muzzles on the side of the bastion, with dark gun barrels protruding from them like pairs of cold eyes, coldly staring into the distance.

Although Princess Yujia did not know what the long, dark stick was, she was shrewd and guessed that it must be a weapon if it could be used on the fortress.

Could that dark stick be the weapon used to launch "peanuts"?

After making her own guesses, Princess Yujia carefully observed the structure of the bastion and gradually became shocked.

When did Da Jing get such a fortress? How come she had never heard of it?
The design of this fortress is extraordinary; every angle and every firing port has been meticulously calculated to both provide effective defense and maximize the power of weapons.

Her fingers gently tapped the edge of the car window, her fingertips slightly cool.

The convoy continued its journey, and the entire bastion gradually came into view before her. The sturdy walls, the dense array of firing positions, and the wide trenches all demonstrated the formidable military strength of the Great Jing.

Her heart sank little by little, as if it were being pressed down by an invisible boulder, and her breathing became tense and heavy.

Although the Turks were famous for their iron cavalry, whose soldiers were brave and skilled in battle, no matter how many cavalry charged, they would only become casualties when faced with such a strong fortress and powerful weapons.

The Great Jing already possesses formidable weapons like the "peanut," and now, with such an impregnable fortress, the Turks... can forget about ever fighting the Great Jing again.

Princess Yujia frowned slightly, a hint of helplessness and determination flashing in her eyes.

It was only now that she realized Boru's decision was right.

The power of the Great Jing is beyond the reach of the Turks. Rather than confronting the Great Jing, it is better to seek its protection through a marriage alliance.

She sighed softly, withdrew her gaze, and her fingertips curled slightly inside her sleeve. She was unwilling to accept the marriage alliance, but after seeing the fortress of Dajing, she desperately hoped it would succeed.

Zhao Zun had already sent people to meet them on the road. The carriage followed behind the soldiers of Da Jing and slowly drove into the city gate of Yong'an City.

Princess Yujia raised her head, her gaze firm and calm. She knew in her heart that from this moment on, her fate would be inextricably linked with that city.

She will dedicate her life's happiness to fighting for a glimmer of hope for the Turks.

Zhao Zun, dressed in brocade robes, stood on the high city wall, gazing intently at the Turkic delegation slowly entering the city in the distance.

A gentle breeze blew by, causing his clothes to flutter slightly, and a faint worry lingered on his cool face.

Hua Tianyou sent his personal guards to report that the Marquis of Champion had sent twelve assassins to Fufeng County to kill him, but they failed.

Five of the assassins had been dealt with by Han Lei, but the whereabouts of the remaining seven were unknown. He was warned to be careful. He also mentioned that Han Lei had gone to the capital to check on her business.

He had increased his guard, always keeping personal bodyguards by his side and never leaving his pistol behind, no matter what he was doing. But so many days had passed, and he hadn't even seen a trace of the assassins.

The more this happened, the more worried he became. He feared that the seven assassins were after Han Lei.

He had witnessed Han Lei's fight with Gou Sheng and the others, and given the abundance of novel weapons Han Lei carried, he believed she possessed a certain level of self-defense capability.

His concern was that those assassins were lurking in the shadows, making them impossible to guard against.

Therefore, he has dispatched Xiao Zhengfei with several personal guards to rush to the capital to protect Han Lei.

The Turkic delegation's convoy had entered the city one after another. Zhao Zun sighed, turned around and walked down the city wall with steady and calm steps, showing no sign of worry.

Li Erniu was already waiting below the city. When he saw Zhao Zun come down, he quickly stepped forward to pay his respects.

"Commander Zhao, the Turkic delegation has entered the city. What should be done next?"

Zhao Zun nodded slightly, his tone calm.

"Erniu, you are now the garrison commander of Yong'an City. You will be in full charge of receiving the delegation this time. I will just watch from the sidelines."

Li Erniu was a little nervous, but he still straightened his back and solemnly replied, "Yes, Commander Zhao! I will definitely handle this matter well."

"Don't be nervous, I'm right here." Zhao Zun smiled and patted his shoulder: "It's a good thing that the Turks are seeking peace, and the people of Cangzhou can also recuperate."

"Ok!"

Li Erniu nodded solemnly and walked with Zhao Zun toward the city gate to welcome the Turkic delegation.

The delegation was led by an elderly tribal chief, followed by several attendants, but the most eye-catching was Princess Yujia, who was dressed in gorgeous clothes and had a beautiful face.

Her gaze swept across the crowd, as if searching for something.

Li Erniu stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Welcome to the Turkic delegation. I am Li Erniu, and I have been ordered to receive you."

The tribal chief smiled slightly and returned the greeting, saying, "Thank you, General Li. We have come here to discuss peace talks with the Great Jing. We hope you will take good care of us."

Li Erniu nodded: "The peace talks will be arranged by the court. You have come from afar and must be exhausted. Why don't you come with me to the post station to rest first, and I will send someone to escort you to the capital tomorrow."

"Alright! Then I'll have to trouble General Li."

The tribal chief nodded and was about to invite Princess Yujia to get into the carriage and go to the post station with Li Erniu when Princess Yujia suddenly spoke up.

"General Li, I wonder if Prince Zhao Zun of Cangzhou is in Yong'an City? I... want to see him." Princess Yujia's voice was clear and crisp, with a hint of urgency.

Li Erniu was taken aback and subconsciously glanced at Zhao Zun beside him.

Zhao Zun remained expressionless, his gaze indifferent, seemingly unwilling to acknowledge Princess Yu Jia.

Li Erniu had no choice but to bite the bullet and reply, "Princess, Commander Zhao is no longer in Yong'an City. Even if he were here, I'm afraid... it would be inconvenient for him to meet with you."

Princess Yujia knew that the Great Jing Dynasty had many rules, so she frowned slightly, and a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes.

"Why? I simply wish to meet this legendary King of Cangzhou. Is that against etiquette?"

Li Erniu pondered for a moment, carefully considering his words.

“Princess, as the garrison commander, if Commander Zhao were to meet with you privately, it might be suspected of… colluding with the enemy. Please understand, Princess.”

Upon hearing this, the elder tribal chief shook his head helplessly and sighed, "Princess, General Li is right. Let's rest first!"

Princess Yujia bit her lip, her eyes filled with resentment, but she finally nodded and went to the post station with the delegation.

As the delegation's convoy drove further and further away, Zhao Zun slowly spoke, his tone low and calm.

"Erniu, remember to send someone to keep an eye on them and prevent them from causing trouble in the city."

Li Erniu quickly replied, "Yes, I will arrange it right away."

Zhao Zun nodded slightly, his gaze returning to the distance, and the worry in his eyes reappeared.

Seeing Zhao Zun's solemn expression, Li Erniu couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "General Zhao, do you think... Princess Yujia has ulterior motives?"

Zhao Zun smiled faintly, his tone carrying a deeper meaning: "No matter what her intentions are, we just need to be careful."

Li Erniu nodded thoughtfully, then turned and followed the delegation.

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