Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 128 Leaving the City
Jiu Que and his group were also eager to return home. After confirming the date, they also made contact with the team that was going to present the tribute, since they had a large amount of wealth to carry on this trip and their numbers were not enough.

Every year, tribute convoys from various regions would present gifts to His Majesty. These convoys were usually escorted by local armies, and even bandits and robbers along the way wouldn't dare to oppose the ruler of a nation. Therefore, the tribute convoys were actually the safest. Moreover, they were often escorted by large armies. After revealing their identities as imperial envoys, the tribute convoy from the far south readily agreed. After all, tribute convoys like theirs usually converged along the way, mainly because their remote location lacked manpower; cooperation from various regions was necessary to ensure the safety of their journey.

Moreover, the opportunity to travel to the capital alongside the newly risen elites was a great privilege for them. Who would want to spend their entire life in this godforsaken place? Everyone wanted to see the splendor of the capital. And since this imperial envoy was personally dispatched by His Majesty, he must be highly regarded by the Emperor. As for whether he was male or female, in such remote places, gender didn't make much difference. Especially in the far south, women were traditionally in charge, and the tribute-presenting delegation was led by a female general.

Before they even met, both sides had already established their stances. The rare female general had also led her troops into the city ahead of time, preparing to escort them for a while. Upon seeing Jiu Que and Chunyu Shuang, the female general named Bai Yi Chun couldn't help but burst into a hearty laugh.

She was a forthright and uninhibited general, quite unconventional in her manners. Bai Yichun was tall, and the heavy armor she wore did not hinder her movements in the slightest. She strode over, patted Jiu Que's shoulder hard, and when she found that Jiu Que did not move, her eyes flashed with a sharp light.

"Good! Good! I haven't seen such a spirited girl in a long time. When I went to the capital to present tribute, those scoundrels, though they didn't say it outright, had such an arrogant attitude that it was really annoying. What kind of trash are they? We're all officials, but their rank isn't even as high as mine, yet they dare to look down on me. They deserve a beating. If it weren't for the strategist holding them back, I would have beaten them to a pulp."

"It's strange, really. I've never seen any female officials before when I went to the capital. I thought there were no female officials left in the capital. My two sisters, you must have put in a lot of effort to break through in that male-dominated officialdom. It wasn't easy, it really wasn't easy."

"Uh……"

Jiu Que felt a rare pang of guilt. Chunyu Shuang had indeed suffered greatly in the officialdom over the years, but her entry into the bureaucracy was entirely due to His Majesty's whim. He probably hadn't expected her to achieve what she had. Moreover, taking advantage of her status as an imperial envoy, she had killed so many corrupt officials without His Majesty's permission; she might face considerable criticism from court officials upon her return. They had long disliked her and would certainly not let this golden opportunity slip by. But now, it was too early to say anything; she would deal with it after they returned…

"General Baiyi, you flatter me. I am just an ordinary female official. It is thanks to His Majesty's kindness in giving me this task despite my clumsiness. During the mission, I was also able to capture the culprit thanks to the help of my colleagues. As for General Baiyi, I have long heard that you are exceptionally brave. At the age of nineteen, you were able to lead your subordinates to wipe out the mountain bandits. You are truly a heroine among heroes."

Bai Yichun pondered the last sentence several times with some surprise, then burst into laughter and patted Jiu Que's shoulder hard.

"As expected of a female imperial envoy who has been seen only once in decades. Look how eloquent you are, heroine! This is the first time I've ever heard of such a thing. People always call me a hero, which always felt a bit off. I'm older, sister, you are truly a remarkable person."

"I've heard all along how wise and powerful the female imperial envoy sent by the court is. She can extract all the wrongdoings from a person with just a glance. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say she's the reincarnation of Bai Ze. They say seeing is believing, and today I understand what that means. Don't worry, sister, I'll be here to ensure your safety. I've traveled this road at least eight times, and it's always been smooth sailing."

Feeling the immense, continuous force on her shoulder, Jiu Que couldn't help but curl the corners of her lips into a smile. She simply loved people like this—bold and unrestrained. Moreover, whatever the reason for this Hundred-Clad General's actions, the kindness he displayed deserved her sincere treatment.

The group greeted each other and then hosted Bai Yichun and her subordinates for a night's rest at the government office. To avoid any unforeseen complications, they set off early the next morning before most people were awake. The sound of horses' hooves and wheels rolling on the road was somewhat hollow and muffled; since most people were still asleep, their departure wouldn't cause much of a disturbance.

The newly appointed prefect sent by the imperial court is on his way to take office and will arrive soon. Jiu Que has done everything he could and has a clear conscience.

To avoid disturbing the people, everyone remained quiet. Seeing the tightly closed city gates in the distance, Jiu Que breathed a sigh of relief. Although his time in Qianzhou had been short, the people here remained as simple and honest as those throughout the world. He sincerely hoped they could live peaceful and tranquil lives from now on, and smoothly pass the rest of their days. However, the guards at the front suddenly fell silent the moment the city gates were opened. This almost eerie silence reached those behind and startled Jiu Que.

"what happened?"

Bai Yichun never liked riding in carriages, so she was among the first group of people to arrive. Now, she rode her horse with a strange expression to the Jiuque carriage and knocked on the window.

"I think you should come out and see for yourself."

Jiu Que was a little puzzled, so he simply lifted the curtain and peeked out. He then saw a large group of people standing silently like sculptures in the morning light.

The man closest to the city gate was the first to cry out for justice. His arms and legs were broken, and he was being helped to stand up. The moment he saw Jiu Que, his previously numb eyes suddenly burst into a bright light.

"Lord Ying! This humble subject has come to see you off. May your future be smooth sailing, your official career successful, and may you be promoted and ennobled!"

Next to him stood the other victims, who shouted their blessings with all their might, and the once quiet city of Qianzhou quickly became lively.

"Lord Ying! I have set up a shrine to you in my home, offering incense and fruit every day, wishing you peace, health and happiness year after year!"

"May Lord Ying enjoy good health!"

"Big sister, I will study hard and become a good official like you, who is discerning and loves the people like his own children!"

"me too!"

"And I……"

(End of this chapter)