“We came here for our people, but staying alive is for ourselves,” Huang Beishuang suddenly turned back with a smile, addressing the remaining eleven people. “From now on, we’ll face many dangers and must be cautious. All our actions must be well-ordered. Lian Huan, you’ll lead the guards to protect us. Ye Pei, you’ll be in charge of the maids, taking care of everything!”
“Yes!” The two responded in unison.
“Alright, we’ve arrived at the ambassador’s residence. Let’s go in.”
Huang Beishuang looked up at the sign above the door: Ningdu Ambassador’s Residence. She tightened her grip and led the twelve people inside.
The reception hall was crowded. It seemed many slave nations had sent their young women here. Some sat shyly to one side, watching the coming and going crowds, while others confidently surveyed their surroundings, feeling unmatched in beauty. Each bride-to-be was accompanied by guards and maids, apparently luckier than Huang Beishuang, having avoided bandits.
“The ambassador is here! Silence, please!” At this call, all fell quiet.
“Is everyone here?” A middle-aged man of imposing stature walked out, followed by several soldiers. His gaze swept over those standing in the hall.
“Well, the time has come. The three-day welcoming period is over. Those who are late or absent will be crossed off the list. Let’s start the roll call,” he said coldly after taking a sip of water. Everyone understood that those who hadn’t arrived had likely perished on the journey.
“Princess Yuqiang of Ma Sui!”
“Over here!” A young slave raised her hand.
The ambassador snorted, “Just answer ‘present’ for your mistress!”
“Duchess Zhengfang of Guhe!”
“Present!”
“Lady Hanyu of Mizan.”
“Present!”
These responses unsettled everyone. Who would have thought that besides Tiandu, the other four major powers had also sent people? It was a testament to Yunpei’s strength.
Some girls in the hall began to cry fearfully, while others started to scheme, knowing that without noble birth or great wisdom, it would take luck to survive in this harsh land. The often-overlooked brides sent for political marriages often didn’t even have proper burials.
“Miss Huang Beishuang of E’naqi!”
“Present!” Dao Qiu answered promptly, her voice unwavering, catching the ambassador’s attention. His eyes flickered – this group was different. Though only eight guards, stood with solemn dignity, always alert. The three maids were each as beautiful as flowers, rivaling the princesses sent by other small nations. Of course, none could compare to the composed Huang Beishuang standing in the center. There was something unique about her presence as if a king had arrived in person.
“Huang Beishuang of E’naqi!” For some reason, he called her name again.
Puchi! Another maid in blue, Zai Ping, laughed melodiously, “My lord, you seem forgetful. Didn’t you just call that name? Could it be that my sister Dao Qiu’s voice was so pleasing that you couldn’t resist hearing it again?”
In an instant, the serious atmosphere dissolved, and everyone laughed.
“Oh! Look at me…” The ambassador was a bit embarrassed, patting his head, his dignity completely gone.
Soon, he continued the roll call.
“Lady Tianguan of Zhiken.”
“Present!”
“Miss Zhenbitin of Nakuer.”
“Present!”
“…”
The tedious roll call continued. Apart from the noble brides who had titles from their countries, all others, including those from E’naqi, were addressed as “Miss.” This was reality – people were never equal.
“Alright, the roll call is complete!” The ambassador put away the list and smiled slightly. “Twenty-one verified. Please rest well these three days and prepare yourselves for the audience with His Majesty!” With that, he left, paying no more attention to the lingering crowd.
As people began to disperse from the embassy hall, servants bustled about attending to their mistresses. Once the ambassador left, the young women started to quarrel and compete with each other.
The one drawing the most attention was the renowned beauty from Zhenqu, Youjia. Huang Beishuang glanced at her from afar, thinking, “She truly is a beauty!” Not only was she delicately charming, but her large, expressive eyes were captivating, drawing everyone’s gaze.
Youjia maintained a resolute expression and proud demeanor in the face of others’ jealousy and provocations. Her presence made the other beauties pale in comparison. Unable to outargue or outshine her, the other girls grew frustrated, stamping their feet and beating their chests in anger.
“Such beauty shouldn’t be wasted here,” Huang Beishuang sighed softly with a smile, turning to leave with her group.
“Huang Beishuang! Stop right there!”
Just as she was about to cross the threshold, someone called out to her. She paused and slowly turned around.
“Princess Yuqiang! What can I do for you?” Huang Beishuang deliberately spoke with a trembling voice, naturally moving closer to her maid.
Seeing her apparent fear, Princess Yuqiang’s mood improved.
“Hmph! Being pretty doesn’t make you so great! You’re no worse than that Youjia, so why so spineless? Why are you hiding? Afraid I’ll eat you?” She grabbed Huang Beishuang’s hand, pulled her out forcefully, and swiftly slapped her, causing her to stumble slightly. At this, Lian Huan’s hand moved to his sword, ready to strike, but Huang Beishuang’s eyes flashed a warning not to interfere. Lian Huan stepped back.
“Why are you crying?” Princess Yuqiang seemed very satisfied with Huang Beishuang’s helpless, frightened appearance. It was as if she was venting all the frustration she had felt towards Youjia onto Huang Beishuang, who merely covered her face and wept.
“You’re such a coward. Get out of my sight!” Yuqiang was quite pleased with herself. Of course, she had reason to be proud. After all, she wasn’t from a slave nation; her presence here was a gesture of friendship rather than submission. To some extent, she was a woman with political status, representing Ma Sui, one of the five major powers. It wasn’t unreasonable for her to assert her dominance over the other women before their audience with the emperor.
Zai Ping and the others quickly came forward, one hand caressing Huang Beishuang’s face, the other supporting her as they left.