For Jiang Si, the corpse-herding youth was just a brief interlude that quickly passed. However, she learned from Long Dan that the young man’s name was Yun Chuan.
Throughout the entire encounter, Elder Hua showed no excessive enthusiasm towards either the two people from Northern Qi or the corpse-herding youth. Her mind was focused on only one thing: bringing Jiang Si back to the clan as quickly as possible.
The group finally arrived at the border town. Compared to the prosperity and grandeur of the capital, this small town was much simpler. Yet many people were coming and going, some wearing the attire of the Great Zhou, while others were graceful women in colorful high-waisted skirts, exuding an exotic charm.
Long Dan, who had been to this border town before, walked beside the carriage and explained to Jiang Si, “Although this is a small town of our Great Zhou, it’s a melting pot. Many foreigners come here to trade or do business with the people of Great Zhou.”
Jiang Si looked at Elder Hua and asked, “We’re not far from Wu Miao now, are we?”
Elder Hua nodded, with a sense of relief as if a great weight had been lifted, “We’re very close. I’ve already arranged a place for us to stay. Let’s go there first and then we’ll talk.”
Jiang Si smiled, “It seems Elder Hua was certain I would come with you.”
Elder Hua raised her eyebrows slightly and reminded her, “Now that we’re here, you should call me Hua Zhua to avoid arousing suspicion.”
Seeing that Elder Hua avoided answering, Jiang Si didn’t mind and nodded in agreement.
Under Elder Hua’s guidance, the carriage wound its way through the streets before stopping at an inn.
“This is the place,” Elder Hua said, being the first to step down from the carriage.
The four of them entered the pre-arranged room. Elder Hua glanced at Long Dan and Old Qin, then said, “I need to return to the clan first. Wait for me here for half a day.”
“Is half a day enough?” Long Dan asked.
“It’s enough. Before I return, you’d better not move around freely, especially you, Your Highness. Please wait in the room.”
Jiang Si calmly agreed, “Just go and come back quickly, Hua Zhua.”
After Elder Hua left, Jiang Si said to Long Dan, “When Elder Hua returns to take me into Wu Miao, you and Old Qin will certainly be left here—”
Long Dan interrupted Jiang Si’s words, “That won’t do!”
Old Qin also furrowed his brow and said concisely, “It’s risky.”
Jiang Si smiled slightly, “It’s not a risk. They need something from me, so they’ll surely ensure my safety.”
“But what about after they get what they want?” Long Dan asked.
“After that—” Jiang Si glanced out the window.
Unlike the desolate winter in the capital, it was much warmer here. Through the window, she could glimpse lush greenery, a pleasing sight.
Jiang Si pulled out a letter from her sleeve and handed it to Long Dan, “There might be some trouble after that, but I’ll do my best to resolve it. You don’t need to worry about these things. After I leave with Elder Hua, find His Highness and give him this letter.”
Yu Jin had come south to search for Jiang Zhan’s “body,” so the couple was not far apart.
Of course, Jiang Si wouldn’t conceal her whereabouts from Yu Jin. To her, Yu Jin would always be her closest person.
Looking at the letter in his hand, Long Dan couldn’t bring himself to insist on accompanying Jiang Si to Wu Miao.
Having spent time in the south and having dealt with the Wu Miao people due to his connection with Yu Jin, he was well aware of their strange customs. Rather than following Her Highness to Wu Miao only to be hindered by their methods, it would be better to fulfill her instructions and let his master know of her arrival.
“What about Old Qin?” Still uneasy about letting Jiang Si go to Wu Miao alone, Long Dan asked.
Jiang Si glanced at Old Qin and smiled, “Old Qin needs to keep an eye on someone for me.”
“Who?” This time, Old Qin and Long Dan asked in unison.
Jiang Si pointed at her face and said slowly, “The real Hua.”
Given Elder Hua’s caution and eagerness to bring her back to Wu Miao, yet now leaving her at the inn to return alone, Jiang Si had already guessed her intentions.
When Elder Hua returned, she probably wouldn’t be alone.
Long Dan didn’t understand at first and repeated, “The real Hua?”
Jiang Si gave him a meaningful look, smiling slightly, “Yes, the real Miss Hua.”
Long Dan laughed dryly and explained, “Well, it’s just that we shouldn’t use your title in front of others.”
Her Highness even called him Ah Long, didn’t she consider his safety at all?
Jiang Si’s expression turned serious, “Old Qin if Elder Hua returns with Hua, pretend to leave with Long Dan, but secretly keep an eye on Hua for me.”
Old Qin nodded solemnly.
The three waited until dusk when Elder Hua finally returned.
Long Dan peered behind Elder Hua but saw no one.
He couldn’t help but glance at Jiang Si.
Jiang Si remained composed, waiting for Elder Hua to speak.
“Please, you two, step aside for a moment. I have something to discuss privately with your princess,” Elder Hua said.
At Jiang Si’s signal, Long Dan and Old Qin went to the adjacent room.
Jiang Si took a sip of tea, appearing calm and collected, “Hua Zhua, are we ready to leave?”
Elder Hua sat down, poured herself a cup of tea, and after catching her breath, said, “I’ve brought Hua here.”
Jiang Si raised her eyebrows slightly but remained silent.
Elder Hua continued, “But Hua doesn’t know about finding you to impersonate our clan’s holy maiden.”
Jiang Si was somewhat surprised, “Elder Hua, you intend to keep this from Hua?”
Elder Hua forced a wry smile, “Your Highness doesn’t know the status of the holy maiden in our clan’s hearts. Letting Hua know someone is impersonating the holy maiden could cause trouble.”
“I see,” Jiang Si showed an expression of partial understanding.
Elder Hua instructed, “So when we leave, Your Highness should not meet Hua. I’ll take you away quietly.”
“If Hua knows nothing, will she stay at the inn alone?” Jiang Si asked.
“You need not concern yourself with that,” Elder Hua didn’t want Jiang Si to know too much.
Jiang Si smiled nonchalantly, “Then what about Long Dan and Old Qin—”
Elder Hua interrupted Jiang Si seriously, “They can’t come with us.”
Although Jiang Si had anticipated this and made arrangements, she now displayed a dissatisfied expression, “How can Elder Hua ensure my safety if you won’t allow me to bring my people?”
“I understand Your Highness’s concerns, but their presence would draw attention. It would be difficult to explain their origins, which could lead to complications. Surely Your Highness doesn’t want to see any setbacks?” Elder Hua explained.
Jiang Si pondered for a long while before nodding, “Very well then, let them stay behind. I hope Elder Hua hasn’t forgotten the oath she swore.”
Elder Hua smiled, “Of course not. Your Highness can rest assured. Please inform them of the situation.”
Shortly after, Jiang Si and Elder Hua quietly left the inn, heading towards Wu Miao.
Wu Miao wasn’t too far from the small town. As the sun set, leaving only a few streaks of red in the western sky, the two arrived at the entrance of the village.
Standing before the familiar village, a hint of nostalgia flashed in Jiang Si’s eyes.
It was here that she had once met Yu Qi, who later became her prince consort.
Now, after twists and turns, past lives and present, she had returned, assuming the identity of another young woman named Hua.
As the village gate was about to close, the gatekeeper saw Elder Hua and greeted her with a smile, “You’re back so soon? Didn’t you want to let Hua explore the city a bit more?”
“We’ve bought what we needed,” Elder Hua casually deflected, leading Jiang Si inside.