Chapter 255 - 158: This Is Also Against Etiquette? (3)

Her heart sank bit by bit, as if pressed by an invisible giant rock, her breath becoming tense and heavy.

Although the Turkic are renowned for their cavalry, brave and adept at warfare, facing such a solid fortress and powerful weapons, however many horsemen charge, they would only become sacrifices.

Da Jing with such formidable weapons as "peanuts" already possesses astonishing power, and now with such an unassailable fortress added, the Turkic... can no longer hope to battle Da Jing.

Princess Yujia’s brows slightly furrowed, a trace of helplessness and determination flashed in her eyes.

It was only now that she suddenly realized Bo Lu’s decision was right.

Da Jing’s strength is no longer something the Turkic can contend with; rather than opposing Da Jing, it would be better to seek Da Jing’s protection through marriage alliance.

She gently sighed, withdrew her gaze, and her fingertips slightly curled within her sleeve. This path of marriage alliance was not one she wished for, but after seeing Da Jing’s bastion, she now sincerely hoped that the marriage could succeed smoothly.

Zhao Zun had already sent people to receive them on the way; the carriage followed behind Da Jing’s soldiers, slowly entering through the gates of Yong’an City.

Princess Yujia raised her head, her gaze steadfast and serene. She understood clearly that from this moment on, her fate would be closely tied to this city.

And she, too, would use her lifelong happiness to win a slim chance of survival for the Turkic.

Zhao Zun, dressed in brocade casual clothes, stood on the high city wall, deeply watching the slowly entering Turkic envoy team from afar.

A breeze blew by, slightly swaying his garments, with a faint worry on his cold and clear face.

Hua Tianyou sent a trusted aide to say that the Champion Marquis had dispatched twelve assassins, who attempted to assassinate him in Fufeng County but failed.

Five of those assassins had already been dealt with by Han Lei, but seven were still unaccounted for, warning him to be extra careful. He also mentioned that Han Lei had gone to the Capital City to check on some business.

He had strengthened his guards, keeping trusted aides by his side at all times and never parting with his pistol. Yet, so many days had passed without even catching a glimpse of the assassins.

The more it was like this, the more anxious he became. He feared that the seven assassins had set their sights on Han Lei.

Last time, he witnessed Han Lei’s confrontation with Dog Leftovers and the others, coupled with Han Lei’s myriad of peculiar weapons, leaving him confident in Han Lei’s ability to protect herself to some extent.

What worried him was the assassins lurking in the shadows, unpredictable and unavoidable.

Therefore, he had already dispatched Xiao Zhengfei with several trusted aides to rush to the Capital City to protect Han Lei.

The Turkic envoy’s convoy had entered the city one after another; Zhao Zun sighed, turned, and walked down the city wall with steady and composed steps, showing no hint of worry.

Li Erniu was already waiting at the foot of the city wall, seeing Zhao Zun come down, hurriedly stepped forward to salute.

"Mr. Zhao, the Turkic envoy team has entered the city, what arrangements should be made next?"

Zhao Zun nodded slightly, his tone calm.

"Erniu, you are now the garrison commander of Yong’an City; the task of receiving the envoy will be entirely up to you. I will simply observe from the side."

Li Erniu was somewhat nervous but still straightened his back and solemnly answered, "Yes, Mr. Zhao! I will certainly handle this matter well."

"Don’t be nervous, I am right by your side." Zhao Zun patted his shoulder with a smile: "The Turkic seeking peace is a good thing, allowing the people of Canzhou to recuperate."

"Hmm!"

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

At the forefront of the envoy was an elderly tribal leader, followed by several attendants, but the most striking was Princess Yujia, adorned in splendid attire with a charming visage.

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

Li Erniu stepped forward, cupped his hands in salute: "Welcome, Turkic envoy. I am General Li Erniu, commissioned to receive you all."

The tribal leader smiled slightly and returned the courtesy: "Thank you, Mr. Li. This time we have come to discuss peace talks with Da Jing and hope for your continued attention."

Li Erniu nodded: "The peace talks will be arranged by the court. Your long journey must have left you exhausted; why not first go to the post station with me and rest, and I will send someone to escort you to the capital tomorrow."

"Good! We will trouble General Li then."

The tribal leader nodded and was about to call Princess Yujia into the carriage, to go with Li Erniu to the post station, but Princess Yujia suddenly spoke up.

"General Li, is Canzhou King Zhao Zun in Yong’an City? I... would like to meet him." Princess Yujia’s voice was crisp, with a hint of urgency.

Li Erniu was taken aback, instinctively glanced at Zhao Zun beside him.

Zhao Zun remained expressionless, his gaze indifferent, seemingly uninterested in responding to Princess Yujia.

Li Erniu had to gather his courage to reply: "Princess, Mr. Zhao is not in Yong’an City now. Even if he were, I’m afraid... it would be inappropriate for you to meet him."

Princess Yujia, aware of Da Jing’s many protocols, slightly furrowed her brows, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes.

"Why? I only wish to see the legendary King of Cangzhou, is this against etiquette?"

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

"Princess, Mr. Zhao, being a stationed Marshal, if he meets privately with the Princess, it might be suspected of... colluding with the enemy. Please understand, Princess."

The elderly tribal leader heard this, shook his head helplessly, and sighed: "Princess, what General Li says makes sense, let’s rest first!"

Princess Yujia bit her lip, her eyes full of unwillingness, but eventually nodded and followed the envoy to the post station.

Only when the envoy’s convoy had gradually gone far did Zhao Zun slowly speak, his tone deep and calm.

"Erniu, remember to have someone watch them; don’t let them cause any trouble in the city."

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

Zhao Zun nodded slightly, his gaze once more cast into the distance, the worry in his eyes resurfacing.

Seeing Zhao Zun’s serious expression, Li Erniu couldn’t help but ask quietly: "Mr. Zhao, do you think... this Princess Yujia has ulterior motives?"

Zhao Zun smiled faintly, his tone carrying a hint of deeper meaning: "Whatever her intentions may be, as long as we conduct ourselves carefully, it will be fine."

Li Erniu nodded thoughtfully and turned to follow the envoy team with his men.