Villain Lady

That jealous annoying prince…

Wei Liuying looked at the information once more and sighed. "Fine. I understand."

"Good. Now go to rest."

"Yes."

Wei Liuying sighed and turned her body around. She had no other choice but to rest now and no longer think too much about this.

What a hassle.

Hopefully, things would turn out to be alright when she came to the East Temple later.

…

The next day, Wei Liuying got prepared early and headed to Prince Ji Sheng's Residence. There was a carriage ready in front of the residence along with several horses and also soldiers. From their clothing, it was not hard to say that they were all people from Gao City who were sent to protect Gao Ling.

"You are?"

"My name is Ying," Wei Liuying said with a smile on her face. "General Sheng told me that I'll be coming with Lady Gao. It's an honor for me to be able to meet with the famous Lady Gao!"

The guards nodded at the seemingly too enthusiastic young brat. He pointed to the horse by the side. "Can you ride horse?"

"I can! It's one of the basic training that…."

"There's no need to explain everything to me," the guard interrupted Wei Liuying before she could begin to share all the experience that she had back in the training. Even though the guard didn't know the specific, he knew that Prince Ji Sheng was known for his strict training.

"Okay!"

"Lady Gao didn't like people to be polite with her. When you met with her, you can act normally like you did now."

Wei Liuying nodded, but there was traces of nervousness on her eyes. It was unclear whether she was too excited or too nervous. The guards only casted a gaze to her for a moment before they looked away again. They were not interested in such a youngster who didn't seem to be so capable.

Besides, he was simply too young.

Not long afterwards, the gate was opened and two people came out along with many servants. Gao Ling was wearing light pink robe while Ji Sheng was wearing his usual purple robe. They looked so good together that many people would surely sing on the street about them.

"General Sheng, Lady Gao."

Prince Ji Sheng nodded. "Protect Lady Gao in the temple. When the flowers start to bloom again, send her back here."

"Yes, General Sheng!"

"I'm also sending some soldiers to protect you aside from the little one you ask to accompany you training."

Gao Ling nodded and stepped forward. She grinned. "Don't worry so much, General Sheng. I'll be alright even if I have to fight a bit. I still need some exercise after being confined inside the city for so long."

"You shouldn't strain yourself," Prince Ji Sheng said unhurriedly. He raised his hand and stroked Gao Ling's head tenderly. Looking at his current gentle appearance, it was hard for anyone to think of him as the famous great general at the north border. "Be careful."

"Yes!"

Gao Ling bid her farewell and alighted to the carriage and the people departed. 

All along, Wei Liuying didn't even try to look at Ji Sheng because she was supposed to not know him because of her current status. She simply followed the soldiers while riding on the horse with her body swayed here and there from time to time. It looked as if she hadn't mastered the skill to ride on horse properly.

Prince Ji Sheng's eyes narrowed as he entered his residence once more. "Has all the people who come with Ling'er left?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Good. Call Xian."

He walked back to his study. Before long, Yang Xian came over while holding several bamboo sticks that seemed to be the result of his investigation. During the time he was not allowed to show himself in public, Yang Xian made sure that he was doing his work properly.

"What have you found, Xian?"

"Aside from some turmoil in the Capital City that we can't get involved with, I didn't find many things worth consideration," Yang Xian replied with a sigh. "Many events need us to steer away if we don't want to be embroiled in something nasty."

"Ji Shu moved?"

"He's not the only one. Prince Ji Tian has been pulling more people to his side lately and because of his status as the crown prince, it's not that hard for him to influence the people. By Spring, I feared that the officials in the court would have been completely divided into two." Yang Xian explained.

Prince Ji Sheng tapped the table and sighed. His cold and detached expression was still intact, but there was a lingering ruthlessness within his eyes that was not covered in the slightest bit. He looked at Yang Xian.

"Will they make their move to eliminate me?"

"It's not known yet, but the possibility is there."

"How generous." Prince Ji Sheng chuckled a bit. He glanced in the direction of the Capital City and smiled lightly. "If they want a battle, why don't we give it to them."

Yang Xian furrowed his brows. "The situation at the north is relatively unstable, General Sheng. I hope you reconsider this decision because if you choose to participate in the struggle of power, it's clear that we'll need to divide our resources."

"Nothing big, Xian. Protect our position is more important."

"That's…" Yang Xian thought about the things that he needed to do. Looking at the solemn gaze on Ji Sheng's face, he understood right away that Ji Sheng was never interested in the battle of power. What he wanted was simply enough power to protect what was important to him.

This northern border, no matter how chaotic it was, it was still a very meaningful place for Yang Xian as it was the place where he started everything.

His first meeting with Yang Xian, Shi Yan, Gao Ling, and many others happened at the north. They were all his most important people and Ji Sheng wished to protect them no matter what. 

"Can you do it, Xian?"

Yang Xian nodded. "In that case, I'll begin to make the necessary preparation. In the case it's important for you to step up, it'll be better if we have finished the matter with Xiong Tribe."

"Let's hope that it won't be a life or death's battle."

"It's not impossible."

Prince Ji Sheng sent a glare, but Yang Xian shrugged. It was his duty to tell Prince Ji Sheng the truth no matter how painful it was. A battle might be embroiling deep at the north even as they spoke now and nothing could stop it. All they could do was to prepare to the best they could.

…

The journey to the temple would pass by several cities. The first city that they passed would be Dong Shan City, which was also the place where Shi Lu Wen stayed. They were all curious about this young lady whom Gao Ling also wanted to meet after a long time.

"We're going to enter the city, would you like to stay in the inn, Lady Gao?" a guard asked.

Gao Ling shook her head. "Enter to the end of the road. There's a place that I want to visit."

"Now?"

"Yes."

The guards looked at each other and sighed. They all knew about Gao Ling's interaction with Shi Lu Wen, but they didn't like it too much. After all, Shi Lu Wen was nothing more than an ordinary young girl who was born and raised as a commoner.

However, no one dared to speak any word.

There was already a best example of a commoner who risen through the rank, which was Strategist Yang. If they dared to speak lowly about commoners, Gao Ling would without hesitation say Yang Xian's name and said that there might be some other gems hidden underground.

Why couldn't they set away their prejudice and treated them better?

With that question, it was clear that they have no other choice but to give in to Gao Ling's willfulness.

"We've arrived, Lady Gao."

Gao Ling nodded and hopped down the carriage. She didn't need any help from others as she looked in the direction of the house. The garden was still the same as usual, full of live and looked like it was the best in the world.

"Lu Wen!" Gao Ling called out.

"Ah, yes!"

There was sound of something fell within the house before the door was opened. A young and petite young girl stood there. She was dressed so simple with brown dress and simple hairpin to lock her hair to the back. Even in the dark, they could see that she was smiling brightly to their direction.

"Sister Gao!" Shi Lu Wen waved her hand excitedly.

On the other side, Wei Liuying was looking at the two of them with dumbfounded expression. Sister? Shi Lu Wen has become Gao Ling's sister? Why didn't that stingy and annoying strategist told her about this, ah?