Chapter Four, Jizhou Shen

Li He's ears turned red. In an effort to conceal his embarrassment, he hurriedly jumped off the boat. Little did he know that the boatman was also startled by the sound of the flute. The boat had not yet steadied, and as Li He stepped onto the muddy bank, water entered his boots.

"If you haven't heard it, then that's to be expected. This is a piece composed by our princess herself; where would you have heard it?" said Yusuir.

That person turned over and dismounted, took a few steps forward and stopped, "I am Li Liang from Jizhou."

After Li Liang stood up, he said: "My lord, upon hearing that the princess was attacked, commanded me to swiftly cross the river to rescue her. Unfortunately, I was still a step too late. However, those fierce bandits have all been eradicated, and the princess's palanquin and bridal belongings have been recovered"

I am Li He from the Tiger Ben Army

Yushier could not help but laugh out loud, realizing that Li He was actually a fool

Hearing the drums and gongs outside, the sound of music resounding through the heavens, the groom arrived at the guesthouse at the auspicious hour to welcome the princess's royal carriage. Ji Yang had a hearty meal, while Yu Sui and Lu Zhu hurriedly helped her put on the golden crown adorned with nine phoenixes and four phoenixes, with a chain of golden beads hanging in front, allowing Ji Yang's face to be partially concealed behind the chain.

At this moment, Ji Yang had stepped out from behind Li He, saying, "General Li, please rise"

When the heart is focused and the spirit is settled, it becomes unaware of external things

Suddenly, a horse dashed out from the forest

Although Ji Yang understood the discipline of the Black Armored Army, he had never had the opportunity to compare it with other armies. Therefore, his perception of the formidable nature of the troops before him was limited to the level of "I have heard they are very powerful"

To this day, Li Hefang has only just realized that the most touching music is not characterized by superb skills or obscure meanings, but rather the melodies played by Princess Anle. Such music can be understood by the noble young men of the galloping horse stage, heard by the soldiers fighting on the battlefield, and even comprehended by the boatman who only knows how to pole a boat. That is the truly moving music

It is said that any woman should preferably avoid encountering this Shen Du from Jizhou

Before long, the sound of synchronized hoofbeats echoed through the valley. A squad of black-armored elite soldiers galloped uniformly to the ferry, reining in their horses in unison. The horses' hooves were raised high, while the riders remained as steady as a mountain, their faces concealed behind the visors of their helmets.

Thus, although Ji Yang appeared as graceful as a willow, in Shen Du's eyes, she resembled the unripe fruit hanging from the branches in early summer, still very green.

Later, when Ji Yang recalled this scene, she could not help but exclaim that Shen Du's entrance was striking, clad in a white robe and silver armor, adorned with a purple-gold crown and a white jade hairpin, with tear-stained cheeks. His presence was grand and imposing, his demeanor clear and lofty, complemented by the black armor beside him and embraced by the green pines behind. How could a young woman, just awakening to love, not fall headlong into that boundless sea of emotions?

Before long, the boatman returned to ferry the remaining people from the opposite bank across the Zhang River. Just as Ji Yang and his companions were about to leave, they heard the sound of horse hooves coming from the forest

After this group of people came to a halt, they moved aside in a uniform manner, revealing a black steed with a tear-shaped white mark on its forehead. The person seated atop it was so captivating that one could easily forget their own thoughts.

That concubine is the illegitimate daughter of Prince An, who was sent off in marriage this time. When he escaped, he conveniently took this daughter with him, thus there was no need to trouble the Zongzhengfu to select another virtuous woman for the marriage trial.

When Ji Yang left Luoyang City, she did not cry, but upon hearing Yusui's words at this moment, she could not help but shed tears, feeling somewhat incredulous that she was to become a bride today. She recalled that in her childhood, her mother had promised that she would never marry her off in her lifetime.

The sound of the xiao is deep and solemn, first heralding the biting cold of winter, with snow dancing like silver serpents, and the land frozen for miles. Suddenly, the spring breeze passes through, the green mountains return, and the streams flow melodiously. Then, the peach blossoms in the mountain temple slowly bloom, their pink petals unfurling, while swarms of butterflies flutter about. There is a babbling brook, with fish swimming among them, a flat boat gliding straight up, winding through ditches, passing by rocky caves, and suddenly opening up to a vast expanse, with myriad colors of flowers in full bloom, as if woven into a tapestry. There is an old man fishing by the stream and a young woman chasing butterflies and washing flowers.

"General Li, General Li." Yusui'er waved her hand in front of Li He, which finally brought his soul back.

At this moment, Princess Anle, Ji Yang, was indeed in a rather awkward situation, with her skirt stained with grass juice and her shoes splattered with mud. She shrank her feet back under Shen Du's gaze, only to find that Shen Du was no longer looking at her, which left her feeling somewhat disheartened

In this place, Ji Yang first meets Shen Du; one has a heart full of tumultuous waves, while the other possesses a heart as still as an ancient well.

The results of the trial marriage reported back by the new bride were unremarkable. The next day, before dawn, Ji Yang was pulled from her soft quilt by Yu Sui'er and Lu Zhu'er, who helped her wash and dress, as today was the auspicious day of her wedding

Ji Yang's carriage first entered the villa prepared for her outside Jizhou City, where she would stay for one night to freshen up and organize herself. Today, Ji Yang's dowry would be sent in advance to the Xinyang Marquis's residence, along with a trial marriage concubine.

When the carriage arrived outside the city of Jizhou, colorful pavilions had already been erected at the city gate. At that time, the emperor's uncle, who had accompanied Ji Yang to Jizhou for the wedding, had seen the situation turn unfavorable when encountering the bandits and had fled first. Now, he unexpectedly reappeared from somewhere.

Officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Office of Imperial Sacrifices have perished or scattered, yet at this moment, a few have miraculously appeared. Unfortunately, none of the female historians who accompanied Ji Yang in surrendering survived

As the warmth on Li He’s face subsided, he finally extended his hand to assist Ji Yang off the boat. When she passed by him, a wisp of fragrance from the tips of her hair wafted in with the breeze, and from that moment on, Li He never regained his senses from that scent for the rest of his life

Li He vigilantly protected Ji Yang while asking, "Who are you?"

The lord speculated that General Jianwei, who was protecting the princess, would certainly choose to cross the river from other ferry points. Thus, he dispatched soldiers to wait at each crossing. Indeed, I was able to find the princess. Li Liang continued, "Princess, please allow me to send a message to the lord; the lord's encampment is not far from here."

To exaggerate a bit, it is likely that Shen Fengzhuo has slept with more women than Ji Yang has seen true men in her lifetime. Of course, one might ask about the eunuchs in the palace; they certainly do not count as true men. And what about the two hundred Tiger Ben soldiers escorting Ji Yang? Although they are positioned before and behind the imperial carriage, surrounding it like a cluster of stars, Ji Yang, sitting inside the carriage, cannot be said to have truly seen them either

However, it is said that Ji Yang looked up at Shen Du from below, while Shen Du sat on horseback, looking down at this Princess Anle.

Li He's expression turned serious as he took a step to the right, placing Ji Yang behind him, with his spear already poised for action

Soon, a person saw Li He, clad in full armor, accompanied by several female attendants. Among them, one was veiled in white gauze, and her imposing demeanor clearly indicated that she was no ordinary lady. Thus, he clasped his fists and inquired, "Is the one ahead the Princess Anle?"

Li He, upon hearing that Shen Du was coming, recalled that he was to be the legitimate husband of Princess Anle. In that moment, an indescribable feeling arose in his heart, causing discomfort in his chest. He thought to himself that if he were not only the General Jianwei of the Tiger Ben Army but also a duke or marquis overseeing military and political affairs, then perhaps today, the husband of Princess Anle would not necessarily be Shen Du from Jizhou.

Li Liang, a valiant general under the Shen family of Jizhou, is somewhat related to Li He, and has indeed been heard of by him.

Upon hearing this, Yu Sui'er showed a joyful expression. Empress Su had prepared a dowry of immeasurable value for Ji Yang, which was taken away by those ruthless bandits. Yu Sui'er had been heartbroken, lamenting that the esteemed Princess Taizu was left without even a change of clothes. Now that all difficulties were resolved, how could Yu Sui'er not display her joy, thus developing a favorable impression of the Marquis of Xinyang even before meeting him.

Ji Yang nodded and said, "Thank you for your efforts, General"

It is said that Li Liang's method of sending a signal piqued Ji Yang's curiosity. She saw him blow three short and one long note into the bamboo whistle at his chest, and when she looked up, she saw a dark shadow emerge from the clouds above, circling once over their heads before swiftly flapping its wings and flying westward

Although Ji Yang was not knowledgeable about military affairs, she had heard of the renowned reputation of the Jizhou Black Armored Army, which had never suffered a defeat. This column of troops approached silently, their horses reined in without a sound, and each hoofbeat was perfectly synchronized. If it were not for the well-trained and highly skilled Black Armored Army, one would truly not dare to imagine such a display.

Jade Sui'er and the nearby Dew'er exchanged a glance, both feeling very pleased with the great respect that the Xinyang Marquis showed towards the princess

Ji Yang shot a glare at Yu Sui'er, and Li He observed it, yet he could not help but wish that such a myriad of charm was directed at himself. Li He was also the son of an official family; otherwise, he would not have been able to enter the Tiger Ben Army of the Imperial Guard. In his youth, he had also dabbled in music and rhythm, but he had always preferred martial pursuits over literary ones. He felt that the sounds of strings and bamboo were merely frivolous tunes that sapped one's ambition. Moreover, those who played the instruments were pretentious, speaking of lofty mountains and flowing waters, of Bo Ya and Zi Qi, when in fact, they were playing nonsense that was utterly incomprehensible.

"Yet I have never heard of it," Li He said

The title of the song is "Peach Blossom Spring". Ji Yang Dao.

Since Li He has revealed his identity, Li Liang can be certain that the woman behind him is Princess Anle. Therefore, he quickly stepped forward and knelt on one knee, saying, "I, Li Liang, pay my respects to the Princess"

Li He exclaimed: "Such a magnificent creature, could it be a Haidongqing?" The most splendid among the eagles of the Northeast is referred to as the Haidongqing, and even among a hundred thousand divine eagles, there may not be a single one. Thus, Li He could not help but be astonished

It stands to reason that, in the present day, Zhongzhou is eager to court Jizhou; otherwise, her mother would not have been willing to let her marry into Jizhou. The fact that the Marquis of Xinyang is so attentive only deepens Ji Yang's curiosity about this person

On the return journey, Shen Du had long since left the carriage, leaving Li Liang to escort Ji Yang, ensuring a safe and uneventful trip

In Jizhou, there is a saying: To meet Shen Lang once is to be misled for a lifetime

"General, you have keen eyesight; that is indeed the sea eagle raised by the lord. This creature flies extremely fast and high, and arrows cannot bring it down. It is perfect for delivering messages. The lord specifically sent it out to search for the whereabouts of the princess." Li Liang looked proudly at the dark shadow gradually receding into the horizon.

Jadeite could not help but shed tears and said: "The princess is truly beautiful today, but it is a pity that the queen cannot personally come to see the princess get married"

"What piece did the princess just play?" Li He asked

Only Ji Yang, upon seeing Li Liang approach, incessantly brought up the Xinyang Marquis, speaking of all the things he had done for her, the comfortable princess, thus becoming more cautious.

Shen Du and Ji Yang are, after all, an unmarried couple, and they should avoid meeting each other. At this moment, Ji Yang's recently retrieved golden phoenix carriage followed behind Shen Du. Yu Sui'er and others helped her onto the carriage, and they proceeded towards Jizhou.