Chapter 8: Yuling City

Upon receiving the package, Liu Feng felt a twinge of reluctance in his heart, while the little girl next to him, Xiao Yue'er, was in tears. Although they were going on a trip, it was, after all, the first time in her life that she would be away from her mother. Seeing this situation, Liu Feng quickly assured Wu Ma that he would return safely, and then he took Xiao Yue'er and set off.

No need for that, Fourteenth Brother. Seeing you at such an advanced age still joking about children is quite amusing. A woman in flowing white garments gracefully descended from the ship, appearing both elegant and untainted by the dust of the world

Lanjiang Iron Riders, the name that Liu Feng recalled from the tea house yesterday, must be the elite troops of Dongyu

At this moment, Liu Feng and Xiao Yue'er were still lingering in the bustling market. Liu Feng already had quite a few items in hand, most of which were things that Xiao Yue'er liked. Although she was reluctant to buy them herself, Liu Feng had purchased them all for her, as he was not spending his own money. After all, he had never been short of money during the many years spent with Dou Yin.

After inquiring, it was learned that the coming-of-age ceremony for Princess Yu Nuo, the beloved daughter of Prince Lan, would not begin until the hour of Si. Therefore, the two planned to continue their stroll before heading to the platform erected in the center of Yubing City.

Hmph, am I not allowed to come?" Her beautiful eyes slightly shifted, casting a sidelong glance at Prince Lan.

However, things turned out to be much smoother than he had anticipated. After a moment of contemplation, Mother Wu surprisingly agreed, but she reminded them to be cautious and pay attention to safety while they were out.

This was Liu Feng's first time seeing the city of this world. Although he had seen it on television in his previous life, the real city walls appearing before Liu Feng provided a visual impact that could not be compared.

At this moment, the aged Emperor Dongyu is once again troubled about the future of the nation. The grandeur of the time when he ascended the throne is still vivid in his memory, as he aspired to govern the country well and to be a remarkable emperor of great talent and vision. However, now he finds himself in the twilight of his years, with the will but lacking the strength. Among the royal family, only his fourteenth brother and eighth sister remain.

"Elder Sister Ba, I was just happy to see Xiang'er, so why have you come this time?" Hearing this, the refined prince actually raised his hand in surrender

"Haha, my child, it is getting late. Help your father back home," the elder said as he stood up. Sun Yuxiang quickly assisted him down the steps, slowly making their way toward the inner palace. The eunuch holding the lantern behind them hurriedly raised the lantern, and the great hall gradually returned to tranquility, leaving only the flickering of the lights.

Sun Yuxiang, who had just disembarked, quickly bent down to pay her respects, "Xiang'er greets the imperial uncle. I apologize for making the imperial uncle wait for so long; it is my fault."

However, there are also unpleasant matters. Xiaoyue, being beautiful and charming, naturally attracts quite a few self-important flies and mosquitoes. Although the soldiers on the street maintain order and dare not act recklessly, there are always those who are fearless. The consequences are, of course, predictable. Although nothing serious happened to Xiaoyue, it is still quite disheartening.

"Where is this from? I am already very pleased that my royal brother has sent Xiang'er to me. Moreover, our Xiang'er has also become a light beauty. What is wrong with my royal uncle coming to pick you up? Hehe."

After dinner, Liu Feng shared with Wu Ma his intention to take Xiao Yue'er to Yubing City. Being mentally prepared, he naturally understood that he would need to put in some effort to persuade Wu Ma, as both of them had never been out before, and Wu Ma's concerns were quite understandable.

While Liu Feng and another person were leisurely wandering in Yubing City, several large ships slowly docked at the official pier of Yubing City. The area around the pier had already been cleared by the military. Dressed in a ceremonial robe, Prince Lan watched the soldiers disembarking from the ships. Shortly after, a lovely girl stepped off the ship, and Prince Lan hurriedly went to greet her, his smile arriving before he did. "Hehe, Princess Yuxiang, I have come to welcome you"

It is said that tonight in Yuming City, there will be no restrictions on nighttime activities, featuring many entertainment programs such as fireworks and lantern riddles. After discussing it, the two decided not to return. It is better to enjoy the lively atmosphere for the first time out, and since it is not too far from the small town, they can return immediately if they get tired of playing.

Stealing a glance at Sun Yuxiang, who was covering her mouth and stifling a laugh, Prince Lan, under the watchful gaze of his beloved yet exasperating imperial sister, entered the same carriage to reminisce ahead of time.

The Fourteenth Brother's strategies are unparalleled, and perhaps granting him the throne would be a wise choice. Alas, if Xiang'er were not a woman, her current capabilities would surely be able to revitalize our great Wu. At this moment, the old man is curled up on the dragon throne, his gaze unfocused; even a once-mighty overlord has moments of vulnerability

"The Empress is here? Where is she? Quickly, quickly take the Emperor's uncle to meet her," Prince Lan said anxiously.

In the grand hall of the Eastern Yu royal palace, a thousand miles away, the lights flickered. At this moment, the monarch of Eastern Yu sat alone at the upper end of the hall. Although his hair was grizzled and his face showed signs of aging, even while seated, the aura of a king still radiated around him.

On the way home, Liu Feng shared his thoughts with Xiao Yue'er. Upon hearing his proposal, a glimmer of desire appeared in the girl's eyes, yet she was also worried about potential impropriety. In the end, Liu Feng stated that it was to help himself relax, prompting Xiao Yue'er to bite her lip and say that as long as her mother agreed, it would be fine

Xiang'er, how did you come here? Aren't you going to attend your cousin's coming-of-age ceremony at the Prince's house tomorrow? Although taking the water route shortens the journey significantly, you still need to set off early in the morning and it will take more than two hours of travel to arrive. The journey is tiring, so Xiang'er, you should rest early.

Both of these individuals are those whom he has wronged. Years ago, they assisted him in ascending to the throne, and subsequently sacrificed so much for the sake of the Great Yu's realm. The Fourteenth Brother has guarded Yubing City for twenty years, while the Eighth Sister has given up her feelings for that person. However, that individual was indeed an extraordinary military talent; had he not been born into the Han dynasty, there would have been no direct confrontation, and naturally, he would not have met an uncertain fate in that battle, leaving the Eighth Sister to this day in solitary independence.

As dawn broke, Liu Feng got up and noticed that Aunt Wu was preparing breakfast. On the table in the front hall lay two small bundles, likely a couple of pieces of clothing Aunt Wu had packed for the two of them. It truly reflects the saying that a mother worries for her child even when they are a thousand miles away. Liu Feng silently sighed, greeted Aunt Wu with a good morning, and then began to practice his skills in the courtyard

Father, the child came to take a look since there are still lights in the main hall," Sun Yuxiang stepped forward, holding the elder's hand, and sat down on the steps at the elder's feet

After Liu Feng finished his practice and infused spiritual energy into the jade pendant, the sun was about to rise. He stretched his body and went to the front hall, where Wu Ma and Xiao Yue'er were already waiting. After having a good meal, at the courtyard gate, Wu Ma handed them the package she had prepared the night before and once again instructed the two to pay attention to their safety

In the city, there are also squads of soldiers patrolling on schedule, as the situation in Han Yu is tense. Yu Bing City is located on the western edge of the Han Dynasty. Although Prince Lan can hold such a grand coming-of-age ceremony for his beloved daughter, which reflects his affection for her, necessary safety measures must still be taken.

This child, even in the absence of others, understands etiquette so well, not daring to overstep as she sits upon the dragon throne beside herself. The elder once again sighed, wishing that Xiang'er were a boy, gently stroking her head with a smile, "Did you come here again by chance upon seeing the lights? Did your mother tell you that I was here?"

Leaving the small town and heading west, the sights along the way made Xiaoyue forget her earlier reluctance, and her mood became joyful. Recently, there had been no conflicts from Wu Han, so the journey was relatively safe, with no refugees in sight. Both were martial artists, and since it was their first time venturing out, they unknowingly arrived outside Yuming City after more than half an hour.

Upon entering the city smoothly, a dazzling array of sights greeted them. Various shops, roadside stalls, and a constant flow of people created an atmosphere filled with the sounds of vendors calling out, leaving the two individuals, who were venturing out for the first time, to take a moment to adjust before they could regain their composure

Up to now, the Western Han is pressing forward aggressively, the situation in the Eastern Yu is becoming increasingly threatening, and both Southern Shu and the Latila Empire are also eyeing us covetously. Is it really true that the nation established by our ancestors is destined to be destroyed by my hands

The towering city walls and the profound ancient charm gave him a sense of awe, not to mention the little Yue'er beside him. The two of them stood in a daze for a while, collected their thoughts, and began to walk towards the city.

Sun Yuxiang's pretty face flushed, and she said softly, "Uncle, you are teasing me again. By the way, this time my little aunt has come with me as well."

Seeing his elder sister retract her gaze and walk towards the carriage, Prince Lan quietly let out a sigh of relief. It was not that he was overly anxious; he could only blame his sister for being too abnormal. Having been tormented by her in their childhood, this experience made Prince Lan aware that one should never offend women, especially not the heir of a medical family, his elder sister, otherwise the consequences would be dire.

Xiaoyue and Liu Feng grew up together, and over the years, he had never given her any gifts. Since she liked it, Liu Feng decided to buy it without hesitation. In fact, Liu Feng had another secret reason: the feeling of spending money was truly exhilarating.

Alas, being born into a royal family means that everything is beyond one's control. The elder let out a deep sigh, saying, this is retribution; otherwise, I would not have lost all my sons, only to finally have a daughter.

The sound of scattered footsteps grew louder as they approached, and in an instant, the elderly man's imposing presence reemerged in the grand hall. When he clearly saw the delicate and charming face at the entrance, a kind smile suddenly spread across his face.

Today, the city of Yuming is celebrating joyfully, and naturally, the defenses are strict. Outside the city gate, a group of soldiers is rigorously inspecting the passersby. This is also Liu Feng's first encounter with soldiers in this life; clad in armor and wielding sharp spears, Liu Feng can sense the aura of bloodshed emanating from them, a quality possessed only by soldiers who have truly been baptized in the blood of the battlefield

The latter felt a shiver run through his entire body and quickly forced a smile, saying, "Of course, of course, it is a great honor for me that Sister Eight can come, something I have longed for. Come, let us get in the car and have a good chat at the residence"

Thinking of Wu Ma, Liu Feng felt a bit disoriented, but Wu Ma was still very fond of him. As long as he persisted in his efforts with her, success was guaranteed

The latter smiled shyly and said, "Father is still as wise as ever"

Liu Feng, accompanied by Xiao Yue'er, navigated through the crowd, admiring the decorations of Yuming City today while enjoying the various fun and delicious offerings. Xiao Yue'er appeared very happy, indulging in snacks and admiring beautiful handicrafts, seemingly tireless in her enjoyment. It seems that regardless of the location, shopping is an inherent nature of women, and Liu Feng has come to understand this principle.