News from West

In the evening when Princess Jingxi entered the Palace, Ji Ran came to her telling her that Emperor has summoned her to see him.

At Benevolence Hall,

Princess Jingxi entered following Eunuch Gao and paid her respects to the Emperor.

"You called for me, Father."

"I did, you went to the training ground first before coming to the Palace to see me. I wanted to see with my own eyes that you are not injured in any way. Now that I have seen you my heart has become calm." Emperor said.

"I'm at fault for making father worried. I apologise."

"His Majesty couldn't sleep well at night as he was worried about you." Eunuch Gao added.

Princess Jingxi held the Emperor's arm and said, "Father, I'm not a child anymore so you don't have to be so worried about me now."

"How can that be possible? No matter what you are my child." Emperor said.

"Tell me everything that happened." Emperor added.

Princess Jingxi told him about the bandits and how they stopped them concealing the details about Ye Hong and the fact that he was in Marquis Mansion right now.

"They dare to be disrespectful to the Xia empire. I'll ask General Shen to increase the security around that area and arrest people." Emperor said.

"As you say Father." Princess Jingxi said.

A guard entered and reported, "Your Majesty, Minister Zhao is here with some important information."

"Let him in." Emperor said.

"You have a talk with Minister Zhao, I'm going back to my coutyard." Princess Jingxi said and left.

As she exited, Minister Zhao who was about to enter, bowed down and greeted her.

"Greetings to First Princess." He said.

"Get up Minister Zhao." Princess Jingxi said and noticed the scroll in his hand.

"Is something the matter with West regions?" She asked.

Minister Zhao looked at her surprised and asked, "How did the Princess know that the news is from West regions?"

"I guessed by seeing the broad pattern of design on the scroll." She replied.

"Princess is indeed very wise." Minister Zhao said.

"I won't keep you here. Go, His Majesty is waiting." Princess Jingxi reminded him.

"Then I'll take my leave." He said bowing down and entering the Benevolence Hall.

...

On the way to the Lotus Courtyard,

Ji Ram was walking in the front holding the lamp to light the path.

Princess Jingxi asked Ji Ran, "How is Third Princess doing?"

"Third Princess fell sick after returning from the temple. Her servants are saying she got a scare from the incident that happened on the way back." Ji Ran reported.

Princess Jingxi half smiled and said to Ji Ran, "In that case remember to send some tonics to my good sister."

Ji Ran nodded and turned, almost colliding with someone and fell back on Princess Jingxi.

Luckily Princess Jingxi supported her and they didn't fell down on ground.

There were two people who were in a hurry to go somewhere.

As the noticed the person they collided with, they kneeled down and apologized.

"Who are you?" Ji Ran asked.

"I'm Concubine Jin and this is my maid. We apologise to First Princess."

"Concubine Jin, stand up. Where are you going in such a hurry?" Princess Jingxi asked helping her up.

"We wanted to see Imperial Physician before the Palace gate closes." The maid reported.

"You can send a maid to call him over, why rush out yourself." Princess Jingxi asked.

"I'm just a concubine, it's no big deal." Concubine Jin responded.

Princess Jingxi looked at both of them and then said, "Go on.. It's still time for the gates to close."

"Thank you First Princess." Concubine Jin said and hurriedly went on the path.

"They were behaving a bit weird." Ji Ran commented.

Princess Jingxi looked at their backs and ordered, "Get someone to keep an eye on her courtyard."

"I'll ask Tao Tao to do it." Ji Ran said.

...

Next Morning at the Royal Court...

Emperor was sitting on his high throne with many ministers standing down in the court.

"Minister Zhao read out the scroll." Emperor instructed.

"Your Majesty, this news came from the west region. There is frequent rebellion in the area along with mysterious deaths and missing persons. The situation is getting out of control for the city lord as the border disturbances are bothering them too." Minister Zhao read out loud.

"What does the Ministers of the court suggest about the situation?" Emperor asked.

"I request Your Majesty to send a troop to the area for investigation and dealing with the rebellion." Minister Zhao said.

"What about the problems at the border? We can't send the Imperial Army there leaving capital vulnerable." Minister of defense voiced out.

"General Yan is stationed nearby with his army, we can send the message to him to reach the Jiangnan city to deal with the situation." Prime Minister Wang added.

"It's a good suggestion. Let me think about it for the night and also discuss the matter with General Shen. The court is dismissed for now." Emperor announced.

...

At the Army Camp, Training grounds..

"Commander Xia, there is a message for you from Marquis Mansion." A soldier reported.

Xia Jingxi placed her sword down and took the paper from the soldier.

She read the message on the paper, placed it in her pocket and returned to the practice.

"What is it that made Commander Xia happy?" Shen Bin questioned.

"Has Commander Shen gained special ability to see through my mask? How do you know that I am happy?" Xia Jingxi asked.

"I can guess it by your behavior. If nothing else this is the one thing I've learned well while practicing with you for years." Shen Bin replied.

"Yue Lin has invited me to see the night festival. Does Commander Shen wish to join us?"

"If Commander Xia needs protection, I would be happy to come along." Shen Bin commented.

Xia Jingxi shook her head and asked, "Looks like Commander Shen wants to have another duel?"

"Why not? Luck won't help you everytime." He said.