Setting out to Jiangnan

Night in the Palace...

At Lotus Courtyard,

When Concubine Jin left the place. Princess Jingxi got up and walked to the pavilion facing the lake. She was standing there thinking for a long time. Ji Ran who came out looking for her, saw her standing there and approached her.

"It's already so late your Highness and You have to get up early tomorrow. Let's head in and take some rest." Ji Ran said to her.

"Did the messenger I sent to Benevolence Hall came back yet?" Princess Jingxi asked.

"No, he didn't."

Princess Jingxi sighed and said, "It was a eventful day, two people have convinced me to take them along."

Ji Ran looked at her a bit expectant. Princess Jingxi saw her face and said, "Don't even think about it, I won't take you along. You mother has entrusted you to me."

A maid came there running and announced, "The guard is back and he said Emperor has agreed to it."

Princess Jingxi looked at her and ordered, "Go and tell Concubine Jin that she is coming along tomorrow morning."

The maid nodded, running back to deliver the message.

...

Next Day early morning,

After saying her goodbye to the Emperor, Xia Jingxi reached the Army Camp where they were set to leave.

"Why does Commander Shen look so sullen in the morning?" Xai Jingxi asked Shen Bin as she mounted her horse.

Shen Bin who was already on his horse asked her, "Why do I have to follow your order even though we are the same rank?"

"Because I'm leading the mission and also to ensure you don't take any drastic step."

"That is not right. I'm equally good as you, Your Highness." Shen Bin said sarcastically.

"I'm saying this for the last time Commander Shen, be careful with your words. If anyone gets to know about my identity I will hold you accountable." Xia Jingxi told him sternly.

Shen Bin gulped and said, "I will keep it in mind."

...

At the Sunrise Courtyard...

"Did you get to know why First Princess requested permission for Concubine Jin to join her?" Consort Wang asked.

"She mentioned that Concubine Jin is from there and knows the place which will be helpful for them." Third Prince replied.

"Something doesn't match up here. Why would a concubine be willing to go to a dangerous place? And more so it doesn't fit with Xia Jingxi's character to take a person who isn't trained with her just because she can potentially help." Consort Wang said.

"I also have same thoughts. It's fishy." Third Prince said.

"Rong, send people to keep an eye on Concubine Jin. I want to know her reason for joining the First Princess." Consort Wang said.

Third Princess, Xia Yuluo entered the pavilion where both of them were sitting, she greeted and joined them.

"What is mother and brother discussing about?" She asked sitting down.

"About First Princess leaving to Jiangnan." Consort Wang replied.

"She is arrogant and thinks she can be heroic model by going there herself." Third Princess commented.

"Keep your words in check outside of here. If Father gets to know about it, you will be in trouble." Third Prince warned her.

"I know, I'm not that stupid brother."

"It's a good opportunity for both of you to get closer to His Majesty while she is away." Consort Wang said to them.

"Father doesn't trust me at all. He called Jingxi for discussion on such an important issue but not me." Third Prince said.

"No matter what you will be the next on throne. He doesn't have much choice here." Consort Wang said to him.

"He never mentioned announcing the position of crown prince after Xia Liqing died. After that he has put all his mind on Jingxi as if we don't exist to him." Third Prince said with resentment in his words.

"It is quite possible for Xia Jingxi to not return this time. You will be the only ones left for him to see. And as a person gets older he is bound to get closer with his children." Consort Wang said to both of them.

...

At the Red River Army camp,

General Yan who was riding his black horse looked at his soldiers and ordered, "All the military routines will go on as usual. I don't want anyone neglect on patrolling duties. If something goes wrong immediately send the message to me. Got it."

The soldiers shouted yes in unison. General Yan along with his team set off towards Jiangnan city.

Li Jinai who was his loyal guard followed him with his horse and a bunch of soldiers who were behind them.

"Is it General Shen who is coming from the capital to look at the situation?" General Yan asked Li Jinai.

"No, it's Commander Shen Bin, General Shen's son." Li Jinai answered.

"Is he the one leading the Imperial Army?"

"He is not. Commander Xia is leading them." Li Jinai said.

"Commander Xia? Who is he? I haven't heard of any military family with Xia surname." General Yan questioned.

"He isn't from any military family. I got to know that he is somehow related to the Marquis Mansion. Maybe a distant relative." Li Jinai replied.

...

At the Imperial Army's side..

It was already close to night and they have been moving all day long.

Commander Shen looked at Xia Jingxi who was riding by his side and asked, "Does Commander Xia think we are going for a vacation?"

Xia Jingxi looked at him and said, "I don't like puzzles. Be clear Commander Shen."

"Why did you take these extra people along with you on such important mission?" Shen Bin asked pointing to the carriage in which Concubine Jin was sitting and to the horse Ye Hong was riding on close to her.

"You don't have to worry about them. I have my plans." She replied.

"I wouldn't but don't you think the carriage is hindering with the speed at which we are moving." Commander Shen asked.

"I know, we will march forward at double speed tomorrow. Don't worry." Xia Jingxi answered her.

"There is a small village ahead, commander. Should we stop there to rest for the night?" A soldier asked leading his horse to her.

"Okay, we will be stopping at the village for night." Xia Jingxi announced to the soldiers.

...----------------...

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