A host of guards, seeing this, all knelt on the ground, calling out in unison, "Great Priest, may you have boundless fortune..."
Indeed, this person was the priestess of the barbarian tribe—Alima.
It was said that she had lived in Liang for a period, was very familiar with Central Plains culture, proficient in mathematics and astrology, and possessed profound literary attainments, making her a rare talented woman...
Later, due to health reasons, she had to return to the tribe and become the priestess.
It was known that among the barbarians, the Great Priest was equivalent to the current Pope, holding immense power. Apart from Han Chi'er and Si Ya Kedun, no one dared to disobey her commands...
According to hushed rumors, the reason she returned to the grasslands was that she had encountered a heartless scoundrel in the Central Plains, who had taken advantage of her and then abandoned her, indulging in other affairs. In a fit of anger, Alima had left.
"Presumptuous!"
Before Han Chi'yan could even greet her, Alima fixed her gaze on Gu Mingyan and berated him angrily, "How dare you lay a hand on our barbarian princess? Release her at once!"
Gu Mingyan finally realized that it was his holding Han Chi'yan's hand, his intimate demeanor, and his warm smile that had angered the Great Priest...
Han Chi'yan's cheeks flushed slightly. She quickly walked over and took Alima's hand, saying shyly, "Auntie Alima, this is Gu Mingyan, the Marquis of Pingyang, and also... also the one I love!"
In fact, even if she hadn't said it, Alima could tell from the way they exchanged glances and flirted that their relationship was far from ordinary.
Alima looked helpless and pulled Han Chi'yan aside, "Princess Yan'er, you were always intelligent since childhood, beautiful, and sensible. How can you get entangled with Han officials? Have you forgotten our tribal rules?"
Indeed, since Khan Han Chi'er took office, he had strictly regulated his subordinates and citizens, absolutely forbidding intermarriage with Han people. Those who violated this rule were to be executed without mercy...
Now that Princess Yan'er had set a bad example, if she wasn't punished, wouldn't the tribe fall into chaos?
Upon hearing this, Han Chi'yan murmured, "Didn't Auntie Alima also fall in love with a Han scholar back then?"
"Princess Yan'er..." Alima was utterly speechless. She pinched Han Chi'yan's cheek, "You, don't compare yourself to me. That's all in the past, best left unmentioned!"
The mention of that heartless man always agitated her.
Seeing Han Chi'yan's silence, Alima looked around and asked, "Where is Princess Jiaojiao?"
It was strange. Since Marquis Pingyang had a change of heart, why didn't he bring back both princesses? Did he intend to play the same old kidnapping trick?
Han Chi'yan pouted indignantly, "Jiaojiao said she doesn't want to return to the grasslands. No matter how I persuaded her, it was useless!"
Alima: "..."
The Khan and Khadun were still going to great lengths for the two princesses, yet Jiaojiao simply refused to return. Where was her conscience?
"It's good that you're back!" Alima rubbed Han Chi'yan's hand, her face full of affection. "You just stay here peacefully, don't go anywhere else. After I kill this Marquis of Pingyang, I'll go to the capital to find the Khan and Khadun..."
Han Chi'yan: "???"
Weren't Abu and Mother in Suicheng?
Also, you can't kill Marquis Gu, he's her Prince Charming... httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
"Great Priest!" Gu Mingyan walked over and cupped his hands in a salute. "This Marquis has come specifically to negotiate with the Khan!"
Along the way, while he saw many refugees fleeing towards the capital, he also witnessed the barbarian army retreating...
Since Khan Han Chi'er intended to recuperate, it meant that the war could be postponed for a few years.
Alima listened and coldly glanced at Gu Mingyan, "What do you wish to discuss?"
In a daze, she found this young man somewhat familiar.
It was as if that heartless scoundrel from years ago had returned to find her, causing her some annoyance...
"Of course, it's to promote long-term peace between the two countries, mutual trade, and friendly relations!" Gu Mingyan said calmly.
Alima let out a cold laugh and narrowed her eyes, "If Marquis Gu says so, may I interpret this as your country's decline and inability to resist our tribe, thus you are seeking peace out of necessity, is that right?"
Gu Mingyan: "..."
You truly are a presumptuous woman who looks down on everyone.
Where did you get the confidence to say such outrageous things?
"Great Priest!" Gu Mingyan curved his lips into a calm smile. "Although our Great Liang is not as militarily strong as your barbarians, the soldiers and civilians of Liang are united and work with one heart. Even if you occupy the capital, you will never be able to hold it. I, Gu Mingyan, can guarantee this with my honor and life..."
As the saying goes, it is easier to conquer a kingdom than to defend it.
As long as the populace refused to be governed by the barbarians, they could not establish their rule.
Alima gritted her teeth in anger and was about to retort to Gu Mingyan when Han Chi'yan quickly stepped forward to mediate, "Oh, you two, stop arguing. Abu and Mother are not in Suicheng right now, so what's the point of arguing about this?"
With that, Han Chi'yan pulled Gu Mingyan outside the main hall. "The palace has arranged accommodations for you and Old Marquis. Please rest for now. I will have a talk with Auntie Alima..."
Old Marquis had already gone to sleep. The journey had been quite taxing for him.
Qinglan was young, had a good figure, and was beautiful. Standing at the palace gate, she was a real head-turner.
Gu Mingyan smiled at Alima, "Then this Marquis will take his leave for now. Great Priest, we'll meet again later..."
Alima rolled her eyes and ignored him.
For some reason, upon seeing Gu Mingyan, her mood inexplicably soured.
"He's that famous Marquis of Pingyang from the capital?" Alima asked Han Chi'yan, gazing at Gu Mingyan's retreating back, her heart filled with questions.
Han Chi'yan blinked her beautiful eyes and nodded, "Yes, Auntie Alima, did you know him long ago?"
It was truly strange, why was Auntie Alima looking at Mingyan strangely?
It was as if they had known each other for a long time...
"Hmph, that heartless scoundrel back then also had the surname Gu. He was always flirting around, and after flirting, he would run away. He was simply not human!" Alima cursed.
Han Chi'yan: "..."
Although she knew you were a passionate woman back then, you shouldn't take your anger out on her Mingyan.
If someone didn't know, they would think Mingyan had wronged you.
Alima calmed herself down and pulled Han Chi'yan to sit in the inner hall. "I heard that Marquis Pingyang only brought an old man and some guards with him to Suicheng this time. Who is that old man?"
If she didn't clarify the other party's identity, and if any trouble arose, it would be difficult for her to explain to the Khan later...
"That's Mingyan's father, Old Marquis!" Han Chi'yan replied.
"Old Marquis?"
Alima's pupils widened, and she suddenly looked at Han Chi'yan.