The small garden was not far from Han Chiyan's residence. Although the soldiers were heavily guarded, they couldn't stop someone with superior martial arts...
The man in black arrived behind the rockery and peered into the shadows.
Has Yan'er not arrived yet?
Indeed, the visitor was Gu Mingyan. He had agreed with Han Chiyan to meet in the small garden at the hour of Hai (9-11 PM)...
Just then, a graceful figure hurried towards the garden entrance.
Gu Mingyan's gaze sharpened as he saw Han Chiyan rushing towards him.
"Slow down!" Gu Mingyan stepped forward to meet her.
"Mingyan, I can't be out for too long. Please speak quickly..." Han Chiyan said.
Hearing this, Gu Mingyan reached out and gently stroked her hair, smiling slightly, "Do you want to return to the Central Plains with this Marquis?"
Since Si Yakedun did not approve of their marriage, Gu Mingyan had no choice but to act first and report later...
"Mingyan!" Han Chiyan's beautiful eyes flickered, and she bit her lip, "If I return to the Central Plains with you, Mother will be even angrier!"
Given her mother's temper, she would rush to Marquis Pingyang's mansion and beat Mingyan into a pig's head.
A soft light flashed in Gu Mingyan's eyes. He said faintly, "Yan'er, don't worry. As long as you come back with me, I will handle the rest..."
"Then... then you don't want the cattle and sheep that Abu bestowed?" Han Chiyan asked with surprise.
Those were hundreds of thousands of cattle, sheep, and fine horses. If Gu Mingyan gave up these rewards for a woman, it would be hard to justify...
Gu Mingyan opened his arms and pulled Han Chiyan into his embrace, "Not only will I take those cattle and sheep, but I will also openly take you away in front of your mother and Abu!"
Han Chiyan: ???
What did he mean by that cryptic remark?
Seeing Yan'er's bewildered expression, Gu Mingyan chuckled and whispered a few words into her ear, reminding her at the end, "With me here, don't be afraid!"
Han Chiyan: ...
Marquis, you are too bold!
If Mother found out, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"Cough cough!"
Suddenly, a cough came from behind the rockery...
Gu Mingyan's cold eyes narrowed, and killing intent radiated from his body.
If their conversation had been overheard by an outsider, it would have been completely ruined.
"Who? Get out!" Gu Mingyan roared.
Han Chiyan was also terrified, clinging tightly to Gu Mingyan's waist, a thin layer of sweat on her forehead...
A moment later, a 'munching' sound came from behind the rockery, as if someone was eating.
Gu Mingyan took Han Chiyan's hand and walked around the rockery. He saw Han Chijiao holding a chicken leg in each hand, her mouth greasy...
At her feet was a jar of wine, along with cooked food like sheep trotters and dried beef.
"Jiaojiao?" Han Chiyan's eyes widened in curiosity, "What are you doing squatting here?"
Han Chijiao spat out a chicken bone and glared at Han Chiyan, "Can't you see? I'm drinking alone. Alas, now that you two are a couple, kissing and hugging, what's wrong with me drinking a little?"
Han Chiyan: ...
Which eye did you see us kissing with?
Seeing Gu Mingyan's cold expression, Han Chijiao curled her lips and sneered, "What, are you two eloping? Then take me with you..."
Life in the palace was boring and monotonous, not even half as good as the old Yun family.
She couldn't stand it after only one day back.
"What did you hear?" Gu Mingyan asked in a deep voice.
Han Chijiao shrugged, "I heard everything. Gu Monkey, if you don't take me with you, I'll tell Mother right now!"
Gu Mingyan: ...
How dare she threaten him?
"Jiaojiao!" Han Chiyan frowned and took a step forward, "We are forced to do this. Besides, how have you treated me since childhood, sister?"
This darn girl, she still wouldn't calm down even now...
Han Chijiao grinned foolishly, "Hehe, one thing at a time. Come on, quickly tell me your plan, and I'll help you brainstorm!"
There were guards everywhere inside and outside the palace. Escape was impossible.
Gu Mingyan sighed and exchanged a helpless glance with Han Chiyan...
The next morning, the cattle, horses, and sheep prepared by Han Chi'er were already driven outside the Suicheng gate. Two rough carriages were parked to the side, with dozens of guards standing on both sides.
Han Chi'er and Si Yakedun stood at the city gate, bidding farewell to Gu Mingyan and the old Marquis...
"Someone, bring the wine!" Han Chi'er ordered.
A palace maid approached with a wine jar and poured a bowl of wine for Gu Mingyan, "Marquis, please enjoy!"
After speaking, the palace maid winked at Gu Mingyan...
Si Yakedun, with her hands tucked in her sleeves, scanned Gu Mingyan with hawk-like eyes, finally resting on the maid beside him.
She had heard from High Priest Alima that Marquis Gu had indeed brought a female bodyguard with him when he arrived in Beijiang, and her name seemed to be Qinglan...
But why did this veiled female bodyguard look so familiar?
"Marquis Gu, when you return to the Central Plains, remember to send my regards to the Emperor of Liang!" Han Chi'er patted Gu Mingyan on the shoulder with a smile.
Si Ya was right. For a country to have lasting peace, it could not engage in prolonged warfare...
Gu Mingyan grunted and nodded slightly, "Alright, Great Khan, please return. I will send someone to deliver a letter to you once I reach the capital!"
Due to overgrazing, the grasslands around Suicheng had suffered severe soil erosion in recent years. As soon as the wind blew, sandstorms would occur...
Today was no exception. Gusts of wind tore at the banners on the city walls, and wisps of yellow sand made people sway.
"I'll watch you leave!" Han Chi'er said with a smile.
Gu Mingyan cupped his hands in thanks and glanced back at the sheep, "Great Khan, before I leave, I have one more request..."
"Is it about Yan'er?" Han Chi'er sighed and leaned closer to Gu Mingyan, "Yan'er is already pregnant. After you leave, I will slowly work on Si Ya. Don't worry!"
"No!" Gu Mingyan shook his head and pointed at the sheep, "Great Khan, with so many sheep, I can't manage them alone. How about you send a few shepherds back to the Central Plains with me..."
This request was reasonable and not at all excessive.
So Han Chi'er agreed without thinking, "What's so difficult about that? In our tribe, both men and women are born shepherds. You can pick anyone from these palace maids and servants behind me, Marquis Gu..."
Gu Mingyan smiled upon hearing this, a faint cold glint flashing in his eyes.