Ning Shu felt a surge of excitement as the army prepared to set off. Clad in full armor, her hair cut short and styled into a bun beneath her helmet, she donned a flowing red cloak that danced in the wind.
As she caught her reflection in the copper mirror, satisfaction washed over her.
"Princess looks like a formidable general!" Xiao Hong exclaimed. "You're probably the handsomest general!"
"Flattery will get you everywhere, little one." Ning Shu playfully tapped Xiao Hong's nose. "I'm off now. Take good care of the Princess Residence."
Tears welled in Xiao Hong's eyes as she replied, "I'll be waiting for you to come back, Princess. You must return safely."
The earnestness in Xiao Hong's gaze sparked an unexpected thought in Ning Shu's mind. It felt as if Xiao Hong were bidding farewell to a husband headed for battle. With a sudden urge to escape the intensity of the moment, Ning Shu quickly turned away, suppressing a chuckle.
"Princess, you have to come back safely! I'll be waiting!" Xiao Hong called out, waving her handkerchief.
Ning Shu nearly lost her balance on the horse as she tightened her grip on the reins and galloped towards the military drill ground.
Upon arrival, the drill ground was a sight to behold—silent and heavy with a stern atmosphere. The only sound was the flapping of flags. Each soldier stood in armor, brandishing a spear adorned with a red tassel. The scene was awe-inspiring, a well-ordered formation that radiated power.
The magnificence of the sight filled Ning Shu with a rush of fervor. For the first time, she recognized the beauty in the cold, harsh nature of warfare.
For family. For the country. For the nation!
Goosebumps rippled over her skin from the swell of passionate patriotism—feelings that were not only her own but also those of the original host.
She rode over to Shen Feng's side, who, clad in armor, exuded a wise, heroic air with his slightly graying beard.
Ning Shu noticed Duan Xinghui beside him. Shen Feng clearly favored Duan Xinghui, who looked sharp and valiant in his armor, embodying vibrant beauty. It was no wonder the original host had fallen for him; Duan Xinghui was indeed a sight to behold on horseback.
As expected, the favored one stood out.
Shen Feng greeted Ning Shu with a nod; it wasn't the right moment for conversation. Ning Shu merely glanced at Duan Xinghui before turning her gaze away.
Duan Xinghui wished to greet her, but her indifference stung, igniting feelings of anger and helplessness within him.
"Boom, boom, boom…"
The resounding drums echoed across the drill ground, their rhythm syncing with the soldiers' heartbeats, stirring a swell of excitement among them.
A voice rang out, proclaiming, "His Majesty has arrived!" and Li Wen strode onto the stage.
Li Wen wore a black robe embroidered with golden dragons, adorned with the emperor's twelve-tassel crown. A veil crafted from sewn dragon pearls swayed slightly, veiling his face and bestowing an aura of unmatched nobility, as if he ruled the world from his lofty perch.
As Li Wen made his entrance, the atmosphere shifted to one of solemnity and reverence. Every soldier knelt in unison, their voices rising in a thunderous chorus: "Long live the Emperor!"