The youths looked surprised, discussing loudly, seemingly arguing. At that moment, Sangduo returned from washing clothes by the river, shouting something to the youths. They translated Cui Yi's words, and Sangduo glared at him, saying bluntly, "Busha custom requires outsiders' women to stay. Your wife is now our chief's wife. Leave and never return!"
Cui Yi was shocked speechless, but Cao Qian shouted angrily, "How dare you kidnap our Chu Princess Consort! Don't you fear our prince's army destroying your entire tribe?"
Sangduo retorted fiercely, "You lose your wife and don't look for her. Now you suddenly appear demanding her back? Women aren't objects to be claimed and discarded at will. If you want to fight, bring it on! Every Busha man and woman is brave and fearless against invaders!"
"You!" Cao Qian hadn't expected such fluent and sharp-tongued defiance from an ethnic minority woman. Unable to respond, he nudged the still-dazed Cui Yi, "Your Highness, say something!"
Cui Yi was dazed, "What should I say?"
Cao Qian nearly fell over, "Didn't Sir teach you how to respond? Just repeat it!"
Cui Yi looked miserable, "But... he didn't write what to say in this situation."
Cao Qian's face fell, "Then what should we do?"
Cui Yi mirrored his expression, "You ask me, who do I ask?"
After some discussion, Sangduo grew impatient and turned to leave. Cui Yi called out, "Wait!"
"Why? Still not giving up?"
"Of course not," Cui Yi declared firmly, "Chi Ying is my Princess Consort. I must bring her back. Let her come out, and I'll talk to her personally."
Sangduo sneered, "Too late. She's already gone with my brother. They haven't said when they'll return."
Cui Yi was struck like lightning, "They left together?"
Seeing his stricken expression, Sangduo added spitefully, "They went shopping and will marry immediately upon returning."
Unexpectedly, this gave Cui Yi hope—they hadn't married yet. If he could intercept them before the wedding, he could reclaim Chi Ying. Smiling, he thanked her, "Thank you!"
"For what?"
Ignoring her, Cui Yi turned and walked briskly back to camp. Sangduo muttered, "Weirdo," and resumed hanging laundry.
"Your Highness! Your Highness!"
Cui Yi strode ahead, with Cao Qian following, "Where are you rushing to?"
"Into the city!" Cui Yi answered, speeding back to camp, "Seal all exits from Juxia Pass. We must intercept them!"
"How do you know they're in the city?"
Back at camp, Cui Yi rushed to the stable, "Northern Di weddings require only a ceremony with heaven and earth, exchanging tokens, and sharing wolf blood. As nomads, Busha customs are similar. There's no need to buy anything unless they plan a Han-style wedding. The only place to get red candles and bridal attire is inside Juxia Pass!"
Mounting his horse, he galloped out, leaving Cao Qian marveling, "Desperation makes rabbits bite. Never seen His Highness so clever." He relayed orders, and a thousand troops swiftly moved to encircle Juxia Pass.
Due to the wanted posters everywhere, Chi Ying covered her face with a scarf and veil provided by Sangduo, revealing only her eyes. Though Gan Prefecture was remote, it was a bustling border trade city. Merchants from various regions and ethnic groups lined the streets selling diverse goods, drawing crowds.
Bo Muer carried little Cui Xian, appearing like a family. The gate guards paid no attention.
Chi Ying examined a wanted poster and chuckled softly, "Who drew this? It looks quite like me."
Bo Muer whispered, "Don't speak Busha languages. Be careful in Han territory."
Chi Ying nodded, following him.
Expecting Gan Prefecture to be desolate, she found it unexpectedly vibrant. Goods ranged from carpets to fruits, jewelry to slaves, all showcasing rich ethnic flavors.
Bo Muer bought two slices of Hami melon, skewering them with bamboo sticks and offering one to Chi Ying, who laughed, "How can I eat this?"
He ate it himself, suggesting, "Let's see if the Bashang merchants have yak jerky. It's rare in Central China."
"No need," Chi Ying protested, "Stop spending money on me. It makes me uneasy."
Ignoring her, Bo Muer bought two pounds of yak jerky and headed to another stall.
Chi Ying called out, "Bo Muer!"
He paused, and she caught up, standing in front of him, "You saved my life, and I'm grateful. Over these months, I've considered you a benefactor and friend. Can't we part as friends? Buying all these things implies you're afraid I'll forget you. How could I forget you? From Gan Prefecture to Borjigit is just half a day's ride. We can meet anytime."
Bo Muer asked, "Will you really want to see me again?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
Bo Muer smiled bitterly, "Even if you do, your husband won't allow it. Better not see each other anymore."
Chi Ying wanted to argue that the King wasn't petty, but recalling his jealousy, she realized he wouldn't tolerate Bo Muer. "Alright," she conceded sadly, "You're right. It's better not to drag things out. It's unfair to you and displeasing to the King."
Bo Muer silently stroked Cui Xian's soft hair.
Chi Ying reached for her daughter, but Bo Muer hesitated. Laughing, she said, "Can't bear to part with Xiaonian? How about marrying her to you when she grows up? You are her savior, and she hasn't been betrothed yet. She seems quite attached to you, like a little bride."
Bo Muer joked, "Since she's a child bride, I'll take her home."
Chi Ying laughed, "No way! Xiaonian won't be a child bride. If you want to marry her, you'll have to be the groom coming here."
Compared to one's mother-in-law, it's truly rare to find something bigger. Bo Mu'er also laughed along, his smile tinged with loneliness as he said, "Then I should leave a token of our love for her." He took out the hairpin he had bought for Chi Ying earlier and waved it in front of Xiao Cuiyan. Seeing the shiny object, Xiao Cuiyan immediately beamed and reached out to grab it. Bo Mu'er then placed the hairpin into her hands.
Chi Ying didn't know whether to laugh or cry, saying, "That won't do. Yan is too young; it's unsafe for her to hold such a sharp object. Over there, you can just get her a toy from the stall."