CHAPTER 327: CHAPTER 327: RETURN HOME

The children of the Jiang family all have good looks.

Prince Gaoliang was once a famous handsome youth, even later when his brain was burnt out, he married a princess consort who was the most beautiful woman in the Capital City. Jiang Yi inherited his parents’ beauty, with red lips and white teeth, very handsome, always with a smile on his face that radiates mischievous wisdom that people like.

Who would have thought that this mischievous and cute boy, in his previous life, would set up a murder trap and assassinate the Emperor?

Jiang Shaohua sighed inwardly but showed no sign on his face. He smiled at Jiang Yi and said, "If you have the chance to leave the Capital City someday, you might as well stay in Nanyang County for a while, take a turn to relax."

Jiang Yi’s eyes flashed with a hint of self-deprecation: "Perhaps after ten or eight years, I might have the opportunity to leave the Capital City."

As soon as he spoke, realizing he misspoke, he immediately smiled again and said, "The Capital City is Da Liang’s wealthiest and most flourishing place; you must come again in the future, dear cousin."

Jiang Shaohua looked at Jiang Yi and said meaningfully, "I just want to stay peacefully in Nanyang, and don’t want to come to the Capital City anymore."

As a vassal king, one is supposed to stay in the vassal territory, not leave without the Emperor’s summons.

Only under one special circumstance, one must come.

The Emperor dies.

Jiang Yi felt inexplicably cold being tightly stared at by those bright eyes. Yet, he still laughed happily: "That’s uncertain; maybe after three or five years, cousin, you’ll change your mind and come to the Capital City to find a suitable husband."

Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly, bid farewell once more, then mounted the horse and waved goodbye to everyone.

Under everyone’s gaze, Jiang Shaohua led a group of trusted aides, riding away on horseback.

Princess Bao Hua withdrew her gaze and smiled at Jiang Yi and the others: "Let’s return to the palace!"

Jiang Yi responded, his eyes darting suddenly, exclaiming: "What’s that?"

Everyone followed his gaze and widened their eyes in astonishment.

Beside Jiang Shaohua, suddenly there was a small beast with four hooves running wildly, about the size of a wolf, yet distinctly not a wolf...

"It’s a tiger!" Jiang Yi exclaimed in disbelief, "Cousin is raising a tiger!"

Princess Bao Hua gasped, Jiang Wanhua and Jiang Yuehua were too shocked to speak.

Unfortunately, Jiang Shaohua and his group had already gone far away.

Jiang Shaohua deliberately released the tiger only after going far away, showing his unwillingness to be ostentatious.

Jiang Yi clicked his tongue twice: "This cousin Shaohua is quite remarkable."

Princess Bao Hua regained her composure and softly reminded: "Don’t mention this matter after returning to the palace, to avoid causing trouble for cousin Shaohua."

Jiang Yi grinned and nodded in agreement.

...

The little flower, kept for half a year, had grown two circles larger, with sleek fur and a majestic pattern on its forehead. Now, running freely with open strides, it was extremely joyful. Having dashed far ahead, it ran back and affectionately rubbed against Jiang Shaohua’s calf.

The sky high and clouds light, a breeze blowing gently, taking a deep breath, the air was filled with the fragrance of freedom.

Finally leaving the Imperial Palace, leaving the Capital City, and able to return home.

Jiang Shaohua was in high spirits, leaning down to stroke Little Flower: "Don’t run too fast and scare the passersby."

Little Flower yelped twice, as if understanding Jiang Shaohua’s instructions.

Chen Jinyu, riding alongside, cheerfully remarked: "Commandery Princess, once I left the Capital City, I felt completely relieved."

Ma Yaosong also laughed along: "Indeed! I feel light all over too."

The two of them, usually accompanying Jiang Shaohua in and out of the palace, had to always be cautious and prudent, fearful of any mistakes. Today felt like shedding a heavy burden, their smiles more radiant than ever.

Even Song Yuan, at this moment, relaxed his brows and smiled.

Jiang Shaohua said with a smile: "Just out of the Capital City, there are many people on the official road. Once we’re past here, let’s ride a stretch."

The trusted aides replied in unison.

Passing carriages on the official road occasionally had someone lifting bamboo curtains to gaze and exclaim.

This entourage of over two hundred, each with two horses, was mighty in momentum. Upon closer look, it was led by a young lady, her features indistinct from afar, yet her spirit exuberant and extraordinary.

"Who is this? Why such a grand sight!"

"It must be the famed Nanyang County Princess! Apart from her, where else in the world can you find such a beautiful yet formidable lady!"

"A woman too formidable isn’t good; who would dare marry her later!"

"Bah! The Commandery Princess’s lifelong matters are none of your concern. Besides, it’s not like good men in the world are blind; do you think everyone is like you, having no capability nor daring to marry a capable formidable wife!"

Laughter quickly dissipated in the wind.

...

This time hurrying for a funeral, we rushed all the way. Returning was much more leisurely.

Every day we rode sixty to seventy miles, and rested at the post house before dark. Qin Humeng and Meng Sanbao were full of energy, idly riding out to hunt, occasionally bringing Little Flower to run a lap.

Thus traveled for seven or eight days, the official road suddenly became difficult.

A group of famine survivors appeared from who knows where, with sallow faces, tattered clothes, stumbling forward.

The number of these famine survivors is unknown. Mostly, three to five gathered together, some in groups of a dozen or twenty, presumably from the same village or clan escaping together. They carried children, or used wooden carts to push bedding and covers.

From afar, a difficult-to-describe sour stench wafted towards us, carried by the wind.

Chen Jinyu instinctively held her breath.

A small handkerchief arrived at her hand; she took it without thinking, covering her nose and mouth. It was only after covering that she realized, quickly turning her head towards the Commandery Princess.

However, the Commandery Princess’s brows were deep, steadily watching the group of famine survivors in their pitifully desperate state.

Song Yuan commanded in a deep voice: "Spread out, protect the Commandery Princess."

The trusted aides immediately obeyed, spread out on horseback, enclosing the Commandery Princess in layers.

The famine survivors are pitiful, yet sometimes extremely frightening. When people are starving to the extreme, desperate and having nowhere to go, they dare do anything insane.

Our entourage is strong with many horses, forming a convoy of dozens of carriages. The carriages contain gold, silver, and food. If these hungry, desperate survivors become violent and charge towards us, it would be an enormous trouble.

Jiang Shaohua said nothing. First need to find out where these famine survivors came from, ensuring safety.

Song Yuan whispered: "Commandery Princess, I will go ask."

Jiang Shaohua nodded. Song Yuan dismounted and quickly went to the famine survivors.

The approaching tall, strong man with a long knife at his waist and sharp eyes scared the survivors into trembling.

One among them, exceptionally brave, bit his lip and rushed forward, dropping to his knees and bowing: "Our hometown suffered from locusts, everyone has no food or drink, had to escape out. Beg noble one to save us, provide us a way to live."

After speaking, his forehead was already swollen from bowing.

The other famine survivors responded, kneeling down, crying: "Beg the lord, save us!"

"Beg the lord to take us in."

"I will give my daughter to the lord, if he rewards her with a bite to eat."