Volume One, Chapter 20: Companions Play in the Capital (Part Two)

Yang Xiangning nodded at the words but felt reluctant to leave. After a moment, she slowly spoke, “Chengdu has a day off today; why not come with us?”

Yuwen Chengdu had not expected such a suggestion from Yang Xiangning and was momentarily at a loss. “Chengdu is but a subject; how could he stroll the streets with a princess? That would be presumptuous.”

“Is it because you can’t go due to your status, or you simply don’t want to?” Yang Xiangning frowned upon hearing the refusal.

“Chengdu dares not,” Yuwen Chengdu quickly replied.

“Then come with us. It’s good to have someone protect me along the way,” Yang Xiangning said, unwilling to miss this rare chance to spend time with Yuwen Chengdu.

Seeing the princess so insistent, and with no real objection himself, Yuwen Chengdu ceased to refuse. “Very well, Chengdu will protect the princess on the road.”

The three exited through the rear gate of the Prime Minister’s residence and soon arrived on the bustling street.

The lively atmosphere was filled with all manner of vendors. Yang Xiangning loved such scenes and skipped ahead with a lively step, Yuwen Chengdu following closely behind.

“Chengdu, look at this hairpin. Is it pretty?” Yang Xiangning held it up against her hair.

Yuwen Chengdu studied it carefully for a while and finally nodded. “It’s beautiful.”

Though the hairpin from the stall wasn’t as exquisite as those the princess normally wore, its unique style gave it a special charm.

Xiao Qi, perceptive as ever, immediately reached for his purse to pay but after searching for a while, couldn’t find any silver.

Noticing this, Yuwen Chengdu hurriedly took out a silver ingot from his pocket and handed it to the stall owner.

“Thank you, Chengdu,” Yang Xiangning smiled warmly at him, then handed the hairpin to Yuwen Chengdu. At first, he didn’t realize what she meant, but after a moment, he understood and shyly accepted it.

Lowering her head slightly, Yang Xiangning allowed Yuwen Chengdu to find the right position and gently fasten the hairpin on her.

“Is it pretty?” Yang Xiangning looked up at him expectantly.

“Very pretty.” Yuwen Chengdu nodded, his gaze caught by her radiant smile, unable to look away for a long while.

Further ahead, there was a stall selling lanterns. Yang Xiangning ran over eagerly, and seeing her fondness, Yuwen Chengdu promptly bought one.

Holding the lanterns together, they each made a wish in their hearts before releasing the lanterns into the sky.

Though uncertain if their wishes would come true, the hope itself was a comfort — a belief that all desires would eventually be fulfilled.

“Chengdu, what did you wish for?” Yang Xiangning asked, unable to suppress her curiosity.

Yuwen Chengdu did not hesitate. “A close old friend and I have been apart for many days. I hope to see her again soon.”

“An old friend?” Yang Xiangning’s curiosity deepened.

“She was my junior sister when I studied the arts on the mountain, and a friend I have known since childhood,” Yuwen Chengdu explained.

Yang Xiangning chose not to probe further. Given their current relationship, it was not yet suitable to delve into every detail.

“What did the princess wish for?” Yuwen Chengdu asked, sensing the silence and wanting to ease the awkwardness.

Yang Xiangning was frank. “I wish for the well-being of those I love.”

It was her truest desire and the deepest hope in her heart. Born into the imperial family, many things differed from ordinary life, and she only wished for the safety of those around her, free from political strife.

Alas, this was but a beautiful hope.

They wandered the streets for a long time until dusk, reluctantly parting ways.

“Chengdu, please escort the princess back to the palace,” Yuwen Chengdu offered.

Yang Xiangning naturally did not refuse and happily nodded. “Thank you, Chengdu. I appreciate your efforts.”

Yuwen Chengdu escorted her back to the gates of the palace and only left once he saw her safely inside.

Once inside, Yang Xiangning immediately removed the hairpin, found a handkerchief, and carefully cleaned it before wrapping it up.

This hairpin was not only bought by Yuwen Chengdu but also placed personally on her head—imbued with great meaning. She vowed to cherish it dearly.

The next day, Yuwen Chengdu rose early to attend court.

All the officials could see that the emperor was troubled by a pressing matter, furrowing his brows throughout the assembly without relief.

“Ministers, the northern Turks have caused repeated unrest. I am deeply concerned. Is there anyone capable of quelling this rebellion?” Emperor Yang Jian spoke anxiously, scanning those before him in search of a suitable candidate.

His gaze settled on Yuwen Chengdu, who stood and said, “Your Majesty, I am willing to go and suppress the rebellion.”

“Good, a true young hero,” Yang Jian praised. “I believe in your ability. But considering your youth, you shall first serve as deputy commander for experience. Is there anyone willing to lead as the general?”

“I volunteer,” Yang Guang stepped forward.

Yang Jian nodded without further comment, then looked toward the crown prince. “Prince, do you have the confidence to lead and triumph?”

The emperor hoped the crown prince Yang Yong would gain experience, but the prince quickly declined. “Father, I am not skilled in martial arts. It would be better for Yingdi.”

“You, always lacking ambition!” Yang Jian was displeased and showed no mercy before the entire court.

“This matter is decided. Whether you like it or not, you must go,” Yang Jian declared. “Issue my decree: to quell the Turkic rebellion, Prince of Jin Yang Guang shall be commander, Crown Prince Yang Yong shall oversee the troops, and Yuwen Chengdu shall serve as deputy. The three of you must organize the army swiftly and depart at once.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” “We obey, Your Majesty.”

The three bowed and soon prepared to depart.

To suppress the Turkic rebellion, Yang Jian dispatched two hundred thousand troops, matching the enemy's numbers. Victory would depend on the general’s strategy and the soldiers’ resolve.

On the eve of departure, Yuwen Chengdu was still training in the barracks. Yang Xiangning came as usual to practice dancing with him. After some time, she had mastered many moves, sufficient for self-defense during travels.

“Chengdu, tomorrow you set out for battle. Are you ready?” Yang Xiangning asked during a break.

“I am ready. Thank you for your concern, Princess,” Yuwen Chengdu replied. This was his first campaign, and he had prepared meticulously to ensure no mistakes.

Yang Xiangning nodded. “Good.”

Then, hesitating slightly, she said with a hint of shyness, “This is a talisman for safety my mother obtained for me in childhood. Since you’re going to war, I give it to you, hoping it will protect you.”