By the time Xiaocao was about to return to Qi Chao, it was already March. Even so, the natural disaster had not yet ended. However, it was relatively milder, probably similar to previous winters. According to experienced people, this situation would last at least another month, and might not end completely until May.
Xiaocao didn't know the specific disaster situation in Liuqi, and didn't see the scene of starving people everywhere. However, this situation must exist, and it might be more serious than expected.
Qi Dynasty had sent a team of people to welcome Xiaocao. The number of people was not large, only a little over a thousand. The leader was Pingjin Hou, the deputy commander of the Northern Frontier, and there were also some civil officials accompanying him. Although they did not bring Princess Anguo's full ceremonial guards, the sedan chair was intact. It was estimated that it was made in the North City and was no worse than the one in the Imperial City.
Compared to the last time when Xiaocao was brought here quietly, this was much louder. Obviously, this was done for Liuqi to see.
So far, only a few people know that Xiaocao, the Princess of Qi Dynasty, is on their side.
In the past, the soldiers of Qi Dynasty had never penetrated so deeply into Liuqi, so the atmosphere was inevitably a little tense. Many Liuqi people along the way were watching them, not quite sure what was going on.
The team stopped outside the gate of the house where Xiaocao lived and waited for Xiaocao to come out with her original entourage. Led by Pingjin Hou, they all greeted them and said, "Greetings, Her Royal Highness the Princess." They did it in unison and with great momentum.
This made the people on Liuqi's side look unhappy, but at this juncture, no one would say or do anything.
"No need to be polite."
"Your Highness? We are ordered to welcome the princess back to the country."
Xiao Cao nodded and said, "Thank you." Xiao Cao then boarded the sedan chair, but did not leave immediately. Instead, he looked at Prince Xiao Qi and others beside him and said, "Where is the person I want? The time is not short, and it is more than enough to run two or three times. Or do you really want to live without such a woman?"
The faces of these people in Liuqi became even darker. Although Li Ruoshui was doing well and was spoiled by many people, in fact, in their eyes, she was still a plaything, just more precious. But not so precious that she must not be discarded.
They all knew that Princess Anguo hated the water girl? It was also expected that she wanted to take her with her when she left.
"Princess, are you saying that you don't want to bring people here? It's mainly because Miss Shui doesn't want to leave."
"Oh?" Xiao Cao flicked her nails nonchalantly. "Whether she leaves or not, is it up to her to decide?"
"Of course the princess has the final say."
Prince Xiao Qi waved his hand and Li Ruoshui was forcibly brought over.
Li Ruoshui was not only unwilling, but also extremely frightened. He tried desperately to turn his head, trying to avoid it.
The moment Pingjin Hou saw her, he was so furious that he almost collapsed and killed her. Fortunately, he still had his wits about him. Only a few people knew Li Ruoshui's identity. If he did anything to her, it would be a family disgrace. Anyway, the person was going to be taken back, and he had the final say on how to deal with her afterwards.
That look was like a knife, and Li Ruoshui felt like she was about to be tortured to death. She knew that if she went back to Qi Dynasty, she would be in trouble. She didn't want to go back, absolutely not. She struggled hard, completely disregarding her image, like a mad woman.
With a single slash of his hand, he knocked the man unconscious, and everything became quiet.
Prince Xiao Qi seemed to have thought of something at this moment, and smiled at Marquis Pingjin, "Miss Shui seems to be the Marquis' daughter-in-law? When I first met her in the past, I was moved by her talent and I felt sorry that I couldn't learn a thing or two from her. Who would have thought that Miss Shui would come to Liuqi later, which made me very happy. Not only me, but many people like Miss Shui. However, Miss Shui is a guest after all, and there is no reason to stop her from going home."
Many people in Qi Dynasty have turned their eyes to Pingjin Hou, and are very surprised.
Pingjin Hou's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot, and he wished he could tear the man to pieces alive.
"She is just a self-deprecating thing. Only you take her seriously and talk about her." Xiao Cao said calmly, "Okay, it's getting late. Let's set off early."
Pingjin Hou had a sinister look in his eyes, suppressed his anger, and responded.
As the team set off, the military advisor who had been keeping quiet suddenly spoke up, "See you off Princess Anguo. If there's a chance, please 'invite' her to visit Liuqi." It was as if he was saying, if I can trick you once, I can trick you a second time, a third time...
"Well, I'll come when I have the chance." When this place becomes the territory of Qi Dynasty, it will be up to her.
They both heard the hidden meaning in each other's words. In comparison, Xiaocao was really calm.
Along the way, there were people from Liuqie escorting them. After all, at this checkpoint, 70% of the supplies behind Liuqie had not been obtained yet. If the people on their side did something without knowing the situation, it would be a loss.
In this way, Xiaocao returned to Qichao smoothly, and more people came to greet him.
"Your Highness the Princess is welcome back to the country."
Xiaocao, who had been indifferent all the way, now felt inexplicably sad in her heart. She raised her head slightly and forced back the tears.
"No need to be polite."
Compared to Xiaocao's treatment, Li Ruoshui's was completely different. He woke up on the road and didn't knock her out. However, if she showed any signs of making trouble, he would give her a beating without mercy.
She was so jealous that her eyes turned red again. She and Wen Renxuan were in the same situation, but their circumstances were so different. Why? Why—