Excited horses in the bustling city are not a new occurrence in the capital. After all, the capital is teeming with nobility, and it’s common to see young aristocrats galloping their horses. It’s only occasional that a horse gets spooked, and it’s nothing out of the ordinary.
Therefore, no one usually pays attention. However, this time the horse was startled, not by some aristocratic young man, but rather by a woman. No, to be precise, a female general.
The only female general of this dynasty—who else could it be but the one from the Prince Dingbei’s Mansion?
And the presence of this female general in the capital symbolizes that someone from the Prince Dingbei’s Mansion has arrived, and it’s a particularly esteemed figure, the one known as the young general, Commandery Princess Dongyang.
The appearance of Commandery Princess Dongyang also indicates that Prince Dingbei will be returning to the court, and the Prince Dingbei’s Mansion is going to become lively again.
Those who have never seen Commandery Princess Dongyang are curious about what this female general looks like. Is she really as the rumors say, wide-shouldered, bear-waisted, with a fierce appearance that scares babies into tears?
Those who have seen her naturally refute that, while Commandery Princess Dongyang may not possess the delicate charm of a typical lady, she is indeed handsome and admirable.
Sigh, it’s said that she has returned to the capital to seek a husband. Who knows who will be taken back to the Northeast as a mountain stronghold wife, no, as the husband of the Commandery Princess!
Moreover, it’s rumored that Prince Dingbei also wants to remarry, hoping for a son.
For a time, discussions about the Prince Dingbei’s Mansion became the hottest topic in the entire capital. The madams in the inner chambers were talking about it, and so were the sons in the front halls. Everyone was curious.
Numerous invitations flew like snowflakes to the long-secluded Prince Dingbei’s Mansion.
Meanwhile, Commandery Princess Dongyang had just left Yangxin Hall.
As the sole heir of the Prince Dingbei’s Mansion and a young general with military merits, having just returned to the capital, it was necessary for her to enter the palace and meet the Emperor.
Emperor Chu watched the valiant Niu Pan’er leave and sighed, clicking his tongue: "Prince Dingbei probably regrets just like I do that this daughter isn’t a son."
Song Zhiyuan: "Though not a son, she surpasses many men, able to fight on the battlefield, protect the nation, a true heroine not inferior to men, a beauty surpassing many young braves."
Prime Minister Song has the uncanny knack for dismantling arguments, giving me no face at all. Look at his abilities; I must dismiss him!
"Prince Dingbei wants to return to the capital to seek a son-in-law, what do you think? Is the old fox finally convinced, or is he making a strategic retreat?" Emperor Chu brought up the serious matter.
The military command of the three provinces in the Northeast has not been consolidated. This remains a significant concern because there are as many as two hundred thousand soldiers stationed there.
If Prince Dingbei harbors rebellious intentions, then...
Song Zhiyuan clasped his hands within the sleeves of his official robe: "Your Majesty, Prince Dingbei is almost sixty, and he still has no son. He has been the Grand Marshal for two reigns, loyal to you, Your Majesty."
Based on these points, the likelihood of Prince Dingbei rebelling is quite low.
Emperor Chu rubbed the large ring on his hand, which was also an important reason why he hadn’t forced Prince Dingbei.
Not having a son is indeed a weakness. Although he has a daughter who is comparable to a son, she is, after all, just a daughter.
"However, Your Majesty should consider how to decline when Prince Dingbei returns the Tiger Talisman. The past couple of winters, the northern side has been somewhat unstable." Song Zhiyuan lifted his eyelids and remarked.
Emperor Chu pursed his lips: "Didn’t I say, he is indeed an old fox, doing this deliberately, making it difficult for me to accept that military talisman, hmph!"
Taking the Tiger Talisman—who then will deter the borders, allowing the barbarians and the Rong Clan to breach the gates?
"At his age, he still wants to father a child in his old age!" Emperor Chu recalled the memorials sent by Prince Dingbei, feeling a headache coming on. He’s nearly sixty, why not think about health maintenance?
Song Zhiyuan: "Your Majesty, the women of the Prince Dingbei’s Mansion are numerous beyond count. Which one is pregnant? Whether they can give birth is another matter. If born, can a tiny child stir trouble?"