Volume One, Chapter 32: The True Heiress Is a Big Shot 32

"You should discuss this matter with my parents. If you can persuade them, I will accompany you."

For An Qianqian, whether they left sooner or later made no difference.

"You didn't refuse, so that means you agree?" Si Chengnian’s eyes brimmed with joy, and he tugged An Qianqian toward the front hall.

An Qianqian frowned as she followed him. This behavior—why did it feel so familiar? Right, when she was inexplicably bound to that "Prodigal System" back then, that was exactly what it had said: [Based on the principle that no refusal is an acceptance, the Prodigal System is dedicated to serving you.]

An Qianqian looked up at the man holding her hand. This shameless behavior was indeed identical to the system.

When they reached the front courtyard, the Ministers of Rites from both nations had finished their handover. An Qianqian’s dowry was laid out, and together with the bride-price, it completely filled the courtyard. One could barely take a step without being careful.

Si Chengnian released An Qianqian’s hand and strode toward An Mingxia, his dark robes swirling in the wind. "Father-in-law, my father is gravely ill, so I wish to depart with Qianqian within three days. I hope you will grant your permission."

An Mingxia’s hand, holding a teacup, paused. His gaze swept over his daughter, who stood by with an indifferent expression. Since she had returned with him, she clearly acquiesced. An Mingxia set down the cup and hesitated. "Three days is far too rushed. Qianqian’s dowry still needs to be inventoried and crated, and the accompanying guards and matrons must be arranged."

"Rest assured, Father-in-law. The guards brought from the Yan Kingdom can temporarily handle the moving. As for the attendants, only those Qianqian trusts need to come; I will select reliable replacements from the Imperial Guard once we reach the Yan Kingdom."

He steered every sentence toward "departing as soon as possible." Even An Huantuo found it hard to watch, crossing his arms and huffing, "Is my brother-in-law afraid we might hold my sister back?"

A faint flush appeared on Si Chengnian’s face, but he did not back down. "Fifth brother-in-law jokes. It is just that my father is ill, and as the Crown Prince, I should be by his side to serve him. Since Qianqian is my wife, she should naturally accompany me to fulfill this filial duty."

An Mingxia watched the stubbornness in his eyes and couldn't help but chuckle. This boy was far too impatient. He turned to the steward behind him and said, "Go to the treasury and withdraw thirty thousand taels of silver. Have the storehouse prepare medicinal supplies and dry rations. We depart tomorrow."

"Father?" An Huanyang was stunned. "Three days was already rushed, but tomorrow..."

"Tomorrow it is." An Mingxia cut him off, his gaze resting on An Qianqian. "Since Qianqian has promised herself to him, she should go to the Yan Kingdom early to familiarize herself with the environment. Furthermore, the Crown Prince’s filial piety is commendable; as elders, we should facilitate it."

Si Chengnian quickly responded, "Thank you, Father-in-law!"

Seeing that the matter was settled, An Qianqian turned and headed back to Chunfeng Garden.

***

Chuntang was busy directing the maids to pack clothing. Seeing her enter, she reported, "Miss, the Madam sent twenty dowry maids, saying they all grew up in the manor and are loyal and reliable."

"I see. Go to the stables and bring Lingyi along as well."

Before dawn the next day, the sound of carriages and horses could be heard outside the Duke of Rong’s manor. An Qianqian wore a dark green *ruqun* suitable for travel. She was held by Cheng Mingyue, who gave her endless instructions until Si Chengnian stood at the door leading his horse, at which point she finally let go with reluctance.

"Take care of yourself when you reach the Yan Kingdom. If you are ever wronged, have the Black Armor Army send you back," Cheng Mingyue said with reddened eyes.

An Qianqian nodded, and for the first time, she hugged Cheng Mingyue tightly. After a long while, she pulled away. "Mother, I’m leaving."

Si Chengnian helped An Qianqian into the carriage. The interior was lined with thick silk cushions, and a small table in the corner held the candied fruits she liked. Just as he was about to board, An Mingxia called him over.

"Si Chengnian." His voice was low. "My daughter, the daughter of the Duke of Rong, is no soft persimmon to be kneaded at will. If you allow her to suffer even the slightest grievance in the Yan Kingdom, I will surely trample your imperial dynasty!"

"Rest assured, Father-in-law!" Si Chengnian’s tone was solemn. "Qianqian is the only wife I will ever have. If I fail her, may heaven strike me down."

An Mingxia looked at the resolve in his eyes and finally waved his hand. "Go."

The carriage began to move slowly. An Qianqian lifted the edge of the curtain, watching the vermilion gates of the Duke of Rong’s manor grow smaller until they vanished around the street corner.

Si Chengnian had sat down beside her at some point and handed her a cup of warm plum juice. "The journey will take a month. If you get bored, I will tell you stories."

An Qianqian took the cup and sipped it. Outside the carriage, Su Wenhuan’s voice rang out: "Your Highness, the convoy is ready. We may depart."

Si Chengnian replied, and when he looked back at An Qianqian, the tenderness in his eyes nearly overflowed. On this journey, he could finally hold her hand in the light of day.

The journey lasted more than two months. The capital of the Yan Kingdom was called "Sheng'an City." When Si Chengnian arrived, two rows of gold-armored guards stood at the city gates, their halberds like a forest, the cold light blinding.

The Emperor’s retinue stretched from the palace’s main gate to the city entrance. Under a bright yellow canopy, the Emperor, dressed in his ceremonial robes, sat upon the dragon chariot. Beside him, the Empress possessed an air of majesty that was no less imposing.

The sound of wheels crushing the blue stone road drew near, and the carriage escorted by Si Chengnian finally appeared in view.

***

"The Crown Prince has returned—"

As the long-drawn-out chant of the ritual officer faded, the Emperor and Empress slowly rose. The civil and military officials were arranged by rank to the end of the street; their crimson robes and azure gowns flowed like waves. The Three Excellencies and Nine Ministers held their tablets and bowed their heads, not daring to draw a full breath.

Si Chengnian dismounted and helped An Qianqian out of the carriage.

"Your son pays his respects to Father and Mother." Si Chengnian bowed, his voice resonant. An Qianqian joined him in the salute.

The Emperor’s gaze fell on An Qianqian; he nodded slightly and gestured with his hand. "Crown Prince, Crown Princess, follow Us into the city."

As soon as he finished speaking, the officials bowed in unison: "Welcome, Your Highness the Crown Prince! Welcome, Your Highness the Crown Princess!"

The roar of the officials shook the hearts of all present. An Qianqian glanced at the Empress beside the Emperor, a subtle, imperceptible smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

*Interesting. Her soul comes from another world.*

*Still, it doesn't seem to affect anything.*

She walked across the red carpet without looking aside. When her skirt swept across the boots of the officials, she didn't even cast a glance in their direction.

Si Chengnian watched her back and suddenly smiled. His future Empress was more of a born ruler than he was. As he hurried to catch up, he heard the Emperor whisper to the Empress behind him: "Indeed, a daughter raised by the Duke of Rong; her bearing is truly remarkable."

After a day of exhaustion, An Qianqian was supposed to be escorted to the Eastern Palace, but she refused and went with An Huantuo to the residence An Mingxia had arranged beforehand.

The Imperial Board of Astronomy had already selected a date for the wedding: ten days later.

Upon returning to the An residence, An Huantuo, who had followed them to the Yan Kingdom, began arranging things like an old mother. The maids and guards who had arrived early had already cleaned and decorated the residence; now, they only needed to verify the personnel.

An Qianqian had no interest in this. She called everyone to the front hall to put faces to names.

[Congratulations to the Host for unlocking a new map. Main Quest: Please spend ten thousand taels of silver within half an hour. Naturally, all the money has been converted into small silver fragments and coins, compliant with the usage regulations of the Yan Kingdom.]