The Demon Lords

Because Gao Yi diverted one hundred personal guards to escort people back to the Snow Sea Pass, the number of personal guards around Lord Zheng was greatly reduced. However, the issue was not significant. Firstly, the Sword Saint was by his side; secondly, after continuing westward from Li Tian City and entering the territory of Yan, security was guaranteed, and unless a large number of people ambushed them, there would be no substantial threat to Lord Zheng.

The journey was smooth,

and before the date required by the imperial edict,

Lord Zheng’s troupe

arrived outside the capital.

The last time he entered the capital, he was a personal guard beside Lord Jingnan.

This time, even before reaching Tiantai County outside the capital, the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Guards had already been waiting.

Generally speaking, when military officers return to the capital, it’s the Ministry of War’s responsibility.

For lower-ranking officers, they must promptly follow the date, enter the capital, report to the government office of the Ministry of War, and from the moment they step through the front door of the office, they must smile at everyone, possibly bringing some local specialties, otherwise, others might think you’re impolite.

High-ranking officers will have people sent by the Ministry of War to wait for you, accompany you into the capital, and report together with you to the government office. Inside the office, unless you meet those major figures from the Ministry of War, you can converse amiably with the rest.

And once people from the Ministry of Rites are dispatched,

it often means there’s no need for you to visit the rugged government office of the Ministry of War. They will send someone to your residence or meet you to complete the formalities.

Then you,

either enter the palace to meet the emperor,

or prepare for the ceremonial city entry.

Lord Zheng was the latter; a messenger from the Ministry of Rites specifically came to inform Lord Zheng that there would be a city entry ceremony upon his arrival in the capital.

The accompanying Imperial Guards served both as a security force and effectively as a ceremonial troop.

Lord Zheng himself had to don the imperial gift of golden armor and the imperial gift of a barbarian sword, while the princess needed to change into a splendid outfit, and the imperial gift of a carriage was already waiting here.

Perhaps fearing the princess’s jewelry was insufficient, the people from the Ministry of Rites brought along elegant clothes and various imperial gift accessories, which were awarded and would not be taken back.

Once everything was properly arranged,

Lord Zheng first entered the imperial gift of the large carriage, sitting beside Xiong Liqing, as there was still some distance to travel until reaching the city gates of the capital.

"Alas, in the past, the Yan State did not fuss over such formalities."

Recalling the last time he entered the capital, there were not so many ceremonious procedures.

In fact, the reason the Yan people were called barbarians by the Qian and Chu people for hundreds of years was precisely because the Yan people did not care for these tedious rites.

But now, over the recent years, Yan has successively struck the Qian State and Chu State with heavy blows and annexed the Jin State. As the strongest empire in the east, it has finally become conscious of emphasizing its "formalities."

Xiong Liqing then spoke, "The strong are respected, the strong do what is right, and it all makes sense. Actually, the rituals here in Yan are less cumbersome than those in my Chu State."

"Do you feel burdened by wearing all this?"

"I’m used to it."

"Would you like to lie down and rest?"

Xiong Liqing shook her head, saying, "I’ll just sit like this, otherwise, later, I’d have to rearrange things again, it’s troublesome."

Lord Zheng nodded, leaned against the wall of the carriage, and closed his eyes.

"This is your second time entering the capital, right?"

"Yes, the first time was following Lord Jingnan; I was his personal guard but also came sitting in a carriage."

Xiong Liqing saw a clear trace of pride in her husband’s tone as he spoke.

"Back then, you were already being valued by the Lord."

"That would be right; at that time, in my mind, I thought, someday I’d have my own large carriage, with ladies by my side, and before me, a few kittens quivering in fear."

"This can be arranged, Zhao Cheng."

"At your service."

"Come in."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Eunuch Zhao entered, bent over, and knelt.

Lord Zheng opened his eyes, looked at Zhao Cheng, shook his head, and said:

"He wasn’t as clever as I was back then."

"Indeed, my lord, how could this servant compare to you?"

"Leave."

"Yes, my lord."

Eunuch Zhao left again.

Xiong Liqing said somewhat sadly, "So, you had a hard time back then."

"When first climbing up, you must be cautious, show your usefulness, and earn favor from those above. Now thinking back, I really admire my former self."

"And now?"

"Now, I’m less able to tolerate grievances."

"Are you proud?"

Lord Zheng shook his head, saying, "If I still humble myself before everyone now, then what was the point of my past struggles?"

"Your words are always insightful."

"I’m somewhat anticipating my next entry into the capital; it should be different from this time."

At this moment,

a voice from the Ministry of Rites sounded outside:

"My lord, it’s time to come out."

"Alright."

Zheng Fan took a deep breath, looked at the princess, and said:

"Once we complete today’s procedures, it’s pretty much done. In the future, if you don’t want to, I won’t let you show yourself."

"Are you serious?"

"Even in folk tradition, which man likes his wife going out, showing herself, and supporting the family by her earnings?"

"But I feel happy being able to help you in some way."

"There will always be ways to live even happier."

Lord Zheng reached out to stroke Xiong Liqing’s chin, then stepped out of the carriage.