Traveling through the Tang Dynasty: The Concubine Goes to War

Yunxi and Princess Xiangcheng followed the Turkic guards closely with trepidation, and slowly walked towards the royal tent where Jie Li Khan was. Every step was filled with uncertainty and tension, as if the ground beneath their feet was shaking.

Finally, they walked into the royal tent, and a solemn and majestic atmosphere hit them. The scene before them made them hold their breath, and an indescribable feeling of awe surged in their hearts.

Sitting in the center, Jie Li Khan was a burly figure, like an unshakable mountain. His sharp eyes were as sharp as an eagle, making people dare not look directly at him. His presence itself was a powerful pressure, and even without saying a word, one could feel his imposing aura.

Yunxi sighed inwardly that time flies and the years pass by. Today's Jie Li Khan is no longer the great Turkic prince of the past.

Jie Li Khan looked at them, with a complex expression in his eyes, curious and vigilant. His gaze was like a sword piercing their souls, as if he wanted to dig out all the secrets deep in their hearts.

Yunxi and Princess Xiangcheng looked at each other, took a deep breath, then bowed slightly and said, "Greetings, Khan!" Although the voice was soft, it was firm and respectful.

Princess Xiangcheng raised her head, met Jie Li Khan's gaze without fear, and asked straight to the point: "I wonder why Khan summoned me here today?" Her tone was calm and firm, without any intention of backing down.

Jie Li Khan raised his lips slightly, revealing a faint smile, "I have heard that Princess Xiangcheng of the Tang Dynasty is both wise and brave. After observing her for many days, I found that her reputation is well-deserved." He paused, and then said, "I invited you here this time to discuss the marriage between our two countries with you."

Yunxi and Princess Xiangcheng were both shocked. They never expected that Jie Li Khan would make such a direct request.

However, they remained calm on the surface, and Princess Xiangcheng calmly responded: "I wonder who the Khan wants to marry?"

Jie Li Khan looked at them both with a half-smile and said, "I want to form a close relationship with you two."

"We? Two of you?" Yunxi and Princess Xiangcheng exclaimed in unison.

"What? You don't want to stay in Turkestan? The land here is vast and rich in resources, with herds of cattle and sheep. Haha..." Jie Li Khan looked at them with a smile on his face.

"The Turks are good, but... but we are... here to negotiate peace!" Princess Xiangcheng was a little incoherent, "And Yunxi is... the imperial concubine of the Tang Dynasty... How can she marry the Khan?"

"Yunxi, are you the imperial concubine of the Tang Dynasty? Weren't you granted the title of a noble lady after your divorce from that general named Han Xuan? How come you became the imperial concubine again?" Jie Li Khan looked at Yunxi with a puzzled look on his face and asked.

"Khan, it's a long story... things are unpredictable!" Yunxi smiled helplessly.

Jie Li Khan nodded, expressing his understanding. "You are so outstanding, it is reasonable for the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty to favor you. It's a pity that..."

He changed the subject halfway through his words and said, "It's just that this king also hopes to establish a good relationship with the Tang Dynasty and jointly create a peaceful and prosperous situation." After saying that, he stood up, glanced at Princess Xiangcheng, and then continued, "Let's talk about this for today. You can move freely in the camp. If you need anything, just tell the guards."

After bidding farewell to Jie Li Khan, Yunxi and Princess Xiangcheng left the royal tent. They were each thinking about something and were on their way back to their own tents.

As they were walking, they suddenly saw Ayiduo and Cheng Yizheng sitting cross-legged on the grass in the distance. They were sometimes talking in low voices, sometimes laughing happily, just like a pair of affectionate young lovers.

Yunxi and Princess Xiangcheng smiled at each other, decided not to disturb them, and took a detour.

After returning to the tent, Princess Xiangcheng frowned, "The situation is serious now, we must find a way to escape as soon as possible."

Yunxi nodded, "But the Khan will obviously not let us go easily. We can only act according to circumstances."

Just as the two were thinking about countermeasures, a noise was heard outside the tent.

Yunxi lifted the curtain and saw Aida and Cheng Yizheng walking towards them, followed by several Turkic soldiers.

"What are you doing..." Yunxi asked in confusion.

Ayiduo panted and said, "The Khan sent us to tell you to come to the banquet."

Princess Xiangcheng and Yunxi exchanged glances, secretly feeling that things might not be that simple. But they still followed Ayiduo and Cheng Yizhen to the Khan's tent.

At the banquet, Jie Li Khan raised his glass frequently and drank with Yunxi and Princess Xiangcheng. After three rounds of drinking, he suddenly put down his glass and looked at the two of them with burning eyes.

"I have decided to choose one of you two to be my princess." He said loudly, "Whoever of you is willing to marry me, I will sign an alliance with the Tang Dynasty to maintain eternal peace."

Yunxi and Princess Xiangcheng looked at each other and saw the surprise and hesitation in each other's eyes.

After a moment of silence, Princess Xiangcheng said, "Khan, this matter is of great importance. Let us consider it."

Jie Li Khan frowned slightly, but still nodded, "Okay, I'll give you a day to think about it. I hope to hear your answer by this time tomorrow."

After the banquet, Yunxi and Princess Xiangcheng returned to the tent, feeling increasingly depressed.

"Princess, what should we do? We must not marry the Khan." Yunxi said anxiously.

Princess Xiangcheng gritted her teeth and said, "I do have an idea, but I need your cooperation..." Princess Xiangcheng whispered in Yunxi's ear. Yunxi was shocked after hearing it. "Will this work?" Princess Xiangcheng patted her hands and said, "We can only try. Success or failure depends on this one move."

The next day came in a blink of an eye, and Yunxi and Princess Xiangcheng came to Jie Li Khan's tent together.

Jie Li Khan looked at the two women with expectation in his eyes. Princess Xiangcheng spoke first: "Khan, after careful consideration, I am willing to marry you."

A hint of surprise flashed across Jie Li Khan's face. "Great! Princess Xiangcheng is really straightforward!"

However, Yunxi suddenly interrupted and said, "Khan, I have a favor to ask. Can I talk to the princess alone?"

Jie Li Khan hesitated for a moment, but finally agreed. There were only the two of them left in the tent. Princess Xiangcheng took Yunxi's hand and reminded her again: "Do everything according to the plan." Yunxi nodded seriously.

Soon, they walked out of the tent, and Princess Xiangcheng said to Jie Li Khan: "Khan, I changed my mind. I can't marry you." Jie Li Khan's face suddenly became gloomy, "Why? You clearly agreed just now!"

Princess Xiangcheng smiled slightly, "Because I learned that the Khan did not really want to form an alliance with the Tang Dynasty, but had other intentions. As a Tang Dynasty princess, how could I commit myself to someone with evil intentions?"

Jie Li Khan was furious, "You are talking nonsense! I was sincere, but you misinterpreted me like this!" At this time, Yun Xi stepped forward, "Khan, calm down. If you are really sincere, you should sign an alliance with us immediately to prove your innocence." Jie Li Khan stared at them for a long time without saying anything. Finally, he waved his sleeves, "Okay! I will sign an alliance with you!"

However, when Jie Li Khan handed the covenant to Yunxi...