New Song Dynasty: My Wife is an Imperial Princess

After resting for three days outside Youzhou City, Wanyan Zonghan decided to combine the two groups of prisoners of war and continue on their way.

The weather in May is pleasant, perfect for traveling. If he can send the three thousand men, led by Zhao Ji and Zhao Huan, to Wuguo City as soon as possible, he can also return sooner to deal with his personal affairs.

On the morning of the fourth day, three thousand prisoners of war emerged from Ming'an Temple amidst shouts and reprimands, crossed the outer city of Youzhou along the official road, and then headed north around the inner city wall.

The group of several thousand people consisted mostly of women. Along the way, the once pampered Song nobles had been ravaged beyond recognition, their spirits and energy completely worn away. Their destination was the end of their lives, so they walked slowly. Driven by the Jin soldiers, it took them two hours before the leader of the group finally walked out of the north gate of Youzhou's outer city.

On the inner city's city wall, Tang Qian watched the prisoner-of-war column silently heading north outside the city. His expression was neither sad nor happy, and it was unclear what he was thinking. Among the crowd below the city wall, a slender girl in tattered clothes walked slowly, occasionally raising her head to look around, as if trying to buy time.

Even though all hope was lost, Zhao Yuanzhu still firmly believed that her sisters would appear in time to save her at the critical moment. Unfortunately, as time went by, even though she kept slowing down, she still followed the group to the North Gate of Youzhou.

Further ahead lies the true territory of the Great Jin. Zhao Yuanzhu was truly unwilling. She was a princess of the Great Song Dynasty, a beloved daughter of the emperor and her elder brother. How could she have become a slave to be bullied at will by those inhuman Jin people?

Despite her reluctance, no miracle occurred. As she walked out of the north gate of Youzhou, Zhao Yuanzhu finally despaired, knowing that once she took that step, she would never return to the Song Dynasty.

A wave of sorrow washed over Zhao Yuanzhu, causing her to stand still. Under the angry glare of a Jin soldier, she turned and glanced back at the not-so-tall Youzhou City.

Tang Qian, who was on the city wall, also saw the girl standing below. When their eyes met, Zhao Yuanzhu's pupils contracted.

She recognized her brother-in-law, Tang Qian, and witnessed a scene that broke her heart.

Although the people standing next to Tang Qian were dressed in men's clothing, Zhao Yuanzhu could clearly recognize them as the imperial sisters who had been taken out of Ming'an Temple a few days ago.

Weren't they sent to the Youzhou army command post? Why are they on the city wall today?

If they were allowed to see him off, does it mean that the commander wasn't such a villain, and might even be willing to grant their requests? If that's the case, why couldn't the eldest princess rescue herself as well?

Or were they only thinking about escaping their status as prisoners of war, completely disregarding her life or death?

Is this what they call sisterly affection? It's laughable that back in Ming'an Temple, the eldest princess said that everyone needed to help each other and stick together for warmth, and I actually believed her. In the end, they stood on the city wall, watching me head towards my doom.

In the blink of an eye, the people on the city wall also saw Zhao Yuanzhu standing there dumbfounded.

Looking at Ninth Sister Zhao Yuanzhu staring intently at her from below the city wall, a cold smile slowly spreading across her lips, Eldest Sister Zhao Yupan really wanted to explain loudly, but she absolutely couldn't do that. Even though there were already two tear streaks on her face, she could only force herself to remain silent.

Watching Zhao Yuanzhu resolutely turn around and follow the large group forward without ever looking back at them, Zhao Yupan covered her mouth with her hand, biting her silver teeth into the back of her hand, leaving a tooth mark that had already begun to bleed.

“This kind of farewell scene is too cruel. I said at the time that my sisters coming here would only add to the sorrow.”

Seeing that no one was around, Zhao Yupan let out a soft sigh: "In any case, as citizens of the Great Song Dynasty, we must see you off."

Without turning his gaze to the group of imperial princesses led by Zhao Yupan, Tang Qian's words revealed a chilling indifference: "It's all about the victor and the vanquished. Your Zhao family has long lost the hearts of the people. Even if you manage to defend Tokyo in this battle, you'll only be prolonging your lives. The Song Dynasty will eventually perish."

Zhao Yupan was speechless in response to Tang Qian's comments.

Bandits are rampant throughout the Song Dynasty, and the people are suffering terribly. It is a scene of hell on earth. And all of this is caused by the Song nobles who are walking slowly below the city wall. They have only themselves to blame for their current predicament.

Watching the last Song prisoner of war walk out of the city wall under the intimidation of the Jin army, Tang Qian turned to leave and called to his sisters, who were still feeling melancholy, to follow him: "The Seventh Princess is still waiting for us. If Wanyan Xun changes his mind at the last minute, none of us will be able to leave."

At the canal dock outside the city, a boat designed by Tang Qian floated on the water, with people crowding around the gunwale, clearly preparing for departure.

At this moment, Wanyan Xi and Zhao Yingluo had already boarded the ship under Wang Jian's escort. Wanyan Xun stood on the dock, staring silently at the official road outside the dock. From the dust that rose there, two carriages were hurrying towards them.

As the carriage approached, a murderous glint flashed in Wanyan Xun's eyes. Tang Qian, who jumped off the carriage first, didn't care at all and gestured for the princesses following behind to board the ship first. Tang Qian and Wanyan Xun stood facing each other.

"I thank Your Highness for your kindness."

Wanyan Xun snorted coldly: "Where is what you promised to give me?"

Tang Qian reached into his robes and took out a letter: "This is the detailed plan that Your Highness will implement in the Great Jin Ancestral Court after building the sea-crossing warship. Your Highness only needs to follow the steps in the letter, and I guarantee that Your Highness will get what you want."

Wanyan Xun snatched the letter from Tang Qian's hand, then suddenly let out a cold laugh: "You know that what I want is far more than this."

"Of course I know," Tang Qian said with a faint smile. "Your Highness has been scheming to keep me in Youzhou, all you want is a quick way to improve the army's combat power. I have already taught you everything I know about arrows, but as Your Highness has expected, I do have other methods."

Wanyan Xun's eyes suddenly lit up. After such a long battle of wits and courage with Tang Qian, he was finally going to get what he wanted.

"If you can hand over everything, I can keep my promise and let your family return to the Song Dynasty."

Tang Qian shook his head: "Does Your Highness think I'm a three-year-old?"

If he takes out the item now, this ship will definitely not be able to leave Youzhou.