The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 317

Squads of soldiers patrolled the area constantly. Xu Tian had instructed Xie An to patrol the area the day before, and since then, security in the area has been much tighter, with more patrol and guard personnel in the city.

Xu Tian narrowed his eyes as he looked at the short man, his fingers twirling the blue and white porcelain cup.

The short man grunted and stood up from the chair.

Why are you staring at me?

The short man felt a little uneasy under Xu Tian's gaze and shrank back, saying, "If General Li hadn't asked me to protect you, I wouldn't have gone with you to this remote and bitterly cold place."

"Oh, you mean General Li sent you and you're one of his favorites?"

The short man immediately became proud, then walked to the side and said, "I am the strategist in General Li Jing's camp."

A mocking glint flashed in Xu Tian's eyes.

"Alright, I'll believe you for now. If you weren't by General Li's side, you probably wouldn't have such insight, being able to see through the interests involved."

The short man nodded, took a big bite of the steamed bun in his hand, and spoke as he ate.

"Your Highness may not know, but I have a cousin who is a lady-in-waiting in the palace. The interests in the harem are really quite simple! These women will stop at nothing to frame each other in order to please the emperor and gain the greatest benefits."

My family is one of the poorest in town; we often go hungry and cold. Among our relatives, only my cousin comes to visit us frequently.

I really liked my cousin, and she often told me about what happened in the palace. Over time, I understood the ins and outs of it all.

In the Tang Dynasty's imperial harem, Granny Lan was astonished to discover that the princess was nowhere to be found!

The fake princess was sitting on the couch, fanning herself incessantly.

"Granny, I really can't keep up the act any longer. I have to deal with the teacher and the Empress Dowager all day long."

When Empress Zhangsun visited the princess, she talked about her childhood. I worried that she might have become suspicious of my identity. If I hadn't been quick-witted, I probably would have been exposed by now.

Granny Lan glanced at her, then walked over and patted her hand, saying, "You're supposed to be a master of disguise from the Ban Yi Sect, but the princess is so pampered that you don't have to lift a finger. You just have to sit and bow."

"Don't forget that your leader owes a favor to our princess. If you don't comply now, how can this old servant explain to the princess?"

As she spoke, Granny Lan frowned slightly, her gaze lingering on the distance with some concern.

Dieyi smiled gently, then turned around and the princess's robe was removed.

Granny Lan stared in disbelief and said, "What are you trying to do? Are you trying to kill me?"

"Granny, the young master of our sect, the leader's son, is returning today. I really have to go back and see him! The young master is extremely handsome and refined. If I miss today, I don't know when I'll be able to see him again!"

Granny Lan looked at Dieyi with some helplessness, then nodded.

"Since that's the case, then this old servant has no other choice!"

At that time, Empress Zhangsun was embroidering a cloak to support Li Shimin in the shop when she saw a group of imperial guards rushing into the inner palace.

"What happened?"

The nanny beside Empress Zhangsun smiled and said, "Your Majesty, this servant will go out and ask right away."