Chapter 1103: Chapter 3: Immeasurable Matrix Master, Divine Talisman, Successful Wedding Snatch!
"Princess, we’ve already entered Pinghai State’s territory."
"There are seven days left until we cross the Canglan River."
On the royal ritual ship, outside the screen, Liu Wanliang spoke softly.
Behind the screen, Ji Anlan sat kneeling at the table, motionless.
Liu Wanliang continued to report in a low voice, "The Flame Light Royal Court’s betrothal party has arrived at Jiutian Yingyuan Mansion and is waiting. Everything along the way has been peaceful..."
At this point, Liu Wanliang felt an ache in his heart.
The journey’s peace was undoubtedly too cruel for Princess You Ruo.
However, Princess You Ruo spoke calmly, "I understand. You may leave."
Liu Wanliang opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say a thousand things, but finally, he only cupped his hands, "Yes."
On the other side of the screen.
Ji Anlan sat kneeling in a daze, her body sparkling.
Apart from the luxurious clothing and precious ornaments, a small golden dragon shadow hovered above her head.
The dragon emitted golden light, enveloping her completely. The essence of the Golden Dragon was an Imperial Decree that only Ji Anlan could see.
Princess You Ruo couldn’t help but recall the scene in the Imperial Palace after the second resolution.
It was the last time she saw her father before leaving the palace.
Ji Mingjing wore a simple blue robe with a wooden hairpin—a very Spartan appearance.
Just like today, she knelt in front of the table, watching her father enter the sealed hall.
It was her first time seeing her father clearly, matching the image in her mind of him as her father rather than an emperor.
He knelt opposite her, father and daughter looked at each other, seemingly having a lot to say but remained silent for a long time.
"Anlan, shall we make a bet, just between us?" Ji Mingjing opened up first.
"Please speak, Father," Ji Anlan replied softly.
"You’ll follow the ceremony and leave the palace to attend the sacrificial ceremony. I will find a way to inform Liu Tianning."
"If he learns of it and brings you back before the Southern Barbarian Royal Court envoys, I will give you both a chance."
"If he doesn’t come, it proves he has chosen his career, aiming to achieve his ambitions, and you are not as important in his heart."
Ji Mingjing stared quietly at his daughter:
"If this is the case, do not blame Great Zhou, but help your brother gain time and fulfill your mission."
Princess You Ruo also stared at her father:
"I am willing to make this bet with Father."
Thinking about this conversation, Ji Anlan was filled with anticipation.
She believed her beloved would come to save her.
Even with only seven days left to leave the Great Zhou Territory, she believed Liu Tianning, upon hearing the news, would understand her intent and rush to her side regardless of everything.
...
Liu Tianning was indeed on his way to the Canglan River. As Prince Taihe, the Golden Dragon Warship and Ten Thousand Skill Hall were mobilized, and nothing could stop him. Zhao Xing’s Wuyao Warship followed closely behind.
If he could witness Emperor Jing and Princess You Ruo’s final dialogue, he might understand how the ’old witch’ was formed.
He would also understand why Princess You Ruo returned home in her past life only hating Liu Tianning bitterly but did not resent Great Zhou. Instead, she brought a considerable amount of intelligence that aided Emperor Wu against the barbarians.
At this moment, Mr. Zhao was perfecting the plan to snatch the bride on the Wuyao Warship.
"Firstly, we must wait for the Great Zhou’s betrothal party to leave, for Princess You Ruo to exit Great Zhou’s territory."
"This way, we aren’t violating Emperor Jing’s decree within the borders."
"If we can seize Ji Anlan from the hands of numerous Southern Barbarian experts, it would prove they couldn’t protect the princess or didn’t care about her safety... In short, we must leave room for the great scholars to debate."
"Secondly, it must be a high-profile snatch—not in secret—and only Lao Liu and I will go. Ji Che can only be a spectator; no additional persons." Zhao Xing thought to himself.
As for what to do afterwards? Plenty of reasons can be found.
"In ancient times, Emperor Chi had a daughter ’known as Ji Su,’ kind-hearted and loved by the people. She fell in love with a cultivator named Chi Songzi."
"But Emperor Chi was swayed by the State Preceptor, wanting to marry his daughter to Insect Land."
"Chi Songzi’s ancestor, grandfather, personally led people to snatch the emperor’s daughter back to their tribe overnight."
"Thereafter, Ji Su lived with Chi Songzi in a place called Pu City and taught the locals how to grow ’five grains’, earning their deep affection."
"That was why the villagers of Pu City annually hold sacrificial ceremonies to thank Emperor Chi and Ji Su for their ’bountiful harvests.’"
Liu Tianning was stunned, "Why have I never heard of such historical legends from Shangluo Academy? Could the Spell of Five Grain Abundance have such a story?"
"I’ve never heard of it either. Big Brother, did you just make this up?"
Ji Che listened with great interest, "Chi Songzi is none other than Dean Liu. The Emperor Chi and his daughter are His Majesty and the princess."
"But isn’t the ancestor grandfather a bit too much? Also, Big Brother, I’m not included here."
Zhao Xing laughed, "History is vast; you can always discover more."
Indeed! It seemed history could be written as one saw fit in the future. Ji Che felt his perspective broadened.
Big Brother really is a talent!
Liu Tianning, interrupted by the two, couldn’t help but laugh. He hadn’t thought about it that much.
Just focus on the snatch. Afterward, let fate decide how to make it look reasonable for His Majesty; it wasn’t his concern.
Weren’t there many Ritual Repairers just lying around?
Zhao Xing was simply idling, thinking randomly.
Actually, could Emperor Jing be one to always save face? Achieving his goal with the princess’s marriage, he wouldn’t force Princess You Ruo to wed once she’s snatched back.