Song Qingshu felt a little uncomfortable under the princess's passionate gaze. Wanyan Zhongjie coughed and said, "Let's not stand outside. Let's go in."
The Jin Kingdom and the Zhungeer Kingdom had a common enemy. This was an opportunity, so they needed to discuss the details of their cooperation.
The others were arranged to rest. Madam and the princess, as the higher-ups of their group, naturally followed them into the room. As for the Childes of the Southern Song Dynasty, they all wanted to continue to be with the princess. However, when they were in trouble just now, the people of the Southern Song Dynasty just stood by and did nothing. Now, they naturally had no confidence to pester them again. When they went back, they all complained about the yellow-robed woman and Xue Baochai for not helping them just now.
After the Zhungeer Kingdom's people entered the room, Galdan introduced them to each other, "This is the lady of the Residence of Dual Cultivators, this is the princess, and this is the prince of the Jin Kingdom …"
"I am Gu Ningqing. Greetings to the prince."
"I am Gu Zixian. Greetings to the prince."
…
Song Qingshu thought that it was no wonder these people called her Xian 'er. The princess's name was Gu Zixian. He couldn't help but think of Yelu Nanxian who was also called Xian' er. He hadn't seen her for a long time.
When the mother and daughter introduced themselves, Ying Ying bowed to Wanyan Zhongjie. Her figure was graceful and her temperament was impeccable. Even Wanyan Zhongjie couldn't help but praise her, "You are indeed graceful. It's a pity that I can't see your face. Can you take off your veil and let me see your face?"
"This …" Gu Ningqing frowned. She looked hesitant.
Dugu Ming was already in a bad mood because of the Southern Song Dynasty's lechers. When he saw that the Jin Kingdom's prince was interested in his fiancée, his expression darkened. However, he had just been saved by Xue Pan, and was afraid of the Jin Kingdom's might. He didn't dare to be as rude as he was to Xue Pan, and could only try to explain.
He could only try to explain, "Please forgive me, little prince. The Residence of Dual Cultivators has a rule for hundreds of years. They can't see their faces unless they are close to them. Otherwise, it will cause great trouble."
Wanyan Zhongjie was surprised, "Oh, there's such a strange rule?"
Gu Ningqing said apologetically, "I've embarrassed myself in front of the little prince."
Song Qingshu couldn't help but ponder in his heart when he saw that their tone was sincere and didn't seem to be lying. Back then, Mu Wanqing wore a veil, and she had to either kill the person who had seen her appearance or marry that person. It was because Qin Hongmian was worried that her daughter would repeat her mistakes and be deceived by a man that she set such a strange rule. Why would the Dual Cultivators Residence set up a similar rule? Could it be that the previous mistresses of the Dual Cultivators Mansion were too beautiful? As the saying goes, beautiful women are the source of trouble. Being seen by a man could easily lead to chaos and disaster?
But where did the ancestor of the Dual Cultivation Sect get the confidence to believe that every generation's successor was a femme fatale?
However, on second thought, the genes of Li Qiushui's family were also heaven-defying. Presumably, the Dual Cultivation Mansion also had similar characteristics.
"Ask him about Peerless City." Compared to these gossips, Song Qingshu was more concerned about more important matters.
Hearing his Secret Voice-sending, Wanyan Zhongjie nodded slightly and found an opportunity to ask, "By the way, what's the deal with the city lords over there? I don't think we have such a rule in the Central Plains."
Gu Ningqing replied softly, "The Western Region is different from the Central Plains. The Central Plains' land is fertile and there are many cities. However, the Western Region's environment is harsh. There are deserts everywhere and there's an extreme lack of water. Therefore, there will only be cities where there's a water source. Many of the rivers in the Western Region are intermittent and will stop flowing most of the year. Therefore, there aren't many places where cities can be built. The more famous cities are Ili, Kashgar, Yarkand, Hotan, Kuche, Aksu, Ingjisar, Turpan, Hami, and so on. Peerless City is one of them. In a sense, these city lords can be considered the rulers of a small country. "
Galdan took out a scroll of map and pointed as he explained, "Our Dzungeer Khanate's capital is Ili City. The Hui Tribe's power is in Kashgar and Yarkand. These years, we've been working together. Together with the Ming Dynasty in the Kunlun Mountains, we've fought against the Mongols together."
Song Qingshu nodded. He finally understood the structure of the various powers in the Western Region. Speaking of the Hui Tribe, he thought of Huo Qingtong, whom he had met before. Not only was she good-looking, she was also very good at fighting. She led the Hui Tribe to fight against the powerful Mongols without falling into a disadvantageous position. After their last parting, he didn't know if he would have the chance to meet her again.
In addition, she seemed to have a marriage alliance with the Ming Dynasty. Speaking of which, she should be Zhang Wuji — no, Venerated Ming's fiancée. Should he remind her so that she doesn't jump into the fire pit?
In the end, Song Qingshu rejected this idea. Although he had tender and protective feelings for the fairer sex, he would not ruin the important matters for a woman. Currently, the Western Region was relying on the cooperation of the three families to stall the Mongols. If there was a problem with the marriage between Huo Qingtong and Zhang Wuji, the alliance between the two sides would be broken. In that case, the Mongols would be able to destroy them one by one. By that time, more soldiers would have to sacrifice their lives.
In the past, Song Qingshu couldn't understand the behavior of marriage alliances in ancient times. He felt that it was shameful for men to sacrifice a woman's happiness in exchange for peace. But when he sat in this position, he slowly changed his mind. Because compared to the happiness of a woman, the thousands of soldiers and common people who didn't leave their names in the history books were much more important.
Speaking of which, there was no news of Venerated Ming ever since the Zhenlong Chess Game. He didn't appear as planned in the battle for the Vulture Palace. This time, he didn't participate in the marriage alliance in Xixia as well. What was he doing?
Regarding Venerated Ming's silence, Song Qingshu felt a faint sense of unease. He had a feeling that Venerated Ming was plotting something big.
"Can you give this map to me?" Wanyan Zhongjie knew that Song Qingshu was interested in these things. The countries of the Central Plains didn't know much about the situation in the Western Region, so he asked Galdan.
Galdan was surprised, but he smiled and said, "Of course, no problem."
At this time, the silent Princess Gu Zi Xian suddenly opened her mouth and asked, "May I know who this young master is?"
Seeing that her gaze fell on Song Qingshu, Wanyan Zhongjie cursed in his heart, "Little vixen, how dare you come to steal my man!"
Song Qingshu was startled and answered, "I am from the Southern Song Dynasty. My name is Jia Baoyu."
"Jia Baoyu? That's a nice name, "Gu Zi Xian muttered to herself.
Wanyan Zhongjie curled his lips and thought to himself, 'Baoyu Baoyu, how could such a vulgar name be nice? How could it compare to my Older Brother Qingshu's name? This coquettish hussy is really lying through her teeth.'
Beside him, Dugu Ming's expression was unfriendly. He looked at Song Qingshu with eyes full of hostility.
Song Qingshu was also depressed. He thought, "Your fiancée is taking the initiative, why don't you blame her and hate me instead?"
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