CHAPTER 103: CHAPTER 103: GIFT

At this moment, Jiang Shaohua was practicing archery at the Martial Arts Training Ground.

Warhorses were precious, and only thirty percent of the soldiers in the Nanyang Army Camp had them, with infantry being predominant. The soldiers were accustomed to using weapons like knives and spears. Everyone had a bow and arrow, but the skill levels varied widely.

Yu Chong noticed that the Commandery Princess was particularly attentive to the soldiers’ training and didn’t dare take it easy these days, wandering around the Martial Arts Training Ground every day, urging the soldiers to practice. His throat was nearly hoarse from shouting.

Jiang Shaohua had gained the respect of the military generals in the army with her martial prowess, with remarkable results. Recently, she began to challenge the renowned experts in the army to sparring matches.

When one person loses, it might be flattery; but two, three, eight, ten? Each one was utterly defeated—could they all have been holding back?

More importantly, those who sparred with the Commandery Princess and lost were all sincerely convinced, speaking of her only with admiration.

A new rumor began to spread within the military camp.

It was said that the deceased Prince Nanyang had appeared to the Commandery Princess in a dream, bestowing upon her divine power. The Commandery Princess was already a martial arts prodigy, and with the divine power, no one in the world could rival her.

Buddhism was flourishing in Da Liang, and more than half of the soldiers in the camp were Buddhist. Such an incredible rumor quickly won the support of many soldiers, who were secretly thrilled and excited.

With Prince Nanyang’s protection from above and such a powerful Commandery Princess, they believed that following her would surely lead to a bright future!

As the soldiers trained, they kept peeking over.

"Look, the Commandery Princess is shooting from a hundred paces away, hitting the bullseye with every arrow from two quivers!"

"Take a look, the Commandery Princess has stepped back fifty more paces. At such a distance, if it were us, the arrows would have missed long ago. But she still hits the mark with every shot!"

"The Commandery Princess’s divine prowess is extraordinary!"

Not everyone had the opportunity to spar with the Commandery Princess. However, the soldiers all witnessed her archery skills and were genuinely impressed.

In the military camp, strength was respected. Although the Commandery Princess was a young girl, her skill was undeniable, naturally inspiring admiration and loyalty.

"Commandery Princess," Qin Hu hurried over and reported in a low voice, "Someone from Duke An’s Mansion in the Capital City has come, requesting to see you."

Jiang Shaohua paused, turned her head, and asked, "Where are they?"

Qin Hu replied, "Ten people came, and they’ve already entered the camp. The leader is named Peng Sihai, claiming to be a personal soldier of the Young Master Zheng..."

Boom!

It was like the earth-shattering clap of thunder!

Jiang Shaohua’s mind went blank for a moment.

She didn’t even hear what Qin Hu said next.

After Qin Hu finished reporting, he waited but received no instructions from the Commandery Princess. Somewhat surprised, he couldn’t help but glance at her.

Then, Qin Hu was startled by the Commandery Princess’s expression.

Though young, the Commandery Princess carried herself with noble composure, often making one forget she was just a little girl. Qin Hu had never seen her so shocked and shaken.

Song Yuan noticed something was off and stepped forward, asking softly, "What’s wrong, Commandery Princess? Do you not wish to see the Zheng Family?"

Jiang Shaohua, appearing somewhat dazed, spoke lightly, "He said his name is Peng Sihai and that he was sent by Zheng Chen?"

Suppressing his astonishment, Qin Hu replied, "Yes. If you don’t want to see him, I will send him away immediately."

Jiang Shaohua clenched the bow in her hand tightly and exhaled slowly, "They’ve come all the way to the Nanyang Army Camp; there must be a reason. If I don’t see them, the people in the palace might ridicule me for being cowardly."

"I will meet Peng Sihai in the command tent! Qin Hu, bring Peng Sihai to the tent to wait!"

Qin Hu took his command and left.

Jiang Shaohua, expressionless, continued to shoot arrows.

In her tumultuous mood, she didn’t hold back at all. One arrow after another, the last one forcefully pierced through the target.

The personal soldiers: "..."

Song Yuan’s eyebrows twitched. He took the bow and arrow and handed them to a personal soldier. That soldier remained behind to clean up, not mentioned further.

Jiang Shaohua quickened her pace more than usual.

Song Yuan quietly followed along.

After some distance, Jiang Shaohua slowed down slightly.

In a low voice, Song Yuan said, "If you don’t want to see this person, then don’t. Not even the Empress Dowager can force you, let alone a Young Master Zheng. What is there to fear?"

She wasn’t afraid of Zheng Chen.

What unsettled her was Zheng Chen suddenly sending Peng Sihai to see her.

Logically, she and Zheng Chen had never met and were strangers at this point. What reason did he have to send a trusted personal soldier?

"Uncle, my thoughts are somewhat chaotic," Jiang Shaohua whispered. "Avoiding it won’t solve the problem. I must meet Peng Sihai in person to understand his intentions."

Knowing her temperament, Song Yuan didn’t attempt to dissuade her further.

After a cup of tea’s time, Jiang Shaohua entered the command tent.

By then, she was calm, at least outwardly composed.

The tall man waiting in the tent immediately cupped his hands in salute, "Peng Sihai, at your service, Nanyang County Princess."

Jiang Shaohua looked at the familiar youthful and heroic face, as if through it she saw the vivid memory of a beautiful young boy deeply etched in her heart.

Her heart was in turmoil, though only she knew it.

"Why did Young Master Zheng send you to the Nanyang Army Camp?" Jiang Shaohua asked, naturally maintaining a commanding presence.

In terms of status, as a Da Liang Princess with real power and a fiefdom, she certainly needn’t fear a princely heir who hadn’t yet been officially enthroned by the court.

Peng Sihai remained respectful, "In reply to the Commandery Princess, the Young Master sent me to deliver a gift to you."

Jiang Shaohua’s eyebrows slightly lifted, "Is there no message or letter?"

"None." Peng Sihai, who had traveled swiftly for days to Nanyang County, was actually puzzled himself, not understanding what his master intended, but followed the orders, saying, "The Young Master gave no message, only saying that once you see the gift, everything will be clear."

"Where is the gift?"

"Just outside the command tent, not far. Please follow me to take a look."

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly, signaling Peng Sihai to lead the way.

Song Yuan, stationed outside the command tent, was somewhat surprised to see the Commandery Princess emerge so quickly, silently leading several dozen personal soldiers in following.

Very soon, the "gift" from Young Master Zheng came into view.

It was a pure white magnificent horse, with only a small tuft of fiery red hair on its forehead. Its coat was snow-like, smooth and shiny, its legs strong and powerful, and its eyes exceptionally bright and spirited. Even though it was not yet fully grown, it was an extremely noble and majestic horse!

"Zheng Zixian, your fine horse is so beautiful and imposing! What’s its name?"

"A horse is just a horse, what name does it need... Don’t glare at me, I was wrong. A noble horse deserves a resounding and lovely name, you name it."

"On its forehead, there’s a tuft of red hair. When it runs, it looks like a cloud soaring. Let’s call it Red Cloud!"

"Very well, from today on, it shall be called Red Cloud."