CHAPTER 441: CHAPTER 438 READY

Before dawn, Xie Liangchen woke up. Song Xian had gone to Yuezhou and hadn’t returned; although she knew arrangements had been made in advance without any mistakes likely, she was still worried.

They had only recently married, but she seemed to have gotten used to Song Xian being by her side.

Even though he often went out to patrol the camp, there were days when she couldn’t see him at all, at least knowing he wasn’t far away allowed her to be at ease.

When he was by her side, she slept best. In cold weather, having someone like him close by kept her warm all night until dawn.

Now that the weather is warm, though she doesn’t need a person like a fire to keep warm, she still feels secure.

After spending time together, she realized Song Xian actually liked staying at home a lot. If there weren’t so many duties outside, he might spend an entire day in the yard watching her work.

No wonder Old Mrs. Song once said Song Xian mentioned as a child that he didn’t want to go to the army camp or take the imperial exams.

When he was home, the house didn’t need anyone else to serve, sometimes she thought even without Mrs. Rong, Song Xian would be this way.

He and... those wild beasts in the mountain seem somewhat alike, not fond of anyone stepping into their territory.

Thinking of this, Xie Liangchen couldn’t help but smile, feeling more awake.

Today she had to get up early. They came to Cangzhou from Dai State to test the compass made by Xu Qian.

Getting dressed and washing up, Xie Liangchen finally left the house.

Chen Zigeng and Xu Qian also got up.

Xie Liangchen said, "Let’s have breakfast, then we’ll ride to the seaside to board the ship."

Chen Zigeng replied.

Cangzhou was currently guarded by Qin Maoxing. Before Song Xian left, he had already arranged ships with Qin Maoxing.

When Xie Liangchen came to Cangzhou, Qin Maoxing led people to welcome her, roughly knowing the purpose of her visit was to test something on the ship.

Qin Maoxing looked at Su Huaiqing beside him: "Do they intend to build big ships to sail?"

Su Huaiqing nodded. When he first saw the sea, he also wanted to sail out and see the lands beyond, to observe those vassal people.

Qin Maoxing said, "But Daqi doesn’t trade by sea. The court won’t allow them to sail, unless they smuggle."

"Song Xian won’t smuggle," Su Huaiqing said, "He’s a smart person, knowing the court is watching the North. Doing so would surely get him caught."

Su Huaiqing knew Song Xian somewhat. On Song Xian’s wedding day, standing in the crowd, he saw Song Xian’s scanning gaze, deep, intimidating, with some vigilance and displeasure.

Su Huaiqing immediately understood Song Xian’s meaning. This way because Su Huaiqing was once betrothed to Princess Jia’an, even though their engagement was no longer in effect, he always carefully hid his thoughts, keeping as far from Princess Jia’an as possible, yet still received extra "attention" from Song Xian.

He must be especially concerned about Xie Liangchen to be like this, unable to tolerate any coveting, even a tiny bit of intention.

Thus, Song Xian never allowed Princess Jia’an to do anything dangerous.

"Why is that?" Qin Maoxing asked.

"The court currently does not open trade by sea," Su Huaiqing said, "but it won’t be forever closed."

Qin Maoxing said, "So, Song Xian is preparing for the future?"

Su Huaiqing said, "For now, we don’t know the inside story, but I guess it should be similar!" There must be movement on the sea recently, and perhaps soon there will be news.

Su Huaiqing and Qin Maoxing arrived at Xie Liangchen’s residence, which was a courtyard prepared by Song Xian in advance, inside and out with Song Xian’s people.

Qin Maoxing looked at Su Huaiqing: "Want to go in?"

Su Huaiqing shook his head: "The hour is about right, I’ll wait outside."

If he stepped through that door, next time he saw Song Xian... perhaps he wouldn’t have the chance to see Song Xian and Princess Jia’an again, not even stepping foot in Chen Family Village.

A moment later, Xie Liangchen, along with Chen Zigeng and Xu Qian, walked out.

Qin Maoxing said, "The ship is ready, let’s head there now."

Xie Liangchen glanced at Xu Qian, who nodded and tightened his grip on the compass.

Chen Zigeng boarded a big ship for the first time, his eyes showing excitement: "Sister, is this what a big ship looks like."

When Xie Liangchen was seven, she boarded a ship with her parents; in her past life, bound by unresolved feelings, she never thought of sailing again. Now standing on the ship, the sea breeze gently blowing, it was as if memories and the past drifted away with the wind.

"Commandery Princess," Xu Qian looked at the compass in his hand, "It’s workable. If I get more time on the sea, I might lead a fleet out like my master."

Xu Qian’s face was full of smiles. Smiling so much, tears fell as he wiped them with his sleeve, keeping his lips tightly pursed.

"Commandery Princess," Xu Qian said, "We have the compass; when will they come for us?" He wanted to meet those people, to avenge his master.

"Soon," Xie Liangchen said, "As our ship enters the sea, they’ll quickly hear the news, but we must strive to conceal."

Xu Qian didn’t understand.

Xie Liangchen said, "Too easy to be discovered would surely arouse their suspicion." Dealing with someone as cunning as Prince Lu requires more care than with others.

After testing for three days at sea, Xie Liangchen returned to Dai State with Chen Zigeng and Xu Qian.

Xu Qian’s compass was somewhat different from the one she saw in Chen Zigeng’s hands years ago. At the time, Xu Qian had undergone several revisions to achieve those results, so this time while testing, Xie Liangchen intentionally offered Xu Qian a few words of advice.

Xu Qian was indeed perceptive. After looked at Xie Liangchen for a moment with surprise, he excitedly said, "Once we’re back, I’ll revise and try again."

On the way back, Xie Liangchen felt Xu Qian’s gaze often fell on her, many times hearing Xu Qian tell Chen Zigeng: "The Commandery Princess is truly amazing. Without her words, I never would’ve thought... If Master had met her early on, it would’ve been great. Do you think, if I handed down what Master taught me to her, would she be willing to learn? I’m afraid this lineage will falter in my hands."

Such a great misunderstanding, Xie Liangchen secretly shook her head. If secrets weren’t involved, she’d want to tell Xu Qian the greatness wasn’t hers but his own.

Staying up late reviewing accounts, Xie Liangchen simply slept on the soft couch, half-asleep feeling someone approach her, then she was picked up.

Just as she was about to open her eyes, Song Xian’s familiar voice reached her ears: "It’s me."

Song Xian was back.

Xie Liangchen cleared up a bit, seeing the man who had been away for days in the moonlight.

"Why had it taken you so long to come back?"

Xie Liangchen, just awakened, spoke softly, sounding almost like she was being coquettish.

"Was it smooth?" Song Xian heard Xie Liangchen ask again.

"The Emperor agreed," Song Xian said, "I sent a secret memorial to the capital, and Mr. Li brought back the decree allowing us to build ships to sail, drawing Li Tao and those behind him in."

Xie Liangchen was fully alert, her mind clear: "The compass is prepared, without surprises, Xu Qian can improve it further, which means next month we can carry goods on board."

Investigating for so long, finally a chance to openly confront Prince Lu.

As Xie Liangchen was about to continue thinking, she felt someone’s hand quietly slipping into her inner garment.