Fifth year of "A" Dynasty Northern Liang and Southern Han had just signed a three year peace treaty after the war for the border came to a draw. The war for the border lasted two years, resulting in a huge loss in cavalries and supplies. Due to both countries having suffered such heavy losses, they finally had come to term to share the merchant trading route, the riches route between both countries. The trading route's riches wasn't the only advantage, the true advantage was the news and rumors that spread through there. Because there were so many merchants from different countries and foreign lands passing by, no news could slip through there.

The day after the peace treaty, in a small village in Southern Han stood a tall and slim woman looking into the grassland. Her long black hair and purple dress blew along the wind making her look like a fairy. Two older men, a few years older than her approached her. "Master," they both bowed as they greeted her. "Mm…" the woman only said. Both men quickly updated her on the news they brought. Her beautiful face didn't turn after hearing it; she only gave a short command afterwards. "Good! Proceed with the plan; let Hua Xu know we will be traveling to Northern Liang."

"Yes master," when they left, the woman turned around, exuding a deathly aura. It was none other than the exiled Han Princess, Da Ying. She lifted her chin slightly up to the sky, eyes closed as she inhaled the summer breeze, "My wait will not be in vein,"

Six days later, Da Ying along with her four personal guards, Hua Xu, Li Ping, Wu Man, and Tang Wei arrived in Northern Liang. The five of them strolled slowly on their horses along the busy streets of the city. Da Ying wore a pale purple gown paired with a simple pony tail tied with a yellow sash. Even though she was dressed simple, she still gave off a powerful noble aura regardless of what she wore. Hua Xu pulled his horse next to Da Ying, "Master, we've already sent news to the Northern Liang King, let's rest first,"

"En," Da Ying nodded as they pulled into a random tea house. Li Ping helped her tie her horse up as Da Ying walked in first. The place was crowded and filled with lively music and chattering among the tables. Many eyes fell on her the moment she entered but it wasn't strange to Da Ying. Da Ying was born a beautiful woman, crescent eyes, sharp features and a slender figure; even she knew her features were beautiful. She ignored the glares as she followed the flustered server to the second floor.

"Young masters, what would you like?" the server, a man a few years older than Da Ying asked happily. He was really dumbfounded seeing such a beautiful woman, "Bring your best dishes and wine," Da Ying spoke.

"Master, will Northern Liang's prince meet us?" Wu Man asked worriedly, Da Ying still with her calm demeanor only fiddled with the tea cup in her hand. "Prince Xiao Yuan won't reject my offer," her voice was low yet exuded a powerful confidence. They all had been with her since that day five years ago; they knew their master was never wrong in her predictions. Whatever she wanted, it was only a matter of time before she obtained it.

Not long after, a eunuch dressed in a bright green outfit walked into the tea house, seeing this, her four guards could only grin, "Master truly is too good," Tang Wei praised, raising his glass to her. The three naturally followed suit, praising her. Da Ying only held in her arrogant snicker as she took one more sip before looking at the eunuch who had just stepped onto the second floor. Upon seeing her, the eunuch walked over and immediately greeted her, "This eunuch, Chu gongong greets Princess Da Ying,"

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"No need for greetings, is Prince Xiao willing to meet me?" her brows raised up, her voice still calm as ever. Chu gongong secretly took a look at her, examining her from head to toe before replying with a smile. Da Ying noticed but didn't find it strange; she only needed to know the answer. Chu gongong's eyes were full of admiration for the beauty in front of him.

"His highness is willing to meet Princess Da Ying but only Princess Da Ying," even though he was looking at her, his words were directed towards her four guards who immediately got up, "Audacious," Wu Man slammed the table, "How can we leave our master alone?" Da Ying only gave them a side glance, "Wait here for me,"

"Master," Tang Wei wanted to refute but seeing her intense stare, they could only let her. "Princess Da Ying will have to trouble Chu gongong to lead the way,"

A brightly designed carriage was waiting for her outside, "Chu gongong didn't need to," Da Ying truly thought that it was too much, the carriage definitely stood out way too much. It was even embarrassing for her.

"His highness wanted to escort you to the palace properly,"

"I will have to thank Prince Xiao then," Da Ying walked into the carriage.

When they got to the palace, Da Ying was led into Prince Xiao's private meeting hall, "Princess Da Ying requests Prince Xiao's audience," Chu gongong announced. One maid inside the room opened the door and bowed, "Greetings to Princess Da Ying, his highness is waiting," the young maid greeted politely. Da Ying followed the young maid through a door that led to a long hallway, after entering two more doors, they reached his private hall. It was much simpler than the other rooms and halls she had to enter. When Da Ying stepped into the room, the maid bowed and closed the door. What Da Ying saw was a beautiful man dressed in a red robe sitting straight in his low dragon seat, looking at her. She had seen a fair share of handsome men but this Prince Xiao was by far the most handsome, his tanned skin, broad shoulders and masculine facials. She truly wanted to praise him for his looks. Xiao Yuan watched as the woman walked towards him, her head tilted high, elegant yet still gave off a proud air. [Worthy of being a princess] he admired. Da Ying stopped in the middle of the room and bowed half way, "Princess Da Ying of Southern Han greets Prince Xiao,"

"Come, come, no need to stand ceremony, it's an honor to have Princess Da Ying as a guest, take a seat," his hand gestured her to the side table where he had already set some snacks and wine. "Da Ying thanks his highness for his hospitality but I will be leaving shortly afterwards," clearly being courteous but rejecting to sit too. Da Ying had no intentions of being his company.

His eyes couldn't help but be fixed on her. Da Ying was clearly admiring the man, but when compared to him, she was rather the better of the two. Xiao Yuan was like a wolf in sheep skin. His thoughts were full of ill intentions when he first saw the beauty and Da Ying could read it all over his face. "I'm sure Prince Xiao has gotten the message I sent, if Prince Xiao is willing to cooperate with me, I assure that I will be of great assistance to you in the future,"

"I have read it and thought it through. If it's something Princess Da Ying wants me to do, if I can, I will in return for your help,"

"I only have a small request that will also be to your advantage," he rubbed his chin in curiosity, "I would like to hear then," Da Ying smiled, not quite a smile, "I have heard that you have been trying to get my younger sister, Princess Jie You's hand in marriage but yet failed to." His face frowned when he heard his most humiliating taboo spoken out loud. Seeing the stern look on his face, her lips curved into a sweet yet sinister smile. "What iff I told you I could make it possible?"

"Oh? I would like to hear it then,"

***

Author's Note: I'm using random names and countries that may not be correct. It's just for writing purposes but if it's really bad or you feel it doesn't make sense, let me know. Thank you and enjoy