### Chapter 68: Unprecedented News: The Third Prince Sent for Diplomatic Marriage - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

### Chapter 68: Unprecedented News: The Third Prince Sent for Diplomatic Marriage As soon as you hear that the Empress is here to see you, you're quite surprised. You didn't expect her to come so lively and spirited. Recalling Xiao Huang's affection, a surge of excitement courses through you, which the woman sitting in your arms, Yu Luoniao, senses first. "Darling!" You awkwardly smile at her reaction. Gently, you place Yu Luoniao down. "Hasn't Xiao Huang seen you before? You should hide first, I'll meet her myself." Yu Luoniao nods, though a hint of regret lingers in her eyes. "It's a pity I haven't learned the transformation technique yet. Otherwise, there'd be no need to hide from the Empress." With that, Yu Luoniao vanishes without a trace. A little relieved, you feign ignorance and approach the door. "Who is it?" "Why knock so late at night?" "Don't you know there's a curfew?" Xiao Huang arrived under the cover of night when no one was on the streets due to the curfew in the capital city. You responded exactly as expected. Opening the door, you see Xiao Huang standing there in white attire, accompanied by two female guards. Her top outlines her figure; the fitted trousers accentuate her form, and a red belt wraps around a waist so slender one's hands could encircle it. Xiao Huang's charming eyes, full of allure yet sharp, fix upon you, brimming with tender feelings. A soft voice arises. "What, aren't you going to invite me in?" Seeing Xiao Huang's attire, you immediately sense a unique allure. "Of course, you're welcome." You extend a welcoming gesture, inviting Xiao Huang inside. "You stay here and guard." After giving such instructions, Xiao Huang walks into your courtyard. Her guards perceptively close the gate, creating a private space for just the two of you. But instead of embracing you right away, Xiao Huang examines the layout of the courtyard carefully. As she walks, she asks, "Where's your lovely lady?" In response, you stride forward, embracing Xiao Huang's shoulder directly. "You're the only lovely lady here; there's no one else." Having said that, you lift her by the waist. As soon as she touches you, the previously calm and composed Xiao Huang blushes as if intoxicated, her original rationality overturned, distinguishing neither day from night... In the scene, Xiao Huang shudders, her body tense with trembling... Early the next morning, Xiao Huang rises before dawn. Before leaving, she informs you that the imperial clan has discovered your relationship; many are out to kill you, and she is constantly striving to protect you. She's been busy with this for quite some time. If she forcibly protects you, her throne might be in jeopardy. After much contemplation, she has devised a method that benefits both of you. And that is to send you to marry into the Xiongnu tribe. The Xiongnu Khan's eldest daughter, Aina, has just turned eighteen, of prime marrying age. As a former third prince of the previous dynasty, your status is significant enough that marrying you would be seen as sincere. It could even potentially cease the ongoing battles at the frontier. "Will you miss me?" Witnessing Xiao Huang's calm arrangements for you kindles a surge of sorrow and anger in your heart. Xiao Huang appears briefly lost in thought upon hearing your words. But ultimately, she says nothing more. "It is for the best… for both of us." … Xiao Huang departs, and it's only after her departure that Yu Luoniao reappears by your side. "Darling, it's great news, fantastic news!" Thinking that you may never meet Xiao Huang alone in the future again, a flicker of irritation arises within you. "How is this great news?" Yu Luoniao smirks with satisfaction. "The Xiongnu Khan doesn't have divine protection or national prosperity. When you marry Aina, I can then eliminate all of the Khan’s other heirs." "Then, you'll be the sole successor, won't you?" "If I can't become the Grand Preceptor of Great Zhou, surely I can become the Grand Preceptor of the Xiongnu?" Hearing Yu Luoniao's plan makes you rub your forehead helplessly, bewildered by her strong desire to become a Grand Preceptor. After just a few days of waiting at home, an imperial decree arrives. As Xiao Huang mentioned, you've been dispatched to the frontier for a diplomatic marriage, and the bride is the Khan's daughter, Aina. On the day you leave, the entire capital comes out to witness, escorting your convoy that stretches for hundreds of meters. Yu Luoniao, transformed into a small spider, clings to your coronet, eyes curiously observing the citizens and procession bidding you farewell. As the sole remaining prince of the previous dynasty heading into a diplomatic marriage, everyone's curiosity is piqued. Throughout history, this is an unprecedented occurrence. Those who’ve never seen you crane their necks, eager to catch a glimpse, curious about the last remaining prince of the former dynasty. Nevertheless, your carriage is shrouded, ensuring you aren’t seen, granting you some peace. Reflecting on being sent for a diplomatic marriage, you can't help but find it all quite absurd. Traditionally, it's women who are sent for such purposes, not men. As you ponder, you glimpse a familiar pair of eyes through a gap in the curtain. Though her face is hidden by a wide-brimmed hat and veil, you know without a doubt—it’s Xiao Huang. Surprisingly, she's risked much to see you off. "Darling, are you reluctant?" Yu Luoniao, now perched on your shoulder, also spots Xiao Huang. "Darling, be open-minded. Once you reach the grasslands, you can have any woman you desire." Hearing Yu Luoniao's words, you remain silent, your heart still tinged with melancholy. Seeing your demeanor, Yu Luoniao leans closer to whisper in your ear. "Darling, haven’t you always wanted… my rear…” "Once we reach the grasslands, I’ll agree to it…" "Really?" "Of course, but be gentle…" At once, your spirits lift, your mood brightening. So what if you won't see Xiao Huang again? At least Yu Luoniao will be by your side. ... The journey to the Xiongnu grasslands is fraught with challenges. Initially, the roads are well-maintained within the Great Zhou, making travel by carriage smooth and relatively easy. But as the border nears, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged. Jostled within the carriage, you feel nauseated. Despite an internal strength formidable against monsters, your body remains that of a mortal. Seeing your discomfort, Yu Luoniao imbues you with some of her energy, which greatly alleviates your weariness. Upon entering the Xiongnu territory, the welcoming party arrives to greet the convoy. After ushering away the escort, they take control of your carriage. Involuntarily, a slight tension grips you. Reassured by Yu Luoniao and the five spectral protectors, however, your worries ease. After all, you are not one to be easily bullied by mere mortals. Peering out the window, you spot a striking young woman among the welcoming party. She wears a pearl-encrusted felt hat and rides a vigorous red horse, her bright eyes clear as the sky reflected in a lake. Reaching your carriage, she reins in her horse and dismounts with swift efficiency. "Prince of Great Zhou, come out and let this princess see what you look like." Hearing her self-reference as "this princess," you immediately understand. This must be Aina—a fierce presence, arriving with the welcoming party to inspect you. From her demeanor, she's not much different from a man. Faced with the Xiongnu princess outside, you step out alone. Upon seeing you, the princess's eyes light up. "As expected, the prince of Great Zhou is unlike our brawny Xiongnu men." "Can you ride a horse?" "Come up, hold on to me, and I’ll take you to meet my father." As the Xiongnu princess confidently maneuvered her red horse closer to you, you were taken aback by her boldness. Surprised by the unrestrained nature of these Xiongnu women, you didn't hesitate and swiftly mounted the horse behind her. Without reservation, your arms encircled her waist firmly. Aina was caught off guard—she had always heard that the men of Great Zhou were prudish and timid, avoiding close contact with women. Your behavior was unexpectedly bold to her. Though her cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment, she maintained a calm facade, galloping with you toward the heart of the Xiongnu camp. As you rode, you exchanged introductions, learning each other’s names. Meanwhile, Yu Luoniao discreetly conveyed a message to you. "Darling, you’ve struck gold. This Xiongnu princess is untouched." "I used to hear how wild the Xiongnu's customs were, with unruly relations between men and women." "I thought if this princess were like that, we’d just dismiss her to keep ourselves untainted." "But it turns out, she maintains her virtue." Hearing Yu Luoniao's insights, you couldn't help but be exasperated, not anticipating her concern over such matters. Yet, it was for the best. You’ve always cared about a woman’s purity. The red horse beneath Aina was a rare breed capable of running a thousand miles a day—a supreme steed. In merely two hours, it had galloped several hundred miles without any sign of fatigue. As you approached, the vast Xiongnu camp came into view. A vast expanse of flat grasslands stretched out, dotted with countless white yurts, surrounded by men and women at work and myriad patrols of soldiers. Before you could fully enter, a troop of soldiers halted you and Aina on the outskirts. The squad leader urged his horse forward. "Princess, the King has instructed us." "Upon seeing you, we are to hold you back and not proceed to the royal tent just yet." "He says preparations for the ceremonial robes are underway, and requests the prince consort to stay in a prepared tent overnight, awaiting an audience tomorrow!" (Chapter End)