Chapter 107

Yuelan spent the next couple of days mostly resting. She practiced her guzheng each afternoon, but otherwise read books, took naps, or bundled up warm and went for walks in her snow-covered gardens. Guangfeng had become very busy after returning home and celebrating her birthday, so she didn’t see him at all.

On the fourth day after her birthday, Yuelan received an invitation to visit the palace from the empress. She frowned and studied it while deciding whether or not she should go. In the end, she took Leila and Willow with her, rode on Byakko’s back, and went to the palace.

News had spread, at least in the capital, that the dragon priestess had appeared and had a large white tiger, so the people moved out of the way and bowed respectfully as she and Byakko passed by.

When Yuelan and her group arrived at the palace the gates were immediately opened wide and one of the guards bowed. “Priestess, is there somewhere we can guide you to?”

“The empress has invited me to meet with her,” Yuelan answered. “A guide to her palace, or wherever she is, would be appreciated.”

The guards bowed again and one of them instructed a couple of the guards to show her the way before looking back at Yuelan and studying Byakko. “Excuse me Priestess, but will your tiger be staying here with your maids’ horses?”

Leila’s face darkened the moment she was called a maid, but she didn’t say anything yet.

“Byakko is a divine beast and I have a contract with him. Where I go, he goes.” Yuelan’s tone was firm. “And only one of these two women is my maid. The other is my guard.”

The palace guards looked uncertain. “Priestess, we cannot allow your guard to bring weapons and letting you bring a dangerous creature, even a divine beast, in to meet the empress is…”

“If you have an issue with it, tell the emperor.” Yuelan frowned at the guard. “If he dislikes it he can tell me himself. I will not enter the palace without Byakko and Leila will be keeping her whip. I understand that this may put you in a difficult position, but these are my conditions.”

The leader of the guards looked offended. “Priestess, the palace is well protected and safe. There is no need for you or your entourage to enter it armed and prepared for battle.”

Yuelan frowned at him and was about to open her mouth when a carriage pulled up behind her with the crest of the sixth prince, Xiong Guangjun, on it. Two servants left the carriage first then helped lower the sixth prince from the carriage in his wheelchair. The prince inclined his head to Yuelan. “Priestess. It is good to see you again.”

Yuelan turned her head and smiled. “Hello, Prince Guangjun. It’s been a while.”

“What brings you to the palace?” He looked over at the guards at the gates. “Are you having some trouble? Perhaps they don’t realize who you are?”

“The fools want to take my weapon away and refuse to let the White Tiger, Byakko, inside.” Leila snorts.

Guangjun frowned, a little confused. “Priestess? Who is this woman?”

Yuelan smiled. “She’s my guard, Leila. The daughter of the chief of the Hechuan people.”

The fifth prince nodded in understanding then turned to the imperial guards. “The laws of the palace do not apply to the dragon priestess,” he said calmly. “If you wish for confirmation, I can send one of my servants to Father Emperor to request his ruling.”

The guards looked nervous when the emperor was brought up, but the leader bowed to Guangjun. “Please, Your Highness. We fear for our lives if we make a mistake in this instance.”

“Xiao Tan, go speak with the head eunuch and inform him of the issue here at the gates. Let him inform the emperor.”

One of the servants by Guangjun’s side bowed and hurried into the palace. The third prince looked over at Yuelan and smiled. “We should have an answer soon. Please don’t mind the wait, Priestess.”

“Thank you, Prince Guangjun. I appreciate the assistance.” Yuelan smiled at him.

Leila was quiet as she studied the sixth prince for a while before finally speaking. “That was well handled, Your Highness.”

Guangjun looked over at her and nodded his head in thanks. “Thank you, Princess. And it is my pleasure to meet you. I have heard quite a bit about the Hechuan people. Perhaps you would be willing to discuss a business proposition sometime? I believe both our people could benefit.”

The Hechuan woman rubbed her cheek with a finger. “I suppose we could discuss it. Another time.”

“Feel free to visit my home any time, Prince Guangjun,” Yuelan offered. “Leila is staying with me and it would be good for her to have the chance to get to know other men from Longuo.”

“Thank you, Priestess. I will be sure to visit soon.” He smiled. “I will also be sure to inform you at least a day or two in advance before coming. Guangfeng mentioned you have been quite worn out since you returned from the barren lands.”

“Thank you for the concern. I am recovering and starting to feel much better now.” Yuelan smiled. “But being informed in advance is very much appreciated.”

The group continued with their idle chat for about half an hour before Xiao Tan returned along with the head eunuch, who had a message from the emperor to deliver to the guards. The message contained the emperor’s stance on Yuelan’s entourage and what they are and are not allowed. It stated that Yuelan was free to do as she wished and her entourage was welcome to retain their weapons, so long as Yuelan agreed that if her entourage caused trouble they would be subject to a trial and punishment according to their crime.