Although Xiao Wenyao held the title of princess in the Heavenly Wolf Tribe and possessed considerable status, that status would change the moment she was married off to the Lion King Tribe.
In the barbarian lands, women rarely held real power or value. Xiao Wenyao's current high standing was owed entirely to her father—Xiao Hongbo, the reigning Barbarian King.
As for Princess Yelu Nanyan, her influence was not something she had gained overnight. She only managed to accumulate some authority due to the prolonged illness of the previous Heavenly Wolf King, which created a power vacuum she could gradually fill.
But when Xiao Wenyao thought about her looming fate—marrying into the Lion King Tribe and falling under the rule of the infamous Northern Lion King—her delicate figure began to tremble uncontrollably. She had heard too many terrible rumors about him.
With tears still streaming down her cheeks, Xiao Wenyao choked out, "Father… I heard the former queen of the Northern Lion King died a horrible death. I'm still young. I don't want to die so soon!"
Xiao Hongbo's expression instantly turned stern. Rage flickered in his eyes. "Nonsense!" he barked. "The Northern Lion King is still a Barbarian King. He's more than worthy of marrying you. What else do you want?"
He continued coldly, "The matter is settled. Once I conquer Beijun, you'll be married to him. This is not open for discussion!"
Seeing her father's unyielding stance, Xiao Wenyao's legs gave way. She stumbled to her feet, tears blurring her vision, and dashed out of the tent sobbing uncontrollably.
She ran aimlessly across the vast grasslands, the chilly wind biting at her skin. Time seemed to blur. She didn't know how long she had been running before her legs finally slowed, her breathing ragged.
It was then that a voice gently called out to her.
"Princess, what's wrong?"
Wu Yuan appeared at her side. He had been supervising the unloading of goods when he saw Xiao Wenyao rush out of the royal tent in tears. Sensing something serious had happened, he hurried over with a concerned look.
Xiao Wenyao sniffled, her eyes still red. "My father… he wants to marry me off to the Northern Lion King! I don't want to marry that brute!"
Wu Yuan's mind reeled.
The Northern Lion King?
Could it be that the Heavenly Wolf King and the Lion King were preparing to launch a joint campaign against Beijun?
He thought it over. That would make sense. If it were only the Heavenly Wolf Tribe, raising an army of 300,000 would be impossible. But if both barbarian kings joined forces, that number became plausible.
Xiao Wenyao was likely being used as part of the bargain—offered as a reward to the Lion King Tribe in exchange for military aid.
While Wu Yuan stood there deep in thought, Xiao Wenyao turned to him, desperation in her voice. "Wu Yuan… can you help me escape to Great Xia? I can't marry the Northern Lion King. I don't want to die!"
Wu Yuan hesitated, his expression complicated. "Your Highness… I'm afraid no one would dare make such a promise lightly."
He was torn inside. After all, he was just a spy. Whether or not Beijun would accept the daughter of a barbarian king was not a decision he could make. If he acted without authorization and smuggled Xiao Wenyao into Great Xia, it might provoke the barbarians into launching an early invasion—throwing all of Beijun's military plans into disarray.
After a moment's pause, he spoke again. "Your Highness, I do know someone who might be able to help you. But I'll need to ask for his permission. I'll give you an answer the next time I return."
Xiao Wenyao's eyes lit up with hope. "Really? Wu Yuan, you're not lying to me, are you? Your friend… he can really help?"
Wu Yuan gave her a nod. "If he agrees, then yes—he can help you escape safely."
A faint smile broke through Xiao Wenyao's tears. "Then I'll be in your debt. When will you return to Great Xia?"
"I just arrived today," Wu Yuan replied. "I'll need to rest for at least two days before heading back."
Xiao Wenyao nodded quickly. "Alright. Then please, promise me you'll bring back your friend's answer next time."
"I will, Your Highness," Wu Yuan assured her.
Just as they were speaking, a loud and gruff male voice called out from behind them.
"Yaoyao! Are you alright?"
Startled, the two turned around to find Xiao Pengtian striding toward them.
Wu Yuan immediately bowed. "Your Highness, I'll take my leave. Please excuse me."
He quickly returned to his carriage to resume unloading supplies, giving them space.
Xiao Pengtian, the brother of Xiao Hongbo's first wife, was technically not entitled to the royal surname "Xiao." However, in an attempt to win his support, Xiao Hongbo had bestowed it upon him.
Seeing her uncle, Xiao Wenyao asked, "Uncle, what brings you here?"
Xiao Pengtian let out a long sigh. "Yaoyao… I heard what happened."
Xiao Wenyao's expression froze.
Xiao Pengtian shook his head, his face filled with sorrow. "Xiao Hongbo… he's becoming more and more ruthless. First he took my sister's life, and now he's trying to send you to that savage tribe."
Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Uncle… what did you just say?"
"That my father… killed my mother?"
Xiao Pengtian's face darkened. "Who else could it be? Your mother was always in good health. How could she die so suddenly? It was Xiao Hongbo—he murdered her just to pave the way for marrying the princess."
Xiao Wenyao felt her entire world crumble. Her legs gave out, and her heart pounded in disbelief. Could her father… really be capable of such cruelty?
She held onto one final shred of hope and whispered, "Uncle… maybe it's just speculation… maybe you misunderstood something…"
Xiao Pengtian sighed deeply. "Yaoyao, you're still too young. You don't understand how power changes people."
"Your father is no different from the emperors of the Central Plains. For power, they're willing to sacrifice anything—wives, daughters, it doesn't matter."
He gently patted her shoulder. "Let's not talk about this anymore. Don't worry, Yaoyao. I'll do my best to persuade your father. If he refuses to listen, then your uncle will find another way to protect you."
Xiao Wenyao's eyes glistened. She bowed her head. "Thank you, Uncle…"
---
Half a month later.
Great Xia. The capital.
Inside the majestic Imperial Hall, ministers were embroiled in discussions about trivial ceremonial matters. Their debates echoed off the marble columns of the grand chamber.
Suddenly, a loud voice rang out from outside.
"Urgent report from the northern front! The barbarians are on the move!"
The hall fell into an eerie silence.
Moments later, a soldier burst in. Three crimson flags were strapped to his back, denoting the highest level of urgency. He dropped to one knee and raised a sealed bamboo tube high above his head.
"Your Majesty! The barbarians are moving. Beijun is in imminent danger!"
A eunuch stepped forward, took the bamboo tube, and hurriedly approached the throne. He opened it carefully and handed the message inside to Emperor Xia.
The emperor's eyes scanned the parchment. It was a report written by Lu Chen himself.
The chamber fell into a deathly hush. Every minister watched Emperor Xia's expression, tension gripping the air.
For years, the barbarian tribes had plagued Great Xia's borders. No matter how many times they fought, the outcome was always the same—victories came at steep costs, and even then, the barbarian cavalry would simply retreat swiftly, preserving their strength.
Great Xia had never been able to crush them completely.
Now, the report stated that 300,000 barbarian cavalry were preparing to march south.
Emperor Xia's expression darkened instantly.
They had chosen the worst possible time—just when he was about to begin purging the powerful noble families.
The timing could not be more dangerous.
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