Yu Jin Chang An (With Jin's Chang'An)

Chapter 21

The Crown Prince's status is noble, so he cannot stay in a simple military camp.

The temporary residence of Li Zhangyi, the former city defender, became Sima Yang's palace. Matters in the mansion were mostly arranged properly. The newly appointed city defender received Sima Yang with great respect and apprehension. When Li Shuang and others arrived at the city defender's mansion, Sima Yang had already been seated in the hall, listening to the reports from the new city defender about the recent events.

The city defender emphasized the valor of the Changfeng Camp soldiers and the defending troops, but he glossed over the matter of the mysterious figure in the black mask, which played a crucial role.

Unexpectedly, Sima Yang, without inquiring about anything else, immediately expressed concern about the mysterious person in the black mask.

Li Shuang returned to the military camp, changed into something more suitable for precaution, which delayed her arrival at the city defender's residence. When she arrived, the new city defender was stammering, unsure how to report the absurdities that had occurred during this period to the Crown Prince. Upon Li Shuang's arrival, the city defender conveniently shifted the responsibility onto her, saying, "Your Highness, General Li has a clearer understanding of the events on the battlefield than I do. Let General Li speak on behalf of me."

Sima Yang sipped his tea calmly, then remarked, "You are the city defender of Lu City. Although your appointment was temporary during the war, you should have your own responsibilities. If you can't even clearly explain such a major event in Lu City, what's the use of keeping you?"

The city defender was immediately frightened, his legs weakening as he hastily knelt down, begging for forgiveness.

Li Shuang remained silent until Sima Yang, ordered him to step back, finally quieting the room. He was annoyed by the disturbance.

The hall wasn't spacious, and only a few vice generals accompanied Li Shuang. Guards were stationed outside, making the scene much smaller than the reception outside the city.

Sima Yang put down his teacup and gestured for Li Shuang to sit first before saying, "I departed from the capital when the Western Barbarian army was encroaching. I rushed here in less than half a month, only to find that the Western Barbarians had already retreated, leaving me with nothing to do." Speaking to Li Shuang seemed to ease his demeanor, and he smiled at her, "All my worries about you on the way seem to have been in vain."

The remark was ambiguous. Qin Lan stood behind Li Shuang, and his hand at his side tightened slightly. He lowered his head and remained silent.

Li Shuang immediately stood up, clasped her fists, and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern. With the protection of the heavens, we are safe and sound."

Her formal demeanor momentarily silenced Sima Yang. He allowed Li Shuang to rise and then proceeded to inquire about the defense arrangements in Lu City and discussed the mysterious figure in the black mask.

However, despite discussing it thoroughly, apart from acknowledging the black-masked person's outstanding performance on the battlefield, they had no leads on his origins or whereabouts. Sima Yang had to instruct Li Shuang to investigate thoroughly. Such individuals were desired by all, and if he could be retained in the Changfeng Camp and used by Great Jin, it would undoubtedly greatly enhance the strength of the border defense.

After discussing official matters, preparations began for the Crown Prince's welcoming banquet at the city defender's residence.

Li Shuang found an excuse to leave first. On the way back to the camp, Qin Lan quietly asked her, "General, will you attend tonight's welcoming banquet?"