The General Said She Would Not Take a Wife

Chapter 55: Capture

"Stop right there!"

Zhe Ji's voice echoed from within the palace, causing Lin Aoxue to freeze mid-step. The emissaries from other tribes, who had initially appeared aggressive and confrontational, suddenly faltered at the commanding tone of the Princess of Boka. Their previously overwhelming aura dissipated like smoke in the wind, leaving no trace behind when the woman emerged gracefully from the palace.

Standing nervously outside the entrance, the emissaries ceased their actions against Lin Aoxue, exchanging uneasy glances but refraining from any further moves.

Two royal attendants followed closely behind Zhe Ji as she stepped out of the palace at an unhurried pace. Her footsteps were steady, her demeanor composed. Draped in a garment crafted from wolf pelts, she exuded an air of elegance that complemented her tall, slender, yet curvaceous figure. Two long braids dangled gently by her temples, swaying in the breeze, their ends adorned with small bells that jingled softly with her every step.

"You've all come from afar to resolve an issue. Why resort to such impatience?" Zhe Ji spoke, her voice calm and unhurried. "Wouldn't it be better to sit down and discuss matters thoroughly? After all, not every problem can be solved with fists alone."

Her words silenced the emissaries immediately. Even the most hot-headed among them, whose temper had flared moments before, could do little but flush red with embarrassment, unable to refute her. When Zhe Ji invited the emissaries to enter the palace, they hesitated briefly before exchanging glances and following her inside.

Seeing the princess intervene personally, Lin Aoxue stepped aside, ready to retreat. However, just as she prepared to leave, Zhe Ji unexpectedly turned her head to look at her and said, in an expressionless tone, "You come too."

Lin Aoxue blinked in confusion but, seeing Zhe Ji's back already disappearing into the palace, realized she had no choice but to follow. She fell in step behind the group of emissaries, entering the royal palace shrouded in uncertainty.

Once inside, Zhe Ji motioned for her attendants to arrange seats for the emissaries. She herself took the main seat, leaving Lin Aoxue—merely a lowly servant who guarded the gates—standing near the entrance, ready to serve at a moment's notice.

"Princess of Boka," one of the emissaries began, his voice loud and resonant like thunder. As soon as Zhe Ji was seated, he sprang to his feet and stepped into the center of the hall, his tone sharp as he demanded:

"How do you explain the presence of a North Star operative within your palace? We accompanied your tribe to war against the northern territories, only to suffer defeat and heavy casualties. As the one who made the decision to march to war, why did you change generals at the last moment?"

At this, he let out a cold snort, his eyes gleaming with hostility. His accusations came relentless, filled with suspicion and indignation:

"Was it your grand scheme to use us as pawns? Princess, you convinced us to pledge allegiance to Boka, promising protection for our tribes. Yet now, you employ such underhanded tactics, colluding with North Star in secret, betraying us, and weakening our forces. This is intolerable!"

His anger swelled, his voice growing louder and more furious. Behind him, the other emissaries nodded in agreement, their expressions grim. The man's words resonated deeply with them—they too felt used and deceived. If Zhe Ji failed to provide a satisfactory explanation today, he was prepared to return and report to his tribal leader that Boka's intentions were hostile, breaking the fragile alliance between their tribes.

Though a single tribe alone could not rival the might of Boka, a coalition of the heavily damaged tribes could potentially mount a challenge. Even if they couldn't win outright, they could inflict significant losses.