Arriving back at the lodge, Ashina Helu noticed something was different from the start. Two men in plain clothes were standing outside the lodge. They may seem unarmed but Ashina Helu was still on alert since he still knew nothing about this Tibetan delegation. Entering the lodge would be like entering a tiger cave, Ashina Helu had to stay alert as he needed to plan a rescue route in case the meeting did not turn out well. Ah Wei and Ah Tui were beside him while he helped the women down from the carriage to the ground. It was obvious that Jiang Xi Yu was curious about who was inside the lodge while Li Xi Shi seemed wary. Seeing Jiang Xi Yu examining the two new men outside the lodge with eagerness made Ashina Helu feel she was adorable. Ashina Helu turned around and faced the lodge’s front door with a lifted chin. The two men were also examini

At some point of their runagate, they stopped at a village where a designed caravan and ten other men were waiting for them.Ashina Helu, Ah Wei, and Ah Tui changed their clothes to blend in with the other ten who dressed like traders. Jiang Xi Yu was forced to change her clothes and got placed in one of the caravans.Each caravan contained various materials to be traded from east to west. Jiang Xi Yu sat comfortably among the piles of silk while Ashina Helu was controlling the caravan that she was in. Beside that, Ashina Helu prepared flat naan bread and milk inside the caravan. Periodically he will always remind Jiang Xi Yu to eat and also stop their entourage to let Jiang Xi Yu be refreshed. Ashina Helu would give a signal to one of his accomplices who rode horse in between caravans to pass the order to the leader of the pack. 

“This official hereby declares the Xi Empire's victory over The Northwest territory. Thus, The Northwest is officially under Xi Empire authority.”The Grand Chancellor stood on the platform that was divided between the officials who attended the morning assembly with The Dragon Throne. He announced it proudly and let the officials before him kneeled and convey their congratulations to the Emperor. He waited until everyone calmed down a bit before continuing on delivering the announcement he had prepared under the Emperor's approval a moment ago.“Duan Qin Wang, Chen Qin Wang, General Jiang, The three Kings of the Northwest, Commander Bai, and Commander Kong succeeded in expanding the territory of the Xi Empire

The entourage back to the imperial city was completely different from the royal entourage during last year's summer vacation. General Jiang brought along half of his troops because they took Ashina Helu and his commanders along. Only Jiang Xi Yu, Chen Wang Fei and her maids were women. The summer retreat entourage seemed lively with all the noble women chattering and dressing in colorful dresses. But this victorious entourage gave a much different impression by the fierce appearance of war warriors.“This child of mine might be born with a stern face and a hard heart because while I am carrying now I have experienced many things. I hope this child will be strong just like right now. Carrying this child does not make me feel nauseous or sick.” Jiang Xi Yu gla

On the day after, Minister Lin, Minister Feng, and Duan Qin Wang arrived at the Emperor's living hall almost at the same time. The three of them were bemused with the fact that The Grand Chancellor and the member of chancellery were already inside the hall and already started the audience with The Emperor. Du Yun gonggong held them outside and went back inside to inform The Emperor about their arrival. “Why did the Grand Chancellor bring all the members of the chancellery here and even arrive before us?” The Minister of Justice, Feng Luo Cheng, who was the oldest brother of Duchess of Jiang, exchanged looks with Minister Lin and