Chapter 82

This Chen Tang Pass is indeed extraordinary!

Looking outside the pass at the endless stream of fishing and merchant ships, Shang Rong couldn't help but nod, expressing his approval of Princess Su Zhi's governance of Chen Tang Pass.

What pleased Shang Rong even more were the townspeople, whose faces constantly beamed with happy smiles; even in Chaoge City, such a sight was absent.

But the more this is the case, the worse it is for Princess Su Zhi!

Shang Rong's heart sank, and unbidden, the words the Marquis of Xibo had spoken to him before departure flashed in his mind.

According to the Marquis of Xibo's divination, the descent of the Xuan Bird foretells the omen of great chaos for Yin-Shang; in recent years, our great Shang has indeed seen signs of turmoil sprouting everywhere—could it truly be related to this Princess Su Zhi?

With a heavy heart, Shang Rong entered the Commander-in-Chief's residence.

Seeing Lady Yin, her belly prominent, supported by the prince consort, Shang Rong bowed and said, 'Your servant Shang Rong pays his respects to Her Highness the Princess!'

At the same time, the beautiful female general beside her also bowed to Lady Yin.

Deng Jiu Gong's daughter, Deng Chan Yu, pays her respects to Her Highness the Princess!

Hehe, Minister Shang, you need not stand on such ceremony; you are an elder of three reigns. When our late father was alive, he often taught us to heed your teachings, and even now, Princess Su Zhi still keeps them in mind.

Lady Yin said with a smile.

Immediately, she glanced at Deng Chan Yu beside her and said, 'I've often heard that Deng Jiu Gong's daughter possesses a heroic bearing that rivals any man; today, seeing her, the reputation is truly deserved. If the chance arises, let us exchange martial arts.'

Hearing this, Deng Chan Yu blinked slightly, never expecting that the princess would be so forthright, wanting to spar with her right away.

For Deng Chan Yu, who loved martial arts over finery, hearing Lady Yin's words instantly filled her heart with great affection for the princess.

But thinking of her father's admonition, Deng Chan Yu still said rather reluctantly, 'Your Highness the Princess, I dare not raise my hand against you; your precious person—if harmed…'

Hehe, little sis, you're brave; when I was fighting the yaksha tribes, you were probably still crying in your mother's arms—hurting me is still premature!

Lady Yin said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Deng Chan Yu immediately felt an urge to spar with the princess, to let her see her techniques.

Cough cough

Before Deng Chan Yu could speak, Minister Shang beside her lightly coughed and said, 'Your Highness the Princess, this old servant has come merely to understand one matter; please dispel my doubts.'

Minister Shang, you wish to ask about the descent of the Xuan Bird at Chen Tang Pass, right?

For this, Lady Yin had long been prepared.

The next moment, only Lady Yin's voice was heard saying, 'Xuan Nu, please come forth and show yourself!'

As Lady Yin's words fell, a flash of azure light appeared, and immediately a female war goddess clad in armor stood before everyone.

What a beautiful war goddess! Xuan Nu? Could it be that one?

Seeing the suddenly appearing Nine Heavens Xuan Nu, Deng Chan Yu's eyes lit up instantly.

After all, if it truly is her, she would be her idol.

One must know, she is the one who aided the Yellow Emperor, won the Battle of Zhuolu, and is the foremost female war goddess of the world, and also the person Deng Chan Yu has always looked up to as her goal.

Compared to Deng Chan Yu's fiery eyes, Shang Rong furrowed his brows deeply.

This one, is she not the Nine Heavens Xuan Nu under the Golden Mother of the Jade Pool?

Minister Shang asked.

Indeed, it is I!

The Nine Heavens Xuan Nu spoke in a clear, cold voice.

Compared to her calm demeanor when facing Ao Yifan and Lady Yin, when facing ordinary mortals she naturally bears a lofty, looking-down attitude.

Ah, I see!

Shang Rong's face showed a hint of realization as he said, 'It seems all this is a misunderstanding; this Xuan Bird, that other Xuan Bird!'

Minister Shang, what are you saying? I can hardly understand.

Deng Chan Yu looked at Minister Shang with a puzzled expression and asked.

This prince consort will explain for you!

Just then, Ao Yifan suddenly spoke, instantly drawing Deng Chan Yu's attention.

Tsk, pretty boy!

As a female general who commands troops in battle, Deng Chan Yu most admires figures like the ancient war goddess Nine Heavens Xuan Nu, and generals like Princess Su Zhi who fight the yaksha tribes.

Thus, in Deng Chan Yu's heart, the princess's prince consort is nothing but a pretty boy who relies on the princess.

Ao Yifan doesn't know what this little girl thinks of him; otherwise, he would surely make her pregnant again and again.

Since ancient times, it has been said: 'Heaven's Mandate Xuan Bird descends and gives birth to Shang.'

Ao Yifan slowly said: 'But the Xuan Bird that originally founded Cheng Tang Jiang Shan was not this Nine Heavens Xuan Nu before us, but the legendary Yuan Feng!'

Indeed, I merely resemble the elder sister Yuan Feng, and you mortals mistake me for her.

At this moment, the Nine Heavens Xuan Nu spoke.

Ah, that's how it is!

Deng Chan Yu nodded and said, 'It seems this truly is a mix‑up; however, Xuan Nu, from your earlier address to Yuan Feng, are you well acquainted with her?'

We have drunk together!

The Nine Heavens Xuan Nu said lightly.

Upon hearing this, Deng Chan Yu's admiring eyes almost sparkled with tiny stars.

Having drunk wine together with the legendary ancestor bird of Yin-Shang, Yuan Feng the adult—such an honor is only possible for an ancient great deity like Jiutian Xuannü.

In that case, the matter is clear; this old subject knows how to reply to the king.

Shang Rong said: "However, this old subject sees that Chen Tang Pass is very prosperous; Princess, please allow this old subject to stay a few more days in Chen Tang Pass—I wonder if that is acceptable?"

Hehe, Minister Shang is interested; this palace naturally welcomes; this palace will now have someone arrange lodging for Minister Shang.

Lady Yin said.

However, facing Lady Yin's kindness, Shang Rong waved his hand and said: "No need to trouble the Princess; this old subject wishes to closely understand the lives of the people of Chen Tang Pass, only then can I see more clearly; thus, this old subject will take his leave first!"

"Thanks"

Madam Yin also did not try to detain him.

Watching Shang Rong leave under Deng Chan Yu's protection, Ao Yifan suddenly gave a light chuckle and said: "It seems this Shang Minister is not so easily prosperous; this is because he hasn't fully let his guard down, preparing to thoroughly investigate the whole Chen Tang Pass!"

"Not bad, Father King once said, the Shang Minister is the pillar of our Yin Shang; his keen eyes surpass even Uncle King Bi Gan's; trying to deceive him is not easy."

Madam Yin said: "Prince Consort, our trade with the Four Seas demon tribe should not run into trouble, right?"

This is also something Madam Yin worries about.

Chen Tang Pass can be so prosperous, aside from the series of policies issued by Madam Yin.

Among them, the more important reason is still the trade with the Four Seas demon tribe.

Possessing a large amount of rare underwater resources, Chen Tang Pass earns overflowing wealth, indeed becoming the commercial center of Yin Shang.

However, although the Four Seas demon tribe is under the Prince Consort's control, they are still demons; if this were exposed, someone with ill intent could pin a charge of colluding with demons on them, and then even the Great King's side would not be able to easily brush it off.

"Rest assured, I have already made arrangements for this; soon, our Chen Tang Pass will receive an esteemed guest, and with him, even if the matter of the Four Seas demon tribe is exposed, the side of Zhaoge City will not be able to say much."

Ao Yifan narrowed his eyes slightly and said: "As for that Shang Minister, I also have a plan; as long as my scheme succeeds, he will surely become our most solid ally!"