Chapter 26: Are You Sure It’s an Old Witch and Not a Fairy?

Liu Ling’er followed Baili Xian outside the residence, where Tie Wula had already prepared the carriage at the gate. The horses harnessed to the Prince Xian’s carriage were all tall warhorses, which meant the carriage itself stood rather high. Baili Xian was the first to leap onto the carriage, and once he did, he ducked straight inside, paying no further attention to Liu Ling’er. Glancing at the carriage, which was nearly chest-high from the ground, Liu Ling’er was left speechless.

If she still had her inner strength, she thought, not to mention a carriage this high, even a taller one would be no problem for her to jump into. But now, with all her inner power gone, unless someone gave her a hand or provided a stool, her only option was to climb up.

Hands on her hips, Liu Ling’er called out without a care for her dignity, “Prince Xian, my dear husband, I can’t get up—could you give me a hand?”

Baili Xian’s dull voice came from inside the carriage. “No, I just relieved myself and haven’t washed my hands. If I help you, your hands will get dirty.”

Liu Ling’er was so angry she nearly bent her nose out of shape. All because she’d yelled at him a little this morning—what a petty man. If he didn’t want to help, then just say so; why make up a feeble excuse and pretend it was for her own good? Infuriating!

She turned to Tie Wula, only to find him gazing up at the sky as if celestial beings were battling overhead. Forced to be humble under someone else’s roof, Liu Ling’er waved pitifully at him and said, “Hey, handsome, do you happen to have a stool or something?”

Tie Wula regarded her as though she were a fool. “No such thing. We men don’t need stools for these things.”

Baili Xian crossed his arms, clearly waiting for Liu Ling’er to make a fool of herself. Gritting her teeth, Liu Ling’er muttered, “Fine, but if you think this will trip me up, you’re sorely mistaken. If you want to see me embarrassed in public, you underestimate me, Liu Ling’er!”

Lifting her skirt, she braced her feet against the carriage wheel, gave a light spring, and, with a graceful spin, landed securely in the carriage. She shot Tie Wula a mischievous face—did he really think such a little obstacle could stop her? He was still too green.

Once inside, she glared at Baili Xian and deliberately sat as far from him as possible. Baili Xian, however, looked at her with curiosity. “I’ve heard you’re a useless general’s daughter, but it seems you’ve fooled everyone. Who would’ve thought you had some skills after all?”

At this, Liu Ling’er felt a twinge of guilt. The former Liu Ling’er had indeed been frail and delicate, but now that she occupied this body, she was determined to live a life of splendor on her behalf.

Rolling her eyes, Liu Ling’er retorted coolly, “Like father, like daughter. I may be as weak as a sick cat now, but don’t forget my father is a great general. As the daughter of a mighty general who protects the nation, I’m already embarrassed enough. Is it so surprising that I’d know a bit of fancy footwork?”

Baili Xian, stung by her barbs, chose not to argue further. He closed his eyes and adopted an air of deep thought. Liu Ling’er, not wanting to bore herself, lifted the curtain to watch the crowds outside.

An hour later, their carriage arrived at the imperial palace. So this was the palace! Upon entering the capital’s palace, Liu Ling’er’s eyes could hardly take it all in. She’d seen the Forbidden City in modern Beijing, but compared to this, she was utterly awestruck, wishing she had more eyes to take it all in.

Baili Xian led her into a golden hall. Standing outside its doors, Liu Ling’er looked around curiously. But despite the hall’s resplendence, a chill ran down her spine, and she couldn’t help but shiver as a cold draft swept over her.

Just then, a clear, melodious woman’s voice rang out from within the hall. “My dear little Xian has finally taken a princess; one more worry off my mind. Come, let me have a look at my obedient daughter-in-law.”

Liu Ling’er turned around and at first glance saw a beautiful, regal woman in palace attire. The woman’s graceful dignity left Liu Ling’er deeply shaken. Clutching Baili Xian’s sleeve, she whispered, “Is this the old witch you spoke of? Are you sure you weren’t mistaken? Are you certain she’s an old witch and not a fairy?”