Chapter 219: Disrespect
Standing beside her elder brother, Jin Yan said, "That general is so rude."
Jin Cen smiled and replied in a low voice, "We are in their territory. Being neglected is normal. Besides, when you become Feng Xiyan’s wife, you can do whatever you want here. Be patient for now."
Recalling Feng Xiyan’s handsome face and majestic aura, Jin Yan blushed and shyly nodded. "Mhm."
Seeing his younger sister’s rosy cheeks, Jin Cen chuckled and sighed. "A grown-up sister is hard to keep, ah."
Covering her hot cheek with her palms, Jin Yan protested shyly, "Second Imperial Elder Brother, please stop teasing me."
Shaking his head, Jin Cen laughed and walked into the inn while the others followed behind.
In the evening, a team of elite Feng Army soldiers arrived at the Xihua Inn.
Seeing them enter, the innkeeper hurried out from behind the counter. Bowing slightly, he asked, "Sir, is there an instruction from General Tan?"
The captain looked at him and asked, "Where are the guests from the Jin Empire staying?"
The innkeeper gestured toward the second floor and replied, "Sir, they are on the second floor. Do you need this commoner to inform them of your arrival?"
The captain glanced at the second floor, then back at the innkeeper, and shook his head. "No need. There is a banquet tonight. The Great General says everyone may go to the barracks to receive a portion of food."
Hearing this, the innkeeper’s eyes lit up. Struggling to hide his excitement, he asked, "Sir, may this commoner’s wife and children also go to receive the food?"
The captain nodded. "Yes, but only your family."
Realizing that this privilege was granted because Tan Pengtai had chosen his inn to host the Jin Empire’s guests, the innkeeper quickly nodded. "This commoner understands."
Satisfied that the innkeeper had caught his underlying warning, the captain looked away and went upstairs with his men.
When the Jin soldiers saw the elite soldiers coming up the stairs, they blocked the stairway.
"His Highness the Second Prince and Her Highness the Seventh Princess are resting right now. Please come back later," said one of the Jin Empire’s soldiers.
Hearing that, the captain glanced past the soldier’s shoulder for a moment, then said calmly, "We are here to escort the Second Imperial Prince and the Imperial Teacher of the Jin Empire to the banquet."
The Jin soldiers exchanged glances before one of them replied, "Please wait here while I report to His Highness."
The captain nodded, and the soldier left.
Standing outside Jin Cen’s room, the soldier clasped his fists and said, "Your Highness, a group of Feng Army soldiers are here to invite you to the banquet."
Two seconds later, Jin Cen’s voice came from inside. "Let them wait. This prince will be ready shortly."
"Yes, Your Highness." With that, the soldier went back to inform the captain.
Inside the room, Shi Yixi said in a low voice, "Your Highness, then this matter will be left to you."
Jin Cen nodded seriously and responded, "This prince understands."
He stood and added, "Tonight, we will learn whether we can take over the Yu Empire or not."
A moment later, Jin Cen’s personal guard opened the door. After straightening his clothes, Jin Cen and Shi Yixi stepped out, with their personal guard following closely behind.
As they descended the stairs, Jin Cen saw the Feng Army’s elite soldiers already waiting in the main hall.
Hearing the approaching footsteps, the captain looked up. Seeing Jin Cen, Shi Yixi, and Jin Yan, he clasped his fists.
"Greetings, Second Imperial Prince, Seventh Imperial Princess, and Imperial Teacher of the Jin Empire."
Smiling, Jin Cen nodded. "Thank you for coming to escort us to the banquet."
He then glanced at the sky outside and added, "We should leave now. It would be impolite to be late."
The captain stepped aside, gesturing for Jin Cen to walk in front of him, and said, "Second Imperial Prince of the Jin Empire, please."
Outside, two horse carriages were already prepared.
Just as Jin Cen reached out to help his younger sister into the carriage, the captain stepped forward to block them.
Frowning slightly, Jin Cen asked, with a hint of displeasure in his voice, "What is the meaning of this?"
The captain replied without showing any expression, "Our Great General has invited only the Second Imperial Prince and the Imperial Teacher of the Jin Empire. My task tonight is to escort you two to the banquet."
Glancing at Jin Yan, he added, "As for others, they cannot enter the barracks without permission or an invitation."
The moment Jin Yan heard this, she was stunned before becoming furious. Gritting her teeth, she forced a smile and asked, "What did you just say? Do you know who this princess is?"
Meeting her gaze, the captain calmly repeated, "Only the Second Imperial Prince and the Imperial Teacher of the Jin Empire are invited to tonight’s banquet. Seventh Imperial Princess, you are not invited."
Hearing it for a second time, Jin Yan’s vision darkened with anger.
When she swayed, dizzy with rage, Jin Cen quickly caught her before she could stumble. "Xiao Yan!"
Seeing her pale face, Jin Cen was both worried and angered by Feng Xiyan’s blatant disrespect toward his younger sister.
Just as he was about to berate the captain, Shi Yixi touched his arm and whispered, "Your Highness, remember our task."
Reminded by his teacher, Jin Cen paused, then took a deep breath to calm himself.
A few seconds later, he said to his younger sister, "Xiao Yan, since you can’t go, you should get some rest."
Knowing they were in enemy territory and aware of the importance of her marriage to Feng Xiyan, Jin Yan swallowed her anger and nodded.
Seeing she had calmed down, Jin Cen turned to the maidservants. "Attend to the Seventh Princess properly."
The four maids curtseyed in unison. "Yes, Your Highness."
After gently patting Jin Yan’s hand twice, Jin Cen got into the carriage.