The instant Old Ma heard this, he wanted to complain, but there were too many people around and it wasn't a good place to say more. With a helpless sigh, he said, "Tell the Princess's maid to wait for me. I'll be back in a little while."
The messenger hurried off. He could tell Old Ma was getting impatient, and didn't want to provoke him, so he rushed back to deliver the message.
After the soldier had left, Wang Yue asked, puzzled, "A Princess? When did a Princess arrive here?"
Old Ma sighed and explained, "She's His Majesty's Fourth Princess—the one who married into the grasslands. A few days ago, people were saying the grassland khan had died. Looks like the news was true."
Wang Yue nodded, then asked curiously, "What does the Princess's maid want with you? Do they want us to escort her back? Wouldn't that require orders from the higher-ups?"
Old Ma nodded, then shook his head and sighed. "That's true, but we could still send a squad as far as the next city."
Hearing that Old Ma was considering it, Wang Yue said gravely, "With something this serious happening on the grasslands, Wei City could be in danger at any moment. If it comes to it, I'll stay here a while longer. Once I'm sure everything's fine, I'll leave."
Old Ma waved a hand, brimming with confidence. "There's no need to worry. Those people from the grasslands wouldn't dare attack us. Don't overthink it."
Seeing how confident Old Ma was, Wang Yue didn't press the matter. Great Tang had built its nation on military strength and had never feared anyone. After chatting with Old Ma about a few other things, he watched him leave.
After eating, Wang Yue returned to his room and began meditating