Yang Qing looked at the son of Northern Liang's famed general before him, the smile on his face never fading in the slightest.
"Commander Gao, you are mistaken!"
"Your esteemed father and I merely served our respective sovereigns and performed our respective duties. Besides, on the battlefield, either you die or I perish. Such is the common lot of soldiers."
"Now you have led a delegation to Western Chu to foster friendship between our two nations. I am here on my emperor's orders for that very same purpose."
Gao Zhanwen gave Yang Qing a cold snort. "What a sharp tongue you have! But you are merely a frontier Military Governor. What qualifies you to receive us?"
"If your country intends only to go through the motions, we might as well abandon this marriage alliance."
Gao Zhanwen looked at Yang Qing with a hint of provocation.
Their task was merely to make a trip to Western Chu. Whether the marriage alliance succeeded remained in their hands.
"His Majesty has his reasons for appointing me Master of Ceremonies for this occasion."
Yang Qing's voice remained calm and unruffled. "First, I have served as Yan Prefecture Military Commissioner for several years and am most familiar with your country's ways. Second, Commander Gao and I have a history, which makes certain matters easier to discuss. What do you think, Commander Gao?"
Gao Zhanwen had been about to argue further when a voice as sweet as an oriole's song suddenly came from the carriage behind him. "Commander Gao, there is no need to dwell on such trifles and delay our proper business."
Gao Zhanwen's expression stiffened, though he quickly regained his composure.
He turned slightly and bowed toward the carriage with its curtains lowered. "Your Highness is right to reprimand me. I acted rashly."
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