Chapter 1531: Her Highness the Princess (81)

When the Emperor heard that Tang Guo intended to travel through the various kingdoms to study their customs, lands, and soils while strengthening ties with neighboring countries, he merely sighed once before granting his approval.

It was a good thing, after all.

He only felt a little reluctant.

His Guo'er, despite being a woman, had contributed so much to Northern Xia. She truly deserved to have her achievements recorded in the history books.

The Empress wept until her eyes turned red. Holding onto Tang Guo’s hand, she refused to let go, unable to bear seeing her leave.

And she would be gone for five whole years.

Her daughter had been pampered and cherished since childhood. How could she wander from place to place and endure such hardships?

What if she encountered natural disasters or calamities along the way?

Tang Zhi was equally unwilling to part with her, but he did not try to persuade her.

He understood that his words would be useless. Since Father Emperor had already approved, all he could do was silently support her.

There were things his younger sister could do that he neither could nor was capable of accomplishing.

The only thing he could do was learn diligently from Father Emperor how to govern the nation so that he would not waste all her painstaking efforts.

If, after everything she had done, he still failed to maintain this prosperous age, then he would truly be nothing more than a mediocre ruler.

When the common people learned that their Grand Princess intended to travel among the kingdoms to study customs and environments and exchange for species Northern Xia lacked, they were moved to tears with gratitude.

On the day Tang Guo departed in her carriage, nearly all the citizens of the capital came to see her off.

Even Tang Xi came.

Standing beside her were two rather handsome young men.

Looking at Tang Guo, Tang Xi's expression was complicated.

“Imperial Sister is like the sun in the sky, illuminating the entire world. Those of us who merely bask in that warmth could never compare. Imperial Sister, I wish you a safe return.”

After experiencing so much, her jealousy and resentment toward her elder sister had gradually transformed into acceptance.

Tang Xi had come to understand many things.

Life in Northern Xia had grown increasingly prosperous.

Many countries now sought to obtain crop seeds from them.

The people of Northern Xia had enough food and warm clothing, while the army was powerful and strong. For many years to come, no one would dare covet their lands.

As long as there was no war, princesses like them could live peacefully.

But once war broke out, whether battles were fought or not, some princesses would inevitably be sent away in political marriages.

Yet her Imperial Sister had used another method to make Northern Xia powerful enough that none of the neighboring kingdoms dared become its enemy.

She admired her.

She could no longer bring herself to be jealous.

“I just can't sit still and wanted to go out for a walk,” Tang Guo said with a smile.

Tang Xi nearly rolled her eyes in public.

Go out for a walk?

Last time she went out for a walk, she brought back Lin Yuexiang and her children.

Northern Xia's first female official, a top scholar, a divine doctor, and countless rare crop seeds from the mountains.

Now she would be gone for another five years.

Who knew how many things she would bring back this time?

Tang Guo's carriage slowly began to move.

Tang Xi continued staring at its retreating figure until it finally disappeared from sight.

“Your Highness seems rather sad. Isn't it a good thing that the Grand Princess is leaving? No one will steal your spotlight anymore.”

Hearing the words of the man beside her, Tang Xi slapped him across the face without hesitation.

“You may get lost.”

The man covered his cheek in disbelief.

He could not understand it at all.

Wasn't it just one sentence? Why had the Second Princess struck him?

Tang Xi cast him a contemptuous glance.

“You shortsighted fool. Don't try to sow discord in front of this princess. I am far inferior to Imperial Sister—how could I possibly compare with her? Ignorant fool.”