Xun Prefecture, a poor region on the border of Jing Country, was separated from Chu State by just a river. From there, one could see the back mountain of Lan Shan Temple in Chu.
Soldiers guarded the cities on both sides, checking the travel documents of civilians entering the cities. However, there was an exception.
At the border between the two cities, where the downstream river narrowed, there was a steep cliff that led directly to the foot of Lan Shan Temple in Chu State after crossing from Jing Country.
Although the journey was difficult, and it wasn't easy to stay at inns once inside the city, many people from Jing Country still secretly came to settle in Chu State.
Due to this covert route, unfamiliar faces were often seen in Lanshan City of Chu State. The Chu soldiers had become accustomed to this and intensified their daily searches.
But today, the flow of people on this secret path was no longer from Jing to Chu, but in the opposite direction!
Surprisingly, people had begun sneaking from Chu State into Jing Country.
"Hey, how strange. In the past couple of days, fewer people have been coming from that poor place in Jing Country to our Chu State. But now there are more fools going over there from our side?" a soldier responsible for Chu territory remarked curiously.
Across the river, they could see the Jing territory, the Jing soldiers, and Chu people secretly running down from the back of the temple, crossing the river to the Jing side, and bribing the Jing soldiers.
"Boss, should we stop those few?" a Chu soldier asked. "Judging by their clothes, they look like young masters out for a stroll."
"No need. Don't meddle. What if they're visiting relatives? As long as Jing people don't run into our Chu territory, it's fine! Just guard our area well. Don't let even a mosquito from Jing Country in carelessly!"
"Alright."
But as the sun rose higher, the Chu guards were dumbfounded.
One, two... more than ten...
There were too many people running to Jing Country today!
Were they all traveling merchants? Did they all need to visit relatives in Jing?
What day was it today?
The Chu guards were increasingly baffled, but soon they saw the situation on the Jing side of the river.
At the border of Xun City, right where the two sides met at the river, where Chu and Jing could see each other across the water, a number of well-dressed Jing civilians had arrived.
They pushed carts and quickly set up various stalls, mobile carts, and shops!
Not long after the morning market began, the other side of the river started to bustle with activity.
"Sweet, rich, and fragrant royal milk tea from Jing Country! You can't get it anywhere else, not even in Chu State!"
"Fruit tea that even the Jing Emperor drinks!"
"Hot pot and skewers you can't find anywhere else!"
"Grilled skewers, fried skewers, pancakes, fried rice..."
Food stalls, spaced out along the riverbank on the opposite side, suddenly became lively!
The Chu guards, watching from across the river, were stunned.
What was going on?
What was happening?
"Boss, it's not good! Jing Country... seems to be up to something!" A soldier hurriedly reported to the watchtower. "They might be plotting something!"
"Hm?" The commander, who had just entered the city tower to rest, frowned and stood up.
He picked up his sword and stood on the observation deck, looking out. "Are Jing soldiers crossing the river with weapons? Are they tired of living and want to cause trouble!?"
"No, they're not carrying weapons. They've set up a street-long line of food stalls opposite us."
"???"
The Chu commander nearly fainted.
Damn it, in all his years of military service, he had never seen this kind of mischief!
From the observation deck, he could indeed see colorful stalls and shop signs fluttering in the wind!
It wasn't just food stalls; there was everything from food to entertainment to daily necessities!
"Jing Country Special Fair?" The commander's sharp eyes caught sight of the conspicuous large banner at the end of the seemingly ant-like, stretching line of stalls.
What was this thing!?
The Chu commander was dumbfounded.
Should he report this to his superiors?
But Jing Country was on their own territory, they could do whatever they wanted, and it wasn't for Chu people to interfere, right?
The Chu commander was utterly confused. "Let's just observe for now. They're only selling things, so we shouldn't interfere."
[Oh my, our special fair is clearly visible to Chu civilians and soldiers, but they can't eat or play unless they cross the river.]
[Hmm... Father Emperor is really clever this time.]
Xiao Chuchu sat in her wooden baby carriage, with Wei Zheng and a guard in front, and Xiao Yunzhou and Liu Chaniang behind.
They were now traveling incognito, disguised as wealthy merchants out for a tour.
[This isn't a military invasion of Chu State, but it has a flavor of cultural invasion, tsk tsk.]
Xiao Chuchu mused.
Xiao Yunzhou's eyes widened. Cultural invasion?
[Letting our Jing Country's special culture slowly influence the Chu masses and soldiers? Is this what Father Emperor had in mind?]
Xiao Yunzhou lowered his head, his ears reddening slightly.
He hadn't thought that far ahead, he just wanted to attract talent.
But what a bloodless, non-violent invasion.
Xiao Yunzhou learned something new and perked up his ears, wanting to hear more about this.
But Xiao Chuchu's attention had already been drawn to the baby carriage she was sitting in.
[How amazing, I didn't expect my uncle to come up with a modern baby carriage~]
[It's been a while since I last saw him, and uncle has unlocked a new technology tree~]
[It feels quite comfortable, I finally have freedom, without feeling constrained by Wei Zheng.]
[The soft cushion under my bottom is very comfortable too~]
Today was Xiao Chuchu's first time trying out this new creation from the Ministry of Works: a baby carriage!
[But I think I need a safety belt. If mother pushes me and suddenly brakes, throwing me into a ditch, that would really be a pitfall.]
Hearing this, Xiao Yunzhou's expression immediately tensed.
Liu Chaniang broke out in a cold sweat, somewhat afraid to push anymore.
She had originally thought this baby carriage was very labor-saving and allowed the little princess to have a forward view, seeing things clearly.
Now that there was this danger, she dared not move.
"Ahem, Runnian, I see the little princess's body constantly lurching forward and downward. This mobile cradle of yours isn't working well," Xiao Yunzhou couldn't help but speak up.
Liu Runnian felt he wasn't careful enough. "Your Majesty is right."
"Wei Zheng, get a soft silk cloth to secure the little princess."
Only then did Xiao Chuchu show a relieved expression.
As Wei Zheng tied her in, he coaxed her, begging and pleading, but the position was wrong. Xiao Chuchu used her little hands to move the 'safety belt' that he was trying to tie around her legs to the correct position.
"Wei Zheng, just follow the little princess's lead," Xiao Yunzhou couldn't bear to see his daughter unable to speak and being frustrated by Wei Zheng's stupidity.
"She's clever and has her own ideas."
"Indeed, Your Majesty, the position of the soft satin that the little princess wanted to be tied with is truly very secure. It doesn't move much and doesn't hurt the body," Wei Zheng stood up and immediately offered flattery.
Xiao Yunzhou and Xiao Chuchu simultaneously displayed expressions of comfort and satisfaction.
— Of course, it's a heavenly treasure from the realm of immortals.
— Naturally, it's a modern safety belt.
As they were both feeling proud and pleased, a young gentleman approached them, his eyes fixed on the baby carriage.
"Is this a wooden cart for children to sit in?" he asked.
"May I inquire where it can be purchased?"
Even though the young gentleman lowered his voice, his tone still exuded a sense of elegance and refinement.
Xiao Yunzhou and the others wore subtle expressions. Upon observing the young gentleman's delicate features, they realized this was another case of a woman dressed as a man.
[Holy crap, the system is telling me that the person in front of me is an important figure!]
[This elite individual occupies five card slots at once.]
Xiao Chuchu widened her eyes in surprise.
[The Princess of Chu!]
Xiao Yunzhou and Liu Chaniang stared in astonishment.
However, the Princess of Chu standing before them in male attire hadn't yet realized her cover was blown.
She bent down, captivated by the adorable Xiao Chuchu and the small baby carriage beneath her.
At first glance, it was clear she was also a mother with a child.
"If you could inform me where this small carriage can be purchased, I would be most grateful," the Princess awkwardly cupped her hands in a salute towards Xiao Yunzhou.