Chapter 7: The Goddess of Heavenly Secrets

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As usual, I spent the day waiting for Seventeen to visit me. When a long time passed without any sign of him, I couldn't help but grow anxious.

Just as I was beginning to worry, Seventeen came running in, bursting with excitement. "The Prince of Yan has returned! The Prince of Yan has returned!" he shouted happily.

I froze, my heart pounding violently. Was I worried that his return meant my execution?

Seeing me stunned, Seventeen grabbed my hands, his face glowing with delight. "Sister Goddess, His Highness the Prince of Yan has returned victorious! He summoned me to report just now. Do you know? He asked so many detailed questions! I told him all about that fairyland you described. Although he didn't say much, I believe he will realize you are a celestial maiden and not a spy for the Northern Yuan. He will surely set you free!"

Hearing this, I finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Seventeen had lost both parents in the chaos of war when he was very young and was taken in by the Prince of Yan. Because he was sharp and quick-witted, the Prince grew fond of him and kept him close as a personal attendant. To the Prince, Seventeen was certainly trustworthy. He must have spoken well of me, and coupled with the stories of the modern world I had shared with him, surely I wouldn't be put to death!

"Thank you, Seventeen," I said, hugging him happily. "When I am finally free, will you teach me how to ride a horse?"

"I will!" Seventeen clapped his hands, beaming.

In truth, the Prince of Yan had not captured Na'erbuha in this campaign, but he had dealt a heavy blow to the main force of the Yuan army, pursuing them deep into the desert. Because they had ventured too far into enemy territory, he had ceased the pursuit. Knowing history as I did, I knew the time was not yet ripe; when that great snow arrived, that would be the moment of true victory.

After dinner, as I was playing a game of pebbles with Seventeen, a soldier appeared at the entrance and shouted, "The Prince has issued an order: the young lady is to present herself for an audience!"

The Prince of Yan wanted to see me? It seemed my release from this prison was within reach. I quickly had Seventeen help me tie up my hair, smoothed out my clothes, and followed the soldier out.

"Sister Goddess, I'll wait for your return!" Seventeen’s voice called out from behind.

I took a deep breath. I had to perform well this time and secure my early release!

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I was taken to the same tent where I had first arrived. Sandalwood incense was burning, the scent bringing me a moment of calm.

Two rows of soldiers stood in perfect formation. The Prince of Yan, Zhu Di, sat in the center, flanked by two men who appeared to be generals of high rank. Daoyan sat in the corner, watching me in silence.

I tried to steady my heartbeat; I didn't know why, but every time I saw Zhu Di, I felt nervous. And indeed, a single word from him was enough to decide my fate!

I knelt and bowed. "Young woman Yang Xiaoqing pays her respects to Your Highness. May you be well."

"Please, rise."

It was that same voice again.

I looked up, stood, and studied his face. I had seen portraits of Zhu Di in history books, and he bore a striking resemblance to them. He was tall, his eyes as deep as the stars, his brow radiating an imposing, natural authority. Even sitting still, he exuded a murderous aura. Perhaps due to the recent fighting, he looked somewhat fatigued.

"I hear from Seventeen that you come from a fairyland, and that the things you describe are truly breathtaking," he said, squinting at me with a calm gaze.

"I would not dare deceive Your Highness. I come from another... place. But I have truly come to assist you, to help you achieve your great cause and bring prosperity to the people."

"Why me?"

"Your Highness is wise and martial, the chosen son of Heaven!" I dared not say more; otherwise, I might reveal too much history.

"Recently, I have scoured ancient texts, yet I have found no mention of the fairyland you speak of. It is not recorded in any book."

Of course you wouldn't find it, I thought; it belongs to the future!

I replied steadily, "Your Highness, because no one has ever reached that place throughout history, and it is impossible to arrive there, no one has ever seen it. Naturally, there are no records of it."

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Clearly, he was not satisfied with my answer. He began to question me again. "You said the other day that a great snow would soon fall here, and that we would then be able to capture Na'erbuha. How did you know this?"

I hadn't expected him to ask this. I thought for a moment and replied, "Your Highness, it is my deduction. Winter has arrived, and the weather has been overcast for days; snow is imminent. The Yuan forces have suffered heavy casualties in recent battles, and internal divisions run deep. Although Na'erbuha is the Grand Marshal, he struggles to rally other tribes and will receive no reinforcements. Their morale has already crumbled. Furthermore, their supplies must have been exhausted these past months. If a great snow falls, it will only force them into a desperate situation. This is the best moment to demand their surrender."

I was speaking according to history; it seemed that learning was always useful.

Zhu Di watched me in silence. It seemed my words had convinced him, as he did not press further.

After a long while, he spoke slowly. "You possess peerless beauty and are remarkably intelligent. You carry rare treasures and have descended upon the earth by the will of Heaven." He paused, then continued, "From this day forth, I name you the Divine Maiden of Heavenly Secrets. Will you follow me to achieve my great cause?"

Hearing this, I felt a surge of ecstatic joy! I immediately knelt. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your immense grace! Xiaoqing is willing to follow you even unto death!"

Those around us followed suit, bowing and chanting in unison, "A divine maiden descended from Heaven! A blessing for the Ming! A blessing for the Prince of Yan!"

It was so easy to pass this test. I knew it wasn't because Zhu Di believed my fabrications, but because he needed this status for me. The soldiers were deeply convinced that I was a divine maiden. Ancient people were superstitious; if they believed a goddess stood by the Prince's side, they would pledge their lives to him. Who I actually was mattered very little.

This was easy to understand. This conversation was merely a formality, a performance for others to provide me with an identity, making it legitimate for me to stay by his side. Zhu Di had greater ambitions to realize in the future, and having me as a spiritual symbol would only be a benefit.

For me, this decision couldn't have been better. I was alone in this world, and with the chaos of war, I could have died at any moment. By Zhu Di's side, I would be safe. Secondly, he was destined to be the Emperor; wouldn't I enjoy endless wealth and luxury? As for being a "divine maiden," it meant nothing to me.

Yes! It was a win-win!

This was a blessing in disguise!

I retreated with a joyful heart. Stepping out of the tent, I looked up at the stars in the pitch-black sky and shouted, "Ming Dynasty, here I come!"