novelaction Chapter 1294 Gulmiza
Chapter 1294 Gulmiza
The silversmith's shop is filled with glittering jewelry, and the huge carpet shop is filled with handmade carpets in rich colors and intricate patterns.
Further away, a crescent-shaped spire stands opposite the upturned eaves of the Taoist temple.
The towering water towers, which use steam pressure to force groundwater up to the towers and then supply water by gravity through pipes, stand on several high points in the city, providing the life source for this vast city.
This solved the water problem that had plagued this western region for thousands of years...
Occasionally, small steam-powered public shuttle buses can be seen on the streets, emitting white steam as they carry passengers through the main streets.
Xiao Ce nodded in satisfaction as he walked.
It truly lives up to its reputation as a center built with the combined financial resources of the entire East Asia region.
Xiao Ce had seen prosperity in the West, but this city was different.
Xiao Ce could confidently say that no city in the West could compare to this place.
This place blends modern and ancient techniques in a very ingenious way...
The little loach's eyes weren't enough to keep up with its sights!
He gripped Xiao Ce's clothes tightly, his little head turning left and right like a rattle drum, constantly exclaiming "Wow!" and "Ah!"
The prosperity and order here are completely different from the Dragon Guardian Ghost City where he lived for more than ten years.
He even secretly pinched himself several times, letting the pain tell him that none of this was a dream...
Xiao Ce's gaze swept over the vibrant and orderly scene, a hint of satisfaction appearing deep in his eyes.
Three Passes!
This once vital transportation hub and administrative center, which he personally surveyed and strongly advocated for construction when he led his army on a westward expedition, has now become the veritable heart of the Western Regions.
His vision of controlling the three routes of the Tianshan North Road, the Tianshan South Road, and the Pamir Road leading to Central Asia, thus creating a hub connecting all directions, has already become a reality.
"Your Highness, your decision to defy public opinion and determine the location of these three passes was truly a stroke of genius."
Yin Pan'er sighed softly, her beautiful eyes reflecting the city lights: "Who could have imagined that such a magnificent city could rise from the desert in just a few years?"
Xiao Ce smiled slightly and said, "Use the power of East Asia! In fact, this is the strength of the people of Xiao Kingdom. As long as we are determined, we can overcome all difficulties!"
As he spoke, his gaze turned to the heart of the city, to the brightly lit Protectorate of the Western Regions.
That place was one of his goals for this trip.
They walked eastward along one of the busiest main streets, heading towards the inn where they would stay.
The lights in the shops on both sides of the street grew brighter and brighter, and the noise from the crowds grew even louder.
The silvery laughter of a girl from the Western Regions, the shouts of vendors with exotic accents, and the faint melodies of hand drums and rawap can all be heard.
Just as I passed the entrance to a huge bazaar selling spices and dried fruits, a clear and melodious song, with a touch of exoticism, drifted over like a mountain stream, passing through the bustling crowd and the rich aroma of spices.
That tune...
Xiao Ce paused almost imperceptibly.
Yin Pan'er also instantly recognized the familiar melody, and she looked at Xiao Ce in surprise.
It is a folk song from the Central Plains.
The melody is simple, carrying the gentle beauty of the Jiangnan water towns. But when sung here, the pronunciation carries a distinct Uyghur accent, with the final notes rising slightly, adding a touch of brightness and liveliness from the Western Regions.
Xiao Ce looked in the direction of the singing.
Next to the entrance to the bazaar, in front of a brightly lit government office, stands a prominent wooden sign.
"The Trade and Commerce Department of the Protectorate of the Western Regions".
Under the wooden sign, a young woman from Shanshan was surrounded by several men who looked like merchants.
She wore a well-tailored dark blue official robe, which was the standard uniform for female officials in Shanshan after the new policies were implemented. It had a neat stand-up collar, a diagonal front with knotted buttons, and only the cuffs and the edges of the robe were embroidered with gold thread with grapevine patterns symbolizing Shanshan.
She had a tall and straight figure, with thick, black hair braided into several delicate braids and tied at the back of her head with a silver chain adorned with turquoise, revealing her smooth and full forehead.
Her skin was a healthy wheat color, her nose was high and straight, and her deep brown eyes were now filled with a gentle smile as she patiently explained something to the merchants.
The familiar folk songs of Xiao Guo were flowing from her rosy lips, her voice clear and melodious.
As she sang, she gestured the price to an old man selling raisins in a slightly awkward mix of Shanshan Mandarin, clearly trying to teach him how to use the song to better attract merchants from the Central Plains.
The last rays of the setting sun fell upon her, casting a warm golden hue over her delicate profile and the official robes that symbolized the power of the new regime.
Her focused expression carried a competence and composure that was completely different from the passionate and unrestrained girl in Xiao Ce's memory.
Xiao Ce stood there quietly, a few steps away from the crowd and noise, watching the figure in the dim light.
Yin Pan'er gently took Xiao Ce's hand!
She looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar face under the lamplight, then at Xiao Ce beside her, and a knowing smile curved her lips.
"Your Majesty..."
"What a coincidence! That's Gulimiza, isn't it... Your Highness, you see, the old friend is still here, only the world has changed."
The little mudfish tilted its head back, looking at the beautiful older sister singing under the lamplight, then at the prince and his wife who had stopped and whose expressions were hard to read, its big eyes filled with curiosity.
He didn't understand the meaning of the music, but he could sense a strange quiet in the air, different from the hustle and bustle of the market.
Xiao Ce nodded.
Yin Pan'er said, "Nan Xi should be her identity... What is she doing..."
Xiao Ce said, "Judging from her attire, she should be a leader; judging from her appearance, she's probably working at the grassroots level..."
Having followed Xiao Ce for so long, Yin Pan'er could understand what he was saying...
Yin Pan'er's words just now were actually out of fear that Xiao Ce would fly into a rage...
After all, this Gulimiza is his woman.
Xiao Ce doesn't usually say much, but if his woman isn't good enough, he'll definitely be unhappy.
Just then, Xiao Ce and Yin Pan'er were staring at Gulimiza.
Gulimiza was saying something at that moment, and she probably felt the intense gaze upon her.
Then he looked around...
But it was just one glance.
Gulimiza was left stunned in place...
Although there were many people, she spotted Xiao Ce at a glance...
The man she longed for day and night.
For a moment, she stood there, frozen in place.
This made everyone around her look in Xiao Ce's direction.
They did not follow the example of the Xiao Kingdom and worship the Xiao God.
Xiao Ce had told Nan Xi this when he helped Nan Xi unify the Western Regions.
They can preserve their own culture and systems.
Therefore, the people here are not very familiar with Xiao Ce.
Of course, some merchants who frequently traveled to the Xiao Kingdom glanced at Xiao Ce and felt that he looked very familiar.
However, they didn't think much of it.
After a brief moment of stunned silence, Gulimiza quickly regained her senses.
Because she saw Xiao Ce's smile.
Without hesitation, she pinched herself, and the sharp pain told her...
This is not a dream.
Gulimiza ran over in two quick steps and came right up to Xiao Ce.
She looked at Xiao Ce with tears in her eyes.
Xiao Ce smiled, then opened his arms and said to Gulimiza, "Long time no see..."
At this moment, Gulimiza stopped crying and smiled, then opened her arms to hug Xiao Ce.
Xiao Ce was already prepared to embrace him.
However, Gulmizza simply bypassed him.
Then he turned to Yin Pan'er, who had already retreated to Xiao Ce's side, and gave her a big hug.
"Sister Pan'er, it's been so long! I missed you so much. Why did you come without telling me... I was so surprised..."
Yin Pan'er smiled and said, "That's right, Mizha, long time no see! Actually, I've thought about it... but..."
Yin Pan'er subconsciously looked at Xiao Ce.
Seeing this, Gulimiza gave him a knowing look.
Seeing this, Gulimiza leaned close to Yin Pan'er's ear and whispered something.
After hearing Gulimiza's words, Yin Pan'er burst out laughing.
Xiao Ce noticed how warmly the two of them were behaving...
Then it dawned on me that Yin Pan'er and Gulimiza were very close.
Even when they were together, they far surpassed Xiao Ce.
After the two exchanged a few jokes, Gulimiza finally looked at Xiao Ce.
With red eyes and outstretched arms, she said, "Your Highness, I thought you had long forgotten me... I thought I would never see you again in this lifetime..."
As he spoke, he gave Xiao Ce a big hug.
Xiao Ce was indeed somewhat embarrassed after hearing Gulimiza's words.
After all, if Yin Pan'er hadn't brought her up, Xiao Ce would have really relegated her to the back of his memory.
To put it simply, they really forgot about this woman...
Of course, he is not stupid.
He said to Gulmiza, "Of course not... but, as you know... there are many things beyond our control. This isn't why Teng Chukong came to you first..."
After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Gulimiza smiled, her face clearly showing disbelief: "Your Highness, although I know you're just saying this to please me, I still choose to believe you..."
"At least it sounds nice..."
Xiao Ce said to Gulimiza, "Wait a minute, didn't Da Lei arrive early? Didn't you know I was coming?"
After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Gulimiza smiled helplessly and then said to Xiao Ce, "Your Highness, others may not know, but don't you know anything about Mr. Da Lei? Even General Dan couldn't get any information about you out of him..."
"Da Lei only said that he came back alone... As for your matter, even when Empress Nanxi herself asked him, he knew nothing..."
"We just felt that since you've been in the West and haven't returned... after all, we haven't heard any news of the West submitting to us..."
As Gulmiza spoke, she suddenly realized something, her face filled with surprise, even disbelief, as she said to Xiao Ce, "Your Highness...Your Highness...it can't be...it can't be that you've already unified the West, can it? Your goal of creating a global village has truly been achieved..."
Xiao Ce heard Gulimiza's words and looked at her; it was clear that she truly thought so.
Just then, Xiao Ce smiled at Gulmiza and said, "Gulmiza, you really trust me too much... I'm afraid I don't have that ability... It's not that easy..."
After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Gulmiza nodded: "That's true..."
As she spoke, Gulimiza's expression suggested that she wanted to say something but hesitated.
Xiao Ce then said to Gulimiza, "What's wrong? Just say what you want to say..."
Gulimiza gave an awkward smile, then asked, "Your Highness, were you sent back?"
Xiao Ce smiled helplessly, then replied, "It's not that bad. Everything in the West is under control..."
As he spoke, Xiao Ce paused, seemingly considering the matter.
He then said, "Right now, in this situation, to be precise... it's like a halftime break..."
Gulimiza nodded, then turned his gaze to the little loach beside him.
"Is this... the child of the Prince and Sister Pan'er?"
Before Xiao Ce and Yin Pan'er could speak...
Gulimiza's words terrified the little mudskipper, who waved its hands frantically and said, "No, no, no... I wouldn't dare... I'm not, I'm a servant of Prince Xiao and his wife..."
Gulimiza gave an awkward smile after hearing this.
After all, although the little mudfish had changed into clean clothes, it was still carrying a tattered bag.
Seeing this, Xiao Ce said to Gulimiza, "Gulimiza, are you just going to let us chat here?"
Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, Gulimiza smiled awkwardly and waved her hand, "Of course not...of course not...Your Highness, Sister Pan'er, look at me, I'm too excited...please wait a moment..."
As Gulimiza spoke, she went to talk to the girls who had been behind her.
He then jogged over and gestured for them to come.
"Your Highness, Sister Pan'er, would you like to continue strolling around, or perhaps go to Empress Nanxi's residence... or my residence, or maybe General Dan's place...?"
Xiao Ce originally wanted to go to Da Lei's place, but then he thought that Da Lei and General Dan hadn't seen each other for so long, and there must have been some serious tension between them...
Thinking of this, Xiao Ce heard Gulimiza say to him, "However, General Dan has been refusing visitors for many days now, and she won't even let her son go back..."
"Therefore, Your Highness, I still do not recommend going there..."
As Gulimiza spoke, her face flushed, she gave Xiao Ce a knowing look.
Seeing this, Xiao Ce smiled and nodded, saying, "Alright!"