On my first day back in Beijing to report for duty, I was stopped at the alley entrance by a group of women dressed in gold and silver.

The leading woman had a face like a peach blossom, and her eyes were extremely arrogant.

"Are you Song Yu?"

She spoke with a tone full of disdain, her eyes filled with contempt.

I ignored her and rode straight ahead.

But I didn't expect her to dare to block my path.

"Today, I lead the young ladies of the noble families to invite you to tomorrow's spring banquet. Why are you so rude."

"You want to leave without a word, with such a temper, no wonder everyone says you are overbearing and arrogant!"

Upon hearing this, I sneered.

The maid, Beita, suddenly rushed out and pulled the reins tightly just a step away from the woman.

The warhorse neighed, lifting its front hooves high, kicking up dust that covered the faces of those wealthy young ladies.

"My family's general has a renowned reputation from battles across the land, respected by the people. How dare you gossip!"

These young women had never seen such a scene before, frightened, they retreated in disarray.

They were all just pampered playthings behind high walls.

I paid them no mind.

But the leading woman dared to grab the reins of my horse and pointed at Beita, scolding her.

"You are so bold to speak to me like this! I am Cheng Wanyao, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Jingguo!"

I understood she was speaking to me.

The Duke of Jingguo's residence...

Oh, so she's the foolish one who replaced me in the marriage arrangement and is set to marry the crown prince.

No wonder she's so arrogant, looking down on everyone.

"So what? Move aside!" I flicked the whip, smiling politely.

"Song Yu, this is the capital, not the northern frontier. The road is not yours to dictate. Just because you say move, I have to move? Under the Emperor's feet, you must follow the rules!"

Cheng Wanyao's words were provoking.

How could a girl confined to the inner chambers dare to speak to me like this? Clearly, she was being manipulated.

As for the troublemaker, besides the crown prince, I couldn't think of anyone else.

Just because I rejected the marriage proposal with him, he's using such a foolish way to pick a fight with me.

Is he planning to have the censors accuse me of publicly quarreling with the crown prince's consort, claiming a woman's demeanor is unfit to lead the army?

But rumors and gossip mean nothing.

"Get lost." I raised the whip and struck Cheng Wanyao hard.

With full force, I hit her, causing her to cry out and fall to the ground.

Blood seeped out from the layers of silk and satin.

"I am the future crown prince's consort! How dare you hit me!" She cried and shouted.

I laughed, lightly urging the horse to step over her.

"Crown prince's consort? Hahaha, even if the crown prince comes, if he dares to block my path, I'll strike without hesitation!"

Cheng Wanyao seemed surprised that I dared to speak like this, her face full of disbelief.

Not only her, but the onlookers also showed expressions of shock.