Jié Qiáng and his men rode up to the gates of Yīng Palace early in the afternoon. He nodded to the guards and waited patiently for what he knew would be a flurry of servants rushing to alert the royal family. They would be panicked and wondering how to receive him with such short notice.

 He and the others had changed clothes at the nearby inn so there would be no mistaking his identity. Yáng Ning had advised against it, suggesting they wait until they were safely within the palace. Jié Qiáng was certain no one would know them since they had come so far without incident. To him, this meant their alternate route and surprise visit had worked and none were the wiser.

 Although the people wouldn’t recognize their identities, the group certainly stood out. Jié Qiáng wore a deep blue robe decorated with silver embroidered cranes – his personal rebellion to this marriage and dedication to his chosen wife. Around his waist was a brown and black leather belt with buckles to hold his royal sword. The top half of his hair was bound in a topknot while the bottom half flowed freely to his waist. Around the topknot was a wide band of silver that had been designed and etched with more cranes.

 Yáng Ning wore his official guard’s uniform, while Yŭ wore the customary clothes of a prince’s personal servant.

 As they rode through the kingdom, commoners stared but had no idea this was the prince of the enemy kingdom. Yáng Ning breathed a sigh of relief but still kept a vigilant eye on everyone they passed.

 When the two exceptionally large palace doors opened, Jié Qiáng was already off of his horse and at the top of the steps waiting to enter. His tall and sturdy frame offered the entrance to the palace a commanding presence not even the king’s guard conveyed.

 “Your highness,” called out multiple servants hurrying to greet him with a bow.

 Walking briskly toward him from across the courtyard was a man roughly the same age as his older brother and Yáng Ning and an air of confidence and authority. Based on the information he received about his in-laws, he assumed this was one of his wife’s brothers.

 “Prince Jié Qiáng,” the man greeted with a slight bow.

 His elbows were bent with arms raised and his hands clasped before him as his head went slightly downward.

 “Prince Féng Wěi … I believe,” Jié Qiáng replied as he, too, bowed in mutual greeting.

 Féng Wěi nodded and looked over at his brother-in-law’s travel companions. “This is…”

 “My personal guard Yáng Ning and my servant Yŭ,” Jié Qiáng introduced.

 Féng Wěi acknowledged the introduction with a nod. “If you follow me, my father is waiting to receive you in his study.”

 They began walking together toward the king’s private rooms while Féng Wěi apologized for the chaos of servants moving around them.

 “We weren’t expecting you for another two or three days, so we didn’t have time for a proper formal greeting,” he told them. “Your rooms are still being arranged.”

 Jié Qiáng grinned at the success of putting them off guard and replied, “The blame is all mine. I pressed my traveling party to move quickly to avoid any problems organized by the enemy.”

 He purposely worded his apology in a vague manner to hide who he was referring to as the enemy. The road to the kingdom wasn’t only perilous from the possible Wáng Píng assassins but from those of Yīng Kingdom against this alliance.

 Unfortunately, the first stretch of their journey, also, held danger from those of his kingdom who opposed the alliance. What a terrible time for a wedding caravan, but a necessary time, as well.

 Féng Wěi looked over at the younger prince and gave him an agreeable nod. He was positive that wasn’t the only reason, but the caution this young man demonstrated put his mind a little at ease about his sister’s long journey to Zhāng Kingdom.

 As he thought of his little sister, he sighed worriedly. They neared the door to his father’s study and he feared the reaction of her betrothed when he discovered she was missing.

 Jié Qiáng waited for a response to his careful planning, but instead, noticed a fresh look of concern cross the brother’s face. He looked around carefully and realized the commotion of servants and guards had nothing to do with his arrival. Something else was happening. He looked over at his guard with a familiar gesture that commanded him to pay close attention.

 A guard outside of the study opened the double doors, and the group stepped inside.

 King Yīng stood from his floor cushion behind a low table and stepped around to greet his son-in-law.

 “Welcome, Prince Jié Qiáng,” he said in a joyful tone, but the worry on his face was hard to conceal.

 Jié Qiáng bowed deeply to King Yīng.

 “It is my honor to deliver greetings from King Zhāng Gāng Jié and express his appreciation for this alliance,” he replied. He straightened as he continued his message. “To put your mind at ease as a father, he wishes you to know Princess Mîn Jíng will be cared for as if she were his own daughter.”

 The prince didn’t miss the strange glances shared by everyone in the room. Whatever was going on outside now seemed as if it pertained to his betrothed, who was noticeably absent.

 King Yīng nodded his acceptance of the message and introduced his son. “This is my oldest son, Prince Féng Wěi.”

 Jié Qiáng nodded in acknowledgement. 

 The king smiled politely and was about to continue with more diplomatic banter until Jié Qiáng impatiently interrupted.

 “Has something happened to the princess?” he boldly asked, letting them know he wasn’t stupid and he wouldn’t wait for them to solve whatever issue they were trying to keep from him. “She isn’t here and everyone seems anxious.”

 King Yīng sighed as the servants fidgeted. Before the king could give Jié Qiáng an honest answer, the doors opened and everyone turned in expectation of the princess’ return.

 “Constable Liú?” King Yīng greeted the man in the doorway in question.

 He shut his eyes for a moment in silent prayer his daughter hadn’t done something rebellious to bring shame to their family. He was certain she had run away that morning to avoid the marriage, but how far would she go to scare off the prince?

 The constable hurried in and bowed before the king.

 “Please forgive the interruption, your majesty,” he apologized respectfully and awaited permission to continue.

 “Speak,” King Yīng told him, impatient at the delay from formalities.

 “Yes, your majesty,” obeyed Constable Liú. “I’m here to report that Princess Mîn is resting at the prison, your majesty.”

 King Yīng’s shoulders slumped and he wondered why he hadn’t sent the visitors out of the room before letting the constable talk.

 Jié Qiáng looked at Yáng Ning and Yŭ standing beside him and shared with them their confused expressions. He shook his head slightly, ordering them to remain silent and listen.

 When everyone looked toward Jié Qiáng, Constable Liú asked, “Your majesty, is this…?”

 “Prince Zhāng Jié Qiáng,” the king introduced, “her betrothed.”

 Constable Liú’s eyes widened as he realized his blunder.

 “Forgive me, your highness,” he quickly apologized and bowed. “Forgive me, your majesty and your highness,” he further apologized to the king and his son. “I should explain.”

 At that moment, King Yīng’s younger son ran into the room.

 “Father!” he called out. “Have you found her?”

 Prince Yǒng Wěi quickly assessed the people nearby and immediately noticed the enemy prince. He glared intolerantly before looking back at his father for an answer.

 “She’s been with Constable Liú,” Féng Wěi replied to his younger brother. “The constable was about to explain it for us.”

 Everyone turned once more toward the constable in expectation. 

 “The princess arrived this morning with breakfast for the prisoners,” he began. “She became upset as she told me about the marriage alliance. I’ve never seen her so distraught, your majesty,” he said sorrowfully. “The prison guards were worried about her, as well, and the prisoners who know her from her visits.

 When she asked if she could stay for a while to be alone, I allowed it. I felt she would be safer in her condition under my watch rather than wandering the streets or doing something foolish.

 I gathered clean blankets from my private room and settled her down in a cell away from the others. I posted a guard outside of the door in case she needs anything and for safety. As soon as she settled in, she began crying and was still doing so when I left.

 Although she begged me not to tell you, I couldn’t keep it from you – not only as my king but as a father.”

 The constable ended his explanation with a respectful bow and stood alert awaiting orders.

 King Yīng walked thoughtfully back to his seat and slowly sat down. He rubbed his chin as he looked around at everyone awaiting his response.

 “I’ll go talk to her,” Yǒng Wěi said but was stopped before he could leave the room.

 “Stay where you are,” King Yīng ordered. He wasn’t about to allow the brother who was against the marriage interfere with this situation. “Féng will go.”

 As the oldest brother was about to depart, Jié Qiáng spoke up. “Why did my bride seek a prison as a safe haven, and why are the prisoners familiar with her?”

 Had his betrothed truly run away to a prison? This marriage may be nothing more than a written document, but he had a feeling at least it wouldn’t be boring.

 Constable Liú was the first to answer.

 “Princess Mîn is a kind, compassionate girl. She often brings the prisoners their meals and speaks with them about their crimes. She’s a healer, your highness,” he explained. “She feels that it’s important to heal the heart and mind as much as the body, that doing so for criminals can help them become better.

 Please don’t misunderstand,” he urgently added. “She isn’t allowed where the violent criminals are kept. These are citizens who owe debtors, common thieves, and scammers. Many of them return to their bad behavior a few months after they’re release, but we have noticed those who speak with her mend their ways and find a better way to live.”

"Allowed?" echoed Jié Qiáng. It was the second time this man had hoisted his station above the princess, and he was curious. "Is her position less than a constable?" he wondered curtly. 

 Constable Liú quickly looked at King Yīng at the evident admonition.

 "My daughter is humble and modest," King Yīng replied. "Constable Liú and his men know their place, but it doesn't stop her from showing respect for her elders or consideration to those around her." 

 Jié Qiáng noticed the constable's nervousness when he looked down as if to question whether he should say more. 

 “Say what’s on your mind,” Jié Qiáng told him. “You won’t offend me.”

 Constable Liú replied, “Your highness, our princess is loved by everyone in this kingdom. We will feel her absence when she marries. We understand she’s leaving to secure peace, but we worry for her safety. Please take care of her, your highness. She’s precious to us.”

 The constable’s lip began to quiver as he bowed, and he struggled to maintain a professional bearing.

 Jié Qiáng took a moment to consider all he had been told. He was reminded, then, of his little crane. She was like that. It was one of the reasons he fell in love with her so quickly. He felt the rage building inside again over this forced marriage, and he did his best to push it down.

 “I’ll go with you,” he announced. He nodded to his guard and servant to follow him as he walked toward Féng Wěi to follow him to the prison.

 Constable Liú bowed a final time to King Yīng before hurrying off to lead the small group.