58: Chapter 58 The Princess's Deep Affection

The letters from the German Princess were becoming more frequent, and their content increasingly intimate.

The letter on this day was particularly special. In it, the German Princess stated that she had expressed to her father—Kaiser Wilhelm II—her wish to personally come to the Qingxia Kingdom to see Li Ling. Kaiser Wilhelm II had initially vehemently opposed it, believing it was too dangerous for a princess to travel thousands of miles to an unstable country. However, under the German Princess's persistent pleading, Kaiser Wilhelm II finally relented, agreeing to let her travel to the Qingxia Kingdom under strict protection.

"She really wants to come?" Li Ling asked, somewhat surprised after finishing the letter.

"Judging by this, she really is coming," the System teased. "She's taken the initiative to come to your doorstep; you can't keep playing dumb, can you?"

"When have I ever played dumb?" Li Ling retorted. "I just think this is a bit sudden. A dignified German Princess traveling thousands of miles to this backwater to see me—who would believe that if word got out?"

"She likes you, that's all. What's so hard to believe about that?" the System chuckled. "Besides, you're not just some small warlord in a backwater anymore. You have an army, industry, territory, and you're an important partner to the German Empire. It's no wonder a princess has taken a fancy to you."

Li Ling was silent for a moment, then asked, "System, do you think I should accept these feelings?"

The System didn't tease him for once, but said earnestly, "That's something you have to ask yourself. When it comes to matters of the heart, it doesn't matter what others say; what matters is your own heart. Do you have feelings for that princess?"

Li Ling thought for a moment and said honestly, "I can't really say. We've been writing to each other for so long, and I do think she's a nice girl. But as for feelings, we haven't met in person yet, so I don't know if that counts."

"Then wait until you meet," the System said. "You can't rush these things; you have to take it slow."

Li Ling nodded and picked up his pen to write back to the German Princess. In the letter, he said that he would very much welcome her to the Qingxia Kingdom and would be sure to host her properly when the time came. He also said he hoped she would have a safe journey and not exhaust herself from the travel.

After sending the letter, Li Ling began to make preparations. He had the best guest room cleaned out and ordered various local Qingxia snacks and gifts to be prepared, just waiting for the German Princess's arrival.

The news soon reached the ears of Empress Su Wanqing.

That evening, Empress Su Wanqing came to Li Ling's study, looking rather displeased.

"Li Ling, I heard the German Princess is coming?" Empress Su Wanqing asked directly.

Li Ling felt a bit guilty, but answered truthfully, "Yes, she said she's coming in a while."

"Are you two together?" Empress Su Wanqing bit her lip, her eyes slightly red.

"No, no, we're just ordinary friends," Li Ling quickly explained. "She's just coming for a visit, to chat, nothing more."

Empress Su Wanqing stared at Li Ling for a long time, then said softly, "Li Ling, I'm not stupid. A princess traveling thousands of miles here to see a man, just to chat? Who are you trying to fool?"

Li Ling opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.

Empress Su Wanqing took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice, "Li Ling, it's not that I won't let you be with other women. I know you're not an ordinary person anymore; you're a great general with a powerful army at your command, and it's impossible for me to be the only woman by your side. I just hope you won't lie to me."

"Wanqing, I..." Li Ling stood up, wanting to say something, but couldn't get the words out.

"You don't need to explain," Empress Su Wanqing interrupted him. "I just want you to know that no matter how many women you have in the future, I will always be by your side. Ever since we were children, you have been the only one in my heart. These feelings will never change in this lifetime."

After saying this, Empress Su Wanqing turned and left the study.

Li Ling stood there, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

"System, did I do something wrong?" Li Ling asked in a low voice.

"You didn't do anything wrong," the System said. "Matters of the heart have no right or wrong. Empress Su Wanqing likes you, and the German Princess likes you too. Who you like, or if you like both, that is your own choice. As long as you treat them sincerely and don't betray their trust, there is no problem."

Li Ling sighed, "But I always feel like I've let Empress Su Wanqing down. She grew up with me, and I've always considered her the most important person. Now that there's the German Princess, I'm afraid she'll be hurt."

"Then spend more time with her and show her more care," the System suggested. "Empress Su Wanqing is a sensible girl; she won't be unreasonable. As long as you treat her sincerely, she will understand."

Li Ling nodded and decided to have a good talk with Empress Su Wanqing the next day.

Early the next morning, Li Ling went to find Empress Su Wanqing. She was watering flowers in the courtyard. Seeing Li Ling arrive, she didn't avoid him, but asked indifferently, "Why are you here?"

"To see you." Li Ling walked over, took the watering can from her hands, "Wanqing, I want to tell you something."

"Go ahead."

"No matter how many people are by my side in the future, you will always be the most important person to me." Li Ling looked at her earnestly, "This will never change."

Empress Su Wanqing's eyes turned red again, but she held back her tears. She lowered her head and said softly, "I know. I just... sometimes I get scared, scared that you'll forget me, scared that you won't want me anymore."

"That won't happen." Li Ling held her hand, "I, Li Ling, will never let you down in this lifetime."

Empress Su Wanqing looked up, met Li Ling's eyes, and finally smiled, "I believe you."

The two sat in the courtyard for a long time, talking about many things from their childhood. They talked about the scene of their first meeting, the days they played together, and those carefree times.

Those memories were like pearls, stringing together the most precious feelings between them.

Meanwhile, the German Princess's fleet had already set sail.

This was a fleet of considerable size, escorted by a Cruiser of the German Empire, carrying the German Princess and her entourage. In addition to the Princess herself, there were her maids, guards, doctors, and a diplomat from the German Empire.

The fleet sailed eastward, crossing the Atlantic, rounding the Cape of Good Hope, and entering the Indian Ocean.

The long voyage made the German Princess somewhat tired, but she didn't feel it was hard at all. Her heart was full of anticipation, looking forward to seeing the person who haunted her dreams as soon as possible.

She thought of the letters Li Ling had written to her, thought of his humorous and witty words in the letters, and thought of the little smiley face he had drawn. The corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl up.

"Your Highness, you look very happy," the maid Mary said with a smile.

"Is that so?" The German Princess touched her face, "I was just thinking that I'll finally be able to see him."

"Your Highness, do you really like that General Li so much?" Mary asked curiously.

The German Princess thought for a moment and said earnestly, "I don't know if it's love. But every time I read his letters, I can't help but laugh. Every time I think of him, my heart feels warm. I think this must be love."

Mary covered her mouth and laughed, "Your Highness, you have fallen in love."

The German Princess blushed and chided, "Don't talk nonsense, we haven't even met yet."

"And what about after you meet?" Mary pressed.

"After we meet..." The German Princess's gaze softened, "After we meet, everything will be clear."

The fleet sailed on the ocean for over a month and finally arrived at the port of the Qingxia Kingdom.

Li Ling went to the port to welcome her in person.

Colorful flags fluttered at the port, and Li Ling's honor guard stood in neat rows, playing welcoming music. Li Ling was wearing a crisp military uniform, standing on the pier, his gaze fixed on the fleet slowly approaching the shore.

After the Cruiser came to a steady stop, the gangway was lowered. The German Princess, supported by her maid, slowly walked down the gangway.

Li Ling finally saw her.

The German Princess was even more beautiful than he had imagined. She had long golden hair, deep blue eyes, fair skin, and a tall figure. She was wearing a light blue dress and a small hat on her head, looking both noble and elegant.

The German Princess also saw Li Ling. Her heartbeat couldn't help but accelerate.

Li Ling stepped forward and bowed slightly, "Your Highness, welcome to the Qingxia Kingdom."

The German Princess performed a standard curtsy, "General Li, thank you for coming to welcome me."

The two locked eyes, and it felt as if something was flowing in the air.

Li Ling reached out his hand, and the German Princess hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his palm.

Li Ling gently held her hand and led her forward.

At that moment, both of them understood in their hearts that the story between them had only just begun.