The Yuan An-Norse Trading Route

I grinned at the room full of people expectantly. I was in the central hall of the Yuan An-Norse trading route, and had been introduced. I gave a speech in both Huaxia and Norse and the governor-general overseeing the route, Hua Yu Lan announced my formal role.

I could see the disbelief and prejudice on their faces get wiped away as I spoke. Next was a short Q&A session from the trading union and guild representatives to Hua Yu Lan and I. Occasionally, when questions were too specific, I would step in to answer.

It must have been an odd sight. According to reports, there were barely any women at this route, apart from the odd 1 or 2 women who followed their husbands to set up shop here, and they mostly provided support such as blacksmithing services.

Here I was, bare-faced, in travelling robes with my hair tied up and a sword hanging on my waist and a book in my hand, claiming to be Noble Concubine Ling Yue. If it wasn't for Lu Qing Yu who followed me here on my first few days, I doubted I would be taken seriously.

Hua Yu Lan was also a fair man. A semi-retired general, he longed to see peace and was very interested in improving trade relations with the elusive Norse kingdom. As the person who made the trade route possible and who created much of the guides distributed all over the place, he naturally wouldn't treat me unfairly.

I had been given a simple, airy office out of the primary Huaxia embassy building. As there wasn't too much available here, and I arrived on (very) short notice, it was sparsely decorated, but was clean and tidy. After I moved a couple plants into the office and put a white Russian fur rug on the main sitting area, it looked very homely.

Now that I was at the trading post, instead of relaying communication back and forth between the palace and the post, which took a month at best, I was able to view and approve many documents and take action based on my authorisation as a second rank official. I could also directly handle any pressing issues. For example, I only just came to know that there were skirmishes on the east end of the trading post that were becoming uncomfortably close to the main post.

I spent 2 months like this just going through mountains of documents, speaking at guild gatherings, meeting with officials and just generally exploring the outpost. My relationship with Lu Qing Yu hadn't moved an inch. We still slept in the same bed, but other than a "good night" and a brief update on each other's day, we never touched.

Frankly, I was too tired when I returned anyway. I brought up the prospect of me staying at the Hua Yu Lan's home while I was here to reduce travel time, but he insisted I was a prime target and should stay in the main military camp where I would be safer. Sometimes, he would also come and fetch me himself.

Tonight, there was the monthly night market set along the main street. As it was a festive occasion, I specially put on a Norse court dress recently sent to me by the Novgorod envoys. To match, I put on Norse styled jewellery I acquired at the post, and liberally slung my sword at my waist. I had even put on rouge and lipstick for today.

Ever since the Norse learnt I was at the trading post, they had sent more envoys to relay gifts or letters to me. They were very interested in learning about this noble Huaxia lady who spoke fluent Norse and seemed to know a lot about the world and were constantly trying to woo me to pay them a visit. Adrik Lyaksander, the governor in charge of this post, accompanied me. Adrik was a young 28 and came from an aristocratic family.

He was reportedly very well-read and possessed a zest for exploration and travel. As such, he volunteered to man the route. He enthusiastically showed me around the stalls as onlookers stared. They had probably never seen a Noble Concubine in Russian court wear. Not to mention I was usually bare faced and had put in some effort today.

I nodded in appreciation of the goods on display, and listened to his explanation of the quality and plans for the future. This was all crucial information. "Oh! Cheburek!" I exclaimed as I spied a street vendor. "Eden!" Adrik cried as he followed me over. "2 Cheburek please, onion filling." I said, handing over a couple coins.

The vendor tore his eyes away to focus on frying the pancake. I chatted with him, asking his purpose for coming here. He was a round middle aged man, and moved here with his wife as they wanted to see the world. Granted, the trading post was not much of "the world" yet, but it was a start. I hoped Huaxia would allow them to travel here and launch a trade agreement. For the time being though, trade was restricted to just the greater North West region.

"Eden, are you sure you wouldn't want to take a look in Norse? Tsar Nicoli specifically said to invite you and that you wouldn't be unfairly treated at all. We would all like to meet you." Adrik said. I smiled. "I actually really want to see Norse, but don't think it would be good for me to leave when we're having a war. I am an official after all. If there's any pressing matters, I wouldn't be able to attend in time. However, I would love to make an appointment to visit after the war and meet Tsar Nicoli." I said.

"Brilliant! Tolya, write this down. Eden has kindly agreed to visit!" he said, spinning around. Tolya, the second in command, a brunette and well-built man, rolled his eyes at his attitude but wrote it down anyway. "Thanks Tolya. Do you want any food?" I asked, turning to him. Tolya looked down. "I've eaten, thanks." he said.

"Tolya is just flustered. We haven't seen a young lady in Norse attire for a long time." he said. I hadn't realised what my appearance really meant to the people here. To the Norse, I was a beautiful young lady who embraced Norse culture and showed them a piece of home. To the Yuan An people, I was proof the Hua Xia government hadn't forsaken them but placed importance in their wellbeing and success. Also, most people never came into contact with the imperial family in their whole life.

Amidst this wonderful atmosphere lit with faint lights, I suddenly had an impending sense of danger. Promptly I withdrew my sword and sliced the air behind me. The crowd gasped as a poison-laced arrow fell to the ground. I looked up. "Sniper!" I shouted.