Chapter 68: Reunion

It seems the Crown Prince has no intention of welcoming this Commander back to the capital.

Leaving the desolate desert behind, their eyes were greeted by lush green mountains and rivers that the soldiers hadn’t seen in over a decade. The landscape unfolded like brilliantly colored scroll paintings, with clouds rolling and swelling, stirring their hearts and souls.

Generals die in a hundred battles, while soldiers return after ten years away.

Back then, they had left their hometowns to defend the Central Plains. This beautiful and prosperous land was the scenery of their dreams, the sole belief that sustained them through fierce battles on the frontline.

Xuan Rui retained little memory of the Central Plains. Having no parents or relatives, he had clawed his way up from being an orphan, and now valued his comrades-in-arms above all else.

For this journey to the capital, he brought Xiao Ziqi along, leaving the married Yuchi Meng at the Commander’s residence to handle daily affairs.

He owed the Xiao family a great debt and had to seize this opportunity to settle Xiao Ziqi’s marriage, ensuring the continuation of the Xiao family line.

A soldier tasked with escorting the rebel king came to report that Lu Zhan had been bashing his head against the iron bars of his prison cell, seemingly attempting suicide.

Xuan Rui glanced at the soldier, his expression unmoved. If the old fool wanted to die, so be it—it would save them the trouble.

The soldier, realizing the Commander didn’t care about the rebel king’s fate, was about to leave when Xiao Ziqi stopped him: “Where are your eyes? Don’t you know why we’re returning to the capital? How can we let him die so easily?”

After speaking, Xiao Ziqi looked worriedly at the Commander, who had been gloomy throughout the journey: “Boss, you’re returning to the capital to get married. Cheer up! Don’t act like you’re going to a funeral.”

The procession was carrying one hundred and eighty-eight betrothal gifts, an extravagant and eye-catching display. Every official at the relay stations along the route knew that Xuan Rui, the famed Wolf King of the Northwest, was preparing to marry a princess.

No wonder their leader had been so troubled throughout the journey. With such a grand spectacle, it would be utterly humiliating if the marriage didn’t proceed.

“Get lost.” Xuan Rui had been sparing with words during the trip, his cold gaze sweeping over the busybody.

Strangely enough, throughout this past year, he hadn’t dreamed of that person even once.

Having learned survival laws from the wolf pack since childhood, he knew only the strongest could survive in the desert. How could he have possibly eloped with him back then?

Situations beyond his control were tantamount to suicide for him.

Yet, after they parted that day and he returned alone to the Zhenbei Royal Mansion, he suddenly realized in the deep of night that he seemed to have died from that moment onward.

How could a dead man feel fear? Over the past year, he had charged forward with near-fearlessness, annihilating enemies and becoming the supreme ruler of the entire northwest desert.

Day after day of slaughter had left him increasingly numb.

Would the little princess residing high up in Jinlin Terrace be satisfied with such a killing machine…

Emperor Jian’s attempt to mobilize Yan Liang’s troops to counterbalance him was truly laughable. Those southern border forces had never witnessed the sharpness of the northwest cavalry.

The bitter wind pierced to the bone—winter had arrived in the capital.

Unlike in the northwest where he enjoyed popular support and the people’s affection, the closer they got to the capital, the less welcome they received.

Among the four great families of the Central Plains—Cui, Jin, Han, and Lin—the Cui family, the in-laws of The Eldest Princess, currently held the most power. The Jin family was most revered by upright officials and scholars, while the Jiangnan Han family was connected to the Jin family through marriage. Though the Lin family had declined over the years, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse, and they maintained considerable influence in the Yunnan region.

As they drew closer to the capital, the common folk only spoke of the Crown Prince’s benevolence, his respect for scholars and compassion for the people.

Though some among the populace still praised Xuan Rui’s achievements in the northwest, storytellers and performers in crowded places like teahouses and entertainment quarters were strictly forbidden from mentioning them.

Those in power controlled public opinion, wary of his accomplishments overshadowing the sovereign.

It mattered little—Xuan Rui paid no mind to such things.

At the city gates, Crown Prince Li Jing personally came to welcome him. Xuan Rui narrowed his eyes, recognizing the figure approaching.

Clad in a moon-white court uniform, the prince’s frame appeared sturdier than before. Seated steadily atop his horse with a sword at his side, it was clear he had trained diligently over the past year.

Xuan Rui rode his fiery steed, clad in black armor, his imposing stature radiating dominance as he looked down upon the Crown Prince and his retinue.

Behind him stretched the dark mass of a hundred thousand vanguard troops, while the remaining three hundred and fifty thousand soldiers were encamped along the way in Yancheng.

As these troops advanced in orderly formation toward the capital, each carried the aura of bloodshed from the northwestern deserts—a stark contrast to the temperament of the Central Plains’ soldiers.

Among the officials behind the Crown Prince, some trembled, whispering among themselves, “Bringing so many troops back to the capital—he’s courting death.”

Xuan Rui ignored these murmurs, leading his troops past the Crown Prince without pause. Seeing the city gates still shut, he slowly lowered his gaze, his tone laced with insolence as he asked, “Crown Prince, does this mean you have no intention of welcoming this commander back to the capital?”

Unlike the Crown Prince’s cool, jade-like elegance, Xuan Rui exuded an air of unruly defiance, looking down upon those below as if even the heavens themselves were beneath his notice.

Li Jing had long known him to be no virtuous man, but after just a year apart, he had grown even more arrogant. It seemed there was no chance he would dismount to pay the proper respects between subject and ruler.

To destroy someone, first let them grow wild.

Biding his time, Li Jing smiled faintly. “Commander Xuan has achieved glorious victories in the northwest and is a pillar of our dynasty. Father Emperor specifically commanded me to welcome you outside the city—how could we bar your entry? The Zhenbei Army has endured a long and arduous journey. Let General Meng escort them to the camps for rest.”

With a creak, the two vermilion-lacquered iron gates swung open. Soldiers atop the walls shouted in unison, “Welcome General Xuan’s triumphant return!”

The two men rode side by side into the city, where they were met with roaring crowds lining the streets, cheering fervently, “Long live the Crown Prince! May General Xuan be mighty and powerful!”

“Long live the Crown Prince! May General Xuan be mighty and powerful!”

This was the capital.

The streets bustled with energy, lined with elegant restaurants everywhere. Nobles and young ladies leaned out of windows to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.

Even the winter wind felt gentle against their faces.

This city, gilded with wealth and luxury, had nurtured these young masters and misses. Hah… so this was her world.

Suddenly, someone started it—a bundled spray of plum blossoms was thrown toward him. Xuan Rui instinctively moved to block it but stopped himself when he saw what it was.

Where one led, others followed. In no time, spectators—be they noble ladies or common girls—began tossing prepared flowers and silk scarves his way.

Xuan Rui felt waves of fragrance assail him. Closing his eyes briefly, he continued down the path expressionlessly.

Ahead lay the Forbidden City, with its crimson walls and deep-set tiles.

Before entering the imperial city, he lifted his gaze upward.

The empty battlements and drifting white clouds above seemed to mock something unspoken.

—

At Jinlin Terrace, Su Zi hurried over anxiously. Seeing the Third Princess grooming herself before the mirror, she hastily reported, “Your Highness, His Majesty summons you and Jin Shilang to the main hall.”

Li Youqing glanced at her reflection in the mirror – her face pale. She dabbed rouge onto her cheeks.

A princess who brings ruin to the nation? She laughed bitterly. What virtue did she possess to make that barbarian remember her so persistently?

To actually… make such a grand spectacle to come and marry her.

Having grown up in the Daliang imperial family, even if she wasn’t Emperor Jian’s biological daughter, that noble dignity had seeped deep into her bones.

Ultimately, she didn’t want Xuan Rui to commit any act of treason.

He had clearly promised before that he wouldn’t.

But soon she clearly remembered those words he had viciously spoken while pinning her down on their farewell night.

“…Stay well and wait for this commander’s troops to arrive at the city gates!”

Now his troops were indeed at the city walls. Once conflict erupted, the capital would be stained with blood, commoners displaced, and countless innocents harmed.

Xuan Rui, you bastard, what exactly do you want!

Jin Cheng was already waiting outside. Seeing her, he considerately stepped forward and said gently, “Your subject pays respects to the Princess.”

Once, Li Youqing had been deeply fond of this young man – his jade-like character, modest temperament, and his attentive companionship.

She had even thought herself mad a year ago for being willing to give herself to a northwestern barbarian.

But that barbarian…

“A Cheng, when we see Father Emperor later, don’t say anything. That man isn’t to be provoked—” Li Youqing knew Xuan Rui’s nature well. Now that he came with ill intentions, he might even kill Jin Cheng on the spot.

“Your Highness—” Jin Cheng smiled, his eyes showing some helplessness and bitterness. “The Grand Commander is now at the peak of his power, no longer the man he once was. Even the Crown Prince has to show him some respect.”

“But as long as Your Highness is still willing to choose this subject, I will resist to the end even at the cost of my life.” The young man extended his arm for Li Youqing to rest her hand upon.

Suppressing her emotions, she ultimately said nothing and boarded the carriage with her intended consort.

As a princess, she represented the dignity of the Daliang imperial family. When her future was uncertain before, she hadn’t agreed to elope with him – how could she betray Father Emperor and Imperial Brother now?

Just before entering the hall, as she was about to remove her hand from Jin Cheng’s arm, he suddenly grasped it firmly.

“Your Highness, just this once.” Jin Cheng spoke with rare determination, his gaze containing gentle affection. “This time, look at your subject, only at me alone, alright?”

Li Youqing suddenly felt an overwhelming ache in her heart. In truth, both of them knew what this visit meant.

Xuan Rui had come flaunting eighty-one betrothal gifts from the northwest – his intentions known to all.

Back then, to make Imperial Brother give up hope, she had used A Cheng. Now with that man’s troops at the city gates, she didn’t know if she could quell this storm, but that man would never sit back and watch her marry A Cheng.

What made her feel even more guilty was that the man she loved was the very one forcing her to marry him now.

Jin Cheng firmly held Li Youqing’s hand as they walked side by side into the main hall, looking perfectly matched as if made for each other—

All of Li Youqing’s attention was focused on another person ahead, so she didn’t notice how Jin Cheng exchanged a glance with the Crown Prince before moving even closer to her.

In normal times, they never had such physical contact.

Jin Cheng silently whispered in his heart, “I’m sorry… but only by doing this can I make that person lose composure, commit the offense of disrespecting the Son of Heaven, and leave evidence for future execution when the matter comes to light.”

With a “clang—” sound, shadows flickered across the hall as Crown Prince Li Jing immediately stepped forward to shield the dragon throne of Emperor Jian: “What is the Grand Commander doing?”

Simultaneously, Li Youqing had already positioned herself in front of Jin Cheng, standing face to face with Xuan Rui.

She wasn’t foolish, and having spent these days exhaustively contemplating how Father Emperor and Imperial Brother would respond after Xuan Rui’s arrival in the capital, she immediately understood the reason behind Jin Cheng’s unusual behavior moments earlier.

But there was no time for explanations. The man before her, towering like a cold mountain, was advancing step by step, his eyes as icy and merciless as a lone falcon soaring over the desert.

[Author’s Note]

On holiday now

Aiming for five updates per week!