The last remnants of winter's chill swept over the towering city walls as the snow in the fields melted completely. Farmers bent down, scooping up handfuls of rich, dark soil, envisioning healthy seeds taking root and sprouting in this moist earth—a promise of a bountiful harvest that brought smiles to their faces.
A disciplined convoy, moving like an army, approached the western gate of the Capital City. Riding at the forefront was a handsome young man with light brown skin, who took a deep, contented breath—this was Liang Qiu Fei's favorite season. It was neither the harsh winter that required cumbersome fur wraps nor the late spring warmth that made one's bones lazy.
Reining in his horse before the familiar city gate, Liang Qiu Fei couldn't help but recall the rough, ice-crusted walls of the northwestern frontier, the blizzards that could bury people and livestock overnight, and the biting winds that stole the warmth from one's lungs in an instant. No matter how large the fire pits were in the massive stone fortresses, the cold always found its way through the cracks. The great clans of the northwest had their warm, comfortable mansions, but the Young Master had refused to stay in them or build his own, choosing instead to live among the soldiers. While the soldiers rotated every three years, the Young Master had endured that frozen hell for five long years.
Now, at last, they had returned.
As Liang Qiu Fei silently reflected, a Martial Maid rode up, her face beaming. "Brother A Fei, our Young Lady requests your presence."
"Of course... I'll come right away." Liang Qiu Fei glanced at his elder brother Liang Qiuqi ahead before spurring his horse toward the middle of the convoy, stopping beside an elegant Ammunition Wagon.
The carriage window slowly opened, revealing the graceful face of a young noblewoman. Liang Qiu Fei smiled and clasped his fists. "What instructions does Luo Niangzi have for me?"
Luo Jitong feigned annoyance, laughing. "Instructions? I treat you like my own little brother, and here you are being so formal! Are you trying to distance yourself now that we've reached the Capital City?"
Liang Qiu Fei quickly protested. "Not at all! Over these years, we brothers have relied on Luo Niangzi's care. A Fei is deeply grateful and will never forget it!"
Luo Jitong's expression dimmed slightly. "It's a pity your elder brother doesn't feel the same way."
"Pay no mind to my brother. He's always had that unpleasant demeanor, same with everyone." Liang Qiu Fei's eyes twinkled as he laughed. "But then again, if not for his cold indifference, the young ladies who've tried to approach since the Young Master established his household at fourteen would have overwhelmed our doorstep!"
His words were meant to comfort her, but though the speaker was careless, the listener took it to heart. Luo Jitong's smile stiffened, and she sighed softly. "Perhaps, in your brother's eyes, I'm no different from those young ladies."
Liang Qiu Fei faltered, awkwardly replying, "That's not true! Luo Niangzi is overthinking it... overthinking it..." He avoided meeting her gaze, for his thoughts had turned to another woman.
In Liang Qiu Fei's view, this noble-born Luo Niangzi was not only attentive and considerate toward their Young Master and the Private Army but also wise and kind—far superior to 'that woman.' Yet, the treatment the two received couldn't have been more different.Three years ago, when the Young Master fell seriously ill with a high fever, Luo Jitong attended to him tirelessly day and night. Upon his recovery, Liang Qiu Fei jokingly called her the "future Female Lord." Though the Young Master said nothing at the time, he later demoted Liang Qiu Fei to tending horses for a full three months before allowing him to return. Initially confused, Liang Qiu Fei only understood after his elder brother pointed it out, and from then on, he never dared to make such presumptuous remarks again.
Yet back then, his elder brother Liang Qiuqi had also taken the liberty of referring to "that woman" as the "little Female Lord." The Young Master had maintained a perfectly serious expression but later rewarded Liang Qiuqi with two priceless Ferghana hybrid steeds—both brothers born of the same parents, yet treated so differently. Liang Qiu Fei couldn't help but fall into deep contemplation.
Noticing Luo Jitong's downcast expression, Liang Qiu Fei changed the subject: "I don’t know what’s wrong, but the closer we get to the Capital City, the more sullen the Young Master becomes. A few days ago, he still exchanged a few words with Cui Hou, but now he hardly speaks even to him."
Luo Jitong sighed. "The general is apprehensive about returning home. Back then, he acted out of sheer fury, committing an unforgivable mistake without regard for anything. Now that he must face old acquaintances again, it’s only natural he feels sorrow and trepidation."
Liang Qiu Fei was impressed. "Luo Niangzi speaks wisely. This humble officer suspected as much."
As they spoke, a guard hurried over on horseback, whispering a few words into Liang Qiu Fei’s ear. His eyes lit up as he dismissed the guard and turned toward the carriage. "Luo Niangzi, though we arrived two days early, the Crown Prince has come to welcome our Young Master and has already arrived."
Luo Jitong was startled, her face filled with gratitude. "In earlier years, our Luo family aligned with the Xuan and Wang families. Now that Wang Chun has been demoted, and Consort Xuan and the former Crown Prince have been deposed, my family has had no ties with Consort Yue or the Third Prince. My father and brothers were deeply anxious. Fortunately, you were willing to tip me off, allowing me to leverage General Huo’s name to pay respects to the Crown Prince... Such kindness—I truly don’t know how to thank you enough."
Liang Qiu Fei was flattered. "The Crown Prince’s arrival was witnessed by many. I merely informed you a step earlier—hardly worthy of being called kindness. Please hurry over, Niangzi. This humble officer will take his leave first!" Afraid she might continue thanking him, he spurred his horse and swiftly rode away.
Soon, Liang Qiu Fei reached the front of the procession. The city gates stood wide open, and the former Third Prince—now the Crown Prince—stood nearby in simple attire, embracing the Young Master with tears in his eyes while Cui Hou laughed heartily beside them.
Liang Qiu Fei quickly dismounted and took his place beside his elder brother. Liang Qiuqi glanced at him but said nothing.
Reunited with his old friend, the Crown Prince studied Huo Bu Yi up and down, overwhelmed with emotions he couldn’t articulate.
Huo Bu Yi’s smile remained as strikingly handsome as ever, his tall and slender figure unchanged. Yet the Crown Prince recalled how their father, the Emperor, used to complain that his adopted son lacked warmth—detached as a wandering spirit. Now, Huo Bu Yi finally carried a trace of worldly presence, but it was like the withered leaves swept up by the autumn wind, the desolate rain tapping against faded window screens, or the hoarse notes of a broken, out-of-tune ocarina.
This kind of presence, the Crown Prince thought, might as well not exist. "You... how have you been all these years?" he asked, his heart aching.
Huo Bu Yi smiled. "Your Highness has written every few months, inquiring about everything. This subject has exhausted his mind, detailing even his daily meals and routines. What could Your Highness not already know?"The Crown Prince glared at him. "We'll settle this later!" Then, turning to Cui Hou, he said, "Cui Hou, it's been a while. You're as valiant as ever. Ah, where are your two sons?"
Cui Hou laughed. "Your Highness must be wondering how we arrived two days early. It's because we left all the heavy baggage behind. My sons are escorting them slowly; they'll arrive in two or three days."
The Crown Prince nodded. "That makes sense. Zisheng returned ahead of time, and it wouldn't do to bring mountains of goods into the city."
Cui Hou groaned. "Ah, Your Highness, you think we went digging for gold mines? The northwestern frontier doesn’t have mountains of wealth—just bulky things like wild game pelts and furs."
Huo Bu Yi chuckled softly and glanced at Cui Hou.
Cui Hou sighed. "Well, alright. Your Highness knows I come from a merchant background. Those pelts and furs in my hands will probably turn into mountains of wealth soon enough—Zisheng, why did you have to expose me so quickly? Half of that is yours!"
The Crown Prince’s gloom of recent days lifted, and he laughed heartily for the first time in ages.
Amid the laughter, Luo Jitong, now dressed in an elegant Wrapped Robe, approached gracefully with several Martial Maids and knelt in greeting. "This humble Luo greets the Crown Prince. After years apart, I pray for the health and boundless joy of His Majesty and Her Majesty."
The Crown Prince had met Luo Jitong years ago in the Everlasting Autumn Palace and often heard of her dignified manners and gentle attentiveness. Seeing her now in Huo Bu Yi’s entourage, he was both surprised and delighted. Glancing at Huo Bu Yi’s expression, he spoke with rare warmth. "Luo Niangzi, you’re here too. Please rise. I never imagined you’d be traveling with Zisheng."
Luo Jitong straightened gracefully and replied candidly, "My mother is unwell, and my father and brothers summoned me home to fulfill my filial duties. Coincidentally, General Huo was also returning to the Capital City, so I shamelessly sought shelter under his escort."
"This is hardly shameless," the Crown Prince said, feeling his expectations drawing closer. He smiled. "You were chosen as my fifth sister’s companion in your childhood and have known Zisheng for over a decade. Traveling together and offering care is but a small favor—Zisheng would never refuse... Ah, by the way, His Majesty is hosting a banquet in the Hall of Proclamation of Virtue today to welcome Zisheng and Cui Hou. Luo Niangzi, you should join us as well."
Luo Jitong beamed. "This is an immense honor for me, but I wouldn’t dare impose."
"It’s no imposition. In the future, perhaps..." The Crown Prince glanced at the silent Huo Bu Yi beside him and coughed lightly. "I’ve heard you’ve cared for Zisheng these past years. His Majesty may have questions for you."
"Then I shall obey with gratitude," Luo Jitong replied with poised grace, bowing.
The Crown Prince nodded in approval, thinking privately that this was how a woman should be—dignified and proper.
He remembered four years ago when the Emperor held a family banquet. He had been about to visit Empress Dowager Xuan at the Palace of Eternal Peace when Empress Yue told him to casually invite Cheng Shaoshang as well. Who would have thought that ill-mannered girl would snap back with, "This humble one has no betrothal to Lord Huo anymore. Under what identity should I attend a royal family banquet? To be picked as a concubine for one of the princes?"—He had nearly lost his temper on the spot!
Look at Luo Niangzi—so meek and obedient. Even though her relationship with Huo Bu Yi was still unclear, she accepted the invitation without hesitation. Women ought to behave like women.
As the group mounted their horses and carriages, Liang Qiu Fei was about to follow when his elder brother suddenly yanked him back.
Liang Qiuqi whispered sharply, "You were the one who invited Luo Niangzi, weren’t you? Seems like you’re itching to go back to tending horses!""Not at all!" Liang Qiu Fei first denied, then added, "Besides, what does it matter if we did say something? We've followed the Young Master for so many years—there have been at least eight or ten women who wanted to get close to him. If the Young Master truly didn’t approve, he would have found a way to send them away long ago. But over these years, Luo Niangzi has been coming and going from our residence, and the Young Master hasn’t said a word about it."
Liang Qiuqi said gravely, "But despite all the hints from Cui Hou and the Governor, the Young Master still hasn’t given his approval."
"That just means the Young Master is still undecided. With just one more push, his marriage might be settled!" Liang Qiu Fei suppressed his excitement. "The Young Master is already twenty-seven or twenty-eight—it’s time for him to marry and have children!"
"Li Si said the same thing, telling us to keep nudging him along instead of just standing by and watching," Liang Qiuqi remarked.
"Exactly!"
"But Old Zhang told us not to meddle," Liang Qiuqi added. "He doesn’t think it’s the right match."
"What does he know? The Zhang family used to be potters. That Zhang Shan, no matter what problem he faces, just keeps repeating, 'Hmm, the firing isn’t quite right yet!'"
"He said this time it’s not about the firing—it’s that we’re using the wrong kiln altogether."
"What?!"
"Zhang Shan said we should wait until we see the other kiln before making any moves," Liang Qiuqi said deliberately.
It took Liang Qiu Fei several moments to grasp the meaning. He stammered, "B-but… that kiln has already gone cold, hasn’t it? Years ago, the Young Master said he hoped 'she' would find another good match and live a carefree life. Last month, when we heard 'she' got engaged to that Yuan fellow, didn’t the Young Master even prepare a congratulatory gift?!"
"That’s true, but as your elder brother, I think we should listen to Zhang Shan this time."
"Why?"
"Because Li Si is still single, while Zhang Shan has one wife, five concubines, a peaceful household, and countless lovers outside—yet everything remains perfectly calm."
Liang Qiu Fei: "…"
In the Hall of Proclamation of Virtue in the North Palace, the Emperor craned his neck, waiting impatiently for a long while. Empress Yue, standing beside him, remarked coolly, "Your Majesty, if you stretch your neck any further, your soul might just leave your body." Fortunately, the Emperor was too preoccupied with his longing for his son to bother retorting.
The Second Prince, seated at the head of the right side, smiled and said, "Father, please sit down. Zisheng has always been precise in his affairs. If he said he’d arrive by noon, he won’t be late."
The Grand Princess, seated at the head of the left side, said with a hint of sourness, "Originally, I was planning to soak in the hot springs at Mount Tu Gao today. Who knew Father would summon us all so urgently an hour ago—just to welcome Zisheng back. In Father’s heart, it seems we, his own flesh and blood, can’t compare to Zisheng."
The Emperor frowned, but the Grand Princess’s husband quickly intervened, "Your Majesty, look—the Eldest Princess is already a mother with children of her own, yet she’s still acting spoiled in front of you. Just because you show a little more affection for Zisheng, she starts making a fuss."
The words were well-spoken, and the Emperor’s expression softened. He chided his eldest daughter with a smile, "You! If only you were half as sensible as Zixun! Zisheng has suffered for so many years in the northwest—what’s wrong with me doting on him a little more? Why don’t you go guard the northwest for five years? Then I’ll dote on you just the same!"The Grand Princess's husband cooperatively added, "Womenfolk know nothing of court affairs. Zisheng has indeed achieved remarkable feats these past years. Not only has he skillfully dealt with the various tribes of the Northern Desert through both force and diplomacy, pacifying them effectively, but also during last year's campaign against Shu, His Majesty originally intended to dispatch another army from Longdi to flank into Shu as support. Yet who could have imagined Zisheng managed to train an army of tigers and wolves in the harsh northwestern lands, directly entering Shu via Longxi—this single move not only saved His Majesty the trouble of mobilizing numerous troops but also spared the need for a large-scale military operation..."
"Alright, alright," the Grand Princess feigned annoyance. "His Majesty and Zixun, father-in-law and son-in-law, are of one mind—only I am the ignorant one!"
The Emperor couldn't help but laugh. "As long as you know it! When Zisheng arrives, you mustn't spout nonsense!"
The Grand Princess responded coyly.
After admonishing his eldest daughter, the Emperor turned to the Second Prince seated at the head of his right side. "Then... is the Prince of the East Sea truly not coming?"
The Second Prince immediately replied, "Father, Elder Brother does not still hold a grudge against Zisheng. You know him—he simply dislikes social gatherings. In a few days, when the Palace of Eternal Peace hosts a banquet, it will be quieter with fewer people. He will speak properly with Zisheng then."
The Emperor nodded. "I understand Zi Kun's temperament. This is fine." His eldest son lacked resilience. Since the change in the Crown Prince, he had never attended family banquets again, always having the Second Prince relay messages for matters concerning the Palace of Eternal Peace.
As they spoke, Cen Anzhi hurried into the hall with small steps, announcing the arrival of the Crown Prince's party. Everyone turned their gaze toward the entrance.
Amidst the play of light and shadow, several figures appeared at the doorway. The Emperor stared at the tall, slender figure behind the Crown Prince and momentarily lost himself in thought. Even the usually indifferent Empress Yue slowly straightened her posture—both of them seemed to see the peerlessly heroic general from over twenty years ago, the ever-steady and loyal leader of the court officials, walking toward them once more.
The Emperor's hand resting on the table trembled slightly. Empress Yue noticed the glimmer of tears in his eyes and sighed inwardly.
Slowly descending from his seat, the Emperor bent down and placed a hand on the sturdy shoulders of his kneeling adopted son. A single tear fell silently, and for a moment, the hall was utterly still—he had thought he would never again see the likeness of his sworn brother in this lifetime.
Author's Note: Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or nourished me with nutrient solutions~
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