Qiao Mu drank the porridge, changed into a clean set of clothes, and curled up beside her man.

Everyone else had left to attend to their own matters, leaving only Feng Jiu’er and Xiao Yingtao to tidy up.

The two of them finished cleaning, exchanged a glance, said nothing, and quietly left.

…

Early on the seventh day of the new year, Di Wuya’s army marched onto the embankment by the river.

Feng Jin suffered a crushing defeat, and in the end could only flee across the river with a few thousand remaining troops.

Di Wuya held the small woman in his arms as they gazed together at the boundless river.

“Girl, do you believe Father is still behind us?”

Feng Jiu’er shifted back, pressing herself closer into his embrace.

“The letter Third Imperial Brother brought back — the handwriting is indeed Feng Qiongcang’s.”

“If I’m not mistaken, it really was Hanying who took Father away. Since Feng Qiongcang said this, then Father isn’t in his hands for the moment, at least.”

“Whether Father is ahead of us or behind us, I have to find him.”

“Ninth Imperial Uncle.” Feng Jiu’er turned to look at her man. “This whole journey — thank goodness I had you.”

The corner of Di Wuya’s mouth curved into a perfect arc. He lowered his head, drawing close to that fair, delicate little face.

“In this life, if not for you, what would I have done?”

His warm breath washed over Feng Jiu’er’s face, making her eyes nearly close on their own.

Di Wuya’s long arm tightened, and he lowered his head, drawing nearer.

Seeing things were about to get inappropriate, Yu Jingfeng immediately spurred his horse and turned away.

He waved his hand, and the entire army turned with him, galloping across the great plain.

The morning sun stretched the two figures on horseback long, long across the riverbank.

In the early spring morning, orange-red sunlight spread across the land.

All things were coming back to life, flourishing and full of promise.

The dark night, the cold winter — these too were only temporary. Keep moving forward, and you’ll find that happiness is not far off, already beckoning to you.

In eight days total, the greatest crisis facing Yongshan City had been resolved.

On the road home in triumph, Yu Jingfeng received a letter from the western front of Yongshan City.

The letter said that the twenty thousand Dragon Warrior troops had arrived on the night of the fourth day of the new year, that the situation had stabilized, and that there was hope of driving Mao Zhongcai back to Pingyuan City within seven days.

Di Wuya’s men had always handled matters steadily and never spoke idly.

The moment she received the news, Feng Jiu’er finally let out a deep breath of relief.

At the same time, Di Wuya gave the order for the army to withdraw back into the city and rest for two days.

These past month or two had truly been unforgettable for the people of Yongshan City.

No matter what, the war in the north had finally settled.

The city’s people had prepared in advance to welcome their new city lord home in triumph.

The city gates slowly opened, and the people inside had already lined up in two rows.

Some held flowers in hand, others carried red lanterns, and every face was lit with a joyful smile.

Though the war in the west still raged on, with such a formidable city lord, what did they have to fear?

“Welcome home, City Lord, in triumph!” someone shouted.

The rest of the people echoed loudly in unison: “Welcome home, City Lord, in triumph!”

“Welcome home, City Lord, in triumph! Welcome home, City Lord, in triumph!”

The city, silent for so many days, finally, on this seventh day of the new year, took on the joy of the New Year.

At the city gates, Di Wuya still rode the same horse as Feng Jiu’er.

Zhuifeng pranced with spirit, showing not the slightest sign of fatigue despite carrying two riders.

It was as if, so long as its master was happy, it too would be happy.

On horseback, the man sat tall, handsome, and imposing, nearly a head taller than the woman in his arms.

Feng Jiu’er, seated in Di Wuya’s embrace, appeared all the more petite and delicate.

Her small, palm-sized face bore a pair of large, bright, lively eyes; her nose was high and refined; the curve of her rosy lips was perfect.

Even though she appeared to be a small, delicate beauty, the presence she carried was no less than that of the tall, imposing man behind her.

Beautiful and captivating, yet capable of heroic valor — she gave people boundless strength.

Such a rare beauty, once in a century.

Even though the man behind the city lord carried an aura so overwhelming it made people hesitant to approach, the gazes of many townsfolk still lingered on Feng Jiu’er.

For now, Feng Jiu’er was the city lord of Yongshan City.

Their city lord — capable of both strength and gentleness, both sweetness and severity — was beloved by countless people.

“Welcome home, Sect Master, in triumph! Welcome home, Sect Master, in triumph!” The people’s enthusiasm grew ever more fervent.

Feng Jiu’er faced everyone with a smile, occasionally nodding, but saying nothing.

Behind them, the rest of the group followed, everyone’s expressions quite pleasant.

Finally able to catch their breath for two days, to properly rest and enjoy a taste of the New Year atmosphere — how wonderful!

A man on horseback rode up from the main road to meet them.

Just as he was about to reach Feng Jiu’er and Di Wuya, he leapt down from his horse and knelt in the middle of the road.

Seeing this, the people fell silent one after another.

The main road went suddenly quiet.

“City Lord.” The man’s voice rang out, impassioned.

He looked up at Feng Jiu’er on horseback.

“City Lord, my name is Fu Yongyi. I was chosen by the people of Yongshan City as Deputy City Lord, to assist the City Lord from now on in working for the wellbeing of Yongshan City’s people.”

Having finished speaking, he cupped his fists and stood up.

“City Lord, the people said that although they chose me for this position, whether I’m any good at it is still for the City Lord to decide.”

“Good.” Feng Jiu’er looked at Fu Yongyi and waved a hand.

“Work for the people’s wellbeing — I hope you’ll follow through on your word!”

“Yes.” Fu Yongyi cupped his fists, took hold of the reins, mounted his horse, and made way.

He waved his hand, his voice even more energetic than before.

“Welcome home, City Lord, in triumph! The people have prepared wine for the City Lord and all the hardworking brothers — please, this way!”

“Welcome home, City Lord, in triumph! Welcome home, City Lord, in triumph!” The people’s cheers rose once more.

Amid the enthusiastic cheering, Feng Jiu’er and her group once again stepped into the city.

Fu Yongyi led them back to the residence where they had stayed before.

The other brothers were quartered around this residence, spread out in all directions.

As soldiers, they were warmly welcomed by the townsfolk, who each gave up rooms — even entire houses — just to properly look after them, out of gratitude.

Thanks to Fu Yongyi’s advance arrangements, the soldiers were quickly settled in.

Every household provided them with good food and drink, treating them almost like deities to be worshipped.

Feng Jiu’er and the others were also quickly settled in, thanks to Fu Yongyi’s arrangements.

The fighting had only stopped just before dawn, and no one had eaten breakfast yet — in fact, it could be said that many of them hadn’t had a proper meal in days.

Fu Yongyi had people prepare meals in advance, and once everyone had washed up, they all gathered together to eat.

Fu Yongyi, also skilled in reading people, withdrew once matters were handled, without further disturbing them.

The dozen or so of them gathered around a large round table, and looking at the feast before them, everyone’s mouths watered.

Stomachs growled, one after another, and everyone exchanged smiles before picking up their bowls and chopsticks.