Jiang Xuening didn’t understand why she was suddenly being called “foolish.”

She raised her head to look at Shen Zhiyi.

Only she never expected that right at this moment, the body pressed close against her shoulder actually swayed, then collapsed onto her, causing her to cry out in alarm: “Your Highness!”

Days of tension finally released, fatigue surged up, and Shen Zhiyi’s abdomen suddenly experienced faint waves of pain.

Cold sweat immediately broke out on her forehead.

Her brows locked tight, her vision gradually darkening. Before she could say another word, she fainted.

The people around immediately panicked.

Even Yan Lin immediately dismounted.

Jiang Xuening only felt her heart sink. Seeing some bloodstains spreading on Shen Zhiyi’s skirt hem, an ominous premonition rose up. She panicked and shouted: “Doctor, quickly, summon a doctor!”

Shen Zhiyi was already with child. During her time in the Tartars, because of her identity as Great Qian’s Grand Princess, she had difficulty at every step. How much suffering she had endured inside, only she knew clearly. Moreover, after the war began, Tartar King Yanda had pressured her considerably. On one hand worried about her homeland nation, on the other hand concerned about the war, her mind had already been stretched to its limit. Arriving at Yan Gate Pass and seeing old friends, her emotions had risen and fallen dramatically—how could there not be trouble?

This fainting spell was actually a sign of premature birth.

Yan Lin almost immediately ordered the entire army to find midwives.

But Yan Gate Pass was originally built to resist foreign invasion. Usually only soldiers and troops were stationed there, and now during wartime, there were plenty of grown men everywhere, but few women could be seen, let alone midwives who could deliver babies.

Fortunately, there were some doctors who traveled with the army to treat wounded soldiers.

These doctors normally operated medical clinics inside the pass treating patients. After spending considerable effort, they finally found a few who had stabilized pregnancies and delivered babies before, and quickly invited them over.

Almost everyone waited in the courtyard.

Jiang Xuening’s face was even more colorless.

In her previous life, Shen Zhiyi had met with misfortune in the Tartars. That child bearing both Great Qian and Tartar bloodlines naturally hadn’t been saved, so she almost didn’t dare think about what the result would be in this life.

The person had clearly already been rescued.

If, if because of this child…

She stood outside the door curtain, listening to the chaotic sounds inside, feeling only the tips of her fingers were ice cold. Shen Zhiyi’s cries after waking from unconsciousness made her heart even more troubled.

The ordeal lasted almost from morning to afternoon.

The doctors, lacking sufficient experience, were almost ready to give up.

But just as the dim dusk finally descended, the cry of an infant suddenly came from inside the room. Though not loud enough, not strong enough, like the weak mewing of a small kitten, it did ring out.

These doctors nearly shed tears.

They stumbled out saying: “A boy, it’s a boy, Grand Princess Her Highness is safe and sound!”

Only then did everyone completely breathe a sigh of relief.

Jiang Xuening had stood rigid all day and almost immediately collapsed to the ground.

After quite a while, she supported herself on Yan Lin’s outstretched hand and struggled to stand up, lifting the door curtain to enter the room.

After all, this was the desolate borderlands. The room was plain with only tables, chairs, and a bed.

Shen Zhiyi lay on her back on the bed.

A maid with tears in her eyes brought the premature infant to show her. She only extended her weak and powerless fingers, gently stroking across the infant’s cheek. Then seeing Jiang Xuening, she called out hoarsely: “Ningning.”

Jiang Xuening’s tears fell like rain.

She didn’t dare imagine what suffering and humiliation Shen Zhiyi, born to silk robes and jade food, of imperial noble blood, had endured in the Tartars. Yet when her gaze turned toward that infant just now, it was filled with infinite tenderness.

She walked to the bedside: “Congratulations, Your Highness. He is also safe and sound.”

The infant in swaddling clothes had a face not even as large as a palm, red and wrinkled, looking much smaller than an ordinary full-term newborn. The top of his head still had moist fetal hair, both eyes closed tightly, making unclear murmuring sounds.

Shen Zhiyi truly had no strength left. The fingers stroking the child’s cheek also dropped down. Looking at Jiang Xuening, she actually said: “All this time, I never thought about what name to give him. I had hoped for a considerate daughter, never expected a son. Ningning, help me give him a name.”

Jiang Xuening was immediately stunned.

After a long while, she said: “How about the character ‘Jia’? May he grow up happy and healthy from now on.”

Shen Zhiyi softly repeated it once, blinked, then smiled slightly: “Then let him follow my surname. From now on, call him ‘Shen Jia.'”

Follow her surname, Shen?

Jiang Xuening suddenly realized something. Bitterness surged in her heart, yet she dared not show half a trace of sadness. Instead, she smiled along: “Shen Jia—it sounds quite nice when you say it.”

Having already brought back Shen Zhiyi, the border war had come to an end.

The Tartars had been severely damaged in these consecutive battles and wouldn’t recover their strength for three to five years. Yan Lin and Xie Wei naturally wouldn’t do something like massacring cities to ordinary civilians. Moreover, Central Plains culture and Tartar culture were incompatible. Even if they occupied the cities, governance would require considerable thought and bring endless future troubles.

So although they had directly struck the royal court, the army still withdrew in batches over the following month.

The Tartars naturally also presented a peace treaty to Xinzhou.

When news reached inside the pass, there was even more jubilation.

Because Shen Zhiyi was weak after childbirth, Jiang Xuening stayed with her at Yan Gate Pass for a month. Seeing her body gradually improve, she only dared to set out returning to Xinzhou on the twenty-second of the twelfth month. They also didn’t dare travel too roughly, so what was originally not a long stretch of road still took two or three days.

The news of the Princess’s return to court had of course long since reached Xinzhou.

The common people rarely saw imperial nobility. It was also when the great army victoriously returned. Upon hearing the news, they all came out to gaze upon the Princess’s heavenly countenance, to observe the triumphant bearing, blocking the streets inside and out until not even water could pass through.

Entering the city at noon, they only reached the General’s manor by evening.

The manor had long since prepared clean and comfortable rooms. Additionally, some more skilled doctors came to check the pulses of Shen Zhiyi and the infant born less than a month ago to ensure their safety, and also prescribed some warming and nourishing remedies.

After all this trouble, they had already approached New Year.

The Tartars who had caused endless harassment in past years had been thoroughly defeated by the new general who had taken military command, not even preserving their royal court. Grand Princess Leyang Shen Zhiyi, who had gone for the marriage alliance for the nation years ago, was also safely rescued and even safely gave birth to a son. The border people rejoiced, inside and outside the military camp spirits were high. Together they petitioned, each household contributing, setting up flowing banquets throughout the city—firstly to reward the victorious returning troops, secondly to welcome Her Highness’s return to court, thirdly to celebrate the infant’s full month, and fourthly to rejoice in New Year’s Eve.

On New Year’s Eve night, the General’s manor naturally couldn’t avoid being decorated with lanterns and colored streamers everywhere.

Shen Zhiyi’s body had recovered somewhat. These past days she could already get out of bed and walk around the courtyard.

Jiang Xuening personally applied her makeup and also arrived at the banquet hall.

Xie Wei, Yan Lin, Lu Xian, You Fangying, and others were all present. Even Ren Weizhi, who had arrived somewhat late the other day escorting another batch of provisions in the rear, was already seated, along with military commanders, musicians, and performers. The scene was extremely lively, sweeping away the usual desolation of the border city, actually having something of the prosperity of brilliant lights and toasting cups, making people feel as if they had returned to the capital.

“In my whole life I’ve never fought such a satisfying battle. Want provisions, got provisions; want money, got money. Never mind one month—even if we fought for ten more years, this old man wouldn’t back down!”

“Right, when have we ever been this comfortable?”

“In the past, this lowly general underestimated General Yan. Now truly it’s a case of heroes emerging young. Getting old, getting old!”

“Come, come, come, let’s go toast General Yan!”

…

Some at the banquet had drunk until their faces flushed. Supporting each other, they rose from their seats, holding wine cups to find Yan Lin, wanting to toast him.

Tonight’s Yan Lin had already changed out of his heavy armor, wearing only a set of deep black fitted clothes. Broad shoulders, narrow waist—his movements somehow drew the frequent gazes of surrounding performers and serving girls, autumn waves sent secretly, beautiful eyes conveying affection.

Only he seemed not to see them at all.

Seeing everyone approach him, though he stood up, he didn’t pick up wine, only saying: “Please forgive me, generals. I, Yan, do not drink wine. I’m afraid I must decline everyone’s kind intentions.”

Everyone immediately froze.

Among them, an older general with a full beard reached out to clasp his shoulder, saying casually: “How can a hero like the General not drink? A real man should get drunk when it’s time to get drunk! Everyone’s drinking so happily. You not touching a drop—what does that look like? Someone, bring wine for our General Yan!”

Someone immediately responded.

After all, today the entire city had set up flowing banquets, military and civilians celebrating together as one. The manor’s original staff naturally couldn’t handle so many matters, so some tavern servers and even shopkeepers from Xinzhou City had come to help.

The border city’s customs were open. Even some young women of marriageable age seeking good marriages had come.

After all, if they could take a fancy to a good man in the military, wouldn’t that also be a good match?

The one who responded was a pretty girl in red clothes. For today, she had carefully applied makeup, placed a golden flower ornament on her forehead. If you looked carefully, there was even some seductive intent at the corners of her eyes and brows.

Countless people’s gazes fell upon her.

She was pouring wine for people at the banquet. Hearing the call, she turned around carrying the wine pot.

Yan Lin didn’t pay much attention, still saying he truly didn’t drink wine.

That girl’s gaze flickered toward him, her cheeks actually flushing somewhat with a vaguely shy expression. In such a lively setting, this added several degrees of moving charm.

She turned back to fill the empty wine cup on the table, then offered the wine to Yan Lin.

Yan Lin lightly frowned, didn’t reach out to take it, only saying to those boisterous generals: “You few have drunk somewhat too much.”

Jiang Xuening was just then supporting Shen Zhiyi as they entered.

Seeing this lively scene, she couldn’t help but smile. She said to Yan Lin: “On the battlefield fighting through life and death, even lives have been entrusted—what does one cup of wine matter? The generals also show sincere intent. You might as well comply and drink it.”

Yan Lin turned his eyes, suddenly looking at her in silence.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Memory flowed backward. Finally remembering something, she became somewhat dazed.

Those generals, seeing such a pretty young lady suddenly enter, recalled the rumors from recent days about “Miss Ning the Second.” Hearing her speak so familiarly to Yan Lin, they all laughed along: “Right, Miss Ning the Second has spoken. Even if General Yan doesn’t consider our humble faces, you should at least consider the young lady’s! Come, we toast you!”

Yan Lin only said: “I don’t drink wine.”

That bearded general couldn’t help but be puzzled: “You’re not seventy or eighty years old. What can’t you drink?”

Yan Lin withdrew his gaze from looking at Jiang Xuening, seeming somewhat displeased, lowering his eyes: “Afraid of frightening people.”

Jiang Xuening’s heart actually felt some hidden pain.

Yet he acted as if he’d said nothing, saying: “Everyone’s kind intentions, this one appreciates them in his heart. However, good wine should still be left for you all to drink.”

Those who led troops in battle were mostly rough men. When had they ever been refused face like this? Moreover, Yan Lin’s age wasn’t that great. Inexplicably refusing to drink truly made people somewhat unhappy.

Fortunately, at this time Xie Wei and Lu Xian finished talking outside and walked in.

Seeing them, Jiang Xuening resolved the situation: “Teacher Xie has also come. This time, though General Yan’s battlefield achievements are naturally most meritorious, without the rapid supply of provisions and supplies, this battle absolutely couldn’t have been fought so satisfyingly. Why don’t we all toast Teacher together?”

Xie Wei stopped, looking toward her.

Though he didn’t directly intervene in military affairs, who in Xinzhou City didn’t know his position? Moreover, he spoke little and was a high-ranking civil official from the capital. These rough military generals felt less comfortable with him than speaking with Yan Lin, with considerable constraint. Occasionally when swept by his calm gaze, they would even feel inexplicably apprehensive.

Once Jiang Xuening spoke these words, everyone’s joking manner also subsided.

Immediately there were continuous sounds of agreement as they turned to raise wine cups to toast Xie Wei.

Xie Wei didn’t speak.

Jiang Xuening noticed his hands were empty. Glancing to the side, she saw that girl who had earlier brought wine for Yan Lin. So casually, she took that wine cup from her hands, turning to offer it to Xie Wei.

Originally, she only wanted to help Yan Lin out of the situation.

However, when she raised her eyes to meet his gaze, an indescribable complexity arose in her heart. No matter what, this time the border army could directly strike the Tartar royal court and rescue the princess—the first person she should thank was Xie Wei.

The hand holding the wine cup paused slightly. In the end, Jiang Xuening still presented the cup with both hands, slightly bowing her head: “Teacher, please.”

The fine wine gently swayed in the cup.

Xie Wei glanced at the wine cup, then glanced at her before taking the wine cup. His fingertips inevitably lightly touched her fingertips. Her fingers seemed scalded by something and shrank back.

At this time, all the generals said in unison: “We humble generals toast Grand Tutor!”

Xie Wei also didn’t speak, tilting the cup to drink it all.

Immediately there were sounds of approval all around, joyful voices and laughter. He didn’t reveal much happy expression either, casually handing the empty cup to the side. A sharp-eyed attendant took the cup and withdrew.

Everyone returned to their seats.

Jiang Xuening also breathed a sigh of relief.

No one noticed that beside them, that red-clothed girl who had earlier poured wine for Yan Lin—when she saw Xie Wei drink that cup of wine, her face paled considerably, actually revealing some anxious and vexed expression. Taking advantage of people’s inattention, she bit her lip and quietly mixed into the lively crowd, disappearing from sight.

Jiang Xuening helped Shen Zhiyi sit down and also sat beside her.

Ren Weizhi and You Fangying were lowering their heads, huddled together talking nearby.

When Lu Xian took his seat, he inadvertently noticed and somehow felt uncomfortable. He simply turned his eyes away to not look, wanting to speak with Xie Wei and Yan Lin.

However, before his words emerged, Jianshu from outside actually walked in quickly, leaning by Xie Wei’s ear to say something.

Xie Wei’s expression changed slightly.

He turned his head, actually looking toward the direction of the flower hall entrance.

At this time, a drawn-out announcement rang out before the General’s manor gates: “Deputy Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Lord Zhou Yinzhi has arrived—”

The banquet suddenly quieted.

Jiang Xuening’s eyebrows shot up even more sharply. Surprised, she immediately frowned.

Before long, Zhou Yinzhi in a deep blue informal robe passed through the central courtyard and arrived before the hall, smiling and bowing: “Zhou Yinzhi comes bearing imperial orders to congratulate the border pass on its great victory attacking the Tartars. I pay respects to Grand Princess Her Highness, I pay respects to Grand Tutor!”