Liu Xiang’s journey brought commendation orders from the court. Military leaders of renown such as Zhao Pu, Zhou Qing, Yang Hu, Xiao Lixian and others were all promoted in rank and granted titles. The rest, according to their merits, also received rewards of different levels without exception.
The court also remembered the heroic fallen and established policies for consolation.
Jiang Zuowang was posthumously granted the title of Heroic Marquis and honored with inclusion in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
Besides these, news about the triumphant celebration ceremony that had been circulating in the army was also confirmed: the soldiers would return to court to participate in the grand ceremony.
These matters had already been rumored, and with the imperial envoy’s arrival, the rumors became reality, all within expectations. What particularly drew everyone’s attention was the court’s reward for Jiang Hanyuan:
Promoted to the position of Great General, granted the title “Tianwu” (Heavenly Martial), with the full title Tianwu Changning Great General, enjoying the honor of imperial banquets in the vermilion halls.
Not only this, but the emperor allowed her to enter court without hurrying and to wear sword and shoes when ascending the palace steps.
Such treatment, apart from the Prince Regent and the former Regent Prince, was unprecedented in this dynasty. For a minister and general of a different surname, this was the first of its kind since the founding of the nation, uniquely honored.
Besides the emperor’s exceptional favor toward Jiang Hanyuan, another piece of news brought by the imperial envoy Liu Xiang also caused great sensation.
Though the northern war had ended, the great tasks of cultivating fields, settling refugees, implementing benevolent policies, and winning hearts still remained urgent and needed immediate attention. This was one aspect. On the other hand, this location was strategically special—besides the potential threats still existing to the north, there were also the Eight Tribes and other vassal states nearby with complex relationships.
To address current needs and for long-term planning, the court intended to merge the administration of Youyan and other regions, establishing a Protectorate General with its seat in Yan Commandery.
The position of Grand Protector was crucial and could only be filled by someone of great virtue and ability.
In court discussions, the Prince Regent recommended Prince Qi Shu Shenhui.
This war concerning the fate of Great Wei’s northern gateway was led by him from the beginning and achieved final victory.
Not long ago, he had requested to resign from his regent position and returned to the northern lands to console the army on behalf of the court and stabilize border affairs—this was known to everyone.
In this special edict, the emperor reviewed Prince Qi’s many achievements. Besides expressing hope that he could continue to govern territories for the court, in recognition of his assistance, the emperor added the title “Uncle” (zhongfu), granted the honor of Nine Bestowments, and additionally bestowed a ceremonial staff, allowing him to act at his discretion and even execute first and report later without restraint.
With the war ended, due to the special relationship between Jiang Hanyuan and the current Regent Prince, her plans inevitably became a focus of attention among her many subordinates.
As the young emperor grew older, the Regent Prince’s resignation was inevitable.
But everyone assumed that even if the Regent Prince left Chang’an in the future, he would be enfeoffed in prosperous lands. When that time came, the female general, as his princess consort, would naturally accompany him.
Many soldiers planning to continue military service felt reluctant, even confused and worried about this.
No one had expected that after achieving success, the Regent Prince would go to Youzhou as Grand Protector. She would not be leaving either.
Various good news arrived one after another. That day, the army also received rewards, everyone beaming with joy in an extremely festive atmosphere.
Shu Shenhui and Jiang Hanyuan also hosted a welcoming banquet for Liu Xiang. After the feast, when the accompanying guests withdrew and no outsiders remained, Liu Xiang prostrated himself: “Your Highness! This humble official owes everything to Your Highness today. Such great kindness and virtue, I will never forget as long as I live!”
He was now a capable person close to the young emperor, deeply trusted. Not only that, but his daughter was also betrothed to the Prince Regent’s grandson, making their families in-laws. People in Chang’an competed to associate with him, all proud to have old connections with him, yet he still referred to himself with the humble title from the past.
Shu Shenhui laughed heartily and helped him up: “Your position today is due to your loyalty, courage, and great achievements. What does it have to do with me?”
After Lan Rong fled that day, knowing there was no retreat, he could only rally those High King and Cheng King remnants, attempting to establish a separatist stronghold for self-preservation. Liu Xiang was ordered to suppress the rebellion. Being originally a military general with proper command and leading regular troops, the rebellion was quickly quelled, and Lan Rong was captured. He escorted the prisoner back to Chang’an, and when awaiting entry to the city, the young emperor sent word that he did not wish to see him and granted him an intact corpse. In despair, Lan Rong threw himself into the water.
Though this could be called meritorious service, Liu Xiang clearly understood that, because Gao He’s death had been too sudden and most of his faction had been eliminated, Lan Rong’s vitality was severely damaged, unable to pose a real threat. Later, his forces were like a rabble. In the court, he was not the only capable fighter—many had secretly wanted this opportunity that seemed like a gift of merit. Yet in the end, the opportunity fell to him, a man of diminished influence just recalled from the imperial tombs. He understood why.
That earlier kowtow and self-address as “humble official” came from the heart. Thinking of the previous treacherous times made him even more emotional and moved to tears. But seeing the person before him so magnanimous and unconcerned, he dared not express too much, wiped his tears, stood up, and presented a medicine box containing various precious medicinal materials, including a thousand-year-old ginseng shaped like a spindle and resembling a human figure, with roots spread across the palm—extremely rare. He said it was prepared by the Prince Regent for him to deliver.
Shu Shenhui smiled: “Please convey my thanks when you return.”
As he spoke, he glanced at the silent Jiang Hanyuan beside him, then continued, “I should return myself to express gratitude personally, but my injuries have not yet healed, making travel difficult. I can only trouble you.”
Liu Xiang quickly said it was no problem—the Prince Regent had specifically instructed him to rest and recover. He looked at Jiang Hanyuan again, hesitated, then carefully asked:
“The triumph ceremony draws attention from all under heaven, and the people of Chang’an are also eagerly awaiting the General to personally lead the dragon and tiger forces back to court, displaying our Great Wei’s martial might. Prince Regent is in charge of this matter. Before this humble official departed, the Prince Regent repeatedly instructed me to ask the General, upon meeting her, what her plans are.”
He held his breath watching Jiang Hanyuan.
Shu Shenhui also silently looked at her.
Jiang Hanyuan did not speak immediately. A momentary silence.
Liu Xiang saw her gaze fall on the box of medicinal materials with an indifferent expression, making him anxious.
This box of precious medicines was prepared by the young emperor, but was ordered to be presented under the Prince Regent’s name. Liu Xiang naturally understood why.
Prince Qi’s severe injuries, preventing his return to participate in the triumph ceremony, were known to everyone.
Actually, even if he hadn’t been injured, Liu Xiang knew he definitely would not appear at the ceremony.
That day, when news of the great victory at the southern capital reached Chang’an, just as everyone thought the Regent Prince was about to reach the pinnacle, he requested to resign from the regency and leave Chang’an.
His meaning could not be clearer.
Retiring after success, returning governance to the young emperor.
So this triumph ceremony had extraordinary significance. For the young emperor, it was like announcing his rule to the world.
From now on, Great Wei would no longer have that regent who had quelled rebellions, supported the endangered, and brought peace.
There would only be the emperor.
This was also the young emperor’s first time facing the world alone, facing his ministers and subjects.
There should no longer be the Regent Prince’s shadow beside him, nor would there be.
Now, the key lay with Jiang Hanyuan.
Although the court had been peaceful recently, with ministers seemingly having completely forgotten previous events and submitting memorials comparing the Regent Prince and young emperor to the Duke of Zhou assisting King Cheng, with praise everywhere, privately there were still rumors claiming the Regent Prince was disheartened and would completely break with the young emperor after the war ended. His departure was actually due to discouragement. Many turned their attention to Jiang Hanyuan. It happened that a list of generals planning to return to court for the ceremony submitted to the court earlier did not include her name, causing rumors to spread wildly, with some asserting she might not return either.
If she truly did not return, the reasons would be sufficient and completely reasonable—out of filial piety, unwilling to interrupt mourning, she needed to observe mourning for her father Jiang Zuowang, who died heroically on the battlefield, making it inappropriate to participate in ceremonies.
But in that case, undoubtedly, the young emperor would lose considerable face.
The Prince Regent was somewhat worried, so he made Liu Xiang the envoy to convey this message. He valued Liu Xiang’s old relationship with the couple, making conversation more convenient.
Liu Xiang had subtly asked about the most important matter of his trip. After waiting long without Jiang Hanyuan’s response, he helplessly looked to Prince Qi beside him with pleading eyes.
Shu Shenhui hesitated, about to speak, but stopped. Then Jiang Hanyuan raised her eyes and slowly said: “Tell His Highness the Prince Regent that I will obey orders and return to court as scheduled to present captives to the emperor.”
Liu Xiang finally completely relaxed, overjoyed, and hurriedly expressed thanks: “This humble official will immediately send word.”
Previously, there had been rumors in the army that Jiang Hanyuan might not return to Chang’an, with the return to court being handled instead by old General Zhao Pu. Now with confirmed news that she would personally lead the triumphal return to participate in the ceremony, the soldiers were all delighted, spirited, and ready to depart.
News that Prince Qi would soon go to Yan Commandery as Grand Protector also spread without wings. Some former local officials and people from prominent local families successively came seeking audiences to express loyalty. The officials were, without exception, former surrender officials, including Li Renyu. Shu Shenhui had naturally heard of this person’s name.
Most of these people could not be said to have great practical talent, but they were familiar with local conditions and could be well utilized in the future.
He patiently met with them all, offering reassurance, and by the time he had dismissed everyone, it was already dark.
He left the city and came to Xixing Camp.
Tomorrow morning, he would set out on the road to Chang’an with the female general. Like returning home in glory, about to personally participate in this ceremony, representing supreme honor in Great Wei’s capital, the soldiers were extremely excited. Seeing Prince Qi arrive, they came forward competing to pay respects.
She was not there. Zhang Bao told him: “This evening the Princess rode out alone without calling this servant to follow, and didn’t say where she was going.”
Shu Shenhui looked in the direction he indicated.
That was toward Iron Sword Cliff.
In the distant horizon, thick clouds rolled.
He turned and left.
“Your Highness—”
“Don’t follow me!”
Shu Shenhui rode to Iron Sword Cliff.
Jiang Hanyuan stood atop the cliff, gazing ahead.
Where her gaze reached was a village, abandoned for many years. When Shu Shenhui came last time, he remembered that the direction was still wild grass with no inhabitants. But now, Yanmen, this former border battleground, was becoming increasingly peaceful, with the population slowly gathering back, clearing wild grass, rebuilding courtyard walls, and cultivating land to become new homes again.
Tonight at this moment, looking from here in that direction, several household lights could be seen.
The light was dim and yellow, but dotting this deep black and cold late autumn night, it looked so warm, carrying the breath of human habitation.
Shu Shenhui stopped behind her, silently watching her figure. Suddenly, he saw her turn and smile at him, explaining: “Seeing you busy, I came out to ride. It knows the way and led me here itself.”
Shu Shenhui also smiled, looked up at the night sky overhead, removed his outer cloak, walked behind her, and gently draped it over her shoulders.
“It’s going to rain. Let’s go back.”
She nodded.
But heaven seemed unwilling to give him face. Before they returned to camp, rain began falling, and they nearly became drenched. Fortunately, it was getting late, and with bad weather, everyone had entered their tents, so no one saw their bedraggled appearance when they came in.
Zhang Bao had already lit the warming stove in the tent and was waiting. Seeing them finally return, wet from the outside, he hurried to greet them. When about to serve them, Shu Shenhui told him to go rest.
Night rain fell on the tent roof with pattering sounds, making the quiet beside their ears even more apparent. He stood by the stove, carefully wiping rainwater from her hair and face.
“Sisi.” He suddenly called her name.
She looked at him.
“…If you don’t want to return, it’s fine. Don’t consider me, or force yourself too much because the Prince Regent spoke.”
He paused, finally saying this.
But Jiang Hanyuan smiled: “Such a good opportunity, an honor others can’t even dream of—why wouldn’t I return?”
He hesitated: “Really?”
Jiang Hanyuan embraced him and kissed him.
“Your Highness, you’re still so talkative! I’m leaving tomorrow morning—do you plan to have me listen to you talk all night tonight?”
Shu Shenhui was startled, then also smiled. He closed his mouth and looked at her. In the firelight, she smiled at him. His gaze moved slightly as he raised his hand, his fingertip slowly caressing her lips, his face pressing down toward hers.
“Remember to come back early.”
“I will miss you.”
That night, before sleeping, he said this in a low, husky voice beside her ear.