To demonstrate his imperial favor toward Li Mu, Emperor Taikang commanded that all court officials below the fourth rank come out of the city to welcome him on the day of his arrival.

Such treatment had previously been accorded only to a very few ministers of the highest rank like Gao Qiao and Xu Mi, and the entire court could not help but feel envious.

Thus on that day, the citizens of Jiankang woke early to see hundreds of people in official robes, riding in carriages and sedan chairs, gathering at the long pavilion ten li north of the city, standing under the sun and beginning to wait there with craned necks.

When Li Mu arrived with Luoshen, though evening was approaching, both sides of the long pavilion were still filled with Jiankang officials waiting.

It seemed no one remembered anymore the merciless mockery and malicious contempt that had been heaped upon him when he had emerged from obscurity with the unremarkable rank of Assistant Commander to marry the Gao family’s daughter.

Though they had already waited most of the day and everyone was hungry and tired, when Li Mu’s procession of carriages and horses appeared, all were wreathed in smiles, rushing forward with congratulations and felicitations that filled the air.

The invincible war god, the glory of the Southern Dynasty, the emperor’s new favorite, Gao Qiao’s son-in-law—this was how Li Mu appeared in these people’s eyes today.

Everyone thought that Li Mu, this military official from humble origins, would truly soar to great heights from this day forward.

Li Mu’s attitude was modest. He dismounted from far away, stood on the road, and bowed in thanks to these officials who had waited for him most of the day. Subsequently, the procession of carriages and horses was escorted into the city. He rode his horse in front, protecting his wife’s carriage, while hundreds of officials followed closely behind in a winding formation. The spectacular scene attracted countless citizens to stop and watch from the city gates all the way to the Gao residence.

Li Mu had no private residence in Jiankang. While he was still en route, the emperor had already bestowed upon him a large mansion in Changgan Ward, complete with servants, carriages, and horses. Some days ago, Gao Qiao had also specially sent Gao Qi to Jingkou, hoping to bring Li Mu’s mother to the capital, but Lady Lu had politely declined, so the matter had to be dropped.

When his daughter and son-in-law arrived in the capital today, he had specifically returned early from Tai City. Since Gao Yin was currently fighting in Guangling, he sent several other nephews from the clan residing in the capital along with Gao Qi to welcome them outside the city, escorting the couple directly to the Gao residence first.

The carriage stopped before the great gates of the Gao mansion. Both doors stood wide open, with household servants already lined up in a row, waiting outside the gate. Before the couple had even set foot on the ground, family members had already rushed to relay the news inside.

Xiao Yongjia was extremely delighted upon hearing the news. Seeing her husband’s eyes also light up with joy, clearly more eager than herself, she watched him take several quick steps toward the outside, then suddenly stop and assume an air of indifference, saying “Tell A’Mi to come see me in the study,” before turning and walking away.

Xiao Yongjia rolled her eyes at his retreating figure, then went to the front hall herself to personally welcome her daughter and son-in-law.

Luoshen crossed the threshold with excitement, hurrying inside. Passing through corridors and courtyards, before reaching the front hall, she saw from afar a figure emerging from the covered entrance—it was her mother. Calling out “A’Niang,” she left Li Mu who was still walking beside her and flew toward her mother.

“A’Mi!”

Xiao Yongjia smiled broadly, extending her arms to embrace her beloved daughter whom she had missed so much.

Luoshen threw herself into her mother’s arms, unable to help both crying and laughing.

Xiao Yongjia held her daughter for a moment, then steadied herself to examine her carefully.

After more than half a year, her daughter’s face was like a lotus blossom, her complexion fresh and radiant, having grown even more beautiful than before. This satisfied her heart. Seeing Li Mu also approaching with a smile, she quickly pointed at her daughter’s forehead and whispered by her ear with a laugh: “Stop crying quickly! If your husband sees this, he’ll think you’re complaining to me about your hardships, and he might be displeased.”

Luoshen burst into laughter through her tears, shaking her head coquettishly: “He would never think that!” She turned to glance at him and wiped away her tears.

Behind her, Li Mu had already approached, smiling as he paid his respects to Xiao Yongjia. Xiao Yongjia hurried forward a few steps, telling him there was no need for such formality, then led her daughter and son-in-law inside.

“A’Niang, where is my A’Ye?”

Luoshen entered the front hall and looked around, but not seeing her father’s figure, she asked urgently.

Xiao Yongjia was about to speak when she heard a cough from behind. Turning, she saw her husband had somehow emerged again, hands clasped behind his back, face serious, approaching from the rear hall.

She suppressed a laugh and pointed with her chin: “There, isn’t he coming now?”

“A’Ye!”

Luoshen ran toward him again.

“A’Ye, how is it that you look even thinner than when I left!”

Luoshen ran to Gao Qiao and grasped her father’s hands, looking at him with heartache.

Gao Qiao had originally intended to wait, expecting Li Mu to come see him first in the study, but ultimately couldn’t resist and had come out again.

He truly loved his daughter. When she had been taken away and never returned, abandoning even him, every time he thought of it he felt lost and pained. Today he finally had his daughter back, and like Xiao Yongjia, seeing her face like morning clouds with good color, knowing she must be living well with Li Mu, his heart felt both sour and joyful.

After all, he was her father, and his daughter was grown up. Though his heart was full of joy at their reunion after long separation, in front of others he couldn’t show his emotions as openly as his wife. He only smiled, speaking softly to comfort his daughter.

While father and daughter met here with endless words to share, Xiao Yongjia attended to her son-in-law, laughing: “Your father-in-law knew you would arrive in the capital today and specifically returned home early from Tai City. Earlier he even sent people to Jingkou, originally wanting to bring your mother and younger sister together so your family could meet sooner, but since your mother wouldn’t come, he had no choice but to give up…”

Just then, Gao Qiao coughed again, interrupting Xiao Yongjia’s words, saying: “There was nothing at Tai City today, so I returned early. Besides, it was just a simple gesture—what’s there to mention?”

Li Mu saw his father-in-law’s serious expression and that he seemed not to have looked at him since appearing. He walked to Gao Qiao’s front and respectfully bowed, saying: “Thank you for your thoughtful arrangements, father-in-law. Your son-in-law is very grateful.”

Gao Qiao gave a faint “mm” and said to his wife, “You take care of them,” then turned and left.

Xiao Yongjia saw her husband acting like a cooked duck with a hard mouth, still seemingly sulking with his son-in-law, and felt both amused and exasperated. Ignoring him, she smiled at her daughter and son-in-law: “You’ve had a hard journey. Your room has long been prepared—it’s A’Mi’s former chambers. You should go rest first. It’s getting late, so come out for dinner when you’re ready!”

Li Mu thanked her.

Luoshen joyfully led Li Mu through her familiar home, pointing out various places along the way, chatting and laughing. Finally, they passed through a moon gate in a wall and came to a courtyard—the location of her maiden chambers.

The courtyard had ornamental rocks and artificial hills, banana plants and vines, flowers and trees artfully arranged and mutually complementing, creating an open space within tranquil seclusion.

Entering the outer room, they were greeted by an entire wall of books. The shelves reached above head height, filled with books stacked horizontally and vertically—a complete wall of them. Opposite was a curio cabinet. Against the wall stood a long table with a large-bellied porcelain vase decorated with blue leaves on white background, containing a branch of coral, along with a large banana leaf fan. Beside these was an archaic green bronze double-eared incense burner, and beyond that a couch, a chess board, an ancient mottled qin, a cabinet for storing qin scores with a jade flute inserted diagonally, and nothing else. Clean and spare, it didn’t resemble a lady’s powder room but rather a study.

Li Mu looked around.

A servant woman nearby said with a smile: “Young lady, after you left, we came daily to sweep and dust, just waiting for your return. Except for changing to seasonal gauze windows and bed curtains two days ago, everything remains just as it was when you left. Look, is there anything unsatisfactory?”

Luoshen felt a sense of homecoming. Entering the inner room, she saw the bed furnishings and arrangements were indeed all as before, only the bed curtains had been changed to silver-red smoke gauze. She smiled: “Everything is good, nothing amiss.”

The servants busied themselves arranging personal belongings and brought in water for washing.

Luoshen washed her hands and face, re-did her hair, changed clothes, and emerged refreshed to find Li Mu still in the outer room, standing before her qin and examining it. Not knowing what he was looking at, she walked over and said with a laugh: “What are you looking at, you’ve disappeared! Hurry and wash your face and hands, change clothes, so we can go eat. I’m hungry.”

Li Mu seemed to come back to himself, withdrew his gaze, turned to smile at her, and walked over.

He had just finished changing clothes when someone came to summon them, so they went out together toward the dining hall.

Gao Qiao hadn’t invited anyone to share the meal. Though the evening feast was sumptuous, there were only the four family members, and they dispensed with the usual rules of men and women at separate tables, dining together.

During the meal, Gao Qiao remained silent. After eating, he didn’t say much either, first instructing his daughter to rest early, then glancing at Li Mu and saying “Come with me,” before heading to his study.

Li Mu immediately rose, bid farewell to Xiao Yongjia, and said to Luoshen: “A’Mi, you stay and talk with mother-in-law first. After I meet with father-in-law, I’ll return to our room.”

Luoshen watched his figure following her father and disappearing ahead. Thinking how her father had maintained a very cold attitude toward Li Mu all evening, she felt somewhat anxious, fearing her father might privately make things difficult for him. She hesitated, wondering whether she should intercept her father first to remind him.

How could a daughter’s worried expression escape Xiao Yongjia’s eyes? She came over and took Luoshen’s hand with a smile.

“Don’t worry, I know your father. He won’t do anything to his son-in-law. Come, let’s go back to the room.”

Only then did Luoshen relax, and she accompanied her mother back to their room together.

…

Li Mu followed to the study, stopped before Gao Qiao, and bowed again.

Indeed, as Xiao Yongjia had said, when privately facing his son-in-law, Gao Qiao’s attitude was completely different from before his wife and daughter—quite gentle, inviting him to sit.

Li Mu thanked him and sat across from Gao Qiao, separated by a desk.

Gao Qiao immediately asked about the campaign.

Li Mu recounted the entire process from when he received news of Gu Huilong’s army moving south.

Gao Qiao listened with great attention, frequently interjecting with questions, not letting slip even a single detail.

As Li Mu’s narration continued, it was evident that his emotions gradually seemed to become somewhat excited. After Li Mu finished describing how he had sent Gao Huan and others early to Chang’an to prevent the massacre and finally managed to peacefully take control of Chang’an, Gao Qiao remained silent for a long time, then sighed: “Jingchen, this time you have not only rendered great service to the court, but also shown life-giving kindness to the people. I underestimated you. Regarding the one-year agreement you made previously, I have lost, but I lost well!”

“If our Dayu could have several more loyal ministers and capable generals like you, why would we worry about lost territories remaining unrecovered and people having nowhere to depend?”

His tone was impassioned, his eyes slightly gleaming, with excited tears glinting at the corners.

After speaking, his two gazes fixed tightly on his son-in-law across from him, seeming to have other implications.

Li Mu understood perfectly.

After his father-in-law’s enthusiastic praise, he didn’t forget to subtly remind him—essentially wanting him to closely follow his footsteps and remain loyal to this dynasty.

He lowered his eyes and said respectfully: “Any small achievement was mostly due to good fortune. I dare not accept such praise from father-in-law.”

Gao Qiao waved his hand: “Why be so modest? Your capabilities are evident to all. Today His Majesty spoke highly of you in my presence. Tomorrow morning you need only attend court to receive your titles.”

Li Mu expressed thanks.

Gao Qiao then asked about Chang’an’s garrison situation after his departure, his expression becoming grave.

“The Gu Hui clan and Tuyuhun tribes are currently fighting over Qin City and can’t spare attention elsewhere. Beixia must also respond to our Dayu allied forces and has no strength to advance westward. But I recently received news that Murong Xi has gathered his former troops, re-established the Yan state, defeated the Rouran in battle, seized Xiao Pass, and his momentum is rising again. Once he establishes a firm foothold beyond the passes, given his ambition, he will certainly covet the Central Plains within the passes. Additionally, there’s the Liang state established by the Di people, the Zhao of the Xiongnu…”

His brow furrowed deeply.

“Chang’an is like meat feeding a pack of tigers—there can’t be the slightest negligence!”

“Father-in-law, please rest assured,” Li Mu immediately replied.

“I have arranged for heavy troops to guard key positions. Moreover, from Chang’an to Yi Cheng, several important prefectural cities along the way are all in my hands, with military roads completely unobstructed. Should there be any disturbance, reinforcements can be dispatched immediately. Furthermore, I won’t remain here long. In a few days, I’ll return.”

Gao Qiao nodded: “With your thorough planning, I’m reassured. Chang’an was conquered by you for the court, and no one is better suited than you for the position of prefect. His Majesty accepted my counsel, and tomorrow during the court assembly, he will also appoint you as Chang’an Prefect. I hope you will be diligent and tireless in the future, working for both the court and the peace of the realm.”

Li Mu agreed.

On Gao Qiao’s desk lay a letter. He took it out and pushed it toward Li Mu.

Li Mu accepted it, unfolded it, and saw it was a victory report from the Xu-Lu allied forces sent about half a month ago, stating that the allied forces had jointly captured Nanyang, heavily defended by Beixia. Subsequently, they divided into two routes: the Xu army attacking Yingchuan and Yangzhai, the Lu family taking Yan City, planning to converge after each captured their targets and simultaneously attack Luoyang from left and right.

“Jingchen, what do you think of our allied forces’ Northern Expedition momentum?” Gao Qiao asked him.

Li Mu set down the letter and replied carefully: “As for the Lu clan’s military strength, since I had no previous dealings with them, I dare not comment rashly. But if the Xu army can truly be commanded entirely by General Yang with autonomous military authority, the Northern Expedition should achieve some success.”

“Excellent!”

Gao Qiao clapped in appreciation.

“General Yang Xuan—I too have met him several times previously, and he indeed has the bearing of a great general! That even you speak so highly of him is wonderful! You have retaken Chang’an, and if this time the allied forces can also work together with unified purpose and capture Luoyang from the barbarians in one decisive push, completely clearing away the rebel bandits and restoring a unified realm where all people live in peace, then I, Gao Qiao, will have no regrets in this life!”

Li Mu remained silent.

Gao Qiao’s emotions seemed to be completely ignited by this evening’s conversation with his son-in-law, appearing very excited. He laughed again: “I have hidden away some excellent grape wine from the Western Regions, said to remain potent for ten years—one drink can leave you intoxicated for a full month before recovery. Usually I have no mind for drinking. Tonight, with you here as well, and the moonlight being perfect, why don’t we father and son-in-law drink together under the moon and taste this Western wine? What do you think?”

Though he asked what his son-in-law thought, as soon as he finished speaking, without waiting for Li Mu’s response, he immediately stood up and loudly ordered servants to bring his treasured wine to the courtyard, then led Li Mu there as well.

Seeing his father-in-law’s unprecedented enthusiasm, how could Li Mu dampen his spirits?

He smiled and followed him.

…

Luoshen and Xiao Yongjia entered their room, with endless conversation between mother and daughter.

Though their correspondence had touched on these matters, Xiao Yongjia still carefully asked about her life in Yi Cheng, and Luoshen answered each question.

When she had seen A’Ju earlier, Xiao Yongjia had already learned her daughter was not yet pregnant. Having something on her mind, she asked about it.

Hearing her mother ask about pregnancy, Luoshen’s face immediately reddened, showing some shyness as she said: “…It was Langjun’s idea… He said previously that place wasn’t stable yet and feared I’d suffer hardship, so…”

Xiao Yongjia understood and smiled: “I’ve never seen a man willing to be so considerate of his wife. When you first married him, A’Niang was greatly indignant about many things. Now I know my daughter truly married a satisfactory husband.”

Luoshen felt immensely sweet and leaned into Xiao Yongjia’s embrace, holding her.

A’Ye and A’Niang had truly reconciled.

She remembered when she left home last year to resolutely go to Yi Cheng to find Li Mu and confront him, her parents’ relationship was still very strained. At that time, they had even argued over whether to let her go.

Later, she and A’Niang exchanged letters. Though geographical distance limited their correspondence, from the lines of her mother’s letters, Luoshen could read that A’Niang and A’Ye’s relationship seemed to be slowly improving, especially in recent months, and they should be quite intimate.

Coming home today confirmed this. The way A’Niang looked at A’Ye was completely different from before, full of tenderness.

She held her mother’s waist with both hands, breathing in the faint orchid fragrance that had emanated from her since childhood, and said softly: “A’Niang, Langjun says this trip back won’t involve staying in Jiankang very long. As long as you and A’Ye are so well together, I’ll be at peace even if I can’t see you often. Otherwise, like before when you two were separated, with A’Ye having no one to care for him and A’Niang lonely by herself, I felt sad just thinking about it.”

Her daughter’s consideration and concern brought great comfort to Xiao Yongjia’s heart. This made her think of her own matter. In her hesitation, not knowing how to broach the subject, she saw her daughter suddenly release her hands from around her waist, sit up straight, and examine her with a joyful expression.

“A’Niang, when I returned home this evening and first saw you, I felt you seemed more plump than before. Just now holding A’Niang, you seem to have gained some flesh too. This is excellent. A’Niang was always too thin before.”

Xiao Yongjia was now four or five months pregnant. Recently, when undressed, not only had her abdomen begun to show slightly, but as Luoshen observed, she had indeed become much more plump than before.

Since learning she was pregnant, Xiao Yongjia had been extremely careful. Just this morning, when the imperial physician came again to examine her, he said the pregnancy was now stable and told her to rest assured, simply to peacefully nurture the pregnancy going forward. This finally put Xiao Yongjia completely at ease. And today, like double happiness, her daughter and son-in-law had also returned home.

With her daughter already so grown up, having to speak to her about such matters was truly somewhat difficult to articulate. Hearing her daughter mention this topic, she tested the waters: “A’Mi, if A’Niang were to give you another little brother or sister, what would you think?”

Luoshen immediately nodded.

“A’Niang, I was just thinking earlier that I’ve long hoped you and A’Ye could give me another little brother or sister—that would be wonderful…”

She suddenly stopped, her gaze falling to Xiao Yongjia’s abdomen. After hesitating, she reached out to gently touch it, then suddenly widened her eyes, filled with delighted surprise: “A’Niang, could it be you’re already…”

Xiao Yongjia, seeing her daughter had guessed, smiled and nodded.

“It’s been four or five months already. Just yesterday the imperial physician came to examine me and said everything was fine, telling me to rest assured.”

Luoshen hadn’t expected that returning home would bring such wonderful news, and she was so happy she hardly knew what to do.

“A’Ye must be overjoyed!”

Thinking of her parents’ love, which made Luoshen—whose maiden years had been spent largely in anxiety—suddenly feel supremely happy.

Such an enthusiastic reaction from her daughter finally put Xiao Yongjia at ease, and she laughed: “Your A’Ye is most confused, his eyes only fixed on his court affairs. Whatever I tell him, he believes. He doesn’t know yet!”

Seeing Luoshen’s puzzled expression, she explained: “The imperial physician initially said it wasn’t stable, and I was afraid of complications, so I didn’t tell him. This morning the physician examined me and said it was secure. Taking advantage of your homecoming celebration today, I’ll tell your A’Ye tonight.”

Luoshen was overjoyed and kept saying how wonderful it was. The mother and daughter talked more, and as it grew late, Xiao Yongjia sent A’Ju to check on the study to see how the father and son-in-law’s conversation was progressing. Unexpectedly, A’Ju returned saying the master and Li Langjun weren’t in the study anymore—they had moved to the courtyard.

“The master seems somewhat drunk and is teaching Li Langjun calligraphy with his sword on the wall…”

A’Ju spoke as if trying hard to suppress laughter.

Xiao Yongjia and her daughter exchanged glances, stood up, and said: “Let’s go see!”

Luoshen took A’Niang’s arm, and together they came to the courtyard outside her father’s study. They saw a table in the courtyard with dishes and cups scattered about, wine remnants visible. Her father, having drunk unknown quantities of wine, was in high spirits and had indeed left his seat. As A’Ju had said, he was using his sword as a brush, writing on a white clay wall in the courtyard, apparently instructing Li Mu beside him.

They could faintly hear him saying: “Jingchen, calligraphy is like a person’s appearance—extremely important. Some value flowing rhythm, phoenix perching and phoenix floating as supreme; others take vigorous bones and full flesh, elegant and varied. On that Double Ninth examination day, I saw your writing—vast and unrestrained, thunderous brushstrokes, sweeping away thousands—it could be called penetrating through paper, but if truly evaluated, it’s far from first-class. Fortunately I didn’t test calligraphy that day, or you would have lost to Jianzhi. Watch carefully—I’ll write Xu Mi’s poem that you wrote that day here. When you have time, you might study it…”

He wielded the sword like flying, the sword tip like a brush, swiftly carving large characters on the wall. White clay continuously fell from the wall as he moved his sword.

From childhood to adulthood, this was the first time Luoshen had seen her father in such an unrestrained manner. First amazed, she then couldn’t help but be amused.

Xiao Yongjia found it even more amusing yet irritating. Glancing at the remnants of wine on the table, she frowned: “What are you doing? Just because you can write a few characters, you have to show off in front of your son-in-law? Aren’t you afraid of being laughed at!”

Gao Qiao hadn’t felt such emotional satisfaction as tonight in a long time. Just now drinking with his son-in-law under the moon, engaging in elevated conversation, cup after cup of wine going down, gradually becoming intoxicated, that youthful scholarly air deep in his bones had emerged.

He was skilled in calligraphy, ranking among the famous calligraphers of the age. Having previously seen Li Mu’s writing and strongly disapproving, he had harbored this grievance. Tonight, with wine high spirits, he couldn’t help but want to teach him calligraphy.

Li Mu was entirely respectful, listening very seriously at the side.

The father and son-in-law were engaged—one writing, one watching—when they suddenly heard voices behind them and turned around together.

Xiao Yongjia saw her husband’s face flushed with wine, clearly drunk. She approached and said: “Enough, that’s sufficient, time to disperse. Your son-in-law has had a hard journey and must attend court tomorrow—why are you making him learn calligraphy! Let him return to his room and rest early!”

Gao Qiao was still unsatisfied, but seeing Xiao Yongjia had come looking and spoken thus, he had no choice but to put down his sword. After earnestly instructing Li Mu some more, he was supported away by Xiao Yongjia.

Luoshen watched her parents’ figures depart together, then approached and said: “Langjun, are you drunk?” Seeing Li Mu shake his head, she smiled: “My A’Ye is rarely so happy today—he’s drunk. When he wakes tomorrow, knowing he forced you to learn his calligraphy, he’ll surely regret it. It’s getting late—let’s return to our room.” She took his hand as she spoke.

Li Mu turned back to look at the lines of characters Gao Qiao had carved on the wall, slowly clasping Luoshen’s hand in return, and followed her footsteps away.