No one understood the situation in Yan better than Xiao Rongyan and Murong Li. Shen Tianzhi had also been in Yan for some time. All the vassal princes and their families had returned to the capital with Bai Qingyan.

Without vassal princes constraining affairs within Yan’s borders, Bai Qingyan wanted to entrust the implementation of Great Zhou’s new laws to Xiao Rongyan, Murong Li, and Shen Tianzhi.

Xiao Ruojiang didn’t return with Bai Qingyan this time. He planned to personally traverse all of Yan’s territory to correct and refine the most detailed maps of Yan. Bai Qingyan approved this plan.

Upon entering Great Zhou territory and reaching Baoan, Bai Qingyan met Zeng Shanru, who had been tanned quite dark.

After Bai Qingyan took lodgings in Baoan City, Zeng Shanru hurried over to request an audience.

Seeing Zeng Shanru blackened like charcoal, Bai Jinzhi felt instantly refreshed and said to Sima Ping: “Turns out I’m not the only one who gets tanned! When Zeng Shanru left the capital, he was fair and clean. Look how he’s become like charcoal now.”

Seeing Bai Jinzhi’s schadenfreude, Sima Ping crossed his arms over his chest with a faint smile at the corners of his lips: “Is Prince Gaoyi now giving up comparing skin color with women to compete with men instead? Such broad-mindedness!”

Bai Jinzhi’s pleased expression immediately turned stern. She glared at the fair-skinned Sima Ping and turned to leave.

Sima Ping watched Bai Jinzhi leave angrily, his eyes full of mirth, but thinking of Lu Yuanpeng… the laughter in his eyes immediately dissipated…

Lu Yuanpeng had been sent back to the capital earlier. Bai Jinzhi only thought Lu Yuanpeng had returned to the capital to recover from his injuries, not knowing that Lu Yuanpeng had already…

If Bai Jinzhi knew Lu Yuanpeng hadn’t survived, this matter… would probably never be something she could get over in her heart!

The gradually fading smile in Sima Ping’s eyes seemed covered by a layer of haze. He knew Lu Yuanpeng’s words were all spoken in anger, yet he had taken them seriously… hadn’t accompanied Lu Yuanpeng to Yan. If he had come, perhaps the outcome would have been different.

He had never thought to compete with Lu Yuanpeng for Bai Jinzhi. Lu Yuanpeng was his only friend in this world who was completely unreserved with him. If possible, he would willingly protect their happiness and joy for a lifetime.

·

Zeng Shanru held a red sandalwood square box carved with spring scenes, respectfully standing with lowered head under the half-rolled bamboo curtain of the corridor. Only after Wei Zhong announced him and came out to lift the curtain did Zeng Shanru lift the hem of his robe and step inside, climbing the wooden stairs to the second floor.

This pavilion’s second floor was also supported by eight vermilion-painted red pillars holding up a roof with double eaves, green tiles, and upturned corners. Open on all four sides with Xiangfei bamboo curtains half-lowered, it was cool and comfortable. It bore a striking similarity to Shaohua Courtyard in the Bai mansion in Shouyang, revealing the builder’s considerable refinement and depth.

Upon reaching the second floor, Zeng Shanru was startled to see Xiao Rongyan sitting beside their eldest miss, frowning as he read memorials. Wasn’t their eldest miss’s husband Xiao Rongyan already…

He remembered the rumor that Great Zhou’s Imperial Consort Xiao Rongyan was Yan’s Ninth Prince. Though surprised, he understood… their eldest miss wasn’t concealing anything by letting him come for an audience because he was family.

Zeng Shanru placed the red sandalwood box aside and performed proper respects: “Zeng Shanru pays respects to Eldest Miss! Pays respects to Master…”

Hearing this form of address, Xiao Rongyan looked up at Zeng Shanru, not recalling having met this person before.

“Didn’t I say my place doesn’t require kneeling and bowing? Get up quickly! You’ve gotten quite tanned. If Nanny Tong saw you, she’d surely feel distressed.” Bai Qingyan’s voice carried laughter as she dipped her brush in ink. Seeing Zeng Shanru in good spirits, she smiled and said, “You left the capital last June, saying you were going to tend rice fields. Later, I saw memorials from the capital’s Ministry of Revenue mentioning that September’s rice harvest was indeed poor, but the late rice crop improved…”

Mentioning this, Zeng Shanru’s smile deepened, unable to hide his joy as he nodded: “Precisely so. With the rice planting season approaching again, Minister Wei from the Ministry of Revenue helped command people to promote the previously tested effective rice cultivation methods to the common people. When harvest time comes, we should achieve good yields!”

“Then why have you come to Baoan again?” Bai Qingyan asked with a smile.

“Wheat harvest is about to begin. Minister Wei assigned me to Baoan to test the farmland here, to see if we can improve wheat yields!” Zeng Shanru said with a smile.

Seeing Zeng Shanru’s confident manner, she asked: “You have an idea?”

Previously, after harvesting wheat fields, most people burned the wheat stalks as firewood, though straw burns easily, it’s not as long-lasting as wood. People believe applying farmyard manure can enrich the soil, but… I believe rather than doing so, it’s better to ferment the straw with farmyard manure before using it as fertilizer. This is the true method for enriching soil.”

Bai Qingyan nodded: “Good… If you can improve both rice and wheat yields this time, that would be an enormous service to the people.”

If Zeng Shanru truly succeeded, such merit… deserved a noble title.

This way, Nanny Tong would finally see better days.

Zeng Shanru quickly demurred: “Shanru is merely doing his duty. How dare I claim credit!”

“Oh yes, Shanru also encountered Mr. Qin, who once recovered at our Bai mansion. When Mr. Qin learned Eldest Miss had recovered Yan, he seemed to have expected this outcome. However, Mr. Qin is supervising canal construction and cannot spare time to congratulate Eldest Miss. He asked Shanru to convey… that Eldest Miss will surely be a wise ruler who creates a golden age. He deeply admires and respects this.”

Bai Qingyan nodded. It was unfortunate… that a great talent like Qin Shangzhi was only willing to build canals for the Great Zhou, not serve under her.

A loyal minister serves no second master—this was Qin Shangzhi’s choice, and she was helpless about it.

Seeing their eldest miss’s regretful expression, Zeng Shanru quickly pushed forward the red sandalwood box beside him, smiling: “When the two young masters had their birthdays, Shanru couldn’t return to the capital in time to celebrate. Now I’m busy with wheat field matters and cannot accompany Eldest Miss back to the capital, so I presume to ask Eldest Miss to bring the birthday gifts I prepared for the two young masters!”

What Zeng Shanru brought wasn’t anything precious—a pair of excellent five-colored hibiscus jade, lustrous and pure. He thought to carve a pair of seals for the two young masters someday.

Who knew he couldn’t return for the two young masters’ birthdays in March, and now couldn’t return to the capital with their eldest miss? He could only ask Bai Qingyan to bring the gifts back, representing his sincere intentions.

“A’Yan and I also missed the children’s birthdays.” Bai Qingyan felt regretful. Her mother had written that during the first birthday ceremony… Kangle grabbed a writing brush in one hand and a small bow and arrow in the other, while Xile originally grabbed a golden abacus but, upon seeing Bai Qingyun, dropped the abacus to grasp Bai Qingyun’s hand.

Xiao Rongyan also felt regretful, but… after this family reunion, they would never have to separate again. Xiao Rongyan was happy about this. He gently took Bai Qingyan’s hand, his thumb caressing her knuckles: “In the future, we can accompany the children through many, many birthdays, making up for everything we owe them.”

Zeng Shanru lowered his gaze, his lips curved in a full smile. Their eldest miss had finally seen the end of hardship and the beginning of happiness!

He wondered whether their master had disguised himself as Yan’s Ninth Prince for their eldest miss, or… was originally Yan’s Ninth Prince who surrendered for their eldest miss.

Regardless, Zeng Shanru could see this master loved and cherished their eldest miss greatly. This put the loyal servants of the Bai family at ease.

On the first day of the fifth month in the third year of Yuanhe, the Great Zhou Emperor arrived at the capital.

The Great Zhou Empress Dowager and Prince Xingguo intended to lead all officials to welcome him at Wude Gate.

Having lost his youngest legitimate grandson, Grand Commandant Lu had gone white-haired almost overnight. His entire person appeared spiritless and aged more than ten years.

Only through this event did he understand… what the families of the Zhenguo Prince’s mansion felt, with generations of men dying on battlefields protecting the nation and people. He also understood why the Bai family’s desire for unification was so resolute.

Generation after generation of Bai family sons died on battlefields, just as Their Majesty had said at the palace banquet when still the Bai family’s eldest daughter… The Bai family had indeed been a military household for a hundred years, but none of the Bai family’s heroic spirits died for military achievements or power. Every one of the hundred memorial tablets in the Bai ancestral hall died protecting territory and people!

At that time, Grand Commandant Lu only felt heartache for the Bai family. Now that his son had died in battle and returned, he knew what heart-piercing, bone-deep pain this was. Putting himself in their place, the Bai family’s journey to today had been extremely difficult.

Before dawn, Grand Commandant Lu dressed in official robes and was helped across his study threshold by his eldest son and grandson, Lu Yuanqing, preparing to go to Wude Gate. He saw his granddaughter Lu Fenglang not in official dress but in plain white clothes.

“Fenglang? Why aren’t you in official dress?” Grand Commandant Lu frowned at Lu Fenglang.

Lu Fenglang’s eyes were red-rimmed. She had grown thin as bones, with loose-fitting clothes hanging on her frame, completely lacking her previous spirited demeanor. She knelt and bowed to Grand Commandant Lu and her father: “When Dongyi started the war, Prince Hancheng and many naval officers died. This was all due to Fenglang’s stubbornness and misguided cleverness that caused this great error! Fenglang… wants to confess her crimes to His Majesty.”

Grand Commandant Lu sighed and had Lu Yuanpeng help Lu Fenglang up, saying slowly: “Fenglang, if you were a man, knowing your mistakes and confessing to His Majesty with thorns on your back, officials would praise you! But you are a woman. Speaking of this matter publicly… others will use your situation as ammunition, saying His Majesty shouldn’t appoint women as officials! This world is already harsh toward women. His Majesty is striving to change this. Even if you feel guilty, you should consider the bigger picture and swallow this matter! Admitting your fault might ease your conscience, but it would cut off other women’s paths and ruin His Majesty’s grand plans. Do you understand?”

Lu Fenglang hadn’t considered this aspect. Her expression grew more guilty. As her grandfather said… His Majesty had never punished her, yet she felt tormented by guilt. Only by speaking of this matter could her heart find some peace.

But… if her mistake cut off other women’s paths, she would be even more unforgivably guilty.

“Go change into official dress and accompany Grandfather to welcome His Majesty!” Grand Commandant Lu said.

“Yes!” Lu Fenglang tearfully responded.

·

In the capital, people rose at cockcrow, all rushing to occupy good positions on the main street to witness their emperor’s magnificent bearing.

Now that Yan had surrendered and the Great Zhou was unified, ending the chaotic times, people cheered and celebrated with songs and dances.

For a hundred years, the world had been trapped in turmoil. How many lost their countries and homes, how many were displaced, how many lost friends and relatives.

After unification, all under heaven were one family. There would be no more warfare, no more fires of war. The world was at peace… clear seas and peaceful rivers were no longer just a goal but the current reality.

Dawn was dim, then in an instant… broke through the clouds.

Golden light blazed brilliantly, bathing half the capital.

The capital’s west gate opened, with armored soldiers standing at attention on both sides, holding back the people craning their necks to look outside…

Someone shouted hoarsely: “Black banners with white python flags! His Majesty has returned!”

The restless crowd all stretched their necks, trying to see past the soldiers restraining them for the first glimpse of their emperor.

In the ornate multi-story restaurant facing the street, eight carved plum-blossom partitions were thrown wide open. Servants bent low, quickly arranging embroidered stools by the railings. The famous courtesan Kangna, wearing a veil and holding a pipa, led her sisters to sit on the second floor, waiting for His Majesty’s victorious return so she could play her newest composition created for His Majesty: “Clear Seas and Peaceful Rivers.”

The famous courtesan Kangna had gained renown throughout the realm with her song “General Bai’s March to War.” Many spent fortunes hoping to become Kangna’s patrons and glimpse her beauty, all rejected.

Unexpectedly, today Kangna appeared in this restaurant.

In the distance, the army moved in unison like a long black dragon, slowly approaching with movement so coordinated that one could feel the ground trembling underfoot.

Led by Bai Qingyan in silver armor, with Bai Qingjue, Bai Jinxiu, Bai Qingyu, Bai Jinzhi, Bai Jinzhao, Bai Jinhua, and Bai Jinse arrayed on both sides, all in silver armor and military dress, outlined by the dazzling morning golden light with glittering cold radiance.

The sons and daughters of the Bai family in silver armor had not dulled their edges, arriving in the morning light with upright, noble bearing throughout.

Older people might still remember when Prince Zhenguo led the Bai family sons to war.

They never got to see Prince Zhenguo return victorious with the Bai family sons. Now seeing their emperor bring back the Bai family sons and daughters, all spirited and vigorous, how could they not have tears in their eyes, how could they not feel proud…

The Zhenguo Prince’s mansion, the Bai family, never produced worthless people.

The Bai family had been loyal and brave for generations. After great tribulation, they rose from the ashes and produced an emperor who unified the realm.

The orderly hoofbeats grew closer. Hearing the soldiers outside the city gates shouting: “Welcome His Majesty’s triumphant return! Great Zhou for ten thousand years! His Majesty for ten thousand years!”

The people inside the city gates immediately surged with emotion. Elderly people choked with emotion, women and children were moved to tears, and others shouted “Long live!”

Without waiting for the army to enter the city, people were already kneeling and shouting…

“Welcome, His Majesty’s triumphant return! Great Zhou for ten thousand years! His Majesty for ten thousand years!”

“Welcome, His Majesty’s triumphant return! Great Zhou for ten thousand years! His Majesty for ten thousand years!”

“Welcome, His Majesty’s triumphant return! Great Zhou for ten thousand years! His Majesty for ten thousand years!”

Kangna was infected by the people’s fervent voices and couldn’t help but stand with her pipa, one hand supporting the vermilion railing as she looked toward the city gate.

She watched Bai Qingyan in military dress with her hair bound slowly enter from outside the gate, followed by the Bai family descendants in identical silver armor.

The morning’s golden sunlight fell upon that woman with her neat bearing. Just as Kangna had seen in Shouyang, her beauty was stunning and otherworldly, yet made one dare not harbor the slightest irreverent thought. She seemed the most sacred and brilliant being in this world, as if any difficulty in this world was insignificant in her presence.

She had never seen anyone with such a magnificent and awe-inspiring presence that made one dare not look directly.

Though she dared not admit it, though she knew her lowly status, Kangna truly loved and admired this emperor from her heart, deeply respecting this woman from the bottom of her soul.

“Kangna…” one of Kangna’s sisters called to her.

Kangna came back to herself and sat on the embroidered stool. Her fingers, soft as boneless and so fair one could barely see the joints, gently touched the strings, taking a long breath…

Suddenly, music rang out from the restaurant, powerful and sonorous like thunder and lightning.

Bai Qingyan looked up toward the restaurant and saw a veiled woman playing the pipa in the morning light.

Kangna noticed Bai Qingyan’s gaze and boldly looked at her, seeing Bai Qingyan’s clear black and white eyes carrying the warm smile of morning sun. Kangna’s ears reddened as she played even more earnestly.

“I heard this is Kangna, who composed ‘General Bai’s March to War.’ Her new piece ‘Clear Seas and Peaceful Rivers’ is said to celebrate Elder Sister’s unification of the realm!” Bai Jinxiu whispered to Bai Qingyan.

Bai Qingyan nodded. She had to admit… though Kangna came from the pleasure quarters, she truly had talent.

“For the palace banquet on the eighth, have Kangna come to the palace to perform!” Bai Qingyan said.

She very much wanted to hear this piece through, but Mother, Aunt, and Seventh Brother were still waiting at the palace gate. She dared not delay.

“Very well…” Bai Jinxiu replied with a smile.

“Mother! Mother!”

Bai Jinxiu suddenly heard a child’s tender voice calling out. Looking up… at the restaurant above, she saw Qin Lang holding Wang Ge’er watching her.

Bai Jinxiu was surprised, but seeing Wang Ge’er made her eyes red again. As a mother, she owed Wang Ge’er so much.

Bai Qingyan also followed Bai Jinxiu’s gaze to Wang Ge’er and smiled at him…

“Great Aunt!” Wang Ge’er shouted to Bai Qingyan again. Wang Ge’er had grown up in the imperial palace as a child and often visited Bai Qingyan with Xiao Ba, being very close to her.

Qin Lang quickly handed Wang Ge’er to the wet nurse and bowed deeply to Bai Qingyan.

Bai Qingyan acknowledged him, then noticed from the corner of her eye that the other mounted generals behind seemed to have encountered their families. Turning to look…

She actually saw Liu Pinggao break from formation, sitting on horseback bending down to speak with a woman in the crowd. The woman wore a married woman’s hair style, kneeling without rising, looking up at Liu Pinggao with brilliant bright smile.

Bai Qingyan raised an eyebrow and withdrew her gaze. Hong Qiao?

The extremely loyal maid who had once served Prince Liang, who had caused trouble at the Bai mansion gates. Later… after Prince Liang died, Bai Qingyan thought these people had also died. How had she become involved with Liu Pinggao again?

“A’Yu…” Bai Qingyan called out sideways.

Bai Qingyu drew near Bai Qingyan: “Elder Sister…”

“When Liu Pinggao of the Anping Army married, did you attend?” she asked.

Bai Qingyu looked back, seeing Liu Pinggao had rejoined the formation: “I did not.”

“Go investigate Liu Pinggao’s new wife. The woman Liu Pinggao married… is likely the maid who was utterly loyal to Prince Liang during the Jin dynasty.” Bai Qingyan said.

“Elder Sister, rest assured. I’ll send someone to investigate immediately!” Bai Qingyu reined in his horse, slowing a few steps to instruct Yang Dong: “Once it’s confirmed that Liu Pinggao’s new wife is one of Prince Liang’s people, don’t arrest her. Tell Liu Pinggao how to handle it is his own decision.”

“Yes!” Yang Dong responded.

Lady Dong had been waiting eagerly at the palace gate for a long time.

Seeing Bai Qingyan finally approaching rapidly on horseback, leading the Bai family descendants as they dismounted…

The court officials knelt and shouted long life.

But Bai Qingyan only looked at her mother, kneeling on one knee: “Bai family’s eldest daughter Bai Qingyan, safely returned to the capital!”

“Bai family’s third son Bai Qingjue, safely returned to the capital…”

“Bai family’s second daughter Bai Jinxiu, safely returned to the capital…”

“Bai family’s fifth son Bai Qingyu, safely returned to the capital…”

“Bai family’s seventh son Bai Qingjue, safely returned to the capital…”

“Bai family’s third daughter Bai Jintong, safely returned to the capital…”

“Bai family’s fourth daughter Bai Jinzhi, safely returned to the capital…”

“Bai family’s fifth daughter Bai Jinzhao, safely returned to the capital…”

“Bai family’s sixth daughter Bai Jinhua, safely returned to the capital…”

“Bai family’s seventh daughter Bai Jinse, safely returned to the capital…”

These repeated declarations of “safely returned to the capital” immediately brought tears to the eyes of the Bai family women and made Bai Qingyun, sitting in his wheelchair, weep.

Safely returned to the capital…

These were the four words the Bai family most loved to hear.

Once they had hoped every son who went to war could return and speak these four words…

This was the deepest love the Bai family had for their descendants.

No matter what, returning safely was all that mattered.

“Quickly! Get up quickly!” Lady Dong pulled up her daughter with one hand and her son with the other, choking with emotion: “Safe return is all that matters! Safe return is all that matters!”

“Mother, we have not failed our ancestors’ expectations, not failed Grandfather and Father’s expectations… finally achieving unification!” Bai Qingyan grasped her mother’s hand tightly: “Mother… from now on, the Bai family descendants will never again have to go far to battlefields. Each can safely serve their parents at their knees!”

“Good! Good!” Lady Dong nodded, tears streaming: “The Bai family ancestors and your grandfather, father, and uncles, if they have spirits in heaven, will surely be greatly comforted!”

Bai Qingyan looked again at the ministers still kneeling, gripped her mother’s hand firmly, and said: “All ministers, rise!”

Dong Qingping rose tearfully, looking at his niece with pride, bowing again: “Congratulations to His Majesty on unifying the realm!”

“Uncle, please rise!” Bai Qingyan helped Dong Qingping up, then her gaze fell on Grand Commandant Lu, who had aged more than ten years: “Grand Commandant Lu…”

“This old minister congratulates His Majesty!” Grand Commandant Lu’s eyes held tears as he sincerely congratulated Bai Qingyan.

“Grand Commandant Lu…” Bai Qingyan helped him up, saying quietly, “If not for Lu Yuanpeng protecting Prince Gaoyi and breaking through the encirclement to bring reinforcements, I fear I could not have returned! Lu Yuanpeng saved my life and the lives of the surviving soldiers! The words ‘accept condolences’ are easy for us to say, but only those who experience it know what agony it is! Grand Commandant… fortunately, our children and grandchildren will never again have to fight wars or sacrifice on battlefields.”

Grand Commandant Lu immediately wept openly. He nodded chokingly as the grief buried in his heart during this time surged up, tears flowing uncontrollably.

How he wished at this moment that little rascal Lu Yuanpeng was jumping around calling him “Weng Weng,” making his head buzz with noise—it wouldn’t matter as long as he was still alive.

If he had known this would be the outcome, he should never have obstructed Lu Yuanpeng and Prince Gaoyi. What family honor did he want… what future planning—his grandson was gone.