A few days after Shen Xiling returned to Jiankang, the main army also followed closely behind. Qi Ying had various matters to attend to and couldn’t spare time to return to Fenghe Garden immediately—he had to first enter the palace with Han Shouye to meet the new emperor.

It was now the eighth day of the twelfth month.

Though the new emperor’s ascension was a joyous occasion, the successive deaths of the former emperor and Prince Duan still required grand funeral rites. Thus the entire Liang palace was dressed in white mourning attire. Combined with Jiangzuo’s usual damp, cold winter weather, the atmosphere seemed particularly somber.

However, the great hall presented an entirely new scene.

The new Emperor Xiao Ziheng was sharp and vigorous, completely changing the dispirited and dejected appearance the former emperor had shown in recent years, making the entire court seem much more vibrant. He personally led all the court ministers and officials to the city gates to welcome the returning army, publicly hosting a welcoming banquet for Qi Ying and Han Shouye, and declared without reservation: “This is an achievement for the ages. You two beloved ministers are truly the pillars of our nation. I thank you on behalf of all the people of Jiangzuo.”

Imperial gratitude was rare throughout history. When the hundred officials witnessed this, their hearts skipped a beat: the former emperor had already been extremely deferential to aristocratic family members, courteous to an excessive degree. Who would have thought the new emperor would be even more so? It seemed that Jiangzuo’s aristocratic families would become even more deeply rooted in the future.

Young Master Qi’s inappropriate conduct during the spring examinations more than half a year ago was now completely erased by his northern expedition achievements. The new emperor showed no animosity toward him, and the atmosphere remained as harmonious as when they had studied together as youths, making observers sigh: The Qi family, it seems, still has good fortune ahead.

After the grand welcome at the city gates, the Son of Heaven returned to the imperial palace with all the officials to hear the two returning heroes report on the military campaign in the great hall.

Qi Ying didn’t compete for credit, letting Han Shouye take all the glory alone. He listened with a calm expression and no resentment in his heart as Han boasted greatly about his composure and bravery on the battlefield.

The Son of Heaven was greatly pleased and bestowed titles: General Han Shouye was made a hereditary First-Class Duke, while Bureau of Military Affairs Director Qi Ying was promoted to Commandery Duke. They were also awarded fertile land and gold to show imperial favor. Other meritorious participants in the northern expedition would receive rewards according to their contributions on a chosen day.

The great hall was filled with auspicious atmosphere—truly a scene of harmonious relations between ruler and ministers.

After the court session ended, Su Ping asked Young Master Qi to remain and go to the imperial study for a private audience with His Majesty.

Su Ping had originally served two dynasties and now, with the former emperor’s death, remained to serve Xiao Ziheng’s side. He had properly served three generations of emperors—truly an evergreen tree.

He still treated Qi Ying with great courtesy, and Qi Ying also showed him much respect. Following him to the imperial study, he met with Xiao Ziheng.

This new emperor had originally been a person of casual temperament, but had changed considerably over the years. Having not seen him for more than half a year, Qi Ying could increasingly sense his transformation—though dressed in mourning attire, he still displayed a graceful sense of authority. Especially today, sitting on the dragon throne in the great hall overlooking his ministers, he could already calmly control the situation with composure.

Qi Ying had always known Xiao Ziheng was a capable person, so he wasn’t surprised by his current performance.

However, there were things Qi Ying hadn’t anticipated—such as Prince Duan’s death.

Qi Ying truly hadn’t expected Xiao Ziheng would kill his third brother, and even if he intended to, he thought it wouldn’t happen so quickly—acting within less than half a month of succession.

Qi Ying had always known there was no familial affection within the imperial family and that the throne could easily change a person’s nature, but never this quickly.

Xiao Ziheng couldn’t have suddenly become a ruthless person within half a month—unless he had always been so.

Qi Ying vaguely sensed this new emperor’s inscrutability. Though his expression remained unchanged, he raised his guard internally, setting aside the friendship they’d had since youth and showing him the utmost respectful deference of a minister.

Xiao Ziheng, however, was very amiable. Smiling, he walked to Qi Ying’s side to help him up, laughing: “There’s no one else here—why this pretense? No need for such formality. Please sit quickly.”

He then pulled Qi Ying to take a seat.

Once both were seated, Xiao Ziheng resumed his usual casual manner, leaning back in his chair and saying: “You don’t know how arduous these past half-months have been for me. So many complicated matters I can’t sort through at once—fortunately you’ve finally returned. With you here, I can finally feel somewhat at ease.”

He referred to himself as “I” rather than “We,” his manner extremely relaxed, as if he were still the dissolute Fourth Prince of old rather than Great Liang’s current monarch. Though his appearance was very convincing, Prince Duan’s still-warm corpse made his words and actions difficult to believe. Qi Ying responded with only a few conventional pleasantries, his wariness particularly heavy.

Xiao Ziheng seemed completely unaware of everything, saying: “You fought this battle extremely well, but post-war negotiations probably won’t be easier than the fighting itself. If not handled properly, it could easily come to nothing.”

He looked at Qi Ying and asked: “Who do you think would be most suitable for the negotiations?”

Negotiation matters should customarily fall under the Court of Diplomatic Reception’s jurisdiction, while the Bureau of Military Affairs should assist due to military involvement. Qi Ying felt the Minister of the Court of Diplomatic Reception was a good candidate, with the Bureau of Military Affairs sending one division head to negotiate together—that would probably suffice. However, he detected the subtext in Xiao Ziheng’s words, seemingly hinting that he should personally handle this matter.

Actually, even without Xiao Ziheng’s hint, Qi Ying had such plans himself.

First, negotiation matters were indeed extremely important—he didn’t feel comfortable entrusting them to others. Second, Xu Zhengning was still trapped in Shangjing. Unless he personally served as envoy to Northern Wei, others would probably treat Xu as expendable and not choose to rescue him. Even with good intentions, they would lack the power. Third, if he served as envoy heading north, after completing the mission he could slip away during the southern return journey, which would be much more convenient than leaving from Jiankang.

This was a decision benefiting both others and himself.

Very well—let this negotiation be the last thing he did for Great Liang.

Qi Ying lowered his phoenix eyes to conceal his thoughts, then said to Xiao Ziheng: “If Your Majesty trusts me, this minister is willing to assist the Court of Diplomatic Reception in serving as envoy to Northern Wei. I will do my utmost to fulfill this mission.”

Hearing this, Xiao Ziheng seemed overjoyed, saying: “That’s truly excellent! I’m most at ease when you personally handle such important matters.”

He became cheerful, his eyes bright as peach blossoms, continuing: “I originally thought you had just campaigned abroad for more than half a year and were already quite exhausted. Sending you as envoy again might seem too inconsiderate. Fortunately you agreed—otherwise I wouldn’t know whom to trust!”

If it were someone else hearing such words from their monarch, they could hardly avoid developing pride in their achievements. Yet Qi Ying remained consistently calm, maintaining a respectful expression and only claiming unworthiness.

Xiao Ziheng patted his shoulder and simply decided in one breath to set the envoy departure date for after New Year, making this negotiation a New Year gift for the first year of Jiahe—quite appropriate indeed.

With major matters settled, Xiao Ziheng became even more relaxed. After thinking, he smiled again: “However, my sister probably won’t be so understanding—she’s long awaited your return, wanting to marry you quickly. If she hears you must serve as envoy again after New Year, she’ll probably throw another tantrum.”

The new emperor’s mention of the Sixth Princess at this time inevitably made one sense deeper meaning—perhaps hinting that Qi Ying should relinquish power after the negotiations. Qi Ying didn’t mind this, since he knew that after leaving Jiankang this time, he wouldn’t return again.

Even so, he had to maintain proper appearances. Qi Ying’s expression remained unchanged as he asked normally: “How has Her Highness been recently?”

Xiao Ziheng sighed and answered: “Not badly, only Imperial Father’s death grieved her deeply—you know, Imperial Father always doted on her most…”

Mentioning the former emperor, Xiao Ziheng’s tone and expression were quite sorrowful—though who knew how much was genuine versus false. Qi Ying lowered his head beside him, also speaking the appropriate mourning words a minister should say. Xiao Ziheng fell silent for a long while, then seemed to emerge from that emotional state, waving his hand and saying to Qi Ying: “Before leaving the palace, go see her. She’s been melancholy lately, unable to eat. Today knowing you’ve returned, she’s been waiting and hoping. If you visit her, she’ll probably improve considerably.”

Hearing this, Qi Ying’s expression remained calm as he bowed his head and answered: “Yes.”

In the twelfth month, Jiankang was damp, cold, and often cloudy, inevitably appearing desolate and bleak. Even the usually flower-filled imperial garden looked somewhat withered at this season.

Qi Ying followed Su Ping into the garden and from a distance saw Xiao Ziyu sitting in that familiar octagonal pavilion. Upon seeing him, she rose and waved to him.

After more than half a year, this princess had also changed somewhat. Probably because of the former emperor’s recent death, she hadn’t yet emerged from grief—her entire person looked much thinner. However, she had applied makeup today, so her complexion didn’t appear pale and she looked no different from before.

Su Ping silently withdrew, and Qi Ying approached the pavilion.

Upon seeing him, Xiao Ziyu’s eyes immediately became misty with tears. She first called him “Brother Jingchen,” then seemed to want to lean into his embrace.

Qi Ying frowned slightly, then imperceptibly stepped aside to avoid her, and bowed to her: “Your Highness.”

Xiao Ziyu could naturally see his avoidance, but not having met for more than half a year made her temporarily overlook his distance. She treasured this meeting too much to throw a tantrum, only looking at him pitifully and chiding: “What are you afraid of? We’re about to marry anyway—why avoid it still?”

Actually speaking of it, her pitiful expression and slightly angry tone were quite similar to Shen Xiling’s, yet they appeared completely different to Qi Ying’s eyes. Whenever his young lady acted coquettishly and threw tantrums with him, he found it endearing and was willingly led by her, but when Xiao Ziyu did so, his heart remained unmoved and he felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Qi Ying looked away slightly, considering for a moment before saying: “His Majesty has assigned me to serve as envoy to Northern Wei to handle negotiations. I’ll depart after New Year and it will probably take several months.”

Hearing this, Xiao Ziyu was stunned, then became emotionally agitated.

She had thought that once Qi Ying returned this time, they could marry immediately. She had even prepared everything needed for the wedding several months in advance, altering her wedding dress multiple times—yet now he said her imperial brother was sending him as envoy again? For several consecutive months?

Xiao Ziyu was truly angry. Standing there thinking, she immediately wanted to find her brother to argue, but she was reluctant to leave just like that and wanted to speak more with her Brother Jingchen. So she suppressed her temper, looking at Qi Ying and saying: “How did such a thing suddenly come up? My imperial brother really—you just returned and he’s sending you north again. Can’t you refuse to go?”

Qi Ying’s expression was calm as he answered: “How can one decline matters of state?”

His reason was perfectly sound—anyone hearing it couldn’t criticize it. If she made a fuss, it would show she didn’t understand priorities or consequences.

But Xiao Ziyu really didn’t want him to go—she had a vague premonition that once he left this time, major events would happen afterward…

She wanted to marry him immediately and settle everything.

However, perhaps for her entire life she would have no way to handle this man. She could only be completely controlled by him, while none of her words or actions seemed able to influence him at all.

She suddenly felt very powerless and burst into tears, looking up at Qi Ying and saying: “Brother Jingchen, Imperial Father has passed away. I’m truly very sad—so sad I don’t know what to do. Can you understand that feeling? When someone you love deeply leaves you forever…”

Qi Ying lowered his eyelids and bowed, saying: “Your Highness, please accept my condolences.”

He only said such words following protocol, not truly empathizing with her. Xiao Ziyu knew this and felt even sadder because of it.

Someone as intelligent as him couldn’t fail to understand her feelings—he was simply indifferent, unwilling to understand her.

Xiao Ziyu’s tears fell even more fiercely.

“I truly can’t lose you again,” she said, crying as she looked at him. “I can wait for you to serve as envoy, but promise me—when you return this time, we’ll marry and never delay again. All right?”

This year, Xiao Ziyu was almost twenty-one years old.

Counting from when she was still a half-grown child, she had already loved him for more than ten years.

Such feelings were very substantial and truly moving. Qi Ying didn’t dislike Xiao Ziyu originally—he simply didn’t have romantic feelings for her. If possible, he would be willing to care for her like his own sister rather than watch her sink deeper and ultimately become angry and sad over this.

He really didn’t want to deceive her, but he was also helpless.

Qi Ying silently sighed, then with a peaceful expression, answered with a single word: “Good.”

Author’s Notes:

I mentioned at the beginning that Young Master Qi went to Northern Wei five years ago. Southern Qi and Northern Gu, let’s bow together. Wenwen will soon meet young General Gu too~