As the cool autumn breeze rustled through the golden ginkgo leaves lining the imperial avenue, crowds of excited citizens packed both sides of the street. Tea houses and taverns along the route were filled, with people craning their necks to glimpse the returning heroes.
“They’re entering the city!”
“The Emperor has descended from the gate tower!”
Though the tight security made it difficult to see clearly, just hearing that the victorious army was entering and the Emperor had come down to greet them was enough to send the waiting crowds into jubilant cheers.
Soon, the Emperor’s decree spread from the West Gate. To commemorate the reclaiming of Rong Province and all thirteen northern territories, he announced a grand amnesty and three years of tax exemption – a sign of how pleased he was with this historic achievement.
Around noon, movement finally began at the city gate.
Jiang Xu appeared at the end of the long avenue, astride his famed white steed. His handsome face was as stern and expressionless as ever. Behind him rode his trusted generals, including Shen Yu, followed by the coffins of fallen commanders and the elite troops who had shed blood for Great Xian.
Even in victory, the army maintained strict formation without a hint of arrogance.
“The Northern Defender Prince is truly…” Bai Minmin stared, transfixed. “Why does he seem even more handsome than Young Master Shu today?”
Zhang Huaiyu tapped her head with his fan.
Bai Minmin absently rubbed the spot, eyes still glued to Jiang Xu. “Tan’er is so lucky…” she murmured.
Zhang Huaiyu scoffed. “By that logic, you must be unlucky.”
Bai Minmin finally tore her gaze away as the procession passed. “You’re right, I am unlucky,” she sighed dramatically.
“…”
“If you’re so unlucky, just accept it.”
“Zhang Huaiyu, you-!”
Their bickering resumed, much to their servants’ exasperation.
As the troops marched, fruits and flowers rained endlessly from the crowd.
Nearby, Zhou Jingwan stood with Shen Hua. They spoke proudly of Shen Yu’s accomplishments, sure that their late father would be pleased by how he had brought honor to the family name.
Shen Hua’s keen eyes noticed something unusual. “Is that a sachet hanging from the Prince’s waist?”
Zhou Jingwan looked closely and nodded. “Those colors – it must be Tan’er’s handiwork.”
The two women exchanged knowing glances.
Jiang Xu sat straight in his saddle, scanning the familiar faces in the crowd. He even spotted his father-in-law beaming and chatting with the Duke of Changguo.
But there was no sign of his wife.
He recalled Ming Tan once cuddling in his arms, lazily saying: “I heard His Majesty personally bestowed your title of ‘Northern Defender’ at the city gate. Next time you return victorious, I’ll be there early to see what the Great Xian War God looks like!”
At the memory, Jiang Xu’s eyes darkened slightly as he tightened his grip on the reins.
As they neared the end of the avenue, the cheering crowds remained densely packed. Suddenly, as if sensing something, Jiang Xu looked up at an ornate window to his left.
People waved and cheered from most windows, but one stood conspicuously empty.
His gaze lingered there thoughtfully for a moment.
After reporting to the Emperor and attending the victory feast, which lasted late into the night, Jiang Xu finally returned to his residence.
Old Fu had been waiting anxiously at the gate. As he welcomed the Prince home, Jiang Xu asked casually, “Is the Princess Consort asleep?”
Old Fu hesitated. “Well… she might be?”
Jiang Xu raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean by ‘might be’?”
“The Princess Consort… she’s not here,” Old Fu admitted reluctantly. “She insisted on visiting the country estate to review accounts this morning. No one could dissuade her. It seems… she didn’t want to see you.”
Old Fu immediately regretted his loose tongue.
Jiang Xu was silent for a moment before asking, “Which estate?”
“I believe it’s the one near the Si River to the west – part of her dowry.”
Without a word, Jiang Xu remounted his horse and rode off into the night, ignoring Old Fu’s calls.
The old servant sighed worriedly. The Princess was upset – shouldn’t the Prince at least bring some gifts to appease her? His young master still had much to learn about marriage, he thought, shaking his head as he walked back inside.
The countryside was peaceful under the starry autumn sky. In a spacious room at the estate, Ming Tan tossed and turned, unable to sleep despite the comfortable surroundings.
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Jiang Xu’s commanding figure leading the troops down the avenue.
She had told herself not to forgive him easily, yet she kept making excuses for him in her mind. It was impossible to look away when he was near, just like today on the street…
Ming Tan shook her head, trying to banish these thoughts as she burrowed under the covers.
Suddenly, a faint sound came from the window. Assuming it was her maid Suxin, Ming Tan mumbled, “Go to bed, no need to keep watch.”
When there was no response, she peeked out from under the blanket curiously.
Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating a familiar silhouette.
Ming Tan stared in disbelief, her heart beginning to race. Was she seeing things? Or was this a dream brought on by her constant thoughts of him?
She pinched her cheek. It hurt – not a dream.
In those few moments, Jiang Xu had crossed to her bedside.
He still wore the gleaming armor from the day’s procession, now carrying a slight chill from his night ride. Up close, she could see he had lost weight since leaving the capital. His prominent Adam’s apple and sharp facial features made him look even more handsome and dignified.
His eyes held complex emotions – like a calm lake concealing turbulent undercurrents.
He gazed at her for what felt like an eternity before gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.
“I’m home, Ah Tan,” he said, his voice low and hoarse.