Not having seen each other for five years, longing intensely, the Emperor originally wanted to first put on a stern face and reprimand Huo Buyi with a few words like ‘did you act recklessly back then, do you now know your error?’ Who knew that upon seeing his adopted son’s gaunt and thin appearance, his nose turned sour and he couldn’t scold anything out. He personally helped his adopted son up, just like all old fathers whose unfilial sons return home from wandering far away, only murmuring: “It’s good that you’re back, good that you’ve returned…”

The Crown Prince, seeing Father Emperor weeping with extreme joy, felt a large stone in his heart settle down. Then he surveyed the seating arrangement in the hall and slightly frowned.

His gaze first fell on the Second Prince in the upper right seat—the Crown Prince had previously looked down on this second imperial brother as much as he now respected him. For a person to reform is not easy; to be completely reborn and start over is especially difficult. So these years he’d always sat with the Second Prince in the upper right seats. In any case, the two brothers—one widowed, one unwed—made a proper pair.

Then the Crown Prince looked toward the Eldest Princess and her husband in the first left seat. Having made his calculation, he stepped forward without hesitation: “Elder Sister, Prince Consort, Father Emperor hasn’t seen Zicheng and Marquis Cui for many years and must have much to say. Why don’t you two move to the second seat to fulfill Father Emperor’s wish to reminisce with Zicheng and Marquis Cui?”

Though phrased as a question, the current Crown Prince was different from the former one—cold-faced, hard-hearted, with forceful methods. In these years, quite a few court ministers had suffered losses at his hands. The Grand Prince Consort was smooth and tactful in all directions. Moreover, recently he also had a somewhat improper matter that had fallen into the Crown Prince’s hands.

He immediately rose, laughing repeatedly: “The Crown Prince speaks correctly. We often gather with Father Emperor, but Zicheng is reuniting after long separation. This is as it should be, as it should be!”

The Eldest Princess was indignant and resentful, but was forcibly pulled by her husband to move down one seat. When the Emperor turned his head and discovered his eldest daughter and son-in-law had ‘voluntarily’ yielded their seats, he felt quite gratified.

Originally palace maids were going to add a seat for Luo Jitong at the end, but who knew the lone Third Princess would beckon to her. Luo Jitong, surprised and delighted, respectfully sat over.

“The Prince Consort didn’t come?” Luo Jitong found this somewhat strange.

The Third Princess smiled: “He’s suffering from a minor ailment today—rest assured, he really is ill. Our husband and wife are doing very well now. We’ve finally learned how to be husband and wife.”

Luo Jitong glanced around briefly: “The Fifth Princess and Prince Consort also didn’t come?”

The Third Princess said: “A few days ago the couple quarreled again, both scratching each other’s heads and faces bloody. They probably haven’t fully recovered yet.”

Luo Jitong was extremely surprised. She felt the changes in the palace chambers over these five or six years were truly too great.

Not to mention major matters like changing the heir apparent and empress—the rash Second Prince had become a calm and steady widower, the Fourth Prince had married a good-tempered princess consort, the troublemaking Fifth Prince now wore an amiable smile, the sharp and cutting Third Princess had gained a full circle of weight but had become measured in words and deeds. Instead, it was the always smooth and versatile Eldest Princess who seemed somewhat unreliable now, currently looking around with unfriendly eyes. Not to mention those young princes who had grown so much she couldn’t recognize them.

The only ones without change were probably the Second Princess and her husband—the couple were still so kind and approachable, their behavior intimate.

“…Haven’t yet thanked the Third Princess for allowing this concubine to share a seat with Your Highness.” Luo Jitong raised her cup in thanks.

The Third Princess returned the toast, saying softly: “I’m showing you goodwill.”

Seeing Luo Jitong’s confusion, she explained: “Mother Empress and elder brother don’t much like me. While Father Emperor is here it’s fine, but what about when Third Brother takes charge in the future? I must also consider my prospects. Third Brother treats Huo Buyi closer than blood brothers. His future will certainly be limitless. Perhaps in the future I’ll have matters to entrust to you.”

Luo Jitong’s hand trembled. Half her face suddenly flushed red, and several drops of wine in her hand scattered. Having entered the palace young, she’d always thought the Third Princess was a fool who couldn’t read people’s expressions, couldn’t even pretend, and deserved to be disliked and scolded by her parents daily. She hadn’t expected…

“In the future, there will be many more people coming to show you goodwill.” The Third Princess glanced meaningfully at the Eldest Princess and her husband. “After all, my mother empress and brother have risen in status. Some people must feel even more uneasy in their hearts.”

“Your Highness, this concubine, this concubine…” Luo Jitong hadn’t anticipated this turn and didn’t know how to respond for a moment.

“However, there’s no need to rush.” The Third Princess seemed to murmur to herself. “You currently have no status at all, right? Has Huo Buyi promised you anything? Mm, looks like not yet. Don’t worry, take your time. First secure Huo Buyi, then endless glory, wealth, and tremendous power will be yours to enjoy. If things don’t work out…”

She looked at Luo Jitong with a smile. “Just pretend I said nothing just now.”

Luo Jitong’s breathing quickened, her whole body stiff.

The Third Princess leaned over and patted her shoulder: “We princesses, from birth our lives are set—nothing to strive for. But you’re different. With looks and cunning, you can still struggle for something. The previous dynasty’s Great General Huo Guang—minister to three courts, power overwhelming the realm. I hear his wife Huo Xian was originally a servant without even a surname. But she had a woman’s skills. Tsk tsk, later how many noblewomen of distinguished birth had to look at her face. You’ve read more books than me—you know I speak truth, right? So Jitong, work hard, make an effort—good fortune is right before your eyes. These are my sincere words.”

Luo Jitong looked toward Huo Buyi in the front upper seat as if bewitched. The Emperor was speaking warmly with him, the Crown Prince treated him with utmost intimacy, Empress Yue constantly instructed palace maids to add meat, soup, and dishes for him. Even the Eldest Princess and her husband had to yield their seats to him… At this moment, her heart heated up as never before.

Then she slowly put down her wine cup, her complexion returning to normal, still gentle and respectful: “Your Highness the Princess jests. However, this concubine won’t hide from you—from childhood I’ve admired General Huo. Five years ago in the northwest when I encountered him, seeing him covered in wounds, weak and powerless with illness, I only thought I could care for him well…”

“You don’t need to tell me this. What use is moving me? You need to move Huo Buyi! At the very least, you must move Father Emperor and Third Brother so they all stand on your side.” The Third Princess said with a smile. “Back then, Cheng Shaoshang said a few coaxing words and that Huo Zicheng’s heart warmed up so much he wished he could tuck her in his bosom and cherish her against his skin. You should learn from her.”

“…” Luo Jitong forced a smile.

The Third Princess poured and drank for herself, watching her coldly, smiling with satisfaction.

In the upper seats, the more the Emperor looked at his adopted son, the more his heart ached, his voice choking: “You… even your hair has turned white…”

Huo Buyi smiled slightly: “Just a few temple hairs. The frontier is bitterly cold—this is common.”

“What’s common about it?” Marquis Cui beside him couldn’t help interjecting. “I was also there. How come my hair hasn’t whitened at all?”

Everyone turned their heads to look. Indeed, Marquis Cui showed little change from five years ago. The Second Prince was about to ask why when Huo Buyi laughed lightly: “Uncle Cui, you’ve had happy events that lift one’s spirits. Happy events continuously for five years—naturally your spirits have been continuously lifted.”

Cui You cursed under his breath: “You wretch, you won’t feel comfortable unless you drag me into this, will you!”

“What does this mean?” The Crown Prince asked with a smile. He sensed Huo Buyi didn’t want everyone focusing on him and helped divert the topic.

Cui You laughingly began to tell the story.

It turned out the three Cui family father and sons had an extraordinarily eventful five years. Aside from the first year when they’d just arrived in the northwest—everyone busy and scrambling with no time for other matters—starting the second year, romantic fortune fluttered toward the Cui family gate like moths to flame, desperate to crash through even unto death.

First, one day Cui’s eldest son encountered a local noblewoman’s young daughter. The two hit it off immediately—competing in archery, then swordplay, then drinking capacity… And then Marquis Cui had his first daughter-in-law. But on the wedding day, a mix-up of “sisters substituting” actually occurred—it turned out the young lady’s birth mother had died early. Her stepmother, hearing that Marquis Cui was the Emperor’s confidant and the Cui family were founding meritorious officials, conceived wicked thoughts.

After a complete mess of chaos and confusion, in the end under the persuasion of many northwestern aristocratic families, Cui’s eldest son took the elder sister as wife and the younger sister as concubine, on condition that the in-laws divorce that unkind stepmother.

The Emperor slapped his knee forcefully, pointing at his adopted son with a laughing curse: “Look how capable others are! At that time Cui’s eldest was only sixteen, right? Already had both wife and concubine!”

Everyone in the seats laughed heartily.

Having finished arranging his eldest son’s marriage, Cui You had just breathed a sigh of relief when who knew his second son’s romantic fortune would be even more fierce.

The northwest had many border tribes. Cui’s second son, just growing an Adam’s apple, relying on a mouth full of flowery nonsense, became acquainted with two tribal girls in quick succession—one more forthright, loving horseback riding and hunting; one more romantic, loving to hear him tell stories of talented scholars and beautiful women from the Central Plains.

After spending time together, both girls’ hearts stirred with spring feelings. They simultaneously requested Cui’s second son come with marriage proposals. Marquis Cui was also very open-minded—he told his son to inquire clearly about both girls’ family backgrounds and origins and select the superior one.

After Cui’s second son inquired, he broke out in a cold sweat. It turned out both girls were tribal chieftain daughters, and worse, from two tribes that were generational blood feuds—honestly speaking, originally those two chieftain fathers also didn’t want their daughters to marry out to Han people. But upon hearing the rival’s daughter was also competing for the Cui family bride position, the children’s personal matter immediately escalated to “can’t let the opposition outdo us” diplomatic affairs.

As usual, complete chaos and confusion ensued. If not for Huo Buyi’s advance precautions and capable methods, the border city nearly erupted in tribal warfare. Finally the Governor of Liangzhou personally intervened—after much soothing, persuading, and mixing eighteen vats of mud—Cui’s second son simultaneously acquired two wives of equal status.

The Second Prince choked and coughed repeatedly. The Crown Prince suppressed laughter while pounding his back. The Fourth Prince sprayed wine all over his table. The Fourth Princess Consort hastily helped wipe his face. The Emperor laughed until he couldn’t speak—he’d received Cui You’s private report on this matter early on, just didn’t know the details were so amusing. In any case, the court’s strategy for the northwestern tribes was to “court the small to check the large.” Marriage alliances with two small tribes wasn’t bad.

Just when everyone thought Cui’s two sons had made up for all the romantic fortune their father had lacked his whole life, Cui You’s own life began to stir. Once when Cui You patrolled the border, he encountered fierce bandits. He happened to have few men with him. In crisis he could only flee injured into snowy mountains, then was rescued by a poor hunter’s widow.

Later Cui You learned that since this family’s man died, this woman had led an extremely difficult life with old people and children, but no matter what, she refused to abandon the old and young to remarry. Cui You felt this woman was tenacious and admirable, so he told her ‘his heart’s position for a wife already belonged to someone, but if she was willing, he would take her as concubine and help her care for the old people and children’—and thus Old Cui, single for most of his life, finally had someone in his chambers.

Actually, if it were just ordinary life-saving grace, giving money and support would suffice. The reason Cui You took that woman as concubine—everyone understood clearly—certain unspeakable things must have occurred during those days in the mountains.

The Emperor was very moved: “This is good. I’ve always felt uncomfortable seeing you so alone, but you wouldn’t listen to anyone’s advice… This is good now. Ayuan, having a woman to personally attend you, I’m also at ease.”

After saying this, he habitually glared at his adopted son. “Did you hear? Even your Uncle Cui has someone now!”

Huo Buyi smiled gently: “This subject heard.”

The Eldest Princess had been harboring resentment all along, thinking if not for that Huo fellow’s interference, the master of the Eastern Palace now might still be her easy-going blood brother. How could she be suffering the Third Prince’s arrogance? So she couldn’t help saying sourly: “Speaking of which, Zicheng also had someone. Five years ago he was about to marry, but unfortunately, in one moment…”

“Silence!”

“What is Elder Sister saying!”

Empress Yue and the Crown Prince simultaneously shouted sternly. The Eldest Princess awakened with a start. The Grand Prince Consort repeatedly apologized: “The Princess is drunk from drinking, drunk. She spoke carelessly. Zicheng, don’t blame her. Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince, forgive this crime, please forgive this crime…”

Huo Buyi lowered his head without speaking. No one could see his expression clearly.

The Emperor gazed at his eldest daughter for a long while, expressionless. The atmosphere in the hall was tense—no one dared open their mouths. At this moment, a young eunuch quietly walked into the hall and whispered a few words by Cen Anzhi’s ear. Then Cen Anzhi cupped his hands toward the Emperor: “Your Majesty…”

The Emperor nodded, then said to his eldest daughter: “You cannot speak properly. Go home and reflect well before speaking again. For this year, you need not enter the palace.”

“Father Emperor…” The Eldest Princess looked imploringly at the Emperor. Being forbidden from entering the palace for an entire year was a very severe punishment.

The Grand Prince Consort was extremely vexed at the side.

The Emperor ignored them, raised his head and said: “Today is about done. Crown Prince, Zicheng, Cui You remain. The rest may disperse. Oh, Lady Luo, you also remain.”

Empress Yue rose first and departed from the side. The rest of those present all withdrew in unison, then filed out of the hall.

Walking out of the hall, several young princes first scattered in a swarm. The Eldest Princess forcefully flung her sleeves and strode away rapidly as if venting anger. The Grand Prince Consort hastily followed. The Second Prince saw the Fourth Prince’s face flushed and steps unsteady. He went to help the Fourth Princess Consort support the Fourth Prince walking. The Fourth Princess Consort didn’t know the prior circumstances, only felt this Second Prince, though looking somewhat down and out, was truly a good person.

The Second Princess had the Second Prince Consort leave first. She herself grabbed the Third Princess’s sleeve, saying in a low voice: “What did you just say to that Lady Luo! Though I couldn’t hear, don’t you know I can read lips!”

The Third Princess slowly and methodically withdrew her sleeve: “Since Elder Sister already knows what I said, why come to demand an explanation? I didn’t say anything wrong.”

The Second Princess sighed softly: “Zicheng is also pitiful. Rarely is there someone by his side—why must you stir up trouble?”

“I just can’t stand Lady Luo’s manner—seemingly respectful but actually smug.”

“How do you know she’s falsely respectful? In early years Lady Luo was at Lady Xuan’s side and had quite a reputation for worthiness.”

“Whether truly respectful or falsely respectful, I’m not clear, and I don’t need to be clear.” The Third Princess wore a carefree expression. “I’ve reconciled with my Prince Consort’s whole family. I’ve made peace with my own chaotic first half of life. Now I have no other amusements. Elder Sister rest assured, I have propriety.” She smiled, but the smile clearly carried loneliness.

The Second Princess stopped lecturing and stepped forward to link arms with her sister as they walked away.

Not far off, Yuan Shen followed a young eunuch toward Xuande Hall, happening to cross paths with them.

Yuan Shen stepped into the hall and discovered that the vast Xuande Hall contained only the Emperor and a few others. Just as he was about to kneel and bow to the Emperor and Crown Prince, he suddenly saw Huo Buyi at the side. His mind immediately became chaotic.

Huo Buyi, seeing it was him, also stared at him fixedly for a moment.

The Emperor was asking Luo Jitong: “…So you’re saying if you hadn’t watched over him, Zicheng would have acted recklessly.”

Luo Jitong smiled: “Once General Huo gets busy, he forgets food and sleep. This concubine merely cared for him slightly—I dare not claim credit.”

“Credit is still deserved.” The Crown Prince said. “Marquis Cui’s letters described it in meticulous detail. You could practically be counted as half of Zicheng’s steward. If not for you airing bedding on sunny days and burning charcoal in winter, who knows what Zicheng would have made of his days!”

Marquis Cui couldn’t help saying: “It’s not quite that bad… I lived together with Zicheng. Though that residence wasn’t as comfortable as local noble clans, food and warmth were never worries…”

—Crown Prince, you want to praise Lady Luo’s merits, but you needn’t go this far!

“My eldest daughter-in-law entered the household the second year. That young lady had a difficult time under her stepmother from childhood. After entering the door, she was extremely filial to me, respectful to Zicheng as an elder brother. The clothing, food, and daily life of a houseful of grown men—she also did her utmost to manage thoroughly…” Of course, not as refined as Lady Luo’s management.

The Crown Prince acted as if he hadn’t heard Cui You’s words and continued praising Lady Luo. Lady Luo wore a bashful expression. Huo Buyi observed throughout.

The Emperor, seeing Yuan Shen had arrived, said gently: “Shanjian, your arrival is timely. Come closer.”

Yuan Shen complied. The Emperor continued: “Shanjian, draft an edict for me. Zicheng has returned today. He worked very hard outside for five years and also established great merit. I’ve decided to bestow the title of marquis—’Marquis of Gaoyong’—and appoint him General of Agile Cavalry, enjoying ten-thousand-bushel official rank, still with the addition of Chamberlain, with added fief…”

Huo Buyi suddenly smiled: “Your Majesty, you’ve already rewarded this subject much before. This subject is but a solitary person—what use are overflowing estates? Moreover, the court is about to measure fields. A tall tree attracts wind. Are you truly still going to reward me?”

The Emperor laughed and cursed: “Cunning wretch! Were those bestowed on you? They were bestowed on your father! Whether he’s here or not, however much Marquis Yu and the others have, I cannot let him have less! Very well, in this Shu campaign you had great merit. Later I’ll allocate you some of the usurper king’s faction’s wealth, fields, and estates.”

After the Emperor finished giving a long string of instructions, the Crown Prince and Marquis Cui sat satisfied at the side.

Yuan Shen responded to each one. Regarding what the Emperor wanted to bestow on Huo Buyi, he had no opinions. But why specifically summon him over? Wouldn’t it be the same to say this back at the Imperial Secretariat?

The Emperor leaned forward, pressing on his adopted son’s shoulder, saying in a heavy voice: “Zicheng, you know Shaoshang and Shanjian are engaged, right?”

Before the words finished falling, everyone in the hall trembled. Luo Jitong’s face especially turned white.

Huo Buyi slowly raised his head: “I know.”

The Emperor said: “Do you have anything to say?”

The hall was silent. Yuan Shen realized he’d unconsciously swallowed.

Huo Buyi turned his head to glance at Yuan Shen, then slowly shook his head: “Chamberlain Yuan is steady in character, measured in conduct. Young La… Lady Cheng marrying him will have a lifelong support…”

Yuan Shen and Luo Jitong both felt a great weight drop from their hearts.

Marquis Cui glanced at the Emperor and shook his head meaningfully, stroking his beard without speaking.

The Crown Prince was puzzled. On one hand, he was very happy his brother so decisively severed past ties to step toward the future. On the other hand, he felt… as if Huo Buyi’s words just now… carried some tremor…

“Good.” The Emperor slapped his knee and glanced at Lady Luo. “What about you in the future—what are your plans?”

Huo Buyi’s upright sitting posture seemed frozen: “Five years ago, I harmed a woman. She wholeheartedly believed in me, yet three days before our wedding I committed a tremendous crime. I often thought afterward—if the deep injustice hadn’t been cleared, the truth revealed, what would she do in the future? Having a fiancé who committed a capital crime—would Your Majesty suspect her of knowing and not reporting? Would the capital’s people point fingers at her, revile and mock her?”

Hearing the heartache in his words, the Crown Prince couldn’t bear it: “This isn’t necessarily…”

“Now she’s found a satisfactory husband. I can only be happy for her. Beyond that, I have nothing more to say.” Huo Buyi continued. “The past is gone. People must always look forward. Your Majesty rest assured—after I rebuild the Huo family tombs and ancestral shrine, I will offer sacrifices to the ancestors, marry a wife, have children, and continue the family line.”

“It’s good you can see clearly.” The Emperor nodded. “Alright, Cui You and I still need to reminisce. You all may withdraw first.”

The Crown Prince sighed, then smiled as he led Huo and Yuan to withdraw. Luo Jitong followed closely behind the three men.

“This is right. What’s past is past. In the future, establish family and career, live well, that’s all.” The Crown Prince said as they walked. “Zicheng, Lady Luo, right?”

Huo Buyi smiled slightly: “Your Highness speaks of the bright and proper path.”

Lady Luo gazed at him admiringly and shyly lowered her head.

Yuan Shen at this moment felt completely relaxed. For the first time he felt Shaoshang’s words might come true—perhaps after he and Huo Buyi each married, the two couples could indeed interact like old friends.

The four talked and laughed along the way—actually it was the Crown Prince talking, the other three chiming in—but it was harmonious.

Both Huo Buyi and Luo Jitong had rushed into the palace directly after traveling from afar. Now they necessarily had to return home first to settle in. The Crown Prince escorted them all the way to the palace gate. Yuan Shen also accompanied them cheerfully with smiles. At this moment, a young eunuch behind the Crown Prince suddenly called: “Your Highness, look—there seems to be something happening at the palace gate.”

All four looked together. They saw the Upper West Gate wide open, the area outside the palace gate noisy and clamorous—they didn’t know what had occurred.

The Crown Prince’s expression turned solemn as he said in a heavy voice: “Go see.”

Everyone walked quickly over a few steps. They heard a rough, bold, angry voice outside the palace gate shouting loudly: “…You little girl, what exactly do you want!”

No one recognized this voice except Yuan Shen, whose heart leaped violently.

Then came a young girl’s voice familiar to all—the girl seemed to be laughing.

“What do I want? Warrior Diwu, you truly jest. I should be asking what you want! Was it me who went assassinating a few days ago? Is it me abducting people today? You yourself ate your fill with nothing to do and came looking for trouble—you can’t blame me for being prepared! Someone, pull that net tight. If you let this warrior escape, I’ll roast you and eat you!”

Before the Crown Prince could react, suddenly there came a cracking sound beside him. He hastily turned his head—he saw Huo Buyi’s feet stumble, directly crushing a green brick—his handsome face was abnormally pale, yet seemed about to radiate light.

The Crown Prince froze.