"As for the return of the troops... when I left the capital, the General had not yet set a clear date for his return, but I presume that once the capital is somewhat settled, he will request His Majesty to return to the capital."

Yinji nodded, looking at the swirling snowflakes outside the palace, a sense of anticipation rising in his heart.

Master, this shattered land is being pieced back together, piece by piece, in our hands.

When you return to Beijing, there are many more important matters that require our concerted efforts as master and disciple.

......

In the capital, the Grand General was in the backyard.

The night sky was clear, dotted with stars.

The path in the courtyard is a bluestone road.

A pear tree stands beside a rockery, its sparse shadows cast across the landscape, its subtle fragrance wafting in the air.

Fan Bingbing changed into a moon-white ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), shedding the sharpness of the Night Inspector, and revealing a rare gentleness under the cool moonlight.

Her fingertips were icy cold, whether from the night's weather or her state of mind, she couldn't tell.

She had been standing on the veranda, gazing at the familiar silhouette peeking through the window paper of the study for a while now.

After that night in Xijing, Zhao Muyun treated her with the same respect and trust as always, giving her official duties and listening to her reports, but he never mentioned that night again, nor did they have any further intimacy.

This made her feel like she had a rabbit in her heart, feeling uneasy and restless. After the feelings that had been buried for two years finally broke through the soil, she felt even more at a loss.

In his study, Zhao Muyun finished reviewing the last document concerning the investigation of the capital's granaries and rubbed his temples.

After days of busy work, it's hard to find a moment of peace.

He got up, opened the window, and fresh air rushed in, carrying the fragrance of flowers. He also saw the figure lingering under the eaves.

“Commander Fan,” he said, “come inside and talk. It’s chilly outside.”

Fan Bingbing trembled slightly, took a deep breath, and walked into the study.