The meritorious officials returned to the capital in triumph.

The winds of war finally dissipated from the border. After two years of arduous fighting, the Zhenbei Army not only repelled the main force of the Xiongnu but also recovered all lost territory, making the border defenses impregnable. The Xiongnu were severely weakened by this battle and forced to retreat deep into the northern desert, unable to launch a southward invasion in the short term. The people rebuilt their homes, cooking smoke rose again, and the border land regained its vitality.

Looking at the peaceful and prosperous scene below the city walls, Shen Qingci knew that his mission to defend the border was complete. He picked up his pen and wrote a memorial to the court, reporting the good news of the border's pacification and requesting a swift return to the capital. The memorial was sent to the capital at top speed. The emperor was delighted after reading it and immediately granted the request. He not only dispatched an imperial envoy with an imperial edict to the border to offer condolences and rewards but also ordered a grand procession to be prepared at the ten-mile-long pavilion outside the capital to welcome the triumphant army.

On the day of their departure, just as dawn broke, the soldiers of the Zhenbei Army had already assembled in formation. Though their armor was weathered, it could not conceal the high spirits emanating from their brows. Shen Qingci, dressed in full military attire with a long sword at her waist, rode alongside Su Yunqing in the lead. Su Yunqing wore plain clothes, with only a simple velvet flower adorning her hair. Two years of military life had given her a touch of resilience, yet her eyes remained full of tenderness.

"The journey is long, so don't worry, I'll take care of things at home." Shen Qingci held her hand, his fingertips tracing the thin calluses on her palm from the healing process.

Su Yunqing smiled faintly and raised her hand to straighten his clothes: "You are a pillar of the nation, and also someone I care about deeply. When we return, I will definitely have a nice meal with you."

The army set off in a grand procession, with the local people already waiting spontaneously on both sides of the road. Upon seeing Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing, thunderous cheers erupted from the crowd. Elders held steamed wheat cakes and boiled eggs from their own homes, while children carried bamboo baskets filled with wild fruits, vying to stuff them into the hands of the soldiers.

"General Shen, you've worked hard!" "Miss Su is a living Bodhisattva!" Cheers rose and fell, and tears blurred the eyes of many. Shen Qingci reined in his horse, cupped his hands in greeting to the people, and said in a slightly hoarse but unwavering voice, "Protecting the country and ensuring the safety of the people is our duty. Thank you for your kindness, fellow villagers!"

The army marched south, encountering magnificent scenery at every turn. After more than a month of arduous travel, the army finally arrived on the outskirts of the capital. In the distance, banners fluttered and drums and music resounded at the ten-mile-long pavilion, where the emperor himself, along with his civil and military officials, awaited them. Shen Qingci quickly dismounted and knelt before them, proclaiming, "Your subject, Shen Qingci, has lived up to your mission, leading the Zhenbei Army to pacify the border and returning in triumph!"

The emperor quickly stepped forward to help him up, his gaze sweeping over the soldiers' resolute faces, his heart filled with emotion: "Minister Shen, you have worked hard, and all the soldiers have worked hard! You have fought valiantly for the Great Jing, protecting the borders and the people; your contributions are invaluable!"

The entry ceremony was exceptionally grand. The streets were decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and the people lined the streets to welcome them, with cheers and firecrackers filling the air. Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing walked side by side, receiving the admiration of the masses, but his heart grew increasingly calm—he knew that this glory did not belong to any one person, but to every soldier who had fought and bled, and to every citizen who had supported them.

That evening, a grand victory banquet was held in the palace. The Golden Hall was brightly lit, and wine cups clinked. The Emperor personally offered wine to Shen Qingci and issued an edict in front of everyone: "Shen Qingci is accomplished in both literature and martial arts, and his loyalty and bravery are commendable. He is hereby promoted to Minister of War, in charge of all military affairs of the country; Su Yunqing is virtuous and kind, and her merits in accompanying the army to heal wounds are outstanding. She is hereby conferred the title of 'Lady Protector of the Nation' and is bestowed with a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of silk!"

Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing rose to express their gratitude, their hearts filled with mixed emotions. After the banquet, they returned home to find the Shen residence already brightly decorated. Shen Yanzhi and his wife, leaning on their canes, waited anxiously at the gate. Seeing their son and daughter-in-law return safely, Madam Shen couldn't help but burst into tears, tightly holding Su Yunqing's hand, unwilling to let go: "It's good you're back, it's good you're back!"

Shen Yanzhi patted Shen Qingci on the shoulder, his eyes filled with satisfaction and pride: "My son has lived up to the expectations of the nation and brought glory to the Shen family!"

Looking at his family, Shen Qingci felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He knew this was not the end, but a new beginning. The position of Minister of War meant even greater responsibility. He raised his glass to everyone: "Today's honor is inseparable from your support. In the future, I will certainly fulfill my duties diligently, to stabilize the Great Jing's territory, and to bring peace and tranquility to the people!"

The night was deep outside the window, and the lights of the capital city shone like stars. Shen Qingci knew that the road ahead was still long and arduous, but he was fearless—with the country on his shoulders, his beloved by his side, and his soldiers united as one, he would live up to the trust placed in him and protect this hard-won peaceful and prosperous world.