Triumphant return, a prosperous Chang'an

News of the great victory at Duanhun Valley spread throughout Yanmen Pass, greatly boosting the morale of the entire army. Shen Qingci did not become complacent with the victory, but immediately adjusted the deployment: on the one hand, he ordered the prisoners to be escorted to the pass for safekeeping and the spoils of war to replenish military supplies; on the other hand, he sent scouts to urgently investigate the movements of the Xiongnu central army, and at the same time ordered all units to strengthen the city defenses and be on high alert.

As expected, the new Chanyu was furious upon learning of Bolu's death and the annihilation of his left wing. Ignoring the advice of his other generals, he personally led the main force of the central army and the right wing cavalry, charging fiercely towards Yanmen Pass, determined to avenge his younger brother.

Shen Qingci had already laid a trap. He ordered the main force of the Zhenbei Army to defend the city and wear down the Xiongnu forces with arrows and rolling stones; he also ordered Zhao Wu to lead cavalry to outflank the Xiongnu and cut off their food supplies; General Li led the infantry to form a battle formation outside the pass and confront the Xiongnu head-on.

Battle was imminent. The Xiongnu cavalry, relying on their superior archery skills, repeatedly charged the Da Jing army's lines, only to be firmly repelled by the well-prepared infantry with their spears and shields. Arrows rained down from the city walls like a storm, and Xiongnu soldiers fell one after another. Taking advantage of the Xiongnu main force's stalemate, Zhao Wu's cavalry successfully raided their supply camp, burning all their provisions to the ground.

With their supplies cut off, the Xiongnu army was thrown into chaos. The new Chanyu, seeing the dire situation, tried to order a retreat, but it was too late. Shen Qingci seized the opportunity and ordered a full-scale attack. The gates of Yanmen Pass burst open, and the Da Jing soldiers charged like tigers descending a mountain. Attacked from both sides, the Xiongnu army crumbled and scattered in all directions.

Shen Qingci personally led the central army in pursuit, catching up with the remnants of the new Chanyu's forces thirty li outside Yanmen Pass. After a fierce battle, the new Chanyu was killed by Shen Qingci with a single spear thrust. Seeing their commander dead, the remaining Xiongnu soldiers laid down their weapons and surrendered.

After this battle, the Xiongnu army of 100,000 was completely wiped out, the steppe alliance was completely disintegrated, and the threat to the border that had existed for decades was finally eliminated.

Half a month later, Shen Qingci led his army back to the capital. The news had already spread throughout the capital, and the people spontaneously flooded the streets, decorating the roads with lanterns and colorful decorations, and making a great commotion with gongs and drums. From outside the city to the palace, the roadsides were crowded with people welcoming the army, holding flowers and wine in their hands, shouting "Long live Marshal Shen!" and "Long live the Great Jing!" The cheers rose and fell, echoing through the sky.

The emperor personally led civil and military officials to greet Shen Qingci at the pavilion ten miles outside the city. Upon seeing Shen Qingci return in full armor, covered in dust from his journey, the emperor quickly stepped forward, grasped his hand, and exclaimed, "Marshal Shen, you have worked hard! You have rendered unparalleled service to the Great Jing, protecting our land and ensuring the peace of our people. I will reward you handsomely!"

Shen Qingci dismounted and knelt to pay his respects: "Your Majesty is too kind! This is the merit of the soldiers' bloody battle, and I dare not claim it all for myself."

The emperor laughed heartily and helped him up: "Marshal, you are too modest. Without your strategic planning, how could we have achieved such a great victory? Return to the palace! I have prepared a victory banquet in the Golden Palace to welcome the Marshal and all the generals back!"

The grand procession headed towards the palace. Shen Qingci, mounted on his horse, searched the crowd with his eyes. Soon, he spotted Su Yunqing and Shen Nianqing standing at the street corner. Su Yunqing, dressed in an elegant dress, had eyes full of longing and joy. Seeing him, she quickly grabbed Shen Nianqing and waved. Shen Nianqing jumped up and down excitedly, shouting, "Father!"

Shen Qingci felt a warmth in his heart, tears welling in his eyes, and nodded vigorously to the mother and son. He knew that this moment of glory and reunion was bought with the blood of countless soldiers, and even more so with the silent support of his family.

At the victory banquet, the emperor issued an imperial edict: Shen Qingci was promoted to prime minister, in charge of all government affairs; he was awarded ten thousand taels of gold and a thousand acres of fertile land; the fallen soldiers were posthumously honored, and their families were given preferential treatment. Su Yunqing, because of her repeated acts of treating the wounded and comforting the people in the army, was given the title of "Lady Ci'an" and received numerous rewards.

Shen Yanzhi and his wife sat at the table, watching their son achieve great success and their daughter-in-law receive high praise, their hearts filled with pride and satisfaction. Shen Nianqing nestled beside Su Yunqing, looking up at Shen Qingci with eyes full of admiration.

After the banquet, Shen Qingci returned to the Shen residence. Night deepened, and the moonlight shone brightly in the courtyard. Su Yunqing removed his armor, wiped the dust from his face, and said softly, "Brother Qingci, welcome home."

Shen Qingci took her hand and pulled her into his arms, his voice gentle yet firm: "Yunqing, I'm back. From now on, I will never let you and Nianqing suffer again."

Moonlight bathed the two, outlining their warm silhouettes. Having weathered many storms, they finally ushered in a peaceful and prosperous era, and the happiness of being together forever. And the Great Jing Dynasty, with Shen Qingci's assistance, entered an unprecedented golden age.