The last time Yuan Zhao came to the Huo Mansion was more than ten years ago.
Two weathered lion statues stand at the entrance of the Huo Mansion, and the plaque of Changping Hou Mansion is hung on the crimson gate plaque, with a couplet written by Emperor Gaozu himself on it, "Chang'an Pingxi".
This was earned by several generations of the Huo family who sacrificed their lives on the battlefield.
The long street in front of the Huo Mansion was quiet, with ordinary vendors rarely approaching. Even those passing by seemed to be in awe, unconsciously lowering their voices as they passed by.
But this quietness adds a sense of loneliness.
More than ten years ago, Dacheng and Beiqiang went to war. The general leading the troops at that time was Huo Yan's father Huo Pingyuan, and Huo Yan's second uncle Huo Pingchang was the deputy general.
Huo Yan and Yuan Cheng also went to the battlefield at that time.
There was a battle that year in which Dacheng suffered heavy losses. The brothers Huo Pingyuan and Huo Pingchang both died for their country.
The battle took place in Windy Valley and was later called the "Battle of Windy Valley".
Most of the Huo family members were in that battle, but because it was Yuan Cheng's first time on the battlefield and he was a prince, Huo Pingyuan left him behind, and also left behind Huo Yan, who was on good terms with him.
Huo Yan originally thought it was just an ordinary investigation, but he didn't expect that the next news he received was the news that his father and uncle had died on the front line.
Huo's mother died of complications during childbirth when giving birth to Huo Yan. After Huo Pingyuan and Huo Pingchang died for their country, the Huo family declined.
Huo Pingchang left behind only his widowed wife and young son, and the huge Huo Mansion was supported by the teenage Huo Yan alone.
Fortunately, over the years, Huo Yan has lived up to expectations, fighting each battle more beautifully than the last, giving people hope for the Huo family's comeback.
Over the years, Huo Yan has been very busy, either on the frontier or in the military camp, and he has returned to the Huo Mansion only a few times.
Therefore, all matters of the Huo family, big or small, were handed over to the only female member of the family, Huo's second aunt, Qiao.
When Yuan Zhao's carriage arrived, Qiao was already waiting at the gate of Huo's house.
It was not appropriate to publicize Huo Yan's return to the capital, so he put on a mask and became Yuan Zhao's personal bodyguard.
Mrs. Qiao didn't expect Yuan Zhao to send her a letter and come to visit her in such a hurry.
Although Yuan Zhao had come to the Huo Mansion once or twice when he was a child, he was mostly received by Huo Yan at that time and had no interaction with the Qiao family.
Now Yuan Zhao is still the legitimate princess who is deeply favored by the emperor, and Huo Yan is not here, so Qiao is a little panicked for a while.
Yuan Zhao got out of the car and was greeted by the woman at the door.
She was thin and dressed simply. Looking closer, her face was slightly pale, and there were even quite a few white hairs on her temples.
Huo Yan had never married, so she was considered the mistress of the huge Huo Mansion. However, she had always lived a secluded life and was not extravagant.
Apart from necessary banquets and social events, she rarely went out, and only focused on managing the family business left by the Huo family and raising the only child left by her deceased husband.
Huo Yan has always respected his second aunt.
On the way here, he also told Yuan Zhao that his second uncle and second aunt had always been deeply in love.
After Huo Pingchang died in battle, Qiao seemed like a different person, always full of sorrow.
If she didn't have a child, she might have gone with Huo Pingchang long ago.
Mrs. Qiao greeted Yuan Zhao as he entered the house. Although there was a smile on her face, it was not deep. "Your Highness, the house is simple and the preparations were hastily made. I hope Your Highness will not be offended."
It’s not that she doesn’t welcome Yuan Zhao, but she has locked herself up in this deep mansion for all these years and doesn’t like to interact with others.
Yuan Zhao followed her inside and couldn't help but compare the Huo Mansion with the one he remembered.
Although the former Huo Mansion was not as exquisite and elegant as the imperial palace, and did not have many rockery, flowing water, pavilions and terraces, it was always bustling.
When Yuan Zhao came here as a child, the mansion was filled with the sound of training. The powerful and deep male voices, one louder than the other, made people feel alive all of a sudden.
But now, the huge mansion is silent and lifeless.
It is clearly spring now, but there are no green leaves or flowers in the mansion. It is all gray and there is not even a bird singing.
The training ground where the Huo family members used to train is still there, but everything on it is dilapidated and it is obvious that no one uses it very often.
Yuan Zhao couldn't help but turn his eyes to glance at the masked man behind him.
She could understand why he would rather live in the barracks than come back.
Everywhere here is filled with traces of the dead. They are all his dearest and most beloved people. How can he still stay here and be reminded of the past every day?
Where Mrs. Qiao couldn't see, she took a step back and gently held Huo Yan's hand through the cover of her sleeve.
Noticing her movement, the face under the mask moved slightly, and he shook her hand with his backhand.
The warmth from his palm was transmitted, and Yuan Zhao felt his palm was a little hot.
Just as Qiao turned around, Yuan Zhao quickly withdrew his hand and restrained the expression on his face.
"Your Highness, please go sit in the main hall." Qiao noticed the guards beside Yuan Zhao and took a closer look.
The two thought she had discovered Huo Yan, but she just glanced at him and passed by.
Yuan Zhao noticed Qiao's eyes and felt that they were like stagnant water.
Nothing seemed to stir her emotions.
She sat down in the main hall and Qiao personally served her tea.
Gan Tang beside him quickly stepped forward to take it. Yuan Zhao frowned slightly and said, "Let the servants take care of such a small matter."
Mrs. Qiao just smiled gently, "Nothing, just something that happened to me."
Yuan Zhao only then noticed that there were very few servants serving him on the way here and now in the main hall.
She took a sip of tea and looked around.
Qiao noticed her doubts and started to explain.
"There are few people in the mansion now. It's just me and Zhengze. We don't need so many people to serve us."
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