Chapter 323 The Return Journey
After this great victory, Huo Lin changed his usual style and returned home in a high-profile manner.
The black-armored cavalry, with their banners waving and their military bearing solemn and imposing, marched through the city in a grand and imposing manner.
Many people had already gathered along the streets of Fengcheng upon hearing the news.
They looked with awe at this elite army that had just returned victorious from a great battle, and couldn't help but look curiously at the carriage that was heavily guarded in the center.
Those who were well-informed had already begun whispering among themselves.
"Have you heard? His Majesty personally led the expedition and decisively defeated the main force of the Northern Di on the border, even capturing the Northern Di prince alive."
"Not only that, I heard that the legendary Consort Zhuang has also come, and she has brought crucial military supplies."
"Really? Your Highness is so brave?"
"Of course it is true. His Majesty's move is probably to let the whole world know about Consort Zhuang's achievements."
These whispers drifted faintly into the carriage.
Jiang Huan leaned against the soft cushion, listening to the sounds outside, and couldn't help but smile slightly.
She turned her head to look at Huo Lin, who was sitting upright beside her, and nudged him with her elbow.
"Hey, you've made quite a show of it. Are you afraid people won't know you've won a battle?" she teased, her eyes sparkling.
Upon hearing this, Huo Lin turned his head to look at her and reached out to hold her mischievous hand.
"Victory should naturally be known to the world in order to reassure the people and enhance the nation's prestige."
His voice was steady, his words full of imperial consideration, but his gaze remained fixed on Jiang Huan's face.
"More importantly, I want everyone to know that you have made invaluable contributions in this battle."
[Those who gossip behind her back and belittle her, keep a close eye on her! How dare those incompetent officials in the court question the merits she has achieved?]
[I want the whole world to know that she stands shoulder to shoulder with me, sharing this glory.]
Moreover, this great victory serves as a perfect opportunity to intimidate the court and the public, letting certain restless individuals see clearly who the true ruler of the Great Liang is.
As Jiang Huan listened to his thoughtful considerations, she felt a sweet warmth in her heart, as if sugar were melting inside, and she couldn't help but smile.
She tilted her head deliberately: "Oh? So I've done a good job this time, right? How does the Emperor plan to reward me?"
Looking at her sly expression, Huo Lin's smile deepened: "I am entirely yours, what more reward do you need?"
Jiang Huan felt her ears burn at his words, gave a soft snort, and pulled her hand back: "Glib tongue."
But inside, sweet bubbles were bubbling up.
Huo Lin chuckled and stopped teasing her.
His gaze pierced through the slightly swaying curtain, looking out into the deep night, as if peering into the distant future through the darkness.
"After this battle, the Northern Di were severely weakened, and the border will be peaceful for several years."
He suddenly spoke slowly, his voice sounding particularly deep and clear in the closed carriage.
"I will take this opportunity to thoroughly reorganize the northern border defenses, open up border trade, and allow the silk, tea, and porcelain of Daliang to be continuously transported to the Western Regions, while also allowing the fine horses and treasures of the Western Regions to flow into Daliang."
At this moment, those sharp and deep eyes gleamed with an ambitious light.
"I want to build official roads leading to all the prefectures, dredge the canals, encourage agriculture and sericulture, and establish schools..."
He meticulously outlined his vision, his tone steady.
Jiang Huan listened quietly without interrupting.
She knew that this was not just the emperor's ambition, but also the heavy responsibility on his shoulders.
Finally, Huo Lin changed the subject and held her hand tightly.
“And all of this,” he gazed into Jiang Huan’s eyes and said, word by word, “I want you to stay by my side and witness with your own eyes that the world is at peace and the seas are calm.”
His gaze was so intense, it was as if he wanted to draw her in.
Jiang Huan's heart started racing, and her cheeks felt hot.
She opened her mouth, wanting to say something joking to ease the overly serious atmosphere, but found her throat was a little dry.
[Once the world is truly at peace and the national treasury is full, I will take her everywhere to travel.]
The misty pavilions of Jiangnan, the vast grasslands of the north, the magnificent snow-capped mountains of the west… I will take her to see them all.
[Oh, and I also need to have a few clever and bright sons. When they grow up and are capable of standing on their own, I'll hand over this empire to them.]
[Then I will take her with me, wherever we want to go, whatever we want to eat, and we will never have to deal with these endless memorials or endless court assemblies again.]
This is the kind of life I yearn for.
Jiang Huan was deeply moved by the affection in the first half of his sentence when she was caught off guard by his travel plans for retirement and taking care of the kids. She almost choked on her own saliva.
"Cough cough...cough..." She suddenly lowered her head, clenched her fist and pressed it to her lips, coughing violently.
Huo Lin became nervous when he saw her cough suddenly become severe and her face turn red.
"What's wrong? Did you catch a cold in Fengcheng? Or is it stuffy in this car?" he said, trying to call out to the accompanying military doctor.
Jiang Huan quickly grabbed his sleeve, and after finally catching her breath, she raised her watery eyes, which were still wet from coughing.
"It's nothing, I just suddenly thought of something funny."
What could she say? Was she amused by his absurd thoughts?
Huo Lin casually picked up a cup of warm tea from the small table and held it to her lips: "Drink some water to calm your nerves."
Jiang Huan drank a few sips from his hand, and the warm water flowing down her throat made her feel much better.
Seeing that her expression had returned to normal, Huo Lin's worry gradually faded, but he did not let go of her hand.
The carriage fell silent for a moment, with only the sound of the wheels rolling.
Jiang Huan relaxed against the soft cushion, feeling the warmth and sense of security emanating from his palm. The fatigue and exhaustion of the past few days slowly dissipated in this tranquility.
She squinted her eyes contentedly, like a cat that had just been stroked and pampered.
Huo Lin looked at her relaxed appearance and a smile appeared in his eyes.
"If you're tired, take a break. It's still a long way to the next inn."
Judging from her listless appearance, she must be exhausted.
Indeed, after such a perilous journey from the capital to the northern border, even the strongest person couldn't withstand it.
Hearing his heartfelt words of concern and self-reproach, Jiang Huan felt a warmth in her heart and shook her head.
"Not tired, just a little... um, happy."
As she spoke, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl up again.
I was genuinely happy, not only because we were out of danger, but also because he was by my side, and because of his long-term plans, which, though a little funny, were incredibly sincere.
Huo Lin looked at her undisguised happiness, not understanding the specific reason, but seeing that she was in good spirits, he felt relieved.
He gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her temple with his fingertips, tucking it behind her ear with a tender gesture.
As Jiang Huan felt the warmth of his fingertips, the warmth in her heart grew even stronger.
"Huo Lin, I've remembered everything you just said."
Huo Lin looked down at her upturned lips, his heart softening.
"Yes, a promise is a promise." He promised in a low voice.
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