Triumphant return, father and son united
When the news of the victory at the border reached the capital, it was late spring. In the Golden Palace, a courier loudly reported the good news that Shen Nianqing had led his army to annihilate the remaining forces of the Xiongnu and capture their leader alive. The emperor was overjoyed and immediately issued an edict to reward the entire army and ordered a victory banquet to be prepared, awaiting the army's return.
Upon hearing the news, Su Yunqing's embroidery needle slipped from her hand, pricking her fingertip without her noticing. Gazing at the budding peonies in the courtyard, her eyes instantly reddened; the anxiety that had gripped her for days finally subsided. Shen Qingci, though still composed, tightened his grip on the desk, his eyes brimming with undisguised joy and pride—he knew that his son had not only repelled the enemy but had also shed his naiveté in the flames of war, truly growing into a capable and responsible man.
Three days later, Shen Nianqing led five thousand soldiers to the outskirts of the capital. At the head of the column, he wore armor stained with dust and frost, a long spear given to him by Shen Qingci at his waist. Although his face showed the weariness of marching, his eyes were even more resolute and bright. The people spontaneously poured into the streets, holding flowers and wine to welcome him, cheering and praising the young general for his wisdom and courage.
Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing were already waiting at the gate. Upon seeing that familiar figure in the distance, Su Yunqing could no longer contain herself and hurried forward. Shen Nianqing dismounted, removed his helmet, and rushed to greet his parents. Before his knees even touched the ground, Shen Qingci helped him up. "It's good that you've returned safely," Shen Qingci said, his voice slightly hoarse. His gaze carefully examined his son, noticing that his posture was still upright, but with a newfound composure in his eyes. He felt even more relieved.
Su Yunqing stepped forward and hugged her son tightly, her tears soaking his armor: "Nianqing, you're finally back! Your mother has been worried about you day and night, afraid that something might happen to you." Shen Nianqing gently patted his mother's back, his voice gentle yet firm: "Mother, I'm sorry to have worried you. Your son promised you that he would return safely, and he will never break his promise."
Upon entering the mansion, Shen Nianqing changed out of his armor into casual clothes and sat with his parents in the hall. He recounted in detail his experiences on the frontier: how he uncovered the Xiongnu's guerrilla tactics, how he and his soldiers divided their defenses and joined forces to annihilate them, how he distributed the captured grain and weapons to the people, and how he gained the support of the border soldiers and civilians. When he spoke of the perilous parts, Su Yunqing frequently frowned; when he heard of the victories, Shen Qingci nodded repeatedly.
"The successful defeat of the enemy is largely due to the bravery of our soldiers and the cooperation of the local generals," Shen Nianqing said modestly. "I was merely doing my duty according to the military strategies and tactics taught to me by my father."
Shen Qingci looked at his son, his eyes full of praise: "Nianqing, on the battlefield, not only strategy is needed, but also responsibility. Your compassion for soldiers and kindness to the people are the foundation of victory. Now you can stand on your own, and your father is proud of you." He paused, then added, "The path to the court may not be easier than the battlefield, but as long as you stay true to your original aspirations and stand upright, your father and mother will always be your strongest support."
Su Yunqing quickly got up and brought over the lotus seed soup that had been prepared beforehand: "You must be tired from your journey. Have some sweet soup to soothe your throat. You've just returned, so rest well. Your father will take care of the rest."
Shen Nianqing took the bowl of soup, the warmth spreading from his throat to his heart. Looking at his parents' concerned faces, he deeply understood that behind this peace and prosperity lay the endless concern and support of his family. He secretly resolved that no matter what situation he was in in the future, he would safeguard the peace of the country and the harmony of his family, and live up to his parents' teachings and expectations.
A few days later, the emperor held a celebration banquet in the Golden Palace, rewarding Shen Nianqing with one hundred taels of gold and one thousand bolts of silk, and promoting him to the position of Attendant Reader in the Hanlin Academy. Shen Nianqing, dressed in his official robes, calmly expressed his gratitude, his brows displaying both the pride of a young man who had achieved success and the humility and composure of a humble man, winning the admiration and praise of all the court officials.
On his way back home, Shen Nianqing gazed at the bustling streets of the capital, his heart filled with emotion. He knew this was not the end, but a new beginning. From now on, he would follow in his father's footsteps, serving the country in the court, working for the well-being of the people, and dedicating his life to practicing the family motto of "having the world in one's heart and being kind and gentle."
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