Chapter 47 The Emperor bestowed honor upon her, but refused to grant her power…
The city gates of Phoenix Dance City were even more majestic than I remembered, their vermilion lacquer and gold nails gleaming with a cold, hard light in the thin sunlight.
Bai Lian's convoy entered Zhuque Avenue, and a cacophony of noise greeted them. Flags fluttered in restaurants and teahouses, vendors' cries rose and fell, and the air was filled with the sweet aromas of spices, cosmetics, and freshly steamed pastries.
This extreme prosperity, though a familiar sight, made Bai Lian feel inexplicably suffocated. Compared to the vastness and openness of Beiting, where even the wind carried a sense of freedom, every inch of this exquisite place felt like a meticulously woven net, silently wrapping around her.
"Lord Bai, we have arrived at the post station. Please rest here for a while and await His Majesty's summons." Commander Zhang, responsible for "escorting" him, reined in his horse, his tone cold, a stark contrast to his obsequious demeanor in Beiting. The soldiers behind him had sharp eyes, ostensibly guarding him, but in reality, they were monitoring him.
Bai Lian nodded, saying nothing. She understood that this so-called "consideration" was Emperor Jia Fengtian's first decree, to isolate her upon her arrival in Fengwu City. Ultimately, that man was afraid his son would see her, afraid that the spark he thought had long been extinguished would reignite.
The inn's room was clean but stifling. Bai Lian pushed open the window, watching the bustling streets below, but a heavy weight pressed on her heart. The swordplay in Beiting was overt, but the treacherous undercurrents of the imperial city were hidden beneath every smiling face and every polite word, making it all the more dangerous.
The summons arrived swiftly the next day. In the Golden Palace, officials stood solemnly, their gazes fixed on her with an almost tangible intensity—a mixture of curiosity, scrutiny, and barely perceptible jealousy. Bai Lian, still clad in her military uniform, travel-worn and disheveled, stood out starkly against the surrounding embroidered official robes. She stepped forward steadily, knelt, and bowed, clearly feeling the heavy, scrutinizing gaze from the dragon throne.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a familiar figure standing below the steps—Galolin. Since their last meeting in Beiting, he seemed to have lost some weight, his jawline taut. Their eyes met briefly, and Bailian sensed worry, pain, and a hint of deep affection she tried to ignore within them… In an instant, he lowered his eyelids.
"Rise, Minister Bai." Jia Fengtian's voice sounded very warm. "In the battle of Beiting, you turned the tide and enhanced our national prestige. You have worked hard."
"It is my duty, and I dare not complain of hardship," Bai Lian replied, bowing her head.
Jia Fengtian inquired about the details of the battle in detail, his tone gentle but his questions tricky, especially when he asked about the unusual nature of the Northern Di's attack and the border army's deployment, his gaze sharp as an eagle.
Bai Lian answered cautiously, her mind clear: this was not only a matter of concern for the battle situation, but also a test of her stance and relationship with her former subordinates.
After finishing his questioning, the emperor changed the subject, adding a touch of deliberate concern: "My dear minister, you have endured hardship and toil on the frontier these past years, and my heart aches for you. Now that you have returned to the capital, you should rest and recuperate properly so that you may find a good match and live a peaceful life in the future." The implication in his words was like a cold needle, piercing Bai Lian's heart.
This is both a reminder and a warning, as if saying: the past is past, don't bring it up again.
Before Bai Lian could respond, the official rewards were announced. The eunuch's shrill voice read out the imperial edict: Bai Lian is promoted to Grand General of the State, with the rank of second grade, and is granted a mansion and a quantity of gold and brocade.
The Grand General of the State… a prestigious but utterly powerless military officer. He had no specific post, no fixed office, and no direct command of any troops. It was merely an honorary title signifying rank and privileges. Jia Fengtian bestowed upon her "honor," but refused to grant her "power."
Bai Lian was filled with mixed feelings. Jia Fengtian couldn't possibly be unaware of the value of her abilities to the country, yet even so, he would rather give her such a nominal title than let her remain in any position where she might wield power, especially one where she might have any interaction with the Crown Prince.
The suspicion and scheming behind this "favor" are chilling.
Bai Lian kowtowed again, her voice calm and undisturbed: "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness."
She received the imperial edict and felt that the bright yellow silk weighed more than a thousand pounds.
After leaving Fengwu City, Bai Lian went to her residence, named "Lianxin Garden," located in the west of Luoyang City, a quiet and elegant place. Pavilions, terraces, bridges, and flowing water—everything was exquisite. But as Bai Lian stepped inside, she felt utterly alienated. With a soldier's instinct, she quickly scanned her surroundings. Behind the artificial hills, beside the pillars, the seemingly busy servants' eyes kept glancing at her unintentionally. This magnificent mansion was, in essence, a prison.
As evening approached, Bai Lian was about to head to the Bai residence when, unexpectedly, a "guest" arrived—Han Liuyue. She arrived in full regalia, her jade pendants jingling, a fragrant breeze wafting through the air. Now the Emperor's favored concubine, she held herself in extremely high esteem.
Bai Lian was very surprised by this. Han Liuyue was just a concubine, yet she could now come and go freely in and out of Phoenix Dance City.
"I just happened to be passing by Sister Bai's place today, so I thought I'd come and see if there's anything you need at your residence?" Han Liuyue said with a smile, but her gaze swept over every piece of furniture in the hall like a brush. "His Majesty is truly exceptionally kind to Sister Bai. This residence and this official position are both extremely prestigious, which shows His Majesty's favor."
This call of "sister" awakened Bai Lian's memories. Back then, Han Liuyue was just a timid girl who came to see her with trepidation, hoping to win happiness for her future. She was cautious and cowardly. But now... what exactly did she go through to cause such a big change in her personality?
Bai Lian invited her to sit down and said calmly, "Thank you for your concern, Consort Han. Everything is fine."
Han Liuyue picked up her teacup, gently stirring the floating leaves with the lid, and said seemingly casually, "I've heard that His Highness the Crown Prince has been focusing on his duties lately and has become much more composed. His Majesty is often pleased, saying that His Highness has finally let go of some unnecessary obsessions, which is what a Crown Prince should be like." She raised her eyes, her gaze carrying a hint of provocation, and looked at Bai Lian.
Bai Lian's fingers, which were holding the teacup, paused slightly, but her expression remained unchanged: "Your Highness's diligence is a blessing to the country."
Han Liuyue gazed at Bai Lian for a moment, then raised her hand to reveal a jade bracelet of excellent quality on her wrist, and smiled, "This was a gift from His Majesty yesterday, who said it complements my complexion. His Majesty always says that he likes my cheerful personality, unlike some people who are too calculating and hard to understand."
She paused, then looked out the window, her tone becoming increasingly subtle, "Luoyang is becoming more and more prosperous. Merchants from all over the country gather here. I heard that the newly opened 'Yuyu Tower' is making a fortune every day. I'm curious, sister. When do you have some free time, would you like to accompany me to have a look around?"
As Han Liuyue spoke, she grasped Bai Lian's hand, making Bai Lian feel even more uncomfortable.
It seems that Han Liuyue also knows about Jia Xuanyu's appearance in Luoyang... Bai Lian nodded slightly and said, avoiding the main point, "A peaceful and prosperous era is indeed a blessing for the people."
Feeling bored, Han Liuyue made a few more small talk before getting up to take her leave. Reaching the door, she turned back to look at Bai Lian, a cryptic smile playing on her lips: "Sister Bai, let bygones be bygones. Only by staying true to your place can you survive long in this Phoenix Dynasty. What do you say?" She had finally shed her feigned politeness, even revealing a hint of humiliated pleasure.
Bai Lian met her gaze and calmly replied, "Consort Han is right. My duty now is to 'enjoy' the Emperor's grace. As for the past, it is all like smoke and clouds, and there is no need for Consort Han to worry about it."
After seeing Han Liuyue off, night had fallen. Bai Lian dismissed her attendants and stood alone by the window, a chill seeping in through the windowpanes. She reached out and gently stroked the late emperor's imperial sword, which was enshrined on the table; the scabbard was icy cold. This honor now felt like a cruel irony.
Today's events felt like a silent battle; though she hadn't lost, she was deeply exhausted. The Emperor's attitude and Han Liuyue's hostility clearly pointed to one fact: her return had touched a nerve with many. The war in this palace had likely only just begun.
The next morning, Bai Lian rode alone to the Bai residence.
Actually, her residence wasn't far from the Bai family mansion, but she always felt that too many people were watching her, both openly and secretly. Only in the quiet morning or the still of the night could she find some peace and avoid unnecessary trouble.
Bai Lian rode extremely fast on this short distance, and she felt her heart pounding along with it.
Yes, she's heading home, not to the next battlefield.
Bai Lian's lips slowly curved upwards, and happiness welled up in her heart. Faster, faster, she could finally go home.
The Bai family had received prior notice and were waiting at the gate early on.
Bai Moyuan and Changsun Rao'er stared anxiously at the empty streets. Just then, they heard the sound of horses' hooves approaching from afar. Their daughter, whom they had been longing for day and night, was galloping towards them in the rising sun.
Bai Lian jumped off her horse and rushed into Changsun Rao'er's arms. At this moment, the hard armor in her heart had disappeared, leaving only tender affection.
"Father, Mother, your daughter is unfilial!" Bai Lian's voice was almost choked with sobs.
Changsun Rao'er's eyes instantly reddened, her hands trembling as she gently stroked Bai Lian's slightly gaunt cheeks and the dust on her temples. Through tears and a smile, she murmured, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back..."
Looking at Bai Lian, Bai Moyuan could not hide his excitement. All his words were condensed into a deep sigh: "Lian'er, you have suffered."
As I walked through the familiar courtyard and into the warm hall, the emotions I had been holding back at the door finally began to relax.
Changsun Rao'er held her daughter's hand tightly, pulling her to sit down beside her. Her loving gaze lingered on her face, as if she could never get enough of looking at her.
"Lian'er, you've lost weight..." Her voice trembled as she hurriedly pushed the hot tea and snacks in front of Bai Lian. "The border is bitterly cold; you must have suffered a lot."
Bai Lian took the teacup, the warmth spreading from her palm to her heart.
She looked at her father, Bai Moyuan. Although he didn't say much, the worry and concern in his deep gaze made her nose tingle more than any words could express.
At this moment, Bai Ziyuan also came to the side. His eyes were full of heartache as he looked at Bai Lian. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "Shuli happened to take Yang'er out today. Why don't you come to my residence to see your little nephew another day?"
"Okay." This touch of warmth finally made Bai Lian laugh out loud; this moment of peace was so precious.
After lunch, Bai Lian called Bai Ziyuan aside and asked him questions urgently.
"Brother, how's the situation right now? I heard that Jia Xuanyu..."
Bai Ziyuan lowered his voice and replied, "His Majesty is probably still unaware of the Third Prince's matter, but His Highness the Crown Prince believes that the Han family father and daughter are definitely involved. This is a massive conspiracy. Currently, His Highness has ordered me to secretly investigate 'Yuyu Tower,' which is the key to their collusion with the Northern Di and the raising of funds."
Bai Lian recounted Han Liuyue's visit during the day to her brother. "She was demonstrating, and also testing. Their next step is likely to exploit His Majesty's fear of me, create trouble, and frame me and the Crown Prince."
Bai Ziyuan's expression was solemn: "That's right. You have no real power now, which makes you a target. However, this sinecure of 'Grand General Who Assists the State' may also be a cover. I will handle the overt investigation, and you can also gather information in secret."
Bai Lian nodded: "I understand. I also want to find their weakness."
To survive and to uncover the truth, she must fight her way through this complex and mysterious world.
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