The young general's return to the capital brings joy to some and sorrow to others.
The news of Lu Beichen's return to Beijing was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples throughout the capital.
The most excited of all was Shen Anci. Almost the instant she received the news, she dropped the spear she was wiping and rushed out of the General's Mansion like a gust of wind, heading straight for Lu Beichen's residence in the capital. She didn't even wait for an announcement; she simply climbed over the wall and entered, startling Lu Beichen, who was looking at a map in his study.
"Lu Beichen! You heartless bastard! You finally know how to come back!" Shen An's voice arrived before he did, carrying the air of someone who had traveled a long way and barely suppressed joy.
Lu Beichen turned around and looked at the woman before him, who was even more dashing than three years ago, yet whose eyes still held that familiar, charming naiveté. A genuine smile involuntarily melted across his usually cold face. Before he could speak, Shen Anci had already rushed in front of him and punched him hard: "Three years! You didn't even write a letter! I thought you died in the Northern Frontier!"
The punch landed squarely on Lu Beichen's chest, but he didn't budge. Instead, he reached out and grasped her wrist, his voice low and tinged with amusement: "Miss Shen's greeting gift is still so unique. Military affairs in the Northern Frontier are busy, and it's inconvenient for messengers to travel there."
"Stop making excuses!" Shen Anci struggled but couldn't break free. Her face flushed slightly, but she retorted sharply, "I think you've just forgotten!"
The two, reunited after a long separation, exchanged playful scolding and apologetic smiles, their atmosphere so warm it seemed to ignite the air itself. They had known each other since childhood, practicing martial arts and causing mischief together, their bond deep and unspoken. Though never explicitly stated, their feelings for each other were already tacitly understood. Besides reporting for duty and receiving rewards, Lu Beichen's most important task upon returning to the capital was to propose marriage to the Shen family.
However, not everyone is happy about this.
Inside the Duke of Anguo's mansion, the atmosphere was subtly tense. Su Wanqing, having heard the news of Lu Beichen's return, stood alone by the window for a long time. The dashing young general who had once left a fleeting impression on her in her youth was now successful and even more charismatic than before. Meanwhile, she was married to another, trapped in the stagnant waters of the Prince Rui's mansion. Her heart was filled with mixed emotions: bitterness, regret, and a vague, inexplicable sense of loss. She and Prince Rui remained as distant as ice; Lu Beichen's return was like a mirror, reflecting the emptiness of her marriage.
Prince Rui, Zhao Jingming, had naturally heard the rumors. He was not unaware of his princess's feelings, but he was preoccupied with another and had no time to concern himself with them. Lu Beichen's rise represented the emergence of a new force in the military, forcing him to re-examine the young general from a political perspective, as well as his potential connections with the Shen family and even with Prince Yi and his wife. The political landscape seemed poised for another shift.
Prince Yi's mansion became the best viewing platform. Zhao Jingyi, with his legs crossed, listened to the little eunuch's vivid description of how Shen Anci "broke into the mansion" and "took action," laughing so hard he almost fell over.
"Hahaha! Well done! Shen Anci, that girl, really didn't disappoint me! That's how you teach that brat Lu Beichen a lesson!" He slapped his thigh excitedly, then turned to Qin Yuti, who was playing with Xue Tuan'er, and said, "Wife, just you wait, the capital is going to be lively! The Shen family girl and Lu Beichen are like dry wood meeting a raging fire... no, they're a perfect match! There's bound to be a good show!"
While stroking Xue Tuan'er's fur, Qin Yuti shook her head helplessly: "Your Highness, can't you hope for something better? If Anci and General Lu can get married, it would be a wonderful thing." She was happy for Shen Anci, but at the same time she knew that Lu Beichen was now a hot new favorite, and his marriage would probably involve the interests of all parties and might not be smooth sailing.
Sure enough, within two days, news spread through the palace that His Majesty was overjoyed and would reward Lu Beichen handsomely, hosting a banquet in the palace to welcome the victorious general. Not only would members of the royal family and high-ranking officials attend, but eligible young ladies from various families would likely also be invited. The intention was self-evident.
Zhao Jingyi rubbed his hands together, full of anticipation for the palace banquet: "Wife, you have to dress up beautifully for the palace banquet! Let's go together and see how many people want to get close to that kid Lu Beichen! Will Shen Anci flip the table on the spot? Hehe, just thinking about it is exciting!"
Qin Yuti rolled her eyes at him, annoyed. "Your Highness, please tone it down. That's a palace banquet, not a teahouse for watching plays." In her mind, however, she was already plotting how to subtly help her straightforward friend at the banquet.
Lu Beichen's return was like a piece thrown into a chessboard, instantly stirring up the seemingly calm surface of the capital.
Old feelings, political marriages, and the balance of power will all quietly collide at this upcoming palace banquet.
Meanwhile, our Prince Yi has already prepared melon seeds and snacks, ready to sit in the front row and watch this annual spectacle.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
