After bidding farewell to Song Yue and Zhao Qi, Qingchen walked alone on the Thousand Steps Corridor bathed in the setting sun.
It's been over a year since we last met, and seeing each other today feels like a lifetime ago.
The man was still the same—refined and dignified, yet aloof and distant, with an air of superiority. Zhao Qiran scurried over to greet her, but he remained standing there, as if someone desperately wanted to get close to him!
Qingchen glanced down at her official robes. She was now a third-rank Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, not much lower in rank than him. In the future, she, as a minister, would also have to attend cabinet meetings. If there were any disputes among the cabinet members, even as a cabinet elder, she would have to seek support from the ministers of each department.
With that thought in mind, Qingchen straightened his chest and strode forward.
We'll likely cross paths quite a bit in the future, let's just wait and see.
Qingchen had been traveling for days, and Zhu Rui, understanding her hardship, instructed her to return to her residence to rest after expressing her gratitude, and to return to the court in a couple of days. Since she was now a third-rank official, renting a house was no longer appropriate. Zhu Rui, being very thoughtful, ordered the Ministry of Works to find her a residence in the capital, complete with servants.
When Qingchen left the Qianqing Palace, the eunuch Huang Heng gave her the blueprints of the residence. However, Qingchen did not return to her residence directly. After leaving the Daming Gate, she went to a place first—the Northern Garrison Office.
When she returned from Yunnan, Lu Shenyun gave her his commander's token, which she had to return to him.
Unfortunately, Lu Shenyun was not at the yamen.
When Deputy Commander Huang Yu saw Qing Chen and the peacock emblem on her body, he was extremely surprised.
"Oh, Lord Shen is back!" Huang Yu greeted her, "Please have a seat, and someone bring tea!"
Qingchen sat down and looked around the furnishings of the yamen, which were exactly the same as before she left. The dark tone and simple furnishings seemed to carry Lu Shenyun's cold aura.
Huang Yu seemed quite excited, "When did you get back? I only heard that you were coming back to serve as the Vice Minister of Revenue, I didn't expect to see you so soon. It must have been more than a year since I last saw you, right? You look so handsome in this official robe..."
Qingchen smiled and replied, "It has been a long time since I've seen Lord Huang. I just arrived today and went to the palace to express my gratitude."
"You just got back today and came straight here?" Huang Yu chuckled. "Looks like our little temple is quite popular."
Qingchen remained noncommittal, only smiling slightly, "Does Lord Huang know when Lord Lu will return?"
"He just wandered around the yamen today and then left. We haven't seen him all day, I don't know where he went." Huang Yu served Qingchen a cup of tea. "He usually stays in the yamen, I don't know what's wrong with him today, he just had to go out. Luckily you came to see him as soon as you got back, but he wasn't here."
As Huang Yu spoke, he spread his hands, feeling sorry for Lu Shenyun.
"In that case... I won't wait any longer. Please help me pass this on to Lord Lu." Qingchen said, handing Lu Shenyun's token to Huang Yu.
Huang Yu was taken aback.
So this brand... ended up in her hands.
The commander's token, capable of commanding the entire Imperial Guards of the capital and the Embroidered Uniform Guards nationwide, was no less important than the emperor's military tally. Two months ago, Lu Shenyun told him the token was lost, causing him immense anxiety. Anyone who used this token to mobilize the Imperial Guards of the capital would pose a significant threat to the city.
The Embroidered Uniform Guard was a hereditary system, so the token was passed down through generations of the Lu family. Because he "lost" the token, Lu Shenyun was severely punished by his father. If he couldn't find the token, his father would sever their father-son relationship.
Only Huang Yu, who was close to Lu Shenyun, knew about this. He was anxious to help Lu Shenyun find the token, but dared not publicize the matter, and was nervous for two whole months.
I never expected... that the token would be here.
Seeing Huang Yu looking somewhat dazed, Qing Chen asked, "What's wrong, Lord Huang?"
"Oh, it's nothing. How did you obtain this token, Lord Shen?"
"Before I returned to the capital, Lord Lu asked someone to give it to me. He said he was worried about my safety on the way."
I see.
Huang Yu understood after a moment's thought. That brat Lu Shenyun had used it to escort his sweetheart in his place. The man who would never lie had actually lied because of it.
Sigh, she really is deeply in love.
Huang Yu thought for a moment and then returned the token to Qing Chen. "This belongs to Lord Lu, and it is inconvenient for me to hand it over. Lord Shen, please give it to Lord Lu in person."
Returning the money in person would allow the two to meet again, saving Lu Shenyun from the embarrassment of having his lie exposed. That was all he could do as a brother!
Seeing that Huang Yu refused to accept it, Qingchen took the token back. "In that case, I'm sorry to bother you, Lord Huang. I'll come again another day."
After leaving the Zhenfusi Yamen, Qingchen first went to the inn to pick up her father, and then found her new house according to the markings on the map.
The house was quite nice; though not as grand as the mansions of aristocratic families, it was still exquisitely elegant. A large grove of bamboo grew beside it, its leaves creating a serene and secluded atmosphere. In the bustling capital, to have such a tranquil house amidst the chaos was something one wouldn't dare dream of without an imperial gift.
Qingchen helped his father out of the carriage, and just looking at the two characters "Chen Mansion" on the plaque in front of the mansion gate, he had some indescribable feelings.
This is...her home, right?
She was finally able to give her father a spacious and sunny house.
Soon, the gatekeeper heard the commotion at the door and came to open it.
Upon first seeing their master, they didn't recognize him and said, "Our master hasn't returned yet. May we ask who you are? We'll inform you when you return."
The coachman immediately replied, "You're blind to his greatness! This gentleman before you is none other than your Lord Shen!"
The two servants exchanged a glance, then quickly bowed and apologized before welcoming their Lord Shen through the door.
Qingchen returned to her bedroom, changed into casual clothes, and properly packed her luggage when a servant came to report that a guest had arrived.
She was wondering who knew she was back so quickly when the servants answered her question: "It was Lord Lu Shenyun of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."
Qingchen was taken aback for a moment, "Quickly invite him to sit in the hall."
She went to look for him but couldn't find him. Unexpectedly, he came to her in person.
However, upon entering the hall, Qingchen did not see Lu Shenyun. Looking outside, she only saw half of his body beside the screen wall. He was directing his servants to carry something inside.
Under the sunlight, his figure remained upright, wearing his usual black robe with an embroidered spring knife at his side, still looking somewhat aloof and arrogant.
Qingchen walked up behind him and called out, "Lu Shenyun."
Lu Shenyun paused for a moment, but did not turn his head.
He hadn't heard that voice for over a year. Now, suddenly encountering it again, hearing it again, he suddenly lacked the courage to turn around and meet it.
How could someone as high-ranking as the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard be...?
The saying "It's hard to meet, and it's hard to part" is truly apt.
Qingchen thought he hadn't heard her, so she stepped forward and called out again, "Lu Shenyun."
After a moment of silence, Lu Shenyun finally turned around and said, "...You're back."
In that instant when he turned around, he felt the sunlight was a little dazzling, and the person who was only a few steps away from him looked somewhat unreal. The halo of light fell on her shoulders, and she was still so elegant and beautiful, with a gentle face and clear, watery eyes.
Qingchen smiled. "Yes! I'm back. Long time no see."
As she spoke, she glanced at the things the servants were carrying, "These are..."
"Furniture. I asked the Ministry of Works, and they said this house was a bit short of furniture, so I bought some." His tone was indifferent, still as if he wasn't very good at speaking.
"...Why did you buy them?" Qingchen felt a warmth in her heart. "I can just send someone to buy these things myself. You're so busy, you don't need to go out of your way to buy them for me."
Lu Shenyun pursed his lips. "I bought them all."
After saying that, he started helping her move her things inside.
Qingchen sighed softly, stepped forward, grabbed his arm, and led him into the house. "You came all this way and didn't even have a cup of tea before running around doing chores. You make me, the host, feel ashamed."
Lu Shenyun didn't say anything, and obediently followed Qingchen.
The spot where she held his arm felt warm, the warmth of her heart after a long separation.
Inside the room, Qingchen handed him the tea, watched him take a sip, and then said, "This is tea I brought back from Yunnan. Is it good?"
"Mm." Lu Shenyun nodded.
The tea was fragrant and refreshing, leaving a lingering aroma on the lips and teeth. However, he was not good with words, much less with praise, afraid of saying the wrong thing or something that might spoil the atmosphere of their reunion. So, he simply hummed in agreement.
Seeing that he was still the same as always—a conversation killer and an atmosphere breaker—Qingchen couldn't help but smile. "I brought some for you. Remember to take them with you when you go back later."
Lu Shenyun was slightly taken aback.
She even brought him tea.
Was he the only one who had it, or did she bring some for others as well?
Lu Shenyun pondered, but did not ask the question.
"Oh, right. Here, take this back." Qingchen remembered something, took out his token, and placed it in front of him. "Thank you. But the journey was very smooth, I didn't need to use it."
Lu Shenyun accepted the token. Although he felt somewhat disappointed that he hadn't been able to help her, he was also relieved that she had a smooth journey.
Anyway, as long as she's safe, that's all that matters.
"Oh, right. I went to the Zhenfu Division office just now, and you weren't there. I wanted Huang Yu to give you the token, but he looked a bit strange and wouldn't give it to you for me." Qingchen asked, puzzled, "Is there something special about this token?"
Qingchen was a civil official, and had not served for very long, so she didn't know much about the inner workings of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. She thought this token was similar to her waist badge, but she didn't know that it could command the Embroidered Uniform Guard throughout the country.
“No.” Lu Shenyun shook his head. “There’s nothing special about it, it’s just a sign.”
Losing the brand is tantamount to losing your life.
"Is that so..." Qingchen didn't think too much about it and asked again, "By the way, has the injury on your arm fully healed?"
"Okay, all done."
Because he had to send Qingchen away, his wounds weren't treated in time, and Lu Shenyun had a fever for two whole months last year, almost not making it through. But when they met again and he asked about it, all he could say were these few words, barely mentioned.
He has always been someone who hides his pain and sorrow, especially when facing someone he likes. The deeper the pain, the more indifferent his tone becomes.
"That's good." Qingchen said, getting up to take out the tea he had brought for him from his luggage and handing it to him.
Lu Shenyun immediately stood up, took the tea, and said, "You must be tired. I'm leaving. You should rest."
“…I’m not trying to get rid of you, I’m just afraid that if we keep talking, I might forget something.” Qingchen couldn’t help but sigh, this person is still so sensitive. “Why don’t you sit a little longer?”
She felt a little embarrassed by his behavior.
Lu Shenyun shook his head and decisively walked out, saying, "I'm leaving."
He held the embroidered spring knife in one hand and the tea she had brought him in the other. The hem of his black robe fluttered gently, and the silver embroidery thread shimmered slightly in the setting sun.
He missed her terribly, and had been looking forward to this day of reunion for a whole year. But he knew she was exhausted and couldn't bear to disturb her any further.
He was already very satisfied that he could come and visit today and have a brief chat.
"I'll take you," Qingchen said, catching up with him.
Lu Shenyun suddenly stopped, stretched out his arm in front of her, and blocked her way.
Qingchen was somewhat helpless in the face of his persistence and had no choice but to give in.
Only after Lu Shenyun's figure disappeared behind the screen wall did Qingchen come out of the house and arrive at the front door.
He had already mounted his horse and left.
In the setting sun, that figure remained upright, appearing aloof, so resolute, still vigorous and beautiful.
The next day, while Qingchen was still resting, Zhao Qiran came to visit, bringing an invitation.
He said he was going to hold a banquet at his residence, firstly to gather the followers of the Neo-Confucianism school in the court, and secondly to welcome her back.
Actually, the gathering was secondary; the welcome dinner was the priority. Zhao Qiran deliberately reversed the order because he was afraid Qingchen wouldn't go.
He had been contemplating this idea ever since he parted ways with her yesterday.
Qingchen is Song Yue's student and a follower of the School of Mind. At such a young age, she has already been promoted to the rank of Vice Minister of Revenue, a position of the third rank, which is the glory and pride of their faction. Gathering everyone together at this time serves two purposes: first, to allow them to connect and strengthen their bonds; and second, to let Qingchen feel their respect for her, so that she won't be swayed by others.
Zhao Qiran was very satisfied with his idea, and went to see Song Yue that very night to tell him his thoughts.
Song Yue didn't express his opinion, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, as if it had nothing to do with him.
Zhao Qiran was furious at his appearance and immediately snatched the pen from his hand. "No matter what you think, I'm definitely hosting this welcome banquet. You are Qingchen's teacher and a successor of the Xin Xue sect. You can't miss such a gathering. I'm not asking you to go through fire and water. I know you're busy, so showing your face won't take up much of your time. Your student has returned, and if you, as his teacher, don't even come to the welcome banquet, wouldn't that make Qingchen a laughingstock among the entire court? He just got back!"
"Go back now."
So, are you coming or not?
When he left, Zhao Qiran still hadn't received a reply from Song Yue, and he cursed all the way home in anger.
Zhao Qiran has come to invite Qingchen, the main character.
Just as he expected, Qingchen was somewhat resistant when she heard the words "welcome banquet," saying that she didn't want to trouble them.
Zhao Qiran could only repeatedly emphasize that it was a gathering of Neo-Confucianists, which she hadn't attended for over a year, and that she should participate this time.
After hesitating for a while, Qingchen finally agreed.
Zhao Qiran is right. After being away for so long, she should be seen upon her return. Otherwise, people will think that she looks down on people now that she has been promoted.
I just don't know if I'll run into that person again in that situation.
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