Chapter 365 Return to the Capital
The next day.
The smoke of war in Nanzhao finally cleared.
Because Su Muyang refused to temporarily take over the post of Cangzhou Governor, Yan Shixu ordered Wen Zhiyan to be the governor of the military and political affairs of Lancang and Cangzhou, to appease the people and restore order.
Chen Zhen assisted Wen Zhiyan in eliminating the remaining resistance forces and was responsible for escorting important captives and royal family members of Nanzhao to Beijing.
As for Yan Shixu himself, he personally led the army, accompanied by meritorious officials such as Su Muyang, Luo Yunzhen, Su Zhanyue, and some officials who surrendered from Nanzhao, and embarked on the triumphant journey back to the court.
Along the way, flags covered the sky and iron armor clanged.
When the people of the prefectures along the way heard the news, they all came with their elderly and children, carrying food and drink, and lined the streets to welcome them.
Cheers and excitement merged into a rolling torrent, drowning out the sound of horses' hooves trampling on the official road.
The reputation and achievements of Emperor Dayan spread throughout every inch of the country as the victorious army returned north.
The streets of the capital were already deserted.
The people were eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the emperor's holy face and the mighty army that would defeat Nanzhao and avenge Dayan.
Above the imperial city, Wen Li'er, who had just finished her confinement, was surrounded by palace maids, leaning on the railing and gazing into the distance.
She wore an exceptionally luxurious auspicious dress today—an apricot-colored palace dress made of the finest brocade.
The fabric itself has a soft and warm luster, like the warm sunshine in early spring.
The most eye-catching feature is the large blooming peony pattern woven with gold, silver and colorful threads using complex zhuanghua techniques.
The peony petals are stacked and stretched, rich and graceful, lifelike, either in bud or in full bloom, interspersed with green leaves, extending from the shoulders and chest to the hem.
As she walked, the apricot-colored background softened the gorgeousness of the peony, and the gold and silver threads shone in the light, making the smile at the corners of her eyebrows and eyes brighter.
Xiaoxiao clung to the railing excitedly, his little face flushed red.
Miaomiao was held in her wet nurse's arms, looking at the crowd below with curiosity with her big black eyes.
Tiantian was lifted up by Yan Shilang and sat astride his shoulders. Looking at the army gradually approaching from a distance, a faint smile seemed to appear at the corner of his mouth.
As for the two children who were only one month old, they were left in the Bixi Palace and looked after by a wet nurse.
Wen Li'er's palms were slightly sweaty, and her eyes were fixed on the smoke rising in the distance.
Here we come!
The deafening sound of the trumpet pierced the sky, announcing the return of the royal army.
The first thing that catches the eye is the fluttering dragon flag with the word "Yan" on it and the nine-tasseled banner that symbolizes imperial power.
Next came a dark and endless line of people.
Although the soldiers were exhausted, their armor still had dust on it, and many of them were even injured.
But the solemn and murderous atmosphere of surviving a hundred battles and the high spirits of returning victoriously are heart-stirring.
At the front of the team, Yan Shixu was wearing a black armor with golden dragon scale patterns, riding a majestic black horse, and his posture was as straight as a pine tree.
The sunlight fell on his handsome yet resolute and profound face, so dazzling that people could not take their eyes away.
His eyes were as sharp as torches, sweeping across the towering city gate and the cheering crowd.
Finally, he accurately locked onto the figure on the city wall that had been haunting him.
Our eyes met, and thousands of words were unspoken through the noisy crowd.
Wen Li'er's eyes were instantly filled with tears, but the corners of her mouth were raised high, blooming the brightest and most sincere smile in the year.
She clasped her hands tightly in front of her abdomen and whispered to herself, "I'm glad you're back safely."
Following Yan Shixu was Su Muyang, who was equally high-spirited.
After he changed out of the awkward Nanzhao dragon robe at Zhennan Pass, he put on his favorite brocade clothes again.
It was his favorite color, white. He was riding on a snow-white horse, waving a broken jade fan in his hand, and waving frequently to the cheering people on both sides, which made many young girls and wives blush and their hearts beat faster.
Beside him were Luo Yunzhen and Su Zhanyue, who had recovered from their injuries and were in high spirits.
The army did not enter the city to disturb the people, but instead camped and rested in a designated training ground outside the city.
Yan Shixu led the main generals and surrendered officials, and with the imperial guards clearing the way, they slowly crossed the bustling Suzaku Street and went straight to the palace gate.
The palace gates were wide open and ceremonial music was in full swing.
Yan Shixu dismounted and casually threw the reins to the guards who came to meet him.
He stepped onto the Danbi step by step. The aura of an emperor who had experienced hundreds of battles formed an invisible and majestic aura, which made the roaring cheers hold their breath for a moment.
All officials and people bowed their heads in reverence, and the thunderous roar of "Long live the emperor" reached the sky, shaking the palace.
However, the most honorable emperor in the world only had eyes for the figure in apricot-yellow palace dress and blooming peonies on the city wall.
He did not stop, and even walked past the princes of the royal family and important cabinet officials who were kneeling in the front, and walked straight towards the imperial steps leading to the city wall.
That urgent attitude was not concealed at all.
On the city wall, Wen Li'er's heart was beating like a drum.
Watching him approach step by step, watching the emotions and worldliness almost overflowing from his deep eyes.
Finally, Yan Shixu stepped onto the last step, and the tall figure instantly loomed over her.
One year of separation, three hundred and sixty-five days and nights of torment and worry, now all turned into tenderness and sweetness.
"Pear..."
Yan Shixu's voice was low and hoarse, carrying the fatigue of the long journey, but also an indescribable tenderness.
With just this one call, Wen Lier's tears, which she had been holding back for a long time, finally burst forth.
All reserve and all decorum were thrown out the window.
She ignored the countless eyes around her and the emperor's majesty, and threw herself into his strong and warm arms like a young swallow returning to its nest.
"Axu..."
The first time she called him like this, it softly touched Yan Shixu's heart.
"It's great to have you back...
She hugged his waist tightly, as if she wanted to embed herself into his bones and blood, absorbing the warmth and sense of security.
Yan Shixu hugged her back without hesitation, with such force that it seemed as if he wanted to crush her.
He buried his face deeply in the crook of her neck, which had a faint pear scent, and greedily breathed in her scent.
"I'm sorry to have worried you."
Xiao Xiao jumped excitedly beside him: "Father! Father!"
Although Tiantian was held by Yan Shilang, her little face was still tense, but there was a glimmer of light in her eyes.
Miaomiao looked curiously at her parents who were hugging each other tightly, and timidly called out "Father".
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