Chapter 217 Return
In early February, Prince Heng finally returned to Shengjing City. People crowded from the city gate to the imperial city gate, and all the people went out into the streets to cheer for the soldiers who had returned victorious from the battle.
When the emperor appointed Prince Heng as General of the Cavalry to lead 100,000 elite troops from the capital to the border to repel the enemy, everyone was worried. Firstly, no one knew how capable Prince Heng was, since he had no military achievements to show for it.
Secondly, the Hu people were skilled at fighting in icy and snowy conditions, which would have put the Great Zhou at a disadvantage if they had started a war at that time. However, the Hu people were driven back to their homeland by Prince Heng and even signed a surrender document, promising never to invade the borders of the Great Zhou again.
The Great Zhou Dynasty had long been bullied by the Hu people. Now that the Hu people had been defeated, the people of the Great Zhou Dynasty cheered and shouted for Prince Heng. "Your Highness is mighty!" The shouts were louder and louder, deafening.
Prince Yu was among them, but no one mentioned his name. After all, he had been nominally involved at the border for several months and should have earned some credit. Xie Yu also had another skill: he brought back a beautiful concubine from the border, and the concubine was sent to Prince Yu's residence in advance.
Xie Shang led the way, slowly moving forward with the crowd, attracting countless admiring glances. Su Tingwan separated from the army once she reached the city gates, so she naturally had no right to receive the attention of the entire city's residents.
At this moment, Su Tingwan could only squeeze into the crowd as an ordinary person. She was not even as good as Ye Susu. At least Ye Susu was a meritorious physician who was qualified to pay respects to the emperor and was qualified to be respected by the people of the city.
Xie Shang, clad in battle robes that fluttered in the wind and boots, exuded an imposing aura, like a war god descending to earth. He dismounted and walked forward, each step displaying dominance and majesty.
Everyone was amazed by the prince's heroic bearing, which was so awe-inspiring that it inexplicably inspired a sense of conviction in them.
On the other side, Jiang Fenghua stood with the emperor, empress, and all the court officials, waiting for Xie Shang to arrive with his generals.
Today, she wore a violet-colored long dress. Although her belly was round, it did not affect her beauty at all. Apart from her belly, she was not overweight anywhere else. Her face was rosy and beautiful. She wore exquisite makeup and was stunningly beautiful. The people standing in front could clearly see her face and could only feel that the Princess Consort of Heng had an amazing beauty.
Her demeanor exuded a natural royal air, a blend of nobility, elegance, and majesty. Her eyes, like stars, shone brightly, inspiring awe.
The weather in February was not hot yet, with a cool breeze. She wore a thin cloak of the same color, the embroidery of which was very unique and exquisite. Her lips were slightly upturned, and her dignified and self-satisfied demeanor showed her unparalleled confidence.
Xie Shang spotted Jiang Fenghua at first glance. He was shocked that she was standing beside the Emperor and Empress, which meant that his father and mother valued her highly.
Jiang Fenghua also looked at him, and she suddenly gave him a bright smile. Her smile was like a spring breeze, refreshing and clean. After that, she stood up straight and honestly.
"Your subject pays respects to the Emperor and Empress Dowager." Xie Shang led the way in bowing.
Immediately afterwards, everyone else knelt down and bowed, saying, "Your subject/lowly official/commoner pays respects to Your Majesty, long live the Emperor, long live the Empress, long live the Empress."
In an instant, the sounds rose and fell, echoing across the sky. The shouts of worship were stirring and inspiring.
The Emperor, clad in a dragon robe, smiled broadly and spoke in a clear, melodious voice: “My beloved ministers, warriors, and my subjects, you have all worked hard. This great victory over the Hu tribe has enhanced the prestige of our Great Zhou and ensured the peaceful and prosperous lives of our people. I am very pleased and overjoyed. I have already ordered a banquet to be prepared, and I am just waiting for the triumphant return of all my meritorious officials.”
"Long live the Emperor! We have fulfilled our mission, upholding the prestige of our Great Zhou and protecting the peaceful and prosperous lives of our people!" Another shout rang out in unison.
Suddenly, the Emperor placed his hand on Xie Shang's shoulder and nodded to him in encouragement, "It's good that you're back. You did a great job."
Xie Shang was stunned; his father had finally acknowledged his abilities.
Immediately afterwards, the emperor stepped forward and personally helped Su Dehai up, saying, "Minister Su, please rise. Thanks to General Su guarding the border, the people have no worries. Minister Su's contribution is invaluable!"
Su Dehai said, "Your Majesty, I have been diligent in my duties and the border is secure. I have not failed Your Majesty's trust and have done right by the people of the world. People throughout the Great Zhou praise Your Majesty's wisdom."
"Very well, Su Qing, please. All warriors, please." The Emperor continued, "I have prepared a welcoming banquet for all the soldiers. Today, I will drink with you until we are all drunk."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," the crowd said in unison.
The emperor sharing a seat with his subjects further demonstrates the close bond between officials and the people, and the emperor's high regard for them.
Those who accompanied the army were naturally entertained by officials from the Ministry of Rites, and the soldiers in the military camp had already made arrangements, waiting only for the Emperor to lead General Su to the banquet.
At this moment, Empress Cheng was the first to rush to Xie Shang's side. "Shang'er, I heard you were injured. I haven't been able to sleep all night. Where are you injured..."
"Everything is fine, Mother, please rest assured."
Empress Cheng's eyes filled with tears, "Thank goodness you're back safe and sound, otherwise what would I, your mother, have to do!"
"Isn't your son back? Why are you crying so bitterly when you see that he's missing something?" Xie Shang comforted her. "You should be happy that your son is back."
"Yes, Your Majesty is happy." Empress Cheng held his hand. "Your Majesty has prepared many of your favorite foods. You've suffered outside and have lost weight and become tanned." Xie Shang had tidied himself up before entering the city to meet the Emperor. He had also bathed and changed his clothes, and his demeanor was dignified and solemn. You couldn't tell that he had become tanned and thin; he should have looked more energetic.
Jiang Fenghua stood to the side, seemingly ignored. Empress Cheng didn't give her a chance to speak at all. Xie Shang was back, and she should have said something to him or offered her her blessings.
She had heard about his entanglements with Su Tingwan and Ye Susu. Xie Shang's handling of the situation was undoubtedly the most appropriate, as he settled Su Tingwan and also helped Ye Susu out of her predicament.
Jiang Fenghua didn't want to think too much about his feelings for Ye Susu; she simply waited for Xie Shang to speak up, and then she would take charge of bringing her into the mansion.
Jiang Fenghua fell into deep thought, walking slowly behind Empress Cheng. Empress Cheng was afraid that someone would take away her son, and she had endless things to say and endless grievances to express.
Just then, Xie Shang suddenly reached out a hand to her and grabbed her hand in his palm like he was catching an eel. Jiang Fenghua was caught off guard by his action. Seeing that the Empress's gaze was not on her, she suddenly lowered her head and looked at the hand that was clasped together. His palm was rough, and there were even calluses on his wrist, probably caused by holding a sword.
She had only ever seen him presumptuously presiding over cases in court; she had never seen him wield a knife or gun.
She probably hadn't seen him in this life. In her past life, he often practiced martial arts in the palace's training ground. She had secretly watched him several times, but each time she dared not approach and stayed far away, only managing to catch a glimpse of his blurry figure.
Jiang Fenghua was a little stunned and slowed down by half a step. Xie Shang probably noticed that she was distracted, so he also slowed down a little. He led her along while answering Empress Cheng's various questions.
For example, he was well-fed, warmly dressed, and did not suffer. He also demonstrated how he defeated the enemy in battle and how he led his troops to inflict losses on them.
Gradually, Xie Shang suddenly pulled her close to his side, pressing her tightly against him. Her features were exquisite, and she was as serene as a virgin, with a blush on her cheeks. If he didn't have to deal with the Empress, he would have loved to kiss her. He hadn't seen her for several months and wondered if she missed him.
Aoxue and Lianye quickly followed. When they saw the prince suddenly take the princess's hand, their worries lessened a bit. They had been away for almost half a year, and the prince had finally not forgotten the princess who was pregnant at home.
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