Hearing Luo Jingyao’s words, not just a few households, but also the officials and their families in The Capital, as well as the soldiers guarding the city gates and the passing citizens, all looked forward with great anticipation. Upon hearing the orderly footsteps approaching, everyone’s expression became excited.
"Princess," Hai Tang said in a low voice, riding horseback to the left of the carriage, "the old master and the others are waiting at the city gates." Her vision was extremely good, and she could make out the distant figures at a glance.
Lifting the carriage curtain, Yang Mengchen indeed saw a dense crowd in front, with her relatives at the very front. Her eyes immediately moistened.
Gripping his beloved wife’s hand tightly, Long Xuanmo’s heart was filled with a warmth, for with his wife and these relatives, he was not alone.
All the people knelt down in unison and cried out loudly, "Long live Prince Chen, may you live for thousands and thousands of years, long live Princess Chen, may you live for thousands and thousands of years!"
Years ago, when Prince Chen was just a boy, he had personally led the troops to a bloody battle, bringing about more than a decade of peace and harmony. He was Dong Chu’s guardian deity. Princess Chen had successfully planted four types of crops, started a charity event, helped soldiers at the frontier, and treated citizens infected with smallpox... For the nation and the people, she gave her all, truly a star of fortune for Dong Chu. From the bottom of their hearts, they respected and cherished Prince and Princess Chen.
"Rise," Long Xuanmo commanded with authority.
Standing by Long Xuanmo’s side with a gentle smile, Yang Mengchen was like a refreshing breeze to those around her.
The crowd stood up as commanded.
Relieved to see Momo and Jiujiu safe and sound, the Grand Prince’s heart, which had been hanging for many days, finally settled. "The Emperor has sent us to escort you home," he said, while also exchanging a meaningful glance with Long Xuanmo.
The elite troops escorting the treasure had safely arrived in The Capital the previous night. The treasure was already inventoried and added to the national treasury, causing the Emperor to be overjoyed and to ceaselessly praise Jiujiu for not only curing the infected citizens, averting a disaster, but also for unexpectedly acquiring a treasure trove of immense value, proving her to be a true star of fortune.
Yesterday, the Emperor specifically had news spread: the dregs of the previous dynasty hidden in Danyang County had been eradicated by Prince Chen in one fell swoop. Furthermore, following the trail, a huge hoard of gold, silver, jewels, and antiques hidden in the mountains by the thieves had been discovered.
The Emperor also announced that part of this wealth would be used to manufacture weapons to better protect the Dongchu people and their land, part would support the families of soldiers at the frontier and the widows and orphans of martyrs, and part would be allocated to agriculture, encouraging the citizens to reclaim wasteland. The Imperial Court would surely enable the citizens to lead safe and prosperous lives.
The Emperor referred to them only as the dregs of the previous dynasty because another force had not yet been identified. He didn’t want to make it public unless absolutely necessary, to avoid causing panic among the populace.
On the other hand, the last emperor of the previous dynasty was decadent and tyrannical, leading to people’s suffering, and even though that dynasty had been extinguished for over three centuries, there were still those who absurdly sought to restore it. They had even used smallpox to harm Dongchu’s people and plundered wealth. This revelation fostered a sense of solidarity among the citizens and lifted their spirits.
Indeed, not to mention people from other places, but just the citizens of The Capital and the surrounding counties, after reading the imperial edict, were filled with righteous indignation. Some went to the government offices to report, resulting in the capture of a number of individuals, among them the dregs of the previous dynasty and spies from other forces.
Moved by the Emperor’s great favor, Long Xuanmo and Yang Mengchen smiled, waved goodbye to the crowd, and returned to the Prince Mansion. After a brief wash, they went to the Imperial Palace.
Luo Jingrui then went back home with his family.
Cining Palace.
"It’s good you’re back! It’s good you’re back!" The Empress Dowager, with joy in her face and tears brimming in her eyes, held Yang Mengchen’s hand without letting go.
Next to her, the Empress dabbed the corners of her eyes with a silk handkerchief, her lips curving into a gentle and joyous smile.
Long Jingxi and the other ladies were also tearing up, while the men had moist eyes.
With tears in her eyes, Yang Mengchen’s voice choked as she said, "Jiujiu has been unfilial, worrying you all." Wende had told her that ever since she left, the Royal Grandmother and the Empress had been eating vegetarian meals and praying daily in the Buddhist hall for her safety. The Eldest Imperial Sister and the others had done the same.
"Ahem," the Emperor couldn’t help saying, "Jiujiu’s return is a happy occasion; why are you all crying?"
"The Prince is right. This is a joyous day; we should be happy," The Empress Dowager took out a silk handkerchief to wipe away Yang Mengchen’s tears, then dabbed her own eyes. "Tonight, we will all go to the Prince Mansion to properly celebrate Jiujiu’s safe return."
Everyone naturally agreed enthusiastically, especially Long YiXuan and the Tenth Prince, Long Yixin, who were the most vocal.
The Third Imperial Sister-in-Law was an excellent cook, and under her guidance, the chefs at the Prince Mansion had become even better than the Imperial Chefs. The two princes often freeloaded meals there.
"Xuan Er is about to be wed and still you are so boisterous," the Empress scolded Long YiXuan with a smile.
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