A resounding victory
Three days later, Zhong Yujing's neck wound healed, Shangguan Yichen's stab wounds and lacerations also improved, Ben Lei was able to move freely, and the soldiers' fear and fatigue of the past few days were completely gone. Scouts reported new developments in the enemy camp: the military advisor had disappeared, the Setu tribe was in chaos, and the only person who knew the whereabouts of the military supplies had disappeared. Although Yi Fei's transportation mission had been completed, it was ineffective. After a heated argument with Setu in the camp, he realized that defeat was inevitable. Staying there would only arouse suspicion and lead to further observation. So he returned to the court with his followers that night.
"Wenren Rang must have gone down to the cave and discovered that the supplies were destroyed, so he ran away." Shangguan Yichen slammed his fist on the table. "I wanted to avoid alerting the enemy, but I didn't expect the thief to run away so fast, and I failed to capture him." He sighed.
Zhong Yujing said, "That's true. We already know his background and true identity. He has great ambitions and will definitely make a comeback. If he shows up again next time, it won't be so easy for him to escape."
Shangguan Yichen nodded in agreement, then added with concern, "He's as alert as a wolf. I'm afraid he's guessed we know his details, so he'll be even more cautious in the future, making it even harder for us to capture him."
Zhong Yujing, however, looked at him with unwavering determination. "Everyone has flaws. I'm afraid he'll change his ways and never come back. But with his stubborn nature, he won't give up easily. If he shows up again next time, I won't let him get away."
Shangguan Yichen was greatly encouraged.
Setu was completely abandoned. The young prince took all his men away, and his military advisor disappeared and left him. The remnants of the Dan Kingdom he brought with him did not get the promised military pay, so they abandoned the battlefield and fled. After the last battle, there were not many people left in Setu's own tribe, and half of them were seriously injured. There was no material relief, and the food in the army was almost used up. They were really out of ammunition and food and had no support.
Shangguan Yichen's troops stormed into Setu's camp, effortlessly storming his tent. Listening to the sounds of fighting outside, Setu knew that no matter how hard he tried, resistance would be futile. If General Shanggong captured him and brought him back to the imperial court, he would be dead. While his own death wouldn't be a pity, he feared his family, young and old, and all his descendants would be implicated. Dejected, he drew his sword from the weapons rack, gleaming a cold light as he brought it to his neck, then slowly closed his eyes...
Another ray of cold light shot out and struck the hilt of the sword in Setu's hand, knocking it to the ground. Setu suddenly opened his eyes and saw Shangguan Yichen, dressed in silver armor, standing in the tent, glaring at him. "You died like this? It would be a waste! Traitor, follow me back to the court to answer for your crime."
Setu knew that everything was over, so he lowered his arms and head sadly.
The next day, after a night's rest, the army set out for the capital. Before leaving, Sai De led all the people of the tribe to hold a farewell ceremony for them in front of the camp with the highest etiquette of the Southern Sai people, which was presided over by the great wizard himself.
Shangguan Yichen, Zhong Yujing and other soldiers accepted the wreaths offered by the Nansai people. The great wizard sprinkled holy water on them, praying for their safe journey back to the court, and offered them blessing wine, praying that God would protect them forever.
Sai De's prestige was already higher than Sai Tu's, and he continued to rule as king in Nansai, supported by the people. After this battle, the people of Nansai also had a deeper respect for the court, and they all called Shangguan Yichen the God of War.
The army walked out of the miasma-filled forest for the last time, and the soldiers threw the masks they had been carrying for many days back into the forest. From now on, they would no longer need these things.
They boarded the boat from the ferry, sailed downstream, and gradually moved away from this city in the clouds.
Zhong Yujing thought that the people of Nansai believed that they were children blessed by God, but they experienced the fleetingness of life and death in Nansai, and witnessed the ugliness and darkness of human nature. The people of Nansai felt that they were very close to God, and in the name of the Son of God, they eliminated the scourge for the world, but they also almost destroyed a life, helped the birth of evil, planted the seeds of evil, and reaped the consequences in the future. Therefore, who can tell whether the star of disaster predicted by the great wizard was sent by heaven or they sowed the seeds of sin themselves? Just like the good and evil, loyalty and treachery, good and bad in this world, it is difficult to judge and define them in just a few words.
Zhong Yujing was lost in thought, her eyes gradually becoming sad. Shangguan Yichen came over and sat down beside her, holding her hand and saying, "We will never come to this place again in this lifetime. Let's leave everything in that cave on the cliff."
Zhong Yujing smiled, looked at him and said, "Except memories." Shangguan Yichen also smiled.
The boat finally sailed away and the mountain could no longer be seen. It disappeared in the fog again.
The army left the waterway and took to the road. The road was bumpy at times, but Zhong Yujing did not feel tired at all, nor did she feel the nervousness and excitement she had when she came. Her heart was full, calm and steady. She knew that they would return to Linjun safely and smoothly, and there was no need to worry about anyone assassinating them at night.
A few days later, the wound on Zhong Yujing's neck had completely healed, and there was no trace of the injury. They finally arrived in Linjun and entered the city.
It seemed that the news of victory had already spread throughout Lin County. The people of the city came out to cheer and shout: "Long live His Royal Highness the Wise King! Mighty General! May the prosperity of Hengchang be established!"
Zhong Yujing followed the procession, receiving the people's gazes. For the first time, she felt the ritual Shangguan Yichen took for granted, and she was deeply moved. A warm current surged in her chest, and she felt a surge of pride. She quietly glanced at Shangguan Yichen at the front of the procession, but he looked normal, his face stern. He stood upright on his horse, moving slowly but with an air of dignity. She couldn't help but sigh in admiration: he was indeed accustomed to large occasions, so calm and composed, so unique.
The army finally reached the palace, and the palace gates opened wide. Shangguan Yichen led the soldiers into the palace. Emperor Hong had already lined up in front of the hall with all the civil and military officials to greet them. Shangguan Yichen dismounted and walked before Emperor Hong, bowing and saluting. "Your Majesty, the civil unrest in Nansai has been quelled. The traitor Sai Tu has been brought back to Your Majesty for disposal. I and the other generals have returned safely!"
Emperor Hong excitedly stepped forward to help him up, "General Shang Gong, please stand up quickly!" He then said to Zhong Yujing and the generals who were bowing behind him, "All the soldiers, please stand up as well."
"The general is brave and courageous, and his contributions are indispensable! He and other generals have faced dangers many times, escaped death, and finally won a great victory. I have heard about it all. I want to hold a banquet in the palace tonight, and I will personally welcome you, my brother!" Emperor Hong said happily.
Shangguan Yichen bowed again and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Emperor Hong said again: "Come here!"
The guards stepped out and bowed before him.
Emperor Hong said, "Send the traitor Sai Tu to the Dali Temple prison, and have him personally interrogated by the Dali Temple Minister, with Sun Shaoqing assisting."
The guard took the order and said, "Yes!" He took Setu from the soldier and escorted him to the prison.
Zhong Yujing finally returned home. Her mother hugged her and burst into tears. Her father watched her with tears in his eyes. Her uncle was relieved and sad at the same time. He could only sigh but could not speak.
Zhong Yujing's heart was filled with mixed emotions, and she didn't know where to begin. She just said to her mother, "Mom, I'm dirty, please don't stain your clothes."
But her mother wiped her tears and scolded her, "How can a mother dislike her own child? Even if you roll into a mud ball, you are still my treasure. I am glad you are back, I am glad you are back safely."
Zhong Yujing deliberately joked, "Then I'll go roll in the mud and come back to see you." His mother rolled her eyes at him, and he burst into laughter.
She desperately wanted to have dinner with her family and recount the hardships and interesting experiences along the way, but unfortunately, the Hong Emperor had decreed that her name be included in the welcoming banquet. She could only hastily explain to her parents and uncle that she had left home for no reason and that it was due to the Emperor's secret order, which required that her movements not be disclosed. Her parents said they had anticipated her, as she had always been a cautious child. If it weren't for this reason, she wouldn't have left alone with only a simple letter. However, the more they understood the reason, the more they realized the danger of this journey. Therefore, the three of them had been unable to sleep day and night during this period, fearing that she would not return. Her mother even went to Yong'an Temple every day to burn incense, just to pray for her to return soon.
Zhong Yujing felt very at ease. It was truly a great blessing in life for the tired birds to return to their old forest and the fish in the pond to return to their old deep.
She washed off the filth of many days, changed into her own clothes, got ready, left the house and boarded the carriage to the palace.
Emperor Hong hosted a banquet in Qianyuan Hall specifically to entertain Zhong Yujing and Shangguan Yichen. Zhong Yujing had finally changed back into her women's clothing, while Emperor Hong also wore her family's attire. Shangguan Yichen, without armor, with his hair down and elegant attire, looked like a banished immortal who had caused a sensation in Linjun City by getting drunk at a New Year's Eve banquet. The imperial kitchen prepared a large table of delicacies, along with a fifty-year-old collection of fine wine.
"This cup is to welcome my brother and Prime Minister Jing. I toast to our great General Shang Gong, who is so brave and invincible, and also to our Prime Minister Jing, who is as wise, brave and strategic as any man." Emperor Hong picked up the wine glass in front of him and drank it all in one gulp.
Zhong Yujing and Shangguan Yichen also drank a full cup with the emperor.
The three men put down their wine glasses, and Emperor Hong continued, "Penglai has sent us some fresh seafood as tribute. My brother and Prime Minister Jing, please try some. I sent some to the Queen Mother's palace this morning. She said the abalone was delicious, but I think the local meat is better. You can try some."
Eunuch He put some on each of their plates.
Shangguan Yichen picked up a piece of each and tasted it, nodding his head in praise. "I once visited Penglai on business in my early years and stayed there for a few days. Ever since then, I've been thinking about this seaport. Not only are the seafood here delicious and varied, and I can make a satisfying main course, but also because of the mood I get when I sit by the sea and watch the ocean every morning and evening. Suddenly, I feel as if the world is just so peaceful and quiet, and all the shackles in my heart are released."
Zhong Yujing was in a trance after hearing this and sighed, "Penglai is truly like a fairyland."
Shangguan Yichen still felt unsatisfied.
Emperor Hong asked, "I've heard that the Nansai border is on a mountaintop shrouded in clouds, with a barrier all around, making it seem like a fairyland. Apart from the war, what do you think of that place, my brother and Prime Minister Jing?"
Zhong Yujing and Shangguan Yichen were both speechless for a moment, glanced at Emperor Hong, and simultaneously lowered their eyes and remained silent.
Emperor Hong looked around, predicting their journey would be filled with dangers. Excluding the possibility of war was unrealistic, let alone his feelings about Nansai. He changed the subject, "I heard from the soldiers that Prime Minister Jing accidentally fell off a cliff during a standoff with the enemy. It was your brother who bravely rescued him from the brink. Together, the two of them worked to remove the enemy's supplies, destroying them and ultimately achieving victory! You two truly possess unparalleled chemistry and unrivaled wisdom and courage."
Emperor Hong looked to the right and left again, and saw Zhong Yujing silently stroking the wine glass, while Shangguan Yichen raised his eyes and stared at Zhong Yujing without saying a word.
Emperor Hong was a little puzzled. Why was it that after going on a military expedition, he was no longer as frank and frank as before after returning, but instead became distant and indifferent?
During the meal, Hong Di was the one who led the conversation most of the time. Zhong Yujing and Shangguan Yichen would sometimes mumble, sometimes murmur, and sometimes remain silent. Sometimes Zhong Yujing would lower her eyes, and Shangguan Yichen would stare at her across the table. Sometimes Shangguan Yichen would lower his head to play with his wine glass, and Zhong Yujing would quietly look at him. This back and forth, the way they exchanged glances...
After the meal, Emperor Hong sent Zhong Yujing and Shangguan Yichen out of the palace. Looking at the two of them walking one after the other and looking distant, he frowned in deep thought.
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