The fleet slowly sailed into the waters around the capital, the ships decorated with bright flags that fluttered in the sunlight, proclaiming their return in a flamboyant manner.
When the boat docked, the scene was lively, with a bustling crowd and a warm atmosphere.
Gu Qinghuai and Lin Xihe stood at the bow of the ship, where they saw Xiao Chengyuan leading a group of court officials to welcome them in accordance with the decree of Emperor Xiao Yugan.
Looking at the scene before him, Xihe couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions.
Why are so many people here to greet us?
Although she knew beforehand that Gu Qinghuai had planned a grand return to the capital, making sure everyone in the city knew that the God of War, General Gu, had returned, the scene of the prince welcoming him with hundreds of officials was still beyond her imagination.
In her understanding, such a display of power was usually an honor reserved for generals who had made outstanding military achievements and returned in triumph.
Gu Qinghuai slightly raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and explained, "Five days ago, the Western Regions dispatched a delegation of a thousand people, who came to pay homage with great momentum. They were clearly well-prepared, and in the competitions of the past few days, Da Hao has been at a disadvantage."
"Furthermore, two days ago, I sent someone to present the defense map of Nanzhao to the palace. There is no conclusive evidence that Xiao Chengyuan was responsible for the assassination attempt on us in Nanzhao before. We did not completely break off relations and left room for maneuver. Now Xiao Chengyuan urgently needs me, which is why he is putting on such a serious show."
He paused, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, a mixture of mockery and helplessness, before continuing, "He probably knows that I am aware of many things. However, he considers himself to be in a high position and has long looked down on the world. How could he possibly care about people like us who are like ants? He only thinks that I will serve him more loyally and diligently in order to regain his favor."
The boat docked, and the two men talked as they steadily moved forward.
Lin Xihe knew the immense pressure Gu Qinghuai was facing at that moment.
"Qinghuai, I know you are under a lot of pressure, but your strategy and courage far surpass others. You will definitely be able to break this deadlock in the court."
Gu Qinghuai looked intently at Lin Xihe with his dark eyes and said only, "Yes."
The ship slowly approached the shore and docked steadily at the pier.
Under the close protection of Gu Qinghuai's personal guards, Lin Xihe quietly disappeared into the bustling crowd.
She was petite and weaved through the gaps in the crowd, glancing back from time to time. She saw Gu Qinghuai being tightly surrounded by a group of court officials.
The officials' faces were full of flattering smiles as they rushed forward to greet and socialize with Gu Qinghuai, creating a lively scene. Gu Qinghuai, as the highly regarded God of War, was currently navigating this social interaction in the officialdom.
Lin Xihe looked around the crowded dock but did not see Ji Zhuo.
Gu Qinghuai had promised her that she could go to pick up Tang Bao alone with her personal guards.
Today, Gu Qinghuai will have to go to the palace to meet the emperor, so he will probably be extremely busy and have no time to attend to anything else.
Lin Xihe composed herself and, accompanied by her guards, hurried towards the Ji residence.
Before long, they arrived at the gate of the Ji residence.
However, she was stopped by the gatekeeper and was unable to enter the mansion.
"Miss Lin, Lord Ji has not yet returned. Please come again tonight."
The gatekeeper's face was indifferent, and his tone showed no intention of letting Lin Xihe into the mansion.
Lin Xihe understood that this was most likely Ji Zhuo's mother's intention.
"Then please, young man, if Lord Ji returns home, please let him know that Lin Xihe came looking for him." Lin Xihe said softly with a polite smile on her face.
She thought to herself that it was only natural for Ji Zhuo, as an important official in the court, to be busy receiving the Western Regions delegation, and it was also normal for him not to be at his residence.
Just as she turned to leave, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from afar. She instinctively turned her head and saw Ling Shuang, Ling Xue, and Mo Wusheng riding up hurriedly.
"girl!"
Before the horse had even come to a complete stop, Ling Shuang shouted excitedly, her voice filled with surprise and excitement.
When Lin Xihe saw them, her emotions instantly surged, and tears of excitement welled up in her eyes as she jogged forward to greet them.
Ling Xue and Ling Shuang skillfully reined in their horses, dismounted, and, disregarding all etiquette, rushed forward and embraced Lin Xihe tightly.
"Girl, you're finally back. You've become so thin."
Ling Shuang's voice was slightly choked as she looked at Lin Xihe, who had lost a lot of weight, and felt a pang of heartache.
"Where did you come from? Why aren't you at the Ji residence?" Lin Xihe asked suspiciously, her gaze sweeping over the three of them.
“Lingxue and I used to live in the Ji residence. Later, after Langfeng returned from Nanzhao, Lord Ji kicked us out and forbade us from seeing Tangbao again… We servants didn’t dare to act rashly. Fortunately, Miss returned. Wusheng was even planning to steal Tangbao in the middle of the night…” Ling Shuang finished speaking in one breath, her face showing both grievance and helplessness.
Upon hearing this, Lin Xihe was suddenly startled.
She instantly understood that when Lang Feng returned from Nanzhao, he must have told Ji Zhuo about seeing her riding a horse with Mu Ruoyan. Also, when Mu Ruoyan took her to find Lang Feng, Mu Ruoyan's actions were intimate, and anyone could tell that the two were not innocent.
"I think I know why... Do you know when Ji Zhuo is coming home?"
Lin Xihe's heart sank suddenly. She had expected Ji Zhuo to be angry, but she did not expect him to drive away Ling Shuang and Ling Xue. This made her feel uneasy. However, Lang Feng was telling the truth, and she had no way to refute it.
"It should be around 5 PM. Mo Wusheng has been keeping watch here every day for the past two days, around 5 PM."
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