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墨書 Inktalez
"Your Majesty commands you to return to the capital swiftly after receiving the edict."
Yang Su could understand; no emperor would feel at ease with military power in the hands of the Chancellor. However, the urgency was disheartening.
At over sixty years of age, he was still personally leading troops to scale cliffs and launch surprise attacks on Zhao Zikai's camp. Wasn't it all for Yang Guang's State and Dynasty?
Yang Yue, who delivered the message, also wore a grim expression. Yang Guang had fulfilled his promises, even exceeding expectations, which was clearly not a good sign.
As news spread of Han Wang being escorted back to the capital, some stubborn rebels had no choice but to surrender, while those without ties fled into the mountains and rivers to become bandits.
Preparations were underway for their return. Li Jian Cheng genuinely wished to remain here, hoping to exchange his merits for the position of Jinyang's governor. He might even take a risk and seek connections through Empress Xiao.
Yet he knew it was still too early; with Taiyuan drawing so much attention, the court would undoubtedly send seasoned officials to pacify the region.
Seizing the time left, Li Jian Cheng changed his clothes and went out for a banquet. There were plenty of people in Jinyang eager to invite him for drinks and gifts. As usual, the bulk of gifts went to Yang Su, but Li Jian Cheng received his fair share as well.
A few days later, as they prepared to return to court, Li Jian Cheng found himself surrounded by seven or eight elegantly dressed youths bidding him farewell. The atmosphere was filled with parting gifts of willow branches and wine.
Returning home was easier than coming; moreover, as they traveled further, the troops became more streamlined. Finally, they arrived at the foot of the capital after a long journey. The emperor ordered Right Chancellor Suwei to lead the Six Ministries in welcoming them.
After issuing words of comfort and congratulations, everyone stepped forward to speak. Li Jian Cheng keenly sensed something amiss; it seemed that Right Chancellor Suwei had gained considerable weight in court.
Previously, Suwei had merely been a figurehead under Yang Su's suppression—more so than when Gao Shan had held sway over him. None from the Six Ministries had paid Suwei any mind back then. Now, however, there was an unmistakable air of respect towards him, even allowing him to represent them.
Yang Su remained impassive on the surface. Li Jian Cheng glanced at Yang Yue, who also showed little emotion. Given Yang Yue's usual demeanor, he would typically find fault even in trivial matters; yet now he pretended not to see this shift in dynamics—clearly exercising restraint.
Li Jian Cheng took a deep breath; how wonderful it felt—this familiar scent.
Upon entering court to pay respects and present military tokens, Yang Guang appeared quite pleased. He was increasingly unwilling to hide his emotions. During the celebratory banquet, he tore open his dragon robe and personally danced atop the imperial dais for Li Jian Cheng.
One couldn't deny that such a handsome man as Yang Guang could enchant with his dance while intoxicated by wine.
After the banquet, Li Jian Cheng returned home where his family was busy sorting through the items he brought back. With dozens of carts arriving from the Northern Frontier, Li Yan looked somewhat troubled.
Although Qimin Khan had sent him some gifts during his visit, aside from horses, everything else could easily fit into one cart. Why was it that the south seemed so much wealthier than the north?
"Lord is back, but he has lost weight."
"I heard from Zhao and the others who returned earlier that Young Master is credited with the Suppression of Rebellion. His Majesty is hosting a banquet for you and the Left Minister."
"Quickly instruct the back courtyard to heat water. Lord has returned from the battlefield and needs to bathe and change."
The servants hurriedly went about their tasks under the steward's orders, each filled with joy. Serving in the Duke's Residence was a privilege passed down through generations, especially since the Li Family was prominent, allowing them to enjoy peace in the capital.
Li Jian Cheng bowed to his father and asked, "Is Mother feeling any better? Has the remedy I found been tried?"
Last winter, the Dou Family had given birth to Li Jian Cheng's Fourth Brother, but the delivery was complicated as it was a breech birth. The Dou Family had to endure three months of confinement to regain some vitality.
What was once a healthy body had become somewhat frail. The Li and Dou Families naturally spared no expense in seeking out skilled doctors and miraculous medicines, but despite trying numerous remedies, none had proven particularly effective.
Li Yan sighed and shook his head but still comforted his son, "You need not worry too much. In the future... well... your mother won't deplete her energy like this again. With careful nurturing, she will recover."
"Go let your mother see you first; otherwise, she will keep worrying."
Li Yan went ahead while Li Jian Cheng changed into an old set of clothes he wore at home during his studies. According to the steward, it was to prevent any ominous energy from the battlefield from disturbing his wife.
He needed to wear clothes that carried the scholarly aura from his school days to bring a peaceful atmosphere, which would be beneficial for both family and affairs.
Just as he was about to enter the inner chamber, Li Jian Cheng turned around and saw two children, around five or six years old, peeking at him from behind a flowerbed. Li Jian Cheng smiled and said, "It's only been two months since we last met; you don't recognize me anymore?"
He then pointed at the smaller child behind and said, "A'Zhu, didn't I tell you that when you take your brother out to play, you should make sure Great Virtue wears an extra layer?"
A'Zhu looked a bit aggrieved upon hearing this. He remembered and had advised his brother, but Great Virtue insisted on being like him, claiming that an extra layer would be too heavy and would slow him down.
A'Zhu took his brother's hand and ran over but remained silent in frustration. Li Jian Cheng thought for a moment and understood: "So A'Zhu did remind him, but Great Virtue didn't listen, right?"
A'Zhu seemed victorious at this revelation but remained loyal and did not nod in agreement. Great Virtue shrank back in fear.
This child had been born in a proper position but for some unknown reason was frail and sickly. Thus, A'Zhu had sought out Shen Guang to invite the Abbot Elder from Zen Temple to bestow a milk name upon him in hopes of ensuring his safe growth.
Li Jian Cheng hugged each of them one by one, chatted for a while, and then asked, "Is Little Four still being taken care of by Aunt Chen?"
A'Zhu frowned. "He's not well. Because of him, we almost lost Mother!"
As soon as those words were spoken, Great Virtue began to cry. "I want Mother! I want Mother!"
"A'Zhu, you can't say that. Besides, Mother is fine. I've already invited several renowned doctors from Jinyang, and they will arrive in a few days."
His second brother had always been exceptionally intelligent and bold since childhood. Such a person would not stray down the wrong path and would generally achieve something significant.
Of course, circumstances create heroes. Looking at the situation with Han Wang, if Yang Guang were to focus on governance from now on, even if he indulged in some extravagance and pleasure, as long as he maintained the right direction and could rest with the people, then even if the two brothers united to rebel, the commotion they caused would probably not amount to half of what Han Wang had stirred up.
After calming his two younger brothers, he took their hands and led them into the inner chamber. The Dou Family was already propped up, looking towards the door, and upon seeing him return, she was overjoyed. "My son, come here quickly."
"Mother, Child is back."
Li Jian Cheng turned around twice to show Dou Family that he had not lost any limbs before sitting down beside her to talk about his journey's military affairs. A'Zhu and Great Virtue also leaned over to listen while Li Yan sat nearby holding a tea cup.
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