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Not long after Shen Xiling returned to Jiankang, the main army also followed closely behind.
Qi Ying had various matters to attend to and didn’t immediately return to Fenghe Garden. Instead, he went with Han Shouye to the palace to meet the new emperor.
It was already the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month.
Although the ascension of the new emperor was a joyous occasion, the recent deaths of the former emperor and Prince Duan necessitated grand mourning ceremonies. As a result, the entire Liang Palace was draped in white mourning attire, accentuated by the damp cold of Jiangzuo’s winter, creating a particularly somber atmosphere.
However, within the main hall, there was an air of renewal.
The new emperor, Xiao Ziheng, exuded sharpness and vitality, completely reversing the lethargy and decay of the previous reign. This injected much-needed energy into the court. He personally led the officials to greet the returning army at the city gates, offering wine to Qi Ying and Han Shouye in public while openly declaring, “This is a monumental achievement for the ages. Both of you are pillars of our nation. On behalf of the people of Jiangzuo, I express my gratitude.”
Such a gesture of thanks from the emperor was rare throughout history. The officials exchanged uneasy glances—while the former emperor had been excessively deferential to the aristocratic families, the new emperor appeared even more so. It seemed that the power of Jiangzuo’s great families would only grow stronger.
Moreover, the inappropriate conduct of young Lord Qi during the spring examination earlier that year was now entirely overshadowed by his achievements in the northern campaign. There was no trace of discord between him and the new emperor; their relationship remained as harmonious as when they studied together in their youth. Observers couldn’t help but remark: the Qi family still had a bright future ahead.
After the grand welcoming ceremony at the city gates, the emperor returned to the palace with the officials. In the main hall, he listened to the two returning heroes report on the war.
Qi Ying did not claim undue credit, allowing Han Shouye to bask in all the glory. As Han boasted about his bravery and composure on the battlefield, Qi Ying remained calm, harboring no resentment.
The emperor was delighted and bestowed titles and rewards upon them. Han Shouye, the Grand General, was granted a hereditary title of First Rank Duke, while Qi Ying, the Chief of the Privy Council, was promoted to the rank of Marquis. Both were also rewarded with fertile lands and gold to signify imperial favor. Those who had contributed to the northern campaign would have their merits assessed and rewarded at a later date.
The main hall was filled with auspicious energy, reflecting a harmonious relationship between the ruler and his subjects.
After the court session ended, Su Ping asked young Lord Qi to stay behind for a private discussion with His Majesty in the imperial study.
Su Ping was a veteran of two dynasties, and now, following the death of the former emperor, he remained to serve Emperor Xiao Ziheng, having attended three generations of rulers. He truly was an evergreen figure.
He treated Qi Ying with great courtesy, and in turn, Qi Ying showed him respect. Together, they proceeded to the imperial study, where Qi Ying met Xiao Ziheng.
The new emperor had always been a carefree individual, but over the years, he had changed significantly. After being apart from him for over half a year, Qi Ying could sense an even greater transformation. Though clad in mourning attire, Xiao Ziheng radiated the aura of a sovereign, especially today as he presided over the court from the dragon throne, calmly controlling the situation with poise.
Qi Ying had always known that Xiao Ziheng was a capable person, so he wasn’t surprised by his current demeanor.
However, there was something Qi Ying hadn’t anticipated—the death of Prince Duan.
Qi Ying had never imagined that Xiao Ziheng would kill his third brother so soon after ascending the throne, within just half a month.
Qi Ying had always known that there was no true familial affection within the imperial family and that the throne could quickly alter one’s character—but not this fast.
Xiao Ziheng couldn’t have transformed into such a ruthless individual within half a month—unless he had always been like this.
Qi Ying began to sense the unfathomable depths of the new emperor. While his expression remained composed, he inwardly raised his guard, setting aside their youthful camaraderie and treating him with utmost respect as a subject.
Xiao Ziheng, however, remained friendly. Smiling, he walked up to Qi Ying, helping him rise, and said, “There’s no one else here. Why do you insist on such formalities? Relax and take a seat.”
With that, he pulled Qi Ying into a seat.
Once seated, Xiao Ziheng reverted to his usual casual demeanor, leaning back and saying, “You have no idea how exhausting these past half months have been for me. There’s too much to sort through. Fortunately, you’ve finally returned. Having you here gives me some peace of mind.”
He referred to himself as “I” rather than “We,” his tone extremely relaxed, as if he were still the carefree Fourth Prince from years ago, rather than the current ruler of Liang. However, though his act was convincing, the fresh corpse of Prince Duan made it difficult to trust his words. Qi Ying merely responded with polite platitudes, maintaining a cautious stance.
Xiao Ziheng seemed oblivious to everything, saying, “Your campaign was brilliantly executed, but post-war negotiations might not be as straightforward as the war itself. If handled improperly, all your efforts could be wasted.”
He looked at Qi Ying and asked, “Who do you think would be the most suitable person to handle the negotiations?”
Negotiations typically fell under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites, with the Privy Council providing assistance due to the military aspects. Qi Ying thought the Minister of Rites would be a good choice, and the Privy Council could send an additional official to assist. However, he sensed the underlying meaning in Xiao Ziheng’s words—it seemed to be a hint for Qi Ying to take charge personally.
Even without the hint, Qi Ying had already considered doing so.
First, the negotiations were crucial, and he didn’t trust anyone else to handle them. Second, Xu Zhengning was still held captive in Shangjing. If Qi Ying didn’t go personally, others might see him as expendable and refuse to rescue him, or even if they wanted to, they wouldn’t have the means. Third, if he embarked on this mission, he could conveniently slip away after completing it on his way south, making it easier than departing from Jiankang.
This decision was beneficial for both himself and others.
Fine then. Let this negotiation be his final contribution to Liang.
Lowering his phoenix eyes to conceal his thoughts, Qi Ying addressed Xiao Ziheng, “If Your Majesty trusts me, I am willing to assist the Ministry of Rites in negotiating with Northern Wei. I will do my utmost to fulfill this mission without dishonor.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ziheng appeared genuinely delighted, saying, “That’s wonderful! Having you personally handle such an important matter puts my mind at ease.”
He became cheerful, his eyes sparkling like peach blossoms as he continued, “I originally hesitated because you’ve just returned from half a year of campaigning and must be exhausted. Sending you on another mission would seem inconsiderate. Thankfully, you agreed. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know whom to trust!”
For anyone else, hearing such words from the emperor might easily lead to arrogance. However, Qi Ying remained composed, his expression respectful as he modestly deflected the praise.
Xiao Ziheng patted his shoulder and decisively set the departure date for after the New Year, framing the negotiations as a celebratory gift for the first year of the Jihe era—a fitting gesture indeed.
With the major decision settled, Xiao Ziheng grew even more relaxed. After a moment of thought, he chuckled, “But my sister might not be so understanding—she’s been eagerly awaiting your return, hoping to marry you soon. If she hears you’re going on another mission after the New Year, she’ll surely throw a tantrum.”
The new emperor’s mention of Princess Six carried hidden implications, perhaps suggesting that Qi Ying should relinquish power after the negotiations. However, Qi Ying paid it no mind, knowing that once he left Jiankang this time, he wouldn’t return.
Still, appearances had to be maintained. With an unchanged expression, he asked as usual, “How has Her Highness been recently?”
Xiao Ziheng sighed and replied, “She’s fine, but she’s deeply grieved by Father’s passing—you know, he doted on her the most…”
When speaking of the late emperor, Xiao Ziheng’s tone and expression were mournful, though it was unclear how genuine they were. Qi Ying bowed his head slightly, offering appropriate condolences as a subject. Xiao Ziheng remained silent for a while before emerging from his emotions, waving his hand and saying, “Go see her before you leave the palace. She’s been melancholy and unable to eat lately. Knowing you’ve returned, she’s been waiting anxiously. Seeing you will surely lift her spirits.”
Qi Ying’s expression remained calm as he bowed his head and replied, “Yes.”
In the twelfth month, Jiankang was damp, cold, and often overcast, evoking a desolate atmosphere. Even the usually vibrant imperial garden appeared somewhat withered during this season.
Qi Ying followed Su Ping into the garden, spotting Princess Xiaoyu sitting in the familiar octagonal pavilion from afar. Upon seeing him, she rose and waved to him.
After more than half a year, the princess had changed somewhat. Perhaps due to the recent loss of the emperor, she hadn’t yet recovered from her grief and appeared noticeably thinner. However, she had applied makeup today, and her complexion didn’t appear pale, making her look much as she always had.
Su Ping quietly withdrew, and Qi Ying approached the pavilion.
As soon as she saw him, Princess Xiaoyu’s eyes welled with tears. She called out to him, “Brother Jingchen,” and seemed about to lean into his embrace.
Qi Ying furrowed his brow and subtly sidestepped, bowing to her instead, “Your Highness.”
Princess Xiaoyu could clearly sense his avoidance, but their prolonged separation made her overlook his distance for now. She cherished this meeting and didn’t throw a tantrum, only looking at him with委屈 and chiding, “What’s there to fear? We’re getting married soon anyway—why keep avoiding me?”
In truth, her pouting expression and reproachful tone bore some resemblance to Shen Xiling’s, but to Qi Ying, they felt worlds apart. Whenever his little girl acted this way, he found her endearing and willingly indulged her. But with Princess Xiaoyu, he felt nothing but calm, accompanied by a slight discomfort.
Qi Ying slightly averted his gaze, pondering for a moment before saying, “His Majesty has assigned me to negotiate peace with Northern Wei. I’ll depart after the New Year and expect to spend several months on the mission.”
Upon hearing this, Princess Xiaoyu was stunned, and her emotions quickly escalated.
She had assumed that as soon as Qi Ying returned, they would immediately marry. She had spent months preparing everything needed for the wedding—even altering her bridal gown multiple times. Now, her brother was sending him on another mission, lasting several months?
Princess Xiaoyu was furious. Standing there for a moment, she decided to confront her brother. However, she couldn’t bear to leave just yet and wanted to speak more with her beloved Brother Jingchen. Suppressing her anger, she looked at Qi Ying and said, “Why has this suddenly come up? My brother is truly unreasonable—he’s sending you north again right after your return. Can’t you refuse?”
Qi Ying’s expression remained indifferent as he replied, “Matters of state cannot be declined.”
His reasoning was impeccable, leaving no room for criticism. If she persisted, she would only appear unreasonable and unaware of the stakes.
Yet Princess Xiaoyu truly didn’t want him to go—she had a vague premonition that once he left this time, significant changes would occur…
She wanted to marry him immediately and settle everything.
However, she realized she had no control over this man. She was completely at his mercy, and her actions seemed to have no impact on him whatsoever.
Feeling utterly powerless, tears spilled down her cheeks as she looked up at Qi Ying and said, “Brother Jingchen, Father’s passing has left me heartbroken—I don’t know what to do. Can you understand that feeling? A loved one gone forever…”
Qi Ying lowered his eyelids, bowing respectfully, “Your Highness, please accept my condolences.”
Though his words were proper and courteous, they lacked empathy. Princess Xiaoyu knew this and felt even sadder.
A man as intelligent as him couldn’t fail to understand her feelings—he simply chose not to.
Tears streamed down her face even harder.
“I can’t lose you again,” she cried, looking at him. “I’ll wait for you to complete your mission, but promise me—we’ll marry as soon as you return. No more delays—okay?”
This year, Princess Xiaoyu was nearly twenty-one years old.
Since she was a teenager, she had liked him for over a decade.
Such a deep and enduring affection was undeniably moving. Qi Ying had never disliked Princess Xiaoyu—he simply didn’t harbor romantic feelings for her. If possible, he wished to treat her like a younger sister, rather than watch her sink deeper into despair, only to become angry and sorrowful in the end.
He truly didn’t want to deceive her, but he was powerless to change his circumstances.
Qi Ying sighed inwardly, then calmly answered with a single word: “Alright.”
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