Chapter 8: Triumphal Return

Under the cover of night, bathed in moonlight, the two traveled northward. Perhaps it was because they were familiar with the route, or perhaps for other reasons, but their journey back to the city was much quicker than before. By the time the sky had yet to fully brighten, they had already returned to Taiping Prefecture.

When they entered the city, the guards at the gate were fast asleep. As they made their way through the streets, they encountered none of the patrolling Wu Hou who enforced the curfew.

“Once I return to the palace, I will have to deal with these night-shift guards properly. Their laziness and neglect of duty are simply outrageous!” Wu Rui’an exclaimed indignantly.

Di Jiang chuckled softly. “If they hadn’t been so negligent, we would’ve ended up sleeping on the streets tonight.”

“We’re different! We are law-abiding citizens, not thieves sneaking around. They can afford to be lax with us, but what if they encounter criminals next? If they continue guarding the capital like this, it’s far too unsettling.”

Di Jiang waved her hand dismissively. “Alright, alright. Let’s talk about that after you go back to being a prince at the royal palace.”

The two continued walking and soon reached the end of South Main Street. Standing in front of the pharmacy, Di Jiang opened the door while bidding farewell to Wu Rui’an. “Thank you for coming to find me, Your Highness. My apologies for the trouble. Goodnight.”

“What trouble?” Wu Rui’an patted his chest and smiled. “As long as I can be with you…”

Before he could finish, there was a loud bang as the pharmacy door slammed shut. Di Jiang had slipped inside, leaving all his sweet words unspoken.

“Save your charming words for the women who admire you. This commoner is going to bed. You should get some rest too, Your Highness,” Di Jiang called out from behind the door before heading upstairs to sleep.

She had no interest in hearing such flattery, nor did she want to.

Wu Rui’an looked dejected but had no choice but to turn back toward the coffin shop. A short while later, after washing up and changing into his nightclothes, he climbed into bed and, as usual, opened the window. Sure enough, the candle across the way was still lit.

At that moment, Di Jiang had lit some calming incense. Suddenly remembering something, she threw on an outer garment and pushed open her window. As expected, she saw Wu Rui’an leaning against his window, watching her.

This time, however, she remained composed. She gave him a faint smile and said, “Your Highness must be tired after today’s journey. Get some rest early.”

Wu Rui’an blushed slightly, nodded firmly, and replied, “Goodnight.”

“You too.” Di Jiang closed the window, blew out the candle, and drifted off to sleep with a peaceful heart.

Across the way, Wu Rui’an felt even more content, sleeping soundly until dawn.

________________________________________

The next morning during breakfast, the four of them ate silently, each lost in thought. When Wen Yao noticed how much friendlier the atmosphere between Di Jiang and Wu Rui’an had become, she couldn’t help but lean closer to Di Jiang, lowering her voice and asking coyly, “Boss, you and Prince Rui’an spent the night outside together—what happened?”

“Guess,” Di Jiang said coolly, taking a sip of tea, unfazed by Wen Yao’s fawning tone.

“How could I possibly guess what’s on your mind? Please, tell me!”

“Do you even have the nerve to ask?” Di Jiang snapped. “You tricked Wu Rui’an into going to Xiaolei Temple—were you trying to get him killed?”

“Of course not! With you there, how could anything happen to him?” Wen Yao murmured, then suddenly gasped, “You didn’t actually go there, did you?”

Di Jiang shook her head. “Something came up along the way, so I didn’t make it.”

“You didn’t go? But you always go there when you’re troubled! And didn’t you send Huang Li to pass a message to me that night?” Wen Yao exclaimed. “Then how did Prince Rui’an manage to escape?”

Di Jiang raised her lips in a slight smile, her expression full of admiration. “Only those with pure hearts can avoid being trapped by the sacred chants of the nine-tiered Demon Suppression Pagoda. Prince Wu is one of the few true gentlemen in this world—his noble character commands respect.”

“I knew it! The prince is unparalleled!” Wen Yao slapped her thigh in excitement. “So… do you like him now?”

“I never disliked him,” Di Jiang replied flatly, dousing Wen Yao’s flickering hope with cold water. “But the kind of affection you’re talking about—I don’t feel it now, and I never will.”

Turning to Wu Rui’an, Di Jiang asked, “Your Highness, your carriage will soon return to the capital, right?”

“It should be within the next few days,” Wu Rui’an said glumly, his face drooping. “After that, I won’t be able to live so freely anymore. There’ll probably be a crowd following me everywhere I go.”

“You’re Prince Wu—you’ve always been carefree. After earning merit and fame, why start holding yourself back now? If you’re unhappy, come find me anytime. The doors of Jian Su Medical Hall will always be open to you.”

Hearing this, Wu Rui’an’s eyes lit up, and he asked joyfully, “You mean I can really come anytime?”

“Mm-hmm, except when I’m sleeping.”

“Oh…” Wu Rui’an’s face fell slightly, and he nodded weakly.

And so, the days passed quickly. The fleeting moments they spent together were soon over, and tomorrow would mark the triumphant return of the army to the capital.

By now, Wu Rui’an’s carriage had already set up camp outside the city, waiting to enter through Mingde Gate the following day. At that time, the entire royal army would march straight down Anping Avenue into the imperial palace. The empress had arranged a grand banquet at Taiji Palace, inviting all twenty accompanying generals to reward the troops.

Rumors circulated among the townsfolk that the empress herself had bestowed the highest honor, commanding all officials to welcome the army outside the city walls. Such glory had not been seen in five years—not since the empress ascended the throne.

Thus, ministers began paying attention to this once-overlooked prince, speculating whether the empress intended to place the crown prince title upon Wu Rui’an. Overnight, thanks to his military achievements, he became the object of flattery from both civil and military officials alike.

However, the political storms and intrigues of the imperial court couldn’t touch Di Jiang. She continued with her daily routines, either purchasing medicinal herbs from one household or enjoying flowers and music at another. Wu Rui’an, a grown man, followed her around all day, but she treated him no differently than she did Wen Yao or any other acquaintance—she regarded them all equally.

Wu Rui’an felt both frustrated and comforted by this. He was frustrated that Di Jiang didn’t seem to pay him special attention, yet he found warmth in the fact that only in her presence could he truly feel at peace. Over the past few days, every night they would exchange goodnights by the window, share a knowing smile, then turn off their lights and retire for the night. In just a few short days, these moments had become the most important part of his life.

Even though he had to rush back to the southern camp later, he still dressed neatly and stood by the window, waiting to bid her goodnight before leaving.

That night seemed to pass particularly quickly. Before long, it was nearly midnight. After finishing tallying the accounts downstairs, Di Jiang returned to her room, freshened up, and as usual, opened the window. When she saw Wu Rui’an standing there fully armored, helmet in hand, ready to depart, her heart skipped a beat. Only then did she realize—it was time for their farewell.

The candlelight illuminated Di Jiang’s face, her lips slightly curved into a soft smile, her features gentle and serene, like the warmest ray of light in the world. Wu Rui’an etched this image of her deep into his heart. Smiling, he waved and said, “Goodnight.”

Di Jiang smiled back but replied, “Farewell.” With that, she closed the window.

Wu Rui’an let out a long sigh. He had waited an entire hour, only to receive a simple “farewell”—it was utterly disheartening. Just as he was about to leave, however, Di Jiang suddenly reopened the window, her expression filled with anxiety and reluctance.

“Doctor Di…” Wu Rui’an’s heart warmed, and he was about to express his bittersweet words of farewell when—

“Remember to pay me back the rent you owe me—fifty times over!” Di Jiang blurted out urgently, holding up five fingers and waving them emphatically.

Wu Rui’an nearly fainted on the spot, dumbfounded. He nodded mechanically.

Satisfied, Di Jiang quickly shut the window and went to bed without another word.

As the candlelight dimmed in her room, Wu Rui’an helplessly shrugged, chuckling bitterly as he made his way out of the city in the dark to meet up with the deputy officer who had been impersonating him for the past half-month…

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The Next Day, Evening

It was mid-afternoon, and the sun hung high in the sky. The streets of Taiping Prefecture were awash with blooming flowers, creating a sea of blossoms lining Anping Avenue. People had brought out potted plants from their homes or gathered wildflowers to hold close to their chests. This spontaneous display of affection was meant to welcome their national hero—and the most handsome man in the capital.

After the civil and military officials concluded their court session, they exited through Hanguang Gate and marched in perfect unison down Anping Avenue toward Mingde Gate. Outside Mingde Gate, the carriage of General Wu Rui’an, the Divine Guardian, awaited.

There sat Wu Rui’an atop a magnificent white steed adorned with intricate braids, a golden saddle, and jade reins. His noble bearing and heroic demeanor were even more striking now. Though his features were unchanged, somehow they appeared more radiant than before. A mere faint smile from him was enough to make the women lining the streets swoon.

Behind him, the twenty accompanying deputies were equally dashing, each mounted on fine horses that accentuated their imposing stature, drawing admiring gazes from the crowd.

Minister Hou Wenli of the Ministry of War led the officials in forming neat rows along the roadside. Bowing respectfully, he greeted, “Your humble servant, Hou Wenli, welcomes the triumphant return of General Wu, the Divine Guardian.”

“Thank you, Minister Hou,” Wu Rui’an responded, raising his hand to signal him to rise.

Lifting his head, Wu Rui’an gazed at the towering city gates before him. Though he had already returned once, this moment felt different. In the past, when he left Taiping Prefecture, even if crowds lined the streets to see him off, it was merely because women admired him as a man. But now, his return had become a national celebration—an occasion worthy of nationwide jubilation.

Only now did he truly feel like the master of Taiping Prefecture, the prince upon whom everyone placed their hopes.

Just as the army prepared to enter the city, Wu Rui’an suddenly noticed a familiar figure atop the city wall. Though too far away to discern facial features, her attire looked strikingly familiar. She wore a white veil hat made of gauze, its wide brim trailing straight down with delicate fabric that swayed gracefully in the wind. Its shape matched exactly the one Di Jiang kept hanging in her room.

Of course, such veils were common, practically a staple for every woman stepping outside. Wu Rui’an wouldn’t have given it a second thought—except for one detail.

Underneath the veil, two pale green sashes draped elegantly over her shoulders, paired with a flowing yellow gown beneath her waistline. Over this, she wore a translucent cloud-patterned shawl embroidered with begonia flowers, perfectly harmonizing the softness of the sashes and dress. It was playful yet dignified—the very outfit Di Jiang favored most.

Wu Rui’an’s heart raced. He squinted to look closer, but the figure vanished from the city wall. Not only was the woman gone, but not even a bird remained.

Shaking his head with a wry smile, Wu Rui’an sighed. He realized he must be hallucinating due to longing, seeing such visions in broad daylight—and atop such a high city wall, no less. How could a fragile woman possibly climb up there?

Hou Wenli stood nearby, watching Wu Rui’an’s shifting expressions between astonishment and laughter. Nervously, he wondered if he had done something wrong to upset him. Tentatively, he asked, “What is Prince Wu laughing about?”

“Nothing,” Wu Rui’an replied, shaking his head. “Let’s go. We shouldn’t keep Her Majesty waiting.”

“Yes,” Hou Wenli bowed his head and gestured for Wu Rui’an to lead the way.

Thus, with Wu Rui’an at the forefront, followed by two generals, then the civil and military officials, and finally the twenty deputies, the procession moved majestically down Anping Avenue. Along the route, deafening cheers erupted, piercing the air. Wu Rui’an scanned the crowd continuously, but he never caught sight of the woman in the yellow gown again.