“As expected, he’s Marshal Gu’s grandson! Even from afar, he carries the very spirit of the old Gu family army!”
Hearing this comment a ripple of quiet sorrow passed through the gathered nobles. It was a cruel twist of fate that the entire Gu family had perished heroically in the Battle of Jince eight years ago, leaving only this one grandson. Such a tragedy was enough to stir grief in any heart. The Crown Prince, noting Prime Minister Guo’s solemn tone, offered a gentle counter. “If Marshal Gu were in heaven, he’d surely rejoice at General Shang’s triumph return today.”
“Indeed, what the Crown Prince said is the truth !” The surrounding ministers echoed their sentiment with the mix of praises, but Vice MInister Wei , standing close by, merely snorted in disdain and refrain himself to add on this flurry of praises. Still , with Shang Ji currently bathed in the glow of astonishing victory, even he wasn’t foolish enough to seek trouble for him at this critical moment .
As the army finally reached the towering city gate. Shang Ji dismounted his war steed , and his twelve generals followed suit, kneeling in perfect unison. Their voices boomed as they saluted, “Your humble servant, General Shang , along with twelve generals, greet Your Highness the Crown Prince!!””
“You have all endured much hardship. This triumphant return has brought great merit to the state. His Majesty is greatly pleased and has sent me to greet you in his name. Please, rise quickly!”
“Thank you, Crown Prince!”
The relentless winds and sands of Cezhou had etched marks of hardship onto the faces of tired army , yet their eyes are a blazed with an unyielding determination as they return their homes victoriously . The Crown Prince, greatly pleased by the Shang armies momentum , stepped forward and said . “General Shang, my father has prepared a celebratory feast in the palace for you and your men, He is awaiting your arrival to celebrate this great conquest ! Please, come with me !”
“Thank you for His Majesty’s kindness!” Shang Ji then turned to his men, his voice firm and ordered . “The twelve generals will remove their armors and enter the palace with me. The rest of the generals and the soldeirs will retreat ten miles away from the city to camp and are not permitted to move without my orders.”
“Yes!”
He had toiled in the military camps since he was fifteen. Though he was the Shizi of the Duke’s mansion, he was also a ruthless marshal, admired by every soldier. Thus, his commands were never questioned.
From the city gates to the very entrance of the palace, the streets thronged with people, eager to welcome their hero. The Crown Prince, forgoing his own chariot, chose to ride alongside Shang Ji. He observed the vibrant celebrations, the countless handkerchiefs and sachets fluttering through the air towards Shang Ji , and couldn’t resist a playful jab.
“The great general’s charm is truly extraordinary. These ladies are so enthusiastic towards you , even knowing you’re already married. But seeing this situation It seems another joyous occasion for the Duke’s mansion isn’t far off.”
Shang Ji replied with an almost careless air, “I fear this general’s reputation for discarding his wife on his wedding night hasn’t spread widely enough. Otherwise, the Crown Prince wouldn’t have such a grand display to laugh at today.”
Hearing this the Crown Prince was left momentarily speechless. “How can anyone claim himself to be a Fated curse to his wife? Do you truly take those rumors to heart? Stop feigning ignorance . As a descendant of the Shang and Gu families, you fear neither honor nor disgrace from swords, guns, or halberds. How could you possibly be afraid of mere rumors?”
Shang Ji, clearly unwilling to delve into his own personal matters, simply pursed his lips and remained silent for the rest of his journey . As they rode northward, the Crown Prince continued to chatter, while Shang Ji maintained his calm stoic demeanor. Seeing this situation one might wonder if the Crown Prince was talking to a statue carved from indifference.
After Shang Ji and the twelve deputy generals entered the palace, the excitement among the people gradually faded. The palace banquet, a magnificent affair to welcome and cleanse the dust of battle, was naturally filled with toasts and merriment. Yet, while the palace bustled with life, the Duke of Shang’s mansion, which should have been equally vibrant, remained eerily quiet. This was especially true for the Xitang Courtyard in the East Garden.
Du Jingyi returned from Yunjin Courtyard looking utterly exhausted. She was, after all, the young mistress of the Duke’s palace, the wife of General Shang Ji, wedded through formal rites and a proper match. While Duke Shang and his wife had gone to the palace as commanded, they had simply left her with the flimsy excuse: “I am afraid you are too weak to endure the royal banquet.” It was a cruel irony – useful when needed, cast aside when not.
After today, everyone in Sui’an City would surely know that the young mistress of the Duke of Shang’s Mansion was just a figurehead . Her life in the Duke Mansion would undoubtedly become even more challenging from this day onwards , but she wasn’t worried about any reduction in expenses from her in-laws . As a daughter of a merchant her dowry was substantial enough to support another Xitang Courtyard without issue. However, if the news of such a blatant insult reached her parents, their heartbreak would be immense.
As dusk settled, lights flickered on within Xitang Courtyard . Ying Tao seeing her return also brought in her meal, but Du Jingyi barely touched it as she is feeling somewhat melancholic . YingTao ,a maid brought up along with her master though she understood her mistress’s sorrow, was at a loss for words to how to comfort her. Du Jingyi when noticed her reluctant expressions offered a faint smile in return a sto ensure her hanging heart . “I had some pear meat this afternoon, so I’m not hungry right now .” Then, she lowered her eyes, and her emotions once again carefully became hidden in the depth of her heart . “Get me some hot water, I am feeling tired and want to take a bath.”
“Yes Mistress .”
When Du Jingyi was in a low mood, she always found solace in a quiet bath, as if the water could wash away all her worries. As she stepped into the tub today once agian a sense of relief washed over her whole body .YingTao also add a Soothing essences that mingled in the water, and the heat genrated brought a gentle flush to Du Jingyi’s cheeks. YingTao and Li Zhu attended to her with meticulous care alonside the tub . After soaking for a while, Du Jingyi felt a profound sense of comfort and rose out . Once she was dry, she lay down on the nearby beauty couch, allowing the two girls to apply moisturizing lotion. This was a routine part of Du Jingyi’s day.
However, today had been exceptionally long.
Therefore, when Shang Ji returned from the palace banquet, he found no one in the main room. Instead, faint sounds drifted from the adjacent wing. Years in the army had sharpened his hearing, and he distinctly heard the soft sounds of someone bathing. The royal wine had left him a little tipsy, and he frowned, asking the attendants behind him, “Who is bathing in here?”
Butler He and Aunt Dou, who had served him for years, were with him. Both were overcome with a mix of excitement and surprise at his first question. Aunt Dou stepped forward respectfully. “Young Master…oh no, General, you must be drunk. Who else could be bathing in this room but the young mistress?”
Upon hearing her words, Shang Ji finally processed the situation. He was a married man. Indeed, he had been in the military camp for so long that he had forgotten he even had a family. “Well, go and bring two bowls of sobering soup. This royal wine gives me a severe headache.”
“Okay, Master, I’ll go right away.”
When he enterd the main room the heavy scent of battle, mingled with the aroma of wine that cling to his body, soon filled the entire room. After Shang Ji removed his armor, he revealed a moon-white satin robe with a round-neck lining and narrow sleeves and cuffs, embroidered with dark cloud patterns. He wore a pair of black brocade boots, and a gold-embroidered belt of the same color cinched his waist. The ensemble made him appear truly formidable.
General Shang, who’s nerves has been tensed throughout the day, now felt a wave of relaxation and comfort wash over him. It was as if he had returned to a familiar sanctuary, bringing with it a profound sense of ease and contentment. He picked up a Porcelain cup from the table and poured himself some tea to alleviate his hangover temporarily .