BLPSG Chapter 58: Reunion

 

The messenger, adorned in silver armor and draped in a crimson robe, rode swiftly from the Chengming Gate to the south, passed through the long street, and rushed into the Taishu Palace accompanied by deafening cheers.

 

His arrival was like a drop of water splashing into a sizzling hot pan, instantly igniting a frenzy. The loud cheers of the people echoed around him.

 

His crimson robe symbolized victory in the Wei Dynasty.

 

Even though they had not yet heard the battle reports passed down by word of mouth, the people of Yongdu knew that Xie Bufeng had won a great victory when they saw the red figure from afar.

 

The capital of the Wei Dynasty was completely plunged into madness.

 

As the messenger passed through the streets, the townspeople eagerly spread the good news. Meanwhile, spontaneous celebrations erupted. Red silk banners and lanterns adorned many doorways, creating an atmosphere akin to New Year’s festivities.

 

Caught up in the collective euphoria, numerous merchants closed their shops for the day. Even the small medical clinic tucked away in a corner of Yongdu discreetly hung a sign that read “Closed” and shuttered its windows.

 

All of this was extraordinary, even by today’s standards.

 

No one questioned the closure of a humble clinic. But there was one place in the Yongdu that remained eerily silent—Taishu Palace.

 

“Summon the Hengxin Guard—”

 

“Hengxin Guard, enter the palace!”

 

“—The Emperor summons the Hengxin Guard to the Ninghe Hall!”

 

The sharp cries of the eunuchs reverberated through the Taishu Palace, spreading the news far and wide. Even the secluded Imperial Medical Bureau, where Wen Qingci was held captive, had only two guards left. The rest had been summoned to wait outside the Ninghe Hall.

 

The northern messenger approached, hands cradling the battle report.

 

Rather than immediately reading the report, the Emperor fixed his gaze on the messenger’s hands. Suddenly, he smiled—a raspy, low chuckle that echoed through the vast hall, sending shivers down everyone’s spine.

 

“Excellent, excellent—”

 

“…Truly my good son,” he murmured.

 

In that moment, the Emperor seemed to see a vision. The cold tiles of the Ninghe Hall transformed into a raging river. Countless bodies floated, reaching out from the water, as if trying to drag him under.

 

Indeed, to eradicate the roots, one must cut down the grass. Xie Bufeng should have been executed right after birth. His momentary compassion had led to this catastrophe.

 

He reminded himself that it was all an illusion, that he must not embarrass himself in the grand hall.

 

Finally, the Emperor took a deep breath and shifted his gaze forward. He pressed his fingers firmly against his temples, waiting until the messenger’s hands trembled from prolonged elevation before accepting the battle report. He flipped it open, scanning it hastily.

 

According to Wei Dynasty protocol, the summary report after a major victory should be personally completed by the commanding general. Today, the report in the Emperor’s hands bore Xie Bufeng’s handwriting.

 

The ink on the parchment was bold, the strokes powerful, like dragons and serpents in motion.

 

The Emperor paid little attention to the report’s content, instead, he focused on Xie Bufeng’s calligraphy. Such skill could only be honed over a decade.

 

Despite the earlier reports from the north, which hinted that Xie Bufeng was no ordinary prince languishing in Suzhou, seeing his talent first hand was profoundly impactful.

 

Xie Bufeng had deceived him from the moment he arrived in Suzhou.

 

…This was undoubtedly the work of Consort Lan.

 

“Summon Consort Lan. From today onward, she need not reside in the Huixin Palace. She shall move directly to my own chambers!”

 

Zhao Gonggong hesitated for a moment, then bowed and replied, “As you command.”

 

Bringing a consort to live in the Emperor’s chambers might seem like an honor, but given the current circumstances, it held a different meaning.

 

She is a hostage.

 

“Dismiss all of you. Leave only the Hengxin Guard,” the Emperor instructed the attendants.

 

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

He had sent Xie Bufeng to the battlefield with the intention of ensuring his demise. The young prince had hidden his true abilities all along.

 

Now that Xie Bufeng had returned to Yongdu, revenge was inevitable.

 

The Emperor’s gaze fell upon the Hengxin Guard standing below. Xie Bufeng might excel in battle, but when it came to seizing the throne, he might not surpass the Emperor.

 

Xie Zhaolin’s mind was already set.

 

Xie Bufeng had to be eliminated. And it had to happen while he still lacked full influence in the court.

 

Though the Emperor wished Xie Bufeng dead on the road, he understood that the people of Wei were now firmly on his side. His only option was to continue playing the role of the wise and benevolent “father.”

 

Time was running out.

 

The Hengxin Guard watched the Emperor carefully from below.

 

He saw the other person squinting his eyes and looking out the window, tapping his fingers on the table from time to time, making a faint sound.

 

It would be too stupid to take action at a celebration banquet.

 

It is true that the Hengxin Guards who are responsible for the security of Taishu Palace are all their own people.

 

But there will definitely be soldiers and generals attending the celebration banquet, and they will definitely stand on Xie Bufeng’s side. It is not certain who will be able to defeat whom by then.

 

But things were different after the celebration party.

 

Thinking of this, the emperor smiled slowly.

 

Although Xie Bufeng is an adult, he had no residence outside the palace.

 

According to the rules, after he returns to the court, he will have to temporarily live in the former Yuguang Palace.

 

Xie Bufeng was not allowed to bring servants into the palace.

 

At that time, wouldn’t his life and death be entirely up to him?

 

In any war, injuries are inevitable.

 

After Xie Bufeng dies, He will keep the secret for a few days and then make up a random excuse, saying that his old injury flared up and he died.

 

The emperor finally stopped tapping the table. He slowly glanced at Heng Xinwei who was standing in the palace and gave orders in a deep voice.

 

On that day, the sounds of celebration in Yongdu rushed into Taishu Palace like waves.

 

But the palace remained in deathly silence.

 

Hengxin Guard was everywhere, very busy, and seemed to be planning something.

 

The emperor knew very well that he should not alert the enemy, so he changed his plan slightly and kept Consort Lan, the little princess and Wen Qingci temporarily.

 

But they can’t stay for long…especially Wen Qingci.

 

The emperor decided to make medicine by draining him immediately after the celebration banquet, without wasting a second.

 

The number of guards around Wen Qingci doubled.

 

They no longer stood guard outside the courtyard as before. The emperor let half of the Hengxin Guards in, who squatted behind him and kept a close eye on his every move.

 

Wen Qingci ignored these people as if he didn’t notice their existence and continued with his daily life.

 

He can’t wait to go home.

 

As soon as the heavy snow in the north subsided, Xie Bufeng took thousands of personal guards and rode fast horses to Yongdu in the shortest time possible.

 

When the team reached the outskirts of the city, they suddenly stopped.

 

The young man bathed and changed his clothes in the inn and put on a brand new set of black armor.

 

Even the black hair that used to stand loosely on the back of his head was combed neatly and tied up with the string of clear blue medicinal jade that he treasured most.

 

On the battlefield, Xie Bufeng used offense as defense and was never afraid of fighting.

 

His armor was unlike anyone else’s.

 

While the protective function of the dark armor was actually subpar, it allowed the wearer maximum flexibility while safeguarding their vital points.

 

The only difference lay in the left wrist.

 

Unlike the convenient, flexible leather bracer on his right hand, Xie Bufeng’s left wrist bore a heavy bracer made of thick dark iron.

 

Sturdy as it was, it was also incredibly cumbersome.

 

Wearing several pounds of metal on his hand made everyday movement difficult, let alone going into battle.

 

Xie Bufeng is a god on the battlefield, and his every move is scrutinized. People often speculated in private about what might be hidden beneath his bracer.

 

Today, that mystery was finally revealed.

 

—Contrary to everyone’s imagination of a royal heirloom, adorned with gold, silver, and precious stones, what Xie Bufeng carefully concealed beneath the dark iron bracer was merely a off-white woolen wristband.

 

During a rest stop, the soldiers gathered, finally relaxing for a moment.

 

“Hey, were you previously stationed in Yongdu?” one soldier asked.

 

“Yes, I was transferred from Yongdu to the northern region. Why?” 

 

The others leaned in, one of them winking and lowering their voice. “Do you happen to know if the General has a sweetheart in Yongdu?”

 

“Well… I’m not entirely sure,” the soldier hesitated. “When I was in Yongdu, I rarely heard anything about His Highness. I only knew he was born without pain, which led people to consider him as a monster.”

 

This information was common knowledge throughout the military.

 

But in the face of absolute strength demonstrated by victory after victory, no one cared whether Xie Bufeng lacked pain or if he truly was the mythical creature some believed him to be.

 

Instead, this “unusual” aspect became a symbol of his innate talent as a military leader, admired and revered by countless.

 

Still, when it came to the term “monster,” the soldiers instinctively lowered their voices.

 

Perplexed, the soldier asked, “Why do you say that?”

 

“Perhaps you didn’t notice from the back of the formation, but ever since General returned from the northern region, he hasn’t stopped smiling! Look at how meticulously he’s dressed today—it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before… He looks like he’s going to meet someone special! And I bet that string of jade he wears is a gift from his sweetheart.”

 

“Want to bet? How about a silver coin?” The soldier grew more excited, raising his voice.

 

Contrary to his expectations, his companions didn’t respond with excitement, instead, they exchanged puzzled glances.

 

“Ahem!!!”

 

“cough–”

 

“Why are you coughing? Did I say something wrong?” he asked with a frown.

 

As he spoke, someone discreetly tossed a silver coin from behind, landing securely in his palm.

 

But the soldier didn’t show any excitement. Instead, his heart sank along with the coin.

 

“Greetings, General!”

 

Everyone knelt down in unison and saluted the visitor.

 

The general, clad in dark armor, glanced at them with a half-smile as he mounted his horse. “You’re right, but gambling is forbidden in the army. When we reach Yongdu, you can collect your punishment.”

 

Soldiers: !!!

 

No one cared about “collecting punishment.”

 

They stared wide-eyed, exchanging bewildered looks.

 

What did the general just say? Did they hear correctly?!

 

He truly had a sweetheart in Yongdu!

 

*

 

The Wei Dynasty followed the old system of the previous dynasty. The previous dynasty, which established its kingdom through war, not only left behind a military merit system, but also left behind honors unique to soldiers in Yongdu.

 

The main gate of Yongdu City, Chengtian Gate, was usually tightly closed.

 

Only when an emperor ascended the throne, during a royal wedding, or when a general achieved a great victory, would it open.

 

Since the last time Chengtian Gate opened, more than twenty years had passed.

 

News of Xie Bufeng’s imminent return spread throughout Yongdu early in the morning.

 

Despite the snowfall, tens of thousands of citizens gathered outside Chengtian Gate.

 

The sound of hooves echoed, reverberating through the long street.

 

“Chengtian Gate, opens—”

 

In an instant, drums thundered, bells chimed.

 

With a resounding creak, the three-story tall vermilion city gate slowly swung open from within.

 

Revealed was the newest road in this century-old capital.

 

Silver saddles gleamed on white horses, galloping like shooting stars.

 

The young general, clad in dark armor, cut through the snow curtain, leading thousands of riders. Like lightning, he crossed Chengtian Gate and raced toward Yongdu’s bustling streets.

 

Less than two years passed, it felt like an endless cycle.

 

The last time he walked this road, he was a “monster” who was locked in the back of a carriage and forced into the battlefield in a desperate situation, waiting for others to decide his fate.

 

But this time, he rode on a war horse and became a general who controlled life and death and could change the fate of countless people.

 

“Your Highness is so heroic!!!”

 

“Long live the general—”

 

He didn’t know who started shouting like this first.

 

“Long live the general!” Such a treasonous slogan suddenly echoed again and again.

 

The soldiers responsible for security along the street turned around and glared at them, asking them to shut up, but the law does not hold everyone responsible, and they were powerless in the face of the cheers of tens of thousands of people.

 

On the long street, the corners of Xie Bufeng’s lips slowly rose.

 

…He wondered if Wen Qingci heard the noise outside the palace?

 

A strong sense of anticipation arose in the young man’s heart.

 

The words he had just heard at the post station once again came to Xie Bufeng’s mind.

 

Is it really that obvious?

 

Xie Bufeng realized belatedly that he had started laughing again without knowing when.

 

He coughed lightly, lowered his head slightly and forced the smile on his lips to disappear.

 

Keep calm and hold yourself. Keep calm and hold yourself.

 

Xie Bufeng is still just a teenager after all.

 

Although he is good at fighting, apart from his “evil” side, he still lacks understanding of the ways of the world.

 

Facing the cheers from the long street, Xie Bufeng’s childishness, pride, and even aggrieved emotions surged up.

 

He greatly hoped that Wen Qingci could see this scene with his own eyes and see himself now.

 

The young man slowly closed his eyes. Apart from the sound of the wind, he seemed to hear again what Wen Qingci said to him on the Yinchuan Grand Canal – I believe that Your Highness will be able to achieve great things and return to Yongdu with a lot of achievements.

 

Regardless of whether Wen Qingci was serious or just being perfunctory at the beginning, Xie Bufeng turned his words into reality.

 

At this time, he had made great military achievements and was admired by countless people.

 

…Yet, countless new scars adorned his body.

 

The Taishu Palace drew closer, step by step.

 

On the other side of the cheering crowd, the crimson walls of the imperial palace faintly came into view.

 

Xie Bufeng’s heartbeat suddenly quickened.

 

He felt a hint of homesickness, even slowing down the pace of his horse.

 

Amidst the tolling bells, Xie Bufeng finally arrived outside the gates of the Taishu Palace.

 

The gates opened slowly, revealing a figure in bright yellow robes on the other side.

 

There were countless people following behind him.

 

Xie Zhaolin had always been adept at acting.

 

Determined to pretend to be a benevolent and wise ruler for one more day, he was extremely patient at this moment.

 

The warhorse Xie Bufeng rode was as tall as a person. He hadn’t dismounted yet, still sitting atop the horse, gazing forward with lowered eyes.

 

The oppressive feeling of being looked down upon washed over him.

 

The emperor, standing there like prey targeted by a hawk, remained frozen, unsure how to move.

 

A sudden pang of pain throbbed in his forehead.

 

Outside the palace gates, facing the countless citizens, the emperor couldn’t casually take out a Fuxuan Flower Pill as he did within the Taishu Palace.

 

The pain finally jolted him back to his senses, pulling him from the chaotic haze.

 

Clearing his throat, he stepped forward, reciting the well-prepared words.

 

Just then, Xie Bufeng dismounted, standing opposite the emperor.

 

His gaze extended beyond the bright yellow figure, falling upon what lay behind the emperor.

 

He paid no attention to the person speaking before him.

 

—All the civil and military officials, as well as the palace concubines and noble ladies, were present.

 

Consort Lan, dressed in light-red palace attire, tightly held the hand of little Princess Xie Fuyin, her tear-filled eyes fixed on the direction of the young man.

 

In that moment of eye contact, Xie Fuyin excitedly waved at him and mouthed the word “brother.”

 

Xie Bufeng was surprised.

 

He had been away fighting in the northern lands for quite some time, there was no way Xie Fuyin remembered their childhood interactions.

 

Given Consort Lan’s cautious nature, she likely never mentioned him in front of Xie Fuyin.

 

So why was she so thrilled to see him today?

 

Xie Fuyin’s reaction even startled Consort Lan, who quickly whispered something to her daughter. Xie Fuyin pouted and finally quieted down.

 

The civil and military officials stood behind the imperial family.

 

Xie Bufeng’s gaze wandered for a while before finally looking in that direction.

 

He clenched his fists, touching the woolen bracelet on his wrist.

 

The snow in Yongdu was growing heavier.

 

Like smoke, it veiled everything in its wake.

 

Xie Bufeng held his breath.

 

His gaze pierced through the snow, finally landing on a familiar figure in moon-white robes.

 

Long unseen, Wen Qingci appeared thinner, his face even paler than before, as if he would melt into the falling snow.

 

…Like a petal of magnolia, gently descending.

 

As if sensing Xie Bufeng’s gaze, Wen Qingci raised his eyes and smiled softly.

 

His gaze remained as gentle as ever.

 

Xie Bufeng’s restless heart, which had been anxious and agitated, suddenly calmed.

 

But then the young man furrowed his brow.

 

It’s snowing so heavily today, why doesn’t Wen Qingci put on another cloak?

 

Only then did Xie Bufeng realize that today’s reception at the palace gates was a formal court event. Everyone had to wear ceremonial attire, with no room for adding or removing garments at will.

 

“May we enter the palace?” Xie Bufeng interrupted the emperor’s unfinished words, his tone unapologetically direct.

 

“…Certainly,” the emperor managed to force a smile, suppressing his inner resentment and displeasure.

 

As the emperor stepped forward, the members of the imperial family and officials split into two lines, creating a path.

 

Though the emperor led the way in his splendid attire, the aura around him was completely overshadowed by the young man behind him.

 

“I wonder how long you can remain arrogant,” 

 

The emperor’s voice reached Xie Bufeng from nearby.

 

Xie Bufeng raised an eyebrow.

 

As if noticing that Xie Bufeng was looking in the direction of Consort Lan and Xie Fuyin, the emperor could not help but sneer: “Xie Bufeng better pray that Wen Qingzhi’s blood really works., otherwise, even if Consort Lan and Xie Fuyin don’t die tomorrow, they will be buried with me soon… Hahaha, they really deserved to die.”

 

Xie Bufeng’s eyes suddenly darkened, and the expression on his face gradually turned cold, and was instantly filled with murderous intent.

 

…

 

Outside the gate of Taishu Palace, Wen Qingci, like everyone else, bowed and saluted the emperor and the young general.

 

Snowflakes fluttered down, and Wen Qingci couldn’t help but think of the scene he saw from afar in the north… Xie Bufeng was admired by thousands of people and was shining brightly.

 

Once the legendary story begins, it will never end.

 

The gate outside Taishu Palace is also paved with bluestones.

 

The cold air rose from the knees and enveloped Wen Qingci in an instant.

 

He couldn’t help but cough twice, trying hard to suppress the bloody smell.

 

Seeing the young man approaching him from afar, Wen Qingci’s heart suddenly became confused.

 

Although Xie Bufeng had made great military achievements, he had no foundation or spies in Yongdu.

 

After Xian Gonggong was suspected, he no longer dared to send anyone to the north.

 

Therefore, Xie Bufeng may not be very clear about what exactly happened in the palace until now.

 

He didn’t even know that his mother and sister were facing huge threats.

 

Thinking of this, Wen Qingci couldn’t help but become nervous.

 

The dark black combat boots suddenly stopped in front of him.

 

Xie Bufeng no longer moved forward, but stood there and stared quietly at the person opposite him.

 

Wen Qingci hesitated for a few seconds and slowly raised his eyes.

 

He saw that the boy’s skin had become darker, his facial features had become more profound, his temperament was as sharp as a sword, and he carried with him the murderous intent borne from the battlefield.

 

There was still a hint of coldness in those amber eyes that had not yet dissipated.

 

…What is Xie Bufeng going to do?

 

Before he had time to think about it, the young man slowly extended his left hand towards him.

 

The Off-white wool bracelet caught Wen Qingci’s eyes in an instant.

 

“Physician Wen, please stand up.”

 

Before he could react, Xie Bufeng grabbed Wen Qingci’s wrist and pulled him up from the ground.

 

The young man used all his strength this time, and Wen Qingci felt a sudden pain in his wrist.

 

The warmth from the young man’s palm warmed Wen Qingci’s cold wrist bones at this moment.

 

Wen Qingci was startled: “Thank you, Your Highness…”

 

“Yeah.” Xie Bufeng nodded, but still had no intention of letting go.

 

He even exerted a little force to close the distance between them.

 

The atmosphere suddenly became ambiguous.

 

Wen Qingci finally raised his head and looked at the young man who had grown almost a head taller than him.

 

A ray of sunlight penetrated the thick clouds and fell on the top of Xie Bufeng’s head, and the string of blue medicinal jade emitted a faint light.

 

Wen Qingci saw his own reflection in those amber eyes.

 

His breathing became disordered.

 

Outside the Taishu Palace, the forward procession suddenly came to a standstill, and the surrounding people looked at each other in disbelief, not daring to utter a single breath.