Traveling through the Tang Dynasty: The Concubine Goes to War

After bidding farewell to Ye Ling'er, Yunxi slowly walked back to the East Palace. As soon as she stepped into the East Palace gate, Xiaowan came up to her and asked with a smile on her face, "Sister Yunxi, is the Queen Mother satisfied with your New Year's decorations?"

Yunxi smiled slightly and replied softly, "Yes, I am satisfied." Her tone was calm and brief, and she seemed unwilling to talk more about it. In fact, she did not want to make Xiaowan worry too much, so she did not tell her the truth about what the Queen Mother had told her.

Seeing that Yunxi looked normal, Xiaowan felt relieved and continued with a smile, "That's good. By the way, Sister Yunxi, there is something I almost forgot to tell you. General Han sent someone to tell you that there will be a banquet at the General's Mansion tonight and several ministers and their families have been invited to attend. He also specifically asked that you come to the banquet."

Yunxi's heart tightened when she heard this. She thought to herself that there seemed to be something wrong. Why did Han Xuan suddenly hold a banquet and invite her and other ministers? This move was really puzzling.

Although she was full of doubts, Yunxi did not show them. She just nodded slightly to show that she knew about it, and then thanked Xiaowan: "I know, thank you Xiaowan." She decided to keep quiet and see what would happen next. Perhaps, she could find the answer at the banquet..."

On the second day, the night enveloped the earth, and the stars twinkled in the sky. Yunxi was wearing gorgeous clothes, holding the token given by the emperor in her hand, and slowly drove out of the palace gate in a beautifully decorated carriage. The wheels rolled, making a crisp sound, as if telling the importance of this trip.

After a while of driving, the carriage finally arrived in front of the general's mansion. Yunxi got off the carriage and looked at the brightly lit and magnificent mansion in front of her. She couldn't help but feel a complicated feeling in her heart. In the past, she often went in and out of this mansion as the general's wife.

She took a deep breath, calmed herself down, put away the token and walked into the mansion.

After entering the General's Mansion, one is greeted by a bustling scene. The hall is brightly lit, candlelight flickers, and melodious music plays, making one intoxicated.

General Han Xuan sat on the main seat, with a faint smile on his face, and looked at Yunxi who came in with gentle eyes. When Yunxi saw Han Xuan, he hurried forward to salute, and then sat down beside him.

As the banquet began, the guests toasted and drank, exchanging laughter and joy. However, Yunxi always had a question in her heart, which prevented her from fully integrating into this joyful atmosphere.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, Han Xuan stood up, raised his glass, and said to everyone: "Everyone, I am very grateful for your kindness today." After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp.

Then he slowly walked up to Yunxi, poured a glass of wine, and said to the guests: "Today, Han has something else for you to witness!" Han Xuan paused, looked at everyone, and then continued: "My comrade Yang Yunxi was named 'Wisdom Female General' by the emperor. I believe everyone has heard about it. This is the first female general personally named by the emperor since the founding of my dynasty. This is a great honor. I, Han Mou, dare to marry her as a brother!"

The guests present were suddenly shocked when they heard Han Xuan's words. They looked at Han Xuan and Yunxi in surprise, with an expression of disbelief in their eyes.

Yunxi was shocked. She didn't expect Han Xuan to make such a request. She raised her head and met Han Xuan's eyes. He looked firm and sincere.

After a moment's silence, Yunxi stood up, tried to force a smile on her face and said: "General Han's kindness is something I am very grateful for. It would be a great honor for me to become a brother and sister with General Han." After that, she took the wine glass from Han Xuan's hand and drank it all.

Han Xuan had a happy smile on his face. He patted Yunxi on the shoulder and said, "From now on, you are my sister. If you have any difficulties, I will do my best to help you."

The guests present applauded and congratulated the two on becoming siblings. The atmosphere of the banquet became more lively, and people talked and laughed, enjoying this wonderful moment.

However, under this happy appearance, Yunxi's heart was turbulent. She understood that becoming a brother and sister with Han Xuan meant that she had to completely break away from the past and that she had to let go of her feelings for him.

But she also knew that this was the best way to protect each other. In the subsequent banquet, Yunxi tried to act more naturally. She talked with the guests and responded to their blessings, but her mind had already drifted away.

After the banquet ended and all the guests left, Han Xuan saw Yunxi out.

"Thank you, Brother Han." Yunxi finally squeezed out these few words from between his teeth.

"You're welcome, Sister Yun. This is what I've always wanted to do." Han Xuan replied with a smile.

Looking at Han Xuan's expression, Yunxi couldn't help but get a little angry and said, "Han Xuan, why did you suddenly say in front of so many people that you want to become brothers with me? You didn't even ask for my opinion in advance, and you even brought up the title given to me by the emperor, making it impossible for me to refuse." Yunxi looked depressed.

"Yunxi, if it wasn't like this, how could you have agreed to me? Isn't this better? From now on, you can come to the general's mansion anytime you want." Han Xuan looked into Yunxi's eyes and continued affectionately: "I know you are worried about the prince in the palace, and I can't ignore my young daughter at home... and Zhaxi and I... are for the sake of peace between the two countries..."

Yunxi nodded and turned away. Her steps seemed a little heavy, and her heart was full of emotion. Although she accepted this new relationship on the surface, the emotional entanglement deep in her heart had not yet subsided.

Back in the palace, Yunxi sat alone in front of the window, gazing at the bright moon in the night sky. She knew that her story with Han Xuan had come to an end, and she had to face her future life.