Spring arrives and the land smiles

The Emperor, Empress, Crown Prince, and their son—all three of them—came to welcome back an old general who had been captured and ransomed. This was an unprecedented honor. If Qingyan's actions had silenced the sycophants, then Emperor Longqing's actions had pushed the Ning family into the eye of the storm! Thinking of this, Qingyan frowned deeply. Her father couldn't possibly be unaware of the principle of moderation; he was doing this on purpose!

The Emperor and Empress, not being Qingyan, naturally sat in the main seats, while Qingyan sat beside the Empress. After exchanging a few pleasantries about General Ning's health, Emperor Longqing subtly shifted to the main topic of the day.

"If it weren't for the unexpected turn of events during the Battle of Qingxia Pass, the old general wouldn't have suffered humiliation in the autumn for ten years. Now that the old general has returned, I am very pleased," Emperor Longqing said with delight.

"This humble subject is filled with fear and trepidation." The old general quickly rose from his seat and knelt before Emperor Longqing.

A defeated general should have died to prove his loyalty, but he not only survived but was also captured for ten years. If it weren't for his master's mercy in ransoming him, he would have continued to suffer a fate worse than death in Qiu Rong. Emperor Longqing's words were a veiled criticism, and coupled with the honor of being personally welcomed yesterday, General Ning understood Emperor Longqing's thoughts.

Not only did General Ning know, but others present also knew His Majesty the Emperor's intentions. Qing Yan did not show her emotions on her face, but her heart was in turmoil. Emperor Longqing was forcing the Ning family army and the Zhong family to fight to the death. Otherwise, without the protection of the emperor, General Ning's reputation, and even the reputation of the entire Ning family army, would be infamous for eternity in no time.

As the saying goes, a defeated general is truly defeated only when the emperor declares him defeated.

"Please rise quickly, my dear minister," Emperor Longqing said unhurriedly, a smile playing on his lips.

General Ning sat back down, but his face did not show the fear he had just expressed. Instead, he frowned deeply, and after a fleeting moment, he resumed his respectful demeanor.

"Your loyalty to the emperor and love for the country is a model for generals. I am overjoyed to have you back. I had previously thought you had passed away and posthumously conferred upon you the title of Duke of Ningguo. Tomorrow, I will personally issue an edict to confer the title upon you."

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness." General Ning knelt before Emperor Longqing again, this time referring to himself not as a guilty subject, but as a subject.

Is the old general responding to Emperor Longqing's request and intending to fight the Zhong family to the death?

Qingyan suddenly realized that Emperor Longqing was clever, ruthless, cunning, and also... shameless.

The Emperor actually knew that the incident at Qingxia Pass was related to Huang Dingda, the son of the second eldest daughter of the Zhong family.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Emperor Longqing decreed that a banquet be held in the palace that evening to formally welcome the old general back.

Tonight, Emperor Longqing intends to use the banquet to vindicate General Ning, and of course, to incite the Zhong family's dissatisfaction with the Ning family army. Even if General Ning doesn't want to be used as a pawn by Emperor Longqing, he will have no chance to protect the Ning family army and escape unscathed.

"I see that Qingyan looks well. You will be in charge of the palace banquet tonight. As a daughter-in-law of the Ning family, you should fulfill your filial duty." Emperor Longqing turned his head to look at Qingyan, seemingly giving an order but actually asking with his eyes.

Qingyan recognized that look in his eyes. The Longqing Emperor was teaching her what political intrigue and the ruthlessness of royalty meant.

"Your subject obeys the decree." Qingyan nodded, both in response to the imperial order and to indicate that she had learned her lesson.

Everything proceeded as planned. Emperor Longqing was very satisfied and did not linger. He left with the Empress, not forgetting to take Qingyan with him.

After escorting the Empress back to her palace, Emperor Longqing dismissed Qingyan and stayed behind. The Empress inquired about Qingyan's condition with concern before reluctantly letting her leave, which made Qingyan feel very warm.

Since becoming a concubine and turning to Buddhism, Emperor Longqing's affection for the Empress has deepened. Previously, he would only stay in her palace for a maximum of three days a month, except for the first and fifteenth of the lunar month; now, he stays almost every night. Not only that, but he also insists that the Empress accompany him for dinner every evening. Qingyan counted on her fingers; in the past ten days or so, Emperor Longqing had only stayed one night at Consort Luo's residence. The Empress greeted him morning and evening, and the two seemed like an exceptionally loving couple. Under such favor, the Empress looked as if she had become ten years younger.

It is true that the Emperor and Empress were in love, and it is also true that their love was deep. Otherwise, given Empress Shangguan's quiet and unassuming nature, it would have been impossible for her to give birth to an eldest son and an eldest daughter in the harem. Although Empress Shangguan was Emperor Longqing's first wife, she was not his first woman. Before Empress Shangguan entered the palace, Emperor Longqing was still a prince and already had one concubine and two maids. Therefore, the fact that the Empress was able to give birth to the eldest son is enough to prove Emperor Longqing's protection and affection for Empress Shangguan.

It is said that Emperor Longqing and Empress Shangguan were practically childhood sweethearts.

As Qingyan thought about it, her eyes were full of smiles. Her mother had finally gotten what she wanted. No matter what Emperor Longqing's intentions were, her mother was happy at the moment.

Instead of returning to Xuanhua Palace, Qingyan planned to personally organize the welcome-home banquet for the evening. She went straight to the Ministry of Rites, but neither the Minister of Rites, Wang Qichen, nor the Left Vice Minister, Liu Yubin, were there. So Qingyan found the Right Vice Minister of Rites, Yang Changhan, and explained her purpose. Vice Minister Yang immediately said he would take care of it right away, but Qingyan only asked him to provide the people to do the work; she wanted to arrange everything herself.

On the surface, the battle between the Ning family army and the Zhong family was about Huang Dingyi. But if they really fought, would Prince Lin, who was behind the Zhong family, just sit idly by? Prince Lin was forced out of the capital by his father, the emperor, and was not allowed to enter the capital without an imperial edict. The eight prefectures of Lin were in the harsh northern part of the Great Qi, and Prince Lin probably couldn't stay there for a long time.

Prince Lin was the fourth son of the late emperor. On the second day of Emperor Longqing's ascension to the throne, he stripped Prince Lin of his title and demoted him to Prince of the County, exiling him to the Eight Counties of Lin. If Prince Lin hadn't been so restless recently, Emperor Longqing wouldn't have had to push General Ning out as a scapegoat.

The fact that Prince Lin and Prince Jin were born to the same mother is what worries Qingyan the most.

After carefully arranging the welcome-home banquet, Qingyan returned to Xuanhua Palace and happened to meet Ningyuan at the entrance, so she went in with him.

Zhui'er wisely dismissed everyone and didn't go in herself.

As soon as they entered the bedroom, Ning Yuan firmly grasped Qing Yan's hand in his palm.

Although after a series of actions, most of the spies in Xuanhua Palace had been eliminated, and no one could get close to the area of ​​the sleeping quarters and Caiyi Palace except for the old man brought from Chuyou Pavilion, Ning Yuan's actions still exceeded Qing Yan's expectations. This fool rarely makes any overstepping moves, so what's wrong with him today?

However, when Qingyan saw Ning Yuan's furrowed brows, she already understood.

Ning Yuan must have visited the Heavenly Language Palace.

Tonight, Emperor Longqing's high-profile arrangement of a welcome-back banquet was undoubtedly intended to make the Ning family army the target of public criticism, with the Zhong family sure to be the first to attack. Although Ning Yuan was a concubine's husband, he was seen by outsiders as an unfavored one. General Ning had just returned to the capital, and his power base was not yet secure. In the officialdom, military officers were never a match for civil officials. Furthermore, the Zhong family, in their desperate attempt to cover up their past mistakes, would certainly strike first.

After the welcome-back banquet, the Ning family army's days are probably numbered.

"Don't worry, with the old general here, the Ning family army will be fine." Having survived ten years as a hostage in Qiu Rong and emerged unscathed, Qingyan believed that the old general's methods were no less than those of the civil officials. "Besides, there's me."

Qingyan's last words made Ningyuan hold her hand even tighter.

“Yan’er, this is exactly what I’m most worried about,” Ning Yuan released her hand and pulled Qing Yan into his arms. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Nestled in Ning Yuan's arms, Qing Yan gave a faint, bitter smile: Ning Yuan, some things won't happen just because you don't want them to. If we really start fighting, given my status, it's impossible for me to stay out of it, and I won't allow myself to!

Qingyan only dared to say these words in her heart, for fear of causing Ningyuan to feel even more guilty. This fool had always stood behind her as a protector, but little did he know that his Yan'er needed to grow up, and had already grown up.

Since it is inevitable, it is better to face the enemy head-on than to hide and dodge. Attack is always the best defense.

“With you here, I’m not afraid.” Qingyan reached out and wrapped her arms around Ningyuan’s strong waist, pulling him close to her. “We promised to be together all the way. If you break your promise and abandon me, I will not let you go, no matter where you are in the world.”

Despite her seemingly small and frail appearance, she was actually quite strong. Ning Yuan felt some pain in his wounds from her exertion, but his heart was filled with deep affection.

"Okay, let's do it together." Even if you leave, I will not abandon you.

The welcoming banquet was held in the Fengtian Hall.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony—well, to describe it as an honor would probably go against the Emperor's original intention. Qingyan could imagine how surprised the ministers who received the invitation must have been. In fact, Qingyan was already surprised when the Emperor indicated the scale of the welcoming banquet.

How much does the Emperor want the Zhong family to die? He's gone to such lengths!

Night gradually fell upon the magnificent government hall as the civil and military officials took their seats. Unlike the usual solemnity, there was a deliberate sense of relaxation tonight. Qingyan had deliberately instructed the Ministry of Rites to place over a dozen extra palace lanterns, their colors varying from white to yellow to blue, and their positions seemingly haphazard. Qingyan had already instructed all the palace maids to guide the officials to their designated seats, of course, without forgetting the relationship between official rank and seating.

The Zhong family and the Prince of Jin were respectively placed under blue and white palace lanterns by Qingyan, and there were more palace lanterns around them than around everyone else.

Tonight's main character, General Ning, was arranged by Qingyan to sit under the soft yellow palace lanterns, very close to the emperor's throne.

Very good, the supporting characters are quite eye-catching today, but it's just the lighting that makes them stand out in a way that isn't too jarring or...deliberate.

After all the officials were seated, the Emperor and Empress, accompanied by the eldest princess, and the eldest princess, accompanied by her consort, entered the hall with great poise and elegance.

Tonight, Qingyan specially had Ningyuan change into a milky-white brocade robe. The exquisite Suzhou embroidery made the robe exceptionally elegant, and his long, jet-black hair was tied into a gentleman's bun with a silver crown. Even his belt was an exquisitely chosen piece in the same color scheme. This radiant outfit perfectly concealed his blatant martial prowess, showcasing his refined elegance.

Compared to Prince Jin's bright yellow dragon robe, Ning Yuan tonight was more reserved than heroic, and not at all aggressive.

Looking at General Ning again, he was indeed dressed in a mature and dignified dark brown outfit, which made him quite inconspicuous among the colorful crowd.

The Duke was prudent and the heir was reserved; at least on the surface, no one could find fault with them.

After the emperor, empress, and crown prince were seated, all the officials knelt in obeisance. This was an official banquet, and the proper etiquette could not be disregarded.

"My beloved ministers, rise." Emperor Longqing showed his favor. "Come, all ministers, raise your cups to welcome General Ning back." Emperor Longqing picked up his wine cup, and the ministers set an example by standing up.

"The old general suffered humiliation for the country, serving as a hostage in Qiu Rong for ten years. Today, he is able to return to his homeland. This is an honor and a blessing for our Great Qi." Qingyan raised his cup, glanced at Emperor Longqing out of the corner of his eye, and deliberately raised his voice.

In short, the captured general became a hostage to maintain diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Emperor Longqing turned to look at Qingyan, his expression neither approving nor opposed. Qingyan understood. He was going to make her the target of public criticism. Because of her position, even if she was biased, it would be reasonable for her to protect her father-in-law, and no one could say anything.

"Your subject is ashamed." General Ning stood up, raised his cup in acknowledgment, and drank the wine in one gulp. He was neither servile nor ostentatious, but accepted the wine with a clear conscience.

Qingyan felt relieved; it seemed that General Ning understood her intentions.

Everyone watched, and when Qingyan took the lead, they also drank their cups to the brim.

The host of this welcoming banquet should have been Emperor Longqing, but since Emperor Longqing allowed her to usurp the host's position so freely, Qingyan no longer cared about anything.

The alluring dancers below the stage attracted the attention of most people in the audience. Men are indeed powerless against beautiful women, and several of them were already staring intently, practically drooling.

Then, what about Ning Yuan? Ning Yuan is also a man.

Qingyan had a little idea.

Turning to look at Ning Yuan sitting next to General Ning, Qingyan noticed that Ning Yuan's eyes were clear, clearly showing his appreciation for the dancers' newly choreographed Rainbow Feather Dance. Qingyan didn't know why she felt so insecure about Ning Yuan.

Perhaps it was Qingyan's intense attention that made Ningyuan notice, for Ningyuan also turned to look at her, his gentle and warm gaze making Qingyan's heart tremble.

After the dance ended, the dancers withdrew, and Qingyan saw that Huang Ding, that playboy, stared at the lead dancer until she left the stage.

"Lust is a dangerous thing." Didn't the second daughter of the Zhong family teach her son any manners?

Zhong Liangyi, the Imperial Censor sitting to the right, seemed to have noticed Huang Ding's frivolous behavior as well, and his brows furrowed slightly involuntarily.

Zhong Liangyi is Huang Ding's maternal uncle. It is said that Huang Ding was taught by him since childhood and is most afraid of him.

The censors and officials who speak out are the most upright and incorruptible, and Zhong Liangyi is the best among them. Therefore, he is also the one who is most incompatible with the Zhong family.

Qingyan couldn't understand why Zhong Liangyi would raise such a spoiled brat, or whether he simply disdained to teach him and let him drift aimlessly.

In any case, Huang Ding won't be able to escape unscathed after tonight.

Taking advantage of the dancers' departure, Qingyan said loudly, "Yesterday, the chief dancer of Yunshao Pavilion, Young Master Huafan, choreographed a new dance. I thought it was quite good, so I ordered him to perform it at today's banquet. I would like to invite all of you to appreciate it and see if he dances well or not, and whether I should reward him or punish him."

It was obvious that there was a hidden meaning in those words, and the expressions on everyone's faces were varied.

"If he can catch the eye of my son, I'd like to see him too," Emperor Longqing said, expressing his interest.

Qingyan clapped her hands, and all the dancers came on stage. Powerful music followed, and Hua Fan, dressed in military uniform, made a dashing entrance.

The dancers, clad in imposing armor, exuded the aura of the Ning family army, while Hua Fan perfectly captured the spirit of the late General Ning. With a feather fan and silk turban, she strategized with unwavering resolve, determined to achieve victory, yet she was equally adept at leading the charge into battle, displaying a formidable martial prowess that even a scholar-general could not conceal.

By this point in the dance, everyone had gained some insight.

Back then at Qingxia Pass, the battle reached a stalemate, with the snow season fast approaching. The Qi warriors, accustomed to warmer climates, were not as resistant to the cold as the Qiu Rong cavalry. General Ning desired a swift victory, but the Qiu Rong held the strategic advantage of Qingxia Pass, which our army could not breach. This unprecedented long-distance raid had drained the nation's resources, and the Qiu Rong were also driven to the brink. If they could not be defeated in one fell swoop, this golden opportunity would be lost, and we might have to wait another ten years. General Ning pondered for days and nights and decided to lead the vanguard, launching a surprise attack on the Qiu Rong's main camp via a previously scouted route. If the raid succeeded, Qingxia Pass would surely fall. After deploying all his troops, General Ning set off that very night, but he had overlooked Huang Ding.

General Ning's surprise attack was successful. According to the plan, our main force should have immediately launched a full-scale attack on Qingxia Pass, coordinating with the enemy to capture Qiu Rong in one fell swoop. However, at this critical juncture, a sudden fire broke out in the rear grain storage area. Fortunately, it was discovered early, and the defending general, Tian Jing, was a confidant of General Ning. The fire was quickly extinguished, and our grain supplies were not significantly damaged. However, the right-wing commander, Huang Ding, led his troops to fight the fire after learning that the grain supplies had been burned, greatly reducing our army's combat effectiveness. Qiu Rong broke through from the right flank, held Qingxia Pass, and General Ning was surrounded and captured. Afterwards, rumors circulated in the army that General Ning had died in battle. Emperor Longqing ordered the central army to search the area on the ground, but to no avail. A cenotaph was erected in the imperial mausoleum.

Huang Ding should have been punished for desertion under military law, but he claimed that Tian Jing had sent someone to plead with him for help. However, the messenger had died in battle, leaving no way to verify the claim, and even the messenger's warrant was largely destroyed in the fighting due to Huang Ding's injuries, making it unreadable. Furthermore, at the repeated pleas of his wife, Prince Lin requested permission to travel to the capital to investigate the matter, and Prince Jin also mediated, ultimately leading to the matter being dropped.

The Ning family army lost its commander, while the culprits went unpunished. From then on, the Ning family army and the Zhong family became sworn enemies.

The ministers were all distracted, and Qingyan's thoughts were not on the dance floor either. The dance ended quickly, the dancers withdrew, and the room fell silent. The ministers remained calm and dared not utter a word.

Suddenly, rhythmic applause rang out in the hall. Emperor Longqing smiled and clapped his hands, praising, "Good, well done, reward me."

Qingyan looked at Emperor Longqing. This was both expected and unexpected, but in any case, Emperor Longqing's actions made her understand something.

Back then, Emperor Longqing was devastated by the loss of his beloved general, Huang Ding, and wished he could be executed by slow slicing. However, Prince Jin and Prince Lin joined forces, and Emperor Longqing's power was not yet secure, so he had to swallow his anger. Now, ten years have passed, and Emperor Longqing is no longer the emperor he once was. As the saying goes, grievances should be avenged and vengeance should be exacted, and this time he has a legitimate reason to act. Qingyan felt that she should be even more diligent in her next actions.

With the emperor leading the way, the officials also clapped and cheered. Only the Prince of Jin and the Zhong family clapped a few times reluctantly, while Huang Ding's expression changed.

"Your Majesty knew you would like it," Qingyan said, revealing a girlish charm. "May I ask for a reward as well?"

"Reward them all, reward them all, hahahaha." Emperor Longqing appeared very pleased.

"I wonder what you all think of this dance?" As soon as Qing asked the question, everyone had different thoughts.