Dapeng's Time Travel Life

Chapter 14 Triumph and Undercurrents

The dust storms of the border were left far behind as Zhang Peng led his victorious army, marching in a grand procession towards the capital. The column stretched for miles, its banners fluttering wildly in the wind, proclaiming the glory of victory. The people lined the streets to welcome them, cheers and shouts rising and falling. Children ran and laughed through the crowds, waving brightly colored flowers and tossing them to the soldiers.

The gates of the capital city swung open, and the emperor's envoy had been waiting for some time. The envoy read aloud the emperor's edict of commendation, his words filled with praise and accolades for Zhang Peng and his soldiers. Zhang Peng, dressed in military uniform, looked dashing and heroic. He accepted the edict, but his heart remained largely unmoved. Having experienced the ravages of war, what he longed for was no longer fame and fortune, but rather the peaceful time he could spend with Xia Lijuan.

Inside the palace, the victory celebration banquet was grand and lavish. Amidst the carved beams and painted rafters, the lights shone brightly, and the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air. The Emperor, seated high on his dragon throne, a gratified smile on his face, said to Zhang Peng, "My dear minister, your achievements in this battle are outstanding; you are truly a pillar of our dynasty. I will certainly reward you handsomely."

Zhang Peng knelt to express his gratitude, then rose and said earnestly, "Your Majesty, my victory is all thanks to the soldiers' valiant efforts and the people's full support. I wish to distribute the rewards to the meritorious soldiers to comfort them for their bloody battles." Upon hearing this, a hint of appreciation flashed in the Emperor's eyes, and he nodded in agreement.

At the banquet, the officials toasted Zhang Peng one after another, their words brimming with flattery. Although Zhang Peng smiled and responded to each toast, he was inwardly weary of the hypocrisy and deceit of officialdom. His gaze frequently drifted to Xia Lijuan in the corner; she was dressed in fine clothes, but her weariness was undeniable.

After the banquet, Zhang Peng returned to the Prince's mansion. The familiar courtyard and pavilions felt strange to him. He went into his study, sat down at his desk, and fell into deep thought. Xia Lijuan gently entered, poured him a cup of hot tea, and said softly, "Prince, you must be tired. Please rest early."

Zhang Peng grasped her hand and sighed, "Lijuan, I am deeply weary of this official life. I want to resign from the Emperor's service and escape this hustle and bustle to live a peaceful life." A hint of surprise flashed in Xia Lijuan's eyes, and she immediately nodded, "Your Highness, whatever decision you make, I will support you."

However, just as they were looking forward to the future, an undercurrent was quietly brewing. A high-ranking minister in the court harbored jealousy and fear of Zhang Peng's military achievements. He secretly colluded with other officials, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to Zhang Peng when he requested to resign from his post before the emperor.

A few days later, Zhang Peng entered the palace to meet the emperor. He came to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, knelt down and bowed, and slowly said, "Your Majesty, I have been favored by you and have made many military achievements. But now I am exhausted, both physically and mentally. I humbly request Your Majesty to grant me permission to retire and return to my hometown to enjoy the rest of my life."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor looked surprised and reluctant: "My dear minister, you are in the prime of your life and full of talent. This is the time for you to serve the court. Why do you want to resign and retire?"

Just as Zhang Peng was about to answer, the minister stepped forward and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I have a objection. Although Zhang Peng has made meritorious contributions this time, he acted on his own and disobeyed military orders on the battlefield, which raises suspicions. Now that he is eager to resign, I'm afraid he has other plans."

Zhang Peng was shocked and glared at her angrily: "You're spouting nonsense! When have I ever disobeyed military orders? What are you plotting?"

The minister sneered, "The evidence is irrefutable, Zhang Peng. You can't deny it. Your Majesty, I suggest a thorough investigation of Zhang Peng to uphold the law."

The Emperor's face darkened. He looked at Zhang Peng, his eyes full of suspicion: "My dear minister, what explanation do you have for this matter?"

Zhang Peng knew he had fallen into a trap. He knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I am utterly loyal to the court and have no disloyal intentions whatsoever. This must be a deliberate attempt to frame me. Please investigate thoroughly, Your Majesty."

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the atmosphere was tense and fraught with danger. Zhang Peng knew he was facing a crisis more perilous than any battlefield, and his future with Xia Lijuan hung in the balance amidst the ever-changing political landscape of the court.