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Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, the New Year has arrived, officially entering the Year of Xuanqing.
After the Xuanqing Emperor observed the mourning period of forty-nine days, it was time to take charge of the court and announce his first major decision since ascending the throne—dismantling the feudal states.
The first target among the feudal kings was undoubtedly the Southwest King. After all, the Southwest King had already begun a rebellion during the previous emperor's reign, and there were plenty of excuses for attacking him, especially after suffering losses from the last battle.
The Southwest was a small corner of the realm that had already depleted most of its vitality. Its recovery was not as swift as that of the court, making this an opportune moment to pursue victory and aim for complete annihilation.
This time, He Yu led the troops into battle, with He Ziyao accompanying him as his deputy rather than just a learning child. He was determined to take revenge on the person who held a grudge against Xu Haishen, personally avenging dozens of family members.
After years of inactivity, He Yu charged into battle like a hot knife through butter, advancing deep into the Southwest. Reports of victories flooded back to the capital, causing a stir among the ministers. They had thought that Xuanping Wang was merely a spoiled young lord who indulged in pleasure under the previous emperor's favor, but they never expected him to be biding his time for such a grand display of valor! After enduring humiliation for over ten years, he had finally seized this moment.
The Xuanqing Emperor looked at those victory reports and thought to himself that sending this man out was indeed a wise decision.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yao stayed at home with several children, listening to household servants recount various stories about General Xuanping. Now, He Yu's exploits became excellent material for tales in tea houses and books, with dozens of different versions circulating. Even she, as the princess consort, found herself featured in these stories.
For instance, there were tales about how Xuanping Wang received divine guidance in his dreams and traveled to Jiangnan to marry her. There were also accounts of how she managed affairs within the royal residence, allowing her husband to focus without worries. The stories were endless.
As Xiao Yao listened to these amusing anecdotes during her leisure time, she found great joy in them. Others in the residence nodded in agreement, affirming that their Xuanping Prince's Mansion princess consort was indeed virtuous and kind-hearted. Good people are rewarded with good fortune; they finally awaited their lord's rise to prominence.
This couple remained steadfast over the years and became a celebrated tale in the capital.
"One life, one world, one pair."
This phrase became the best epitome of their marriage. Many young women in the capital began to hope for someone who would treat them as their one and only in this lifetime.
The day He Yu returned triumphantly was a warm spring day filled with blooming flowers and brilliant sunshine.
The Xuanqing Emperor issued a decree, making an exception to invite Consort Xuanping to welcome the triumphant return of Xuanping Wang. Xiao Yao gladly accepted the order.
After getting off the carriage, she walked up to the Xuanqing Emperor and his wife. She bowed gracefully, saying, "Your humble servant pays her respects to Your Majesty, Queen. May Your Majesty live long!"
"Please rise quickly!" Queen Su Hong stepped forward to personally help Xiao Yao up. "Xuanping Wang is now our greatest hero in Dafeng; we cannot let you kneel. Otherwise, the prince might blame us for being unreasonable!"
The Emperor laughed heartily. "Indeed! The Queen has won my heart!"
Su Hong smiled and glanced back at the Emperor, who was also smiling. Xiao Yao stood up obediently, followed by her children, including her youngest daughter, who quietly followed behind without making a fuss.
Seeing this, the Emperor nodded in appreciation; it was clear that she had raised her children well.
The army entered the capital, and the figure clad in armor ahead was her husband. The metallic armor shone brilliantly under the sunlight, radiating a dazzling light. Xiao Yao crouched down and picked up her daughter, her voice soft yet filled with uncontainable joy. "Look, the person at the front is your father!"
"Mm!" Yuhui nodded vigorously in response.
Standing nearby, the Emperor exchanged glances with his Queen, both seeing smiles reflected in each other's eyes. The courtiers watching this scene were pondering how Xuanping Wang had truly risen to prominence; his consecutive achievements in recent years had placed him in a position of power.
Thus, many began to consider whether they should pay a visit to Xuanping Wang after he returned home to foster closer ties.
He Yu rode closer on his tall horse. Dismounting ten steps away from the Emperor, he approached and knelt down. "I pay my respects to Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!"
"Rise, my dear minister." The Xuanqing Emperor stepped forward to help He Yu up. The crowd gasped in surprise as they watched. The Xuanqing Emperor smiled and patted He Yu on the shoulder. "You've traveled a long way; hurry back home to rest. Come back to the palace tomorrow!"
"Yes! I thank Your Majesty for your kindness!" He Yu was quite familiar with this formality and had grown closer to the Xuanqing Emperor before taking his leave. He smiled as he walked over to Xiao Yao and her children. Xiao Yao greeted He Yu with a respectful demeanor, saying gently, "I welcome you back home, my lord."
He Yu said nothing but could not hide the smile in his eyes as he took Xiao Yao's hand. "Let's go home."
"Yes."
Finally back at his residence, He Yu took a refreshing bath and changed into the light clothing that Xiao Yao had prepared in advance. He lay back on the couch, allowing Xiao Yao to massage his head. His long-tensed nerves could finally relax without any reservations, and he felt a bit drowsy lying on Xiao Yao's lap.
As Xiao Yao continued to massage him, she smiled. Earlier, Zi Yao had brought Zi Xi to sincerely kneel and bow to He Yu. Now that their deep-seated grievances had been avenged, the respect the two brothers had for He Yu naturally increased. "I guess these two kids didn't expect that their great revenge would be fulfilled in just a few years."
"The Southwest King was never much of a threat," He Yu said with a slight smile, stroking Xiao Yao's cheek. "But you, during my absence, have taken on quite a bit of work. You must be tired."
Xiao Yao didn't stop massaging; she just tilted her head affectionately against He Yu's palm. "What’s there to worry about? As husband and wife, we are one. When you were home, I only needed to focus on looking beautiful. But you’ve been out on the battlefield risking your life; managing the household is nothing compared to that. Don’t spoil me too much; if I get used to it, it won’t be good for you."
He Yu laughed heartily and patted Xiao Yao's cheek. "If spoiling me makes you happy, then I’m willing to do it. At worst, I’ll just consider it as raising another daughter."
"A daughter is a daughter; a wife is a wife," Xiao Yao rolled her eyes at He Yu. "Are you suggesting that at the palace banquet, your wife would embarrass you as Xuanping Wang?"
"How much is face worth?" He Yu replied nonchalantly. "To me, you and the children are priceless treasures. As for money, fame, and glory, they mean nothing to me."
This was undoubtedly the most romantic declaration any woman could hear, and Xiao Yao was no exception.
She leaned down and gave He Yu a light peck on the lips. "Since that's the case, then let's put some action behind those words and see."
"Why not?" He Yu's lips curled up in a teasing smile, but his gaze was particularly focused and serious.
After resting for a day, He Yu entered the palace the next day feeling refreshed.
Just when everyone thought Xuanping Wang would once again be promoted and granted the title of prince, they were surprised when Xuanping Wang announced that he would relinquish his title to his son and retire back home instead.
Such actions caused an uproar among the court officials, yet there seemed to be some understanding of his decision.
After all, great achievements can intimidate the ruler. Even though Xuanping Wang is currently favored by the Emperor, who can guarantee that things will remain unchanged over the long span of decades to come? At this moment, it is just right for him to pass his title to his eldest son. The child is still young and is learning alongside the princes in the palace, so he will likely grow up to be a loyal subject in the future.
Upon considering this, everyone couldn't help but admire Xuanping Wang's high standing.
Only Xiao Yao was overjoyed. She smiled as she held He Yu's hand and said, "Now you finally have time to accompany me."
"From now on, every moment can be ours," He Yu replied. "Starting now, we will travel through mountains and rivers, exploring all of Dafeng."
"Great!" Xiao Yao exclaimed. "Then this is your promise; you cannot go back on your word!"
"Of course not. You are my wife, and I promise I will never break my word to you in this lifetime."
"Well, that's more like it."
A lifetime together as a couple.
(The End)
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