133: Came to Attack Again

To confirm with his own eyes that Princess Jiahui was indeed fine, He Lianying came to attack the city again not long after. He stared for a long time at Princess Jiahui, who stood on the wall as usual.

Suddenly, a smile spread across his face. It was a smile full of joy and relief.

Princess Jiahui was taken aback. This man, this demon-like man, could smile like that? The twisted and cruel man she knew would never have smiled like that.

What was he smiling about? Could it be that he had gone mad from the disappointment of finding out that she wasn't dead?

Princess Jiahui touched the whip at her waist and coldly commanded, "Release the arrows."

Duan Xinghui watched her. Princess Jiahui seemed even more dignified and noble now, as if she had gone through a rebirth. She no longer exuded the cold indifference she once had, but when she pursed her lips, she emanated a regal presence.

Her aura had shifted again. Duan Xinghui felt completely confused by Princess Jiahui's many changes. In the past, Princess Jiahui would look at him with an icy, knowing gaze. She seemed able to see straight through him, her look always filled with scorn and mockery.

The current Princess Jiahui looked at him with a strange expression—one that carried a bit of relief and happiness. Then, she simply looked at him as though he were a stranger.

Duan Xinghui: ... His heart felt as if it was cracking. As he watched Jiahui's back, he felt like he had lost something important forever. His heart felt uncomfortably hollow.

The battle continued until the start of spring. When the snow began to melt, He Lianying led what remained of his troops back to the plains. Before leaving, he glanced back at Princess Jiahui one last time, his gaze lingering.

Princess Jiahui laughed scornfully. She was no longer the pitiful woman from her dream. She would forever be the most respected Princess Jiahui of Great Yong.

They returned to the court in triumph. When Princess Jiahui saw Li Wen, she couldn't help but tear up. In this world, Imperial Older Brother was the only family she had left.

Li Wen, in turn, gazed at Princess Jiahui with gratitude. After a long silence, he asked, "You've changed again?"

"What?" Princess Jiahui asked, confused.

Li Wen issued a decree granting Princess Jiahui the honor of being buried in the imperial tomb after a hundred years, to forever receive the worship of the people. It was an unprecedented honor. No princess in history had ever been granted such a privilege.

Though she was the emperor's younger sister, she was still a woman. Once married, she would belong to another family. The idea of granting such an honor to a woman made many of the ministers uneasy.

Li Wen remained silent and swiftly sent those ministers who opposed it most to the border.

Those who enjoyed the luxurious life of the capital and continually criticized without contributing were also sent to the border.

Later, when it was time to evaluate military merit and bestow rewards, when it was Duan Xinghui's turn, Li Wen looked toward Princess Jiahui. She spoke calmly, "Just award him based on his achievements. Imperial Older Brother doesn't need to worry about this sister."

When Duan Xinghui found out that he had been promoted to a formal second-rank general, his emotions were conflicted. He glanced at Princess Jiahui, sitting at the front of the grand hall, and his feelings grew even more complicated.

Duan Xinghui moved slowly, almost like a turtle, as he made his way back to his residence. He didn't feel in any hurry, and his heart felt inexplicably heavy. He could no longer deny it: he felt deep regret.