chapter 1 :return under glorious skies

The Imperial Road shimmered under the fading light of dusk as Crown Prince Li Feng and General Xu rode side by side, their horses' hooves drumming a steady cadence that mingled with the distant echoes of battle. The air was cool yet heavy with the scent of incense and the metallic tang of victory.

All along the thoroughfare, citizens and soldiers alike lined the path. Banners bearing the imperial crest waved in the breeze, and jubilant cries of "Long live the emperor!" rang out as the pair approached the palace. The scars of the day's fierce conflict were evident in the dark stains on their uniforms and the weary determination in their eyes, yet each step forward was imbued with pride and purpose.

"General Xu," Li Feng said quietly as they rode, his tone carrying both resolve and gentle admiration, "today's battle was a harsh reminder of our duty. Yet, it is the bravery of our men that turns sacrifice into hope."

General Xu, his face marked by the grit of combat and the unspoken weight of loss, offered a wry smile. "Your Highness, it is not only the strength of our arms but the unity of our hearts that carries us through. The people's cheers today are not for us alone, but for every soul who dared to stand for our empire."

As the majestic gates of the imperial palace loomed ahead—carved with dragons and phoenixes that symbolized the empire's eternal spirit—a regiment of guards in ceremonial armor stepped forward to pay their homage. Drums rolled in triumphant cadence, announcing the arrival of heroes who had returned from the crucible of war.

Dismounting with graceful composure, Li Feng's gaze swept coldly over the gathered throng, each face alight with hope and gratitude. At his side, General Xu's tired eyes shone with a mixture of pride and solemn resolve as he surveyed the multitude.

A minister, his hands trembling with reverence, stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Your Highness, General Xu, the people of our great empire rejoice at your victorious return. The imperial court stands ready to honor your deeds and to heed your wise counsel."

Li Feng inclined his head respectfully, his voice steady and clear. "Today, we honor every warrior and every soul who sacrificed for the peace of our land. Let this day be remembered not only as a triumph of battle but as a testament to our enduring unity."

General Xu's gaze met that of the crown prince, and in that silent exchange lay the unspoken promise of continued vigilance and unwavering loyalty. "May our swords always protect the realm, and may the hearts of our people remain resolute."

With the echoes of applause rising like a tide around them, the crown prince and his loyal general stepped through the grand archway of the palace, their every stride a living ode to the valor and spirit of an empire reborn from the fires of battle.

The grand hall of the Imperial Court was filled with the scent of incense, its golden pillars gleaming under the glow of hundreds of lanterns. Ministers in their flowing robes stood in neat rows, their embroidered sleeves swaying slightly as they murmured amongst themselves. At the center of it all, seated upon his golden throne, was the emperor—his expression unreadable as he surveyed the men who had returned victorious from battle.

Crown Prince Li Feng stood before the court, his royal robes immaculate yet unable to mask the lingering aura of war. At his side, clad in dark armor still stained with the dust of the battlefield, stood General Xu—silent, composed, but radiating the presence of a man who had carved victory from the jaws of death.

The Minister of War stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, the northern campaign has concluded in triumph. Under the leadership of His Highness the Crown Prince and General Xu, our forces have reclaimed the lost territories. The enemy's power is broken, their forces scattered. The northern border is secure once more."

A wave of murmurs rippled through the assembled ministers, some nodding in approval while others exchanged guarded glances.

The emperor inclined his head, his voice steady. "A great victory indeed. The empire owes its peace to the courage of its warriors." He shifted his gaze to General Xu. "General, you have led the army to triumph once more. Name your reward, and it shall be granted."

A hush fell over the court. It was the moment everyone had been waiting for.

General Xu stepped forward, his movements deliberate. He bowed deeply, his voice firm yet without arrogance. "Your Majesty, the victory belongs not to me, but to the countless soldiers who fought and died for this land. I ask that their families be honored and compensated, that their sacrifices not be forgotten in the pages of history."

The court murmured in approval. Even those who secretly feared the general's growing influence could not find fault in such a request.

The emperor nodded. "It shall be done. But surely, there must be something you desire for yourself?"

General Xu hesitated for the briefest of moments. He knew well that power, wealth, and titles were double-edged swords in the imperial court. He cast a quick glance at Crown Prince Li Feng, whose expression remained unreadable, though his sharp eyes observed everything.

Finally, General Xu spoke. "Your Majesty, I have served the empire with my blade for many years. If Your Majesty would grant me a request, I ask not for gold nor title—but for a brief leave to return home and honor my ancestors before I take up my duties once more."

A flicker of something unreadable crossed the emperor's gaze.

Li Feng spoke then, his voice calm but firm. "General Xu has been at the front lines for many years without rest. His request is both humble and just."

The emperor studied the general for a long moment before finally nodding. "Very well. You shall have your leave. But know this, General—peace never lasts for long. The empire will call upon you again."

General Xu bowed deeply. "I will always answer that call, Your Majesty."

The court session ended, and as the ministers dispersed, Li Feng and General Xu walked side by side through the palace corridors.

"You could have asked for anything," prince Li Feng murmured, his voice just loud enough for the general to hear. "A title, land, even a noble marriage, and my father would have granted it."

General Xu gave a rare smile, though it was tinged with exhaustion. "And if I had, how many in that hall would have sharpened their knives against me?"

Prince Li Feng let out a quiet chuckle. "Wise as always, General." Then, more seriously, he added, "Enjoy your leave while you can. I fear the court will not remain peaceful for long."

General Xu glanced at him, the weight of unspoken battles yet to come reflected in both their eyes. "Neither do I, Your Highness. Neither do I."

And with that, they stepped into the evening light, where the scent of autumn leaves drifted on the wind, carrying with it the uneasy promise of days yet to come.

In the dim glow of the imperial study, the scent of sandalwood and ink lingered in the air. The emperor sat in silence, his fingers lightly tapping against the lacquered table, eyes narrowed in deep thought. Beside him, his trusted eunuch, Eunuch pei, leaned in slightly, his voice low but measured.

"Your Majesty," Eunuch Gao murmured, "General Xu's loyalty is unwavering, but loyalty can shift like the tides if not anchored properly. His only daughter, Xu Nuan, is of age. A union between her and the Crown Prince would bind the general's bloodline to the imperial family—securing both his blade and his heart for generations to come."

The emperor's fingers stilled. For a long moment, he said nothing, only the flickering candlelight casting shadows over his contemplative gaze. Then, with a slow nod, he spoke, his voice carrying the weight of finality.

"Prepare the the imperial decree."