Chapter 224
Book 20 Chapter 7 – Victorious Return
Xiang Shaolong and the rest went up the s.h.i.+ps which Xiao Pan sent to them and followed the river back to Xianyang, avoiding the arduous journey of a long road travel.
On the s.h.i.+ps that came there were Ji Yanran, Zhao Zhi, Zhou Wei and Lu Dan’er, which was a pleasant surprise for Xiang Shaolong, Wu Guo and Jing Jun.
Wu Tingfang, the perfect mother who loves her son more than her own life did not come along because she wants to stay at home with Xiang Bao’er. Naturally the Tian sisters will have to stay behind as well.
All of them happily updated one another of the events that had happened.
During dinner at the dining area of the s.h.i.+p, Xiang Shaolong asked about Qin Qing and Ji Yanran’s expression became gloomy as she said, "Lady Huayang just pa.s.sed away last month and Sister Qing wrote a letter back to say that she wants to observe a mourning period of one year for Lady Huayang and at the same time take care of the family business. She won’t be able to return to Xianyang for the time being."
Dan’er, who was being all lovey-dovey with Jing Jun and whispering to him, said smugly, "Third Brother have yet to thank me. This time if not for me who kept pestering his Highness such that he cannot reject, how can you possibly be hugging Learned Lady Ji on your left and Sister Zhi on your right?"
Everyone saw that although she is already a wife, but she still retains the innocence of a young girl and they all smiled.
Zhou Wei said with a sigh, "Ever since all of you left for war, not only us, but the whole of Xianyang was really worried. The people on the streets all lost their smile, afraid that the coalition army will arrive at our gates. Only when the reports came, the whole city erupted in joy and everyone rushed out to the streets, dancing and singing all night long and constantly cheering his Highness and Master Xiang’s names. They believed that the Black Dragon has protected them, that’s why we have such a miraculous outcome to the war."
Everyone was proud and touched at the same time.
Lu Dan’er’s focus suddenly turned towards Huan Qi and with the air of an elder sister, commanded, "Xiao Qi, on your return to Xianyang this time, you should settle down and start a family. I’ll make arrangements on this matter, you just have to listen to my instructions."
Wu Guo chortled, "If you listen to Lady Jing’s suggestion, won’t that be a blind marriage?"
Immediately everyone in the hall roared out in laughter.
As Lu Dan’er was staring angrily at Wu Guo, Ji Yanran said, "We heard that once Lu Buwei received news of your great victory, he lost his appet.i.te for three days. Three days before we left to come here, he led his people and went to his new house at Donggun. But we suspect he has another ulterior motive, maybe he’s gone to see people like Cheng Qiao and Du Bi."
Teng Yi asked, "How’s Lu Buwei’s relations.h.i.+p with Lao Ai now?"
Lu Dan’er fought to reply, "There’s nothing much between the two of them, they even appeared close during Guan Zhongxie and Lu Niangrong’s wedding, talking and laughing. But the people under them were having a good time fighting one another. Now the city guards are obviously split into two factions, on one side is Guan Zhongxie and Xu Shang and on the other side is Han Xie. And Xu Shang and Han Xie are fighting over Drunken Wind Loft’s Yang Yu, arguing all the time."
She turned towards Xiang Shaolong and said, "Lord Changping instructed me to inform all of you first that he will be arranging another celebratory feast for all of you at Drunken Wind Loft."
Huan Qi was concerned about the reinforcement troops he singlehandedly trained and started asking about the Meng brothers and little w.a.n.g Bi’s situation.
Zhao Zhi said, "His Highness has promoted Xiao Bi to General and sent him to Dongjiang to support w.a.n.g. That Li Mu is really formidable, all of his battles are swift. If not for Commander General w.a.n.g who is there to hold the fort, I’m afraid we’d have lost the four counties in the east."
Teng Yi asked about Meng Ao and Ji Yanran sighed, "He fell sick shortly after he was summoned back to Xianyang. That heartless man Lu Buwei was very cold towards him. Now Lu Buwei is fully supporting Guan Zhongxie, Xu Shang, Zhao Pu and Lian Jiao. Recently he sent Guan Zhongxie and Zhao Pu to attack Han and I heard they even manage to take over a city."
Xiang Shaolong thought that this is a big headache. After all Lu Buwei does hold power in his hands and now that he is in cahoots with Cheng Qiao and the rest, he’ll be even more difficult to deal with. Guan Zhongxie is well versed in both scholarly and martial pursuits, if he turns into another Meng Ao and start to rebel at a later date, there will be even greater trouble.
Everyone chatted for a while longer before returning to their own bunks to rest.
The two ladies happily helped Xiang Shaolong shower and change and when lying on the bed, Ji Yanran said softly, "The dowager went to Yongdu again, accompanying her was Lao Ai and Mao Jiao, can Husband guess what is happening?"
Xiang Shaolong was taken aback, "She’s expecting again?"
This is her second pregnancy with Lao Ai.
Ji Yanran nodded her head silently when Zhao Zhi plaster herself behind him from the back and said with emotion, "Xiang-lang! We missed you so badly!"
Learned Lady Ji who was in front of him blushed immediately as she gave him a coy look.
What followed after, is of course what everyone knows will happen.
When Xiang Shaolong and the rest were disembarking at the jetty outside Xianyang, the musicians started playing a welcome tune. Xiao Pan, Lord Changping and the other court officials have already been waiting a long time on sh.o.r.e.
On the way back to the Palace, the people filled the streets, cheering and letting off fireworks. Lanterns and banners were hung up in every household and the atmosphere was lively, filled with the Qin people’s grat.i.tude and enthusiasm.
The Crown Prince and Xiang Shaolong’s name was constantly being chanted.
Under Xiao Pan’s lead, all of them went to the temple first to offer their prayers to the ancestors and late rulers of the Qin royal family and at the same time mourn for the warriors who perished in the war. After that, it was announced that a state feast will be held that night where the three armies will be given their rewards.
After that, Xiao Pan had a meeting with Xiang Shaolong at the inner court and with them were Xiao Pan’s three other trusted aides, w.a.n.g Ling, Li Si and Lord Changping.
By this time, Xiao Pan is 19 years old in name, but in actual fact he is 21 years old. He’s already an adult.
Although he is half a head shorter than Xiang Shaolong, but compared to the average person he is already considered well built. Besides, he has wide brows and a solid back, full of self confidence, his eyes deep with unfathomable knowledge. The power and influence that is befitting a ruler can indeed convince one to put down their lives for him.
He was just sitting casually but his imposing aura is enough to make one have the urge to rush forward and throw themselves at his feet.
After everyone congratulated Xiang Shaolong, Xiao Pan said happily, "So do you prefer me to address you as Grand Tutor or Commander General?"
Everyone roared in laughter.
Xiang Shaolong replied with a laugh, "I think Grand Tutor still sounds much better."
Xiao Pan shook his head and sighed, "Victorious but not proud. I’m afraid Grand Tutor is the only person like this in Great Qin. Grand Tutor’s battle have solidified Great Qin’s foundation to unify the world and have helped me regained my reputation greatly. Now no one will dare to talk behind my back and said that I’ve been treating Grand Tutor too well."
Lord Changping smiled, "Lu Buwei has long been making a fuss over his Highness’s treatment of Han Chuang but his Highness just replied that ‘there’s no such thing’ and it’s enough to hold off Lu Buwei’s arguments. If anyone asks about it in future, Shaolong can use the same famous words as an answer."
A warm feeling welled up in Xiang Shaolong’s heart.
Xiao Pan said, "This is just a small matter. Even if Han Chuang is released, how capable is he of doing anything substantial. This goes to show that Grand Tutor is not a heartless person like that Lu Buwei. But if you do manage to capture Li Mu in future, Grand Tutor must never release him."
Once Xiang Shaolong thought of the possibility that he will meet the most respected and most fearsome Li Mu on the battlefield, his heart sank.
w.a.n.g Ling understands his feelings and said with a smile, "But for now such a situation will not arise. Right now Li Mu is moving his troops to attack Qi. Not only has he fought back the Qi troops who were trying to make use of the opportunity to take over the Zhao people’s land, he has also taken down Rao’an which belongs to Qi which gave his King some relief. Li Mu is indeed formidable. As long as this person remains, he will become our greatest obstacle in moving easy."
Li Si said, "This time Shaolong has executed his prowess. Even is Sun Wu is resurrected, he won’t be able to win this battle as swiftly and beautifully."
After Xiang Shaolong expressed