Volume One, Chapter 13: The Clear Evening Glow (Part One)

“Long time no see. You’ve grown taller and stronger, full of youthful vigor—quite impressive,” Yuwen Huaji praised his son involuntarily.

The current Yuwen Chengdu exuded a heroic aura, his bearing extraordinary and majestic, filling his father with pride.

“Come, show me what you’ve learned all these years.”

“Yes.” Yuwen Chengdu bowed slightly to Yuwen Huaji, then drew his treasured sword.

Each move was clean and precise, sometimes swift as a gale, seemingly able to take a life with a single stroke; other times the pace slowed, graceful and effortless, the sword completely under his control, swinging back and forth in a dazzling display.

“Excellent, excellent! Truly my son!” After the demonstration, Yuwen Huaji could not help but exclaim. “Chengdu, your progress over the years is remarkable; your martial skills have developed splendidly. Well done!”

“Thank you for your praise, Father.” Yuwen Chengdu sheathed his sword and approached his father’s side.

“You must be weary from your journey. Go rest; your room has long been prepared.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Father. I will take my leave.” Yuwen Chengdu bowed and returned to his quarters. Only now did he feel the fatigue; during his travels, he had been solely focused on returning swiftly, paying no mind to exhaustion.

Lying down, he drifted into a deep sleep without a single thought.

In his dream, he saw again the small figure from his childhood—a gentle little girl, softly comforting him at his ears. Throughout his life, she was the only one who had ever consoled him in sorrow.

Now, he had found her once more—Yu’er. Though they parted on the mountain, uncertain when they would meet again, he believed that fate would reunite them someday.

After an unknown length of sleep, a servant’s call roused him gently.

“Young Master, the Chancellor requests your presence to accompany him to Prince Jin’s residence.”

“I understand.” Yuwen Chengdu responded and rose promptly, tidying himself before seeking out Yuwen Huaji.

“Let us go, Chengdu. Prince Jin has heard of your return and has specially arranged a banquet at his residence to welcome you,” Yuwen Huaji said. Being under the patronage of Prince Jin Yang Guang was well known, and Yuwen Chengdu understood this fully, though just returning from the mountains left him somewhat unfamiliar with many affairs.

Seeing the hint of doubt in Yuwen Chengdu’s eyes, Yuwen Huaji continued, “Prince Jin has always treated our family well, and we remain loyal to him. This banquet is an opportunity for him to help you secure an official position at court. Should you gain favor with the Emperor through your own merit, remember to serve Prince Jin faithfully.”

“Yes, son will heed your counsel.” Yuwen Chengdu bowed respectfully.

Soon they arrived at the Prince Jin residence, where servants awaited at the gate to escort them inside.

“Chancellor, His Highness has been expecting you. Please, come in,” a servant said.

“Thank you, please lead the way,” Yuwen Huaji replied. Though familiar with the residence from many visits, proper etiquette required all formalities be observed.

They proceeded to the main hall, where Yuwen Chengdu immediately noticed the man seated in the place of honor. Clad in a deep green robe, his hair bound high beneath a crown, he radiated heroic vigor. His delicate, refined features and graceful demeanor spoke of nobility, though a trace of melancholy lingered in his gaze.

Yang Guang stroked his beard and rose slowly as the father and son entered.

“Your Highness,” Yuwen Huaji greeted, bowing. Yang Guang waved him off with a hand, then turned his attention to Yuwen Chengdu.

“Chengdu, pay respects to Prince Jin.” Yuwen Chengdu hurriedly bowed.

Yang Guang raised a hand to signal him to rise. “So this is the famed and valiant Eldest Young Master Yuwen, Chengdu? Truly a gallant young hero.”

“Your Highness’s compliments are too kind,” Yuwen Chengdu replied humbly, bowing slightly.

“Come, sit here.” Yang Guang gestured.

Once seated, Yang Guang spoke again, “I’ve heard that Young Master Yuwen spent time studying in the mountains, mastering both civil and martial arts, as well as skills like music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Is this true?”

“Your Highness’s praise is generous. Chengdu is but somewhat versed in martial arts,” Yuwen Chengdu said modestly. Though proficient in many disciplines, he preferred to remain low-key.

“In that case, tomorrow accompany your father to court. We shall seek a position for you before the Emperor, so you may serve our realm.”

“Yes, Chengdu will obey.”

As they conversed amicably, a young woman entered the hall gracefully.

Yuwen Chengdu looked up. Her features were exquisitely delicate, her figure slender, dressed in a soft pink gown. Her hair fell freely to her waist, ethereal in appearance. Though her attire was different, he immediately recognized her as the woman he had rescued outside the city.

“Greetings, Your Imperial Brother,” Yang Xiangning said, bowing slightly to Yang Guang. Their sibling bond was close, and they typically dispensed with formalities.

Yang Guang smiled warmly and beckoned her to sit.

“Greetings, Princess,” Yuwen Huaji and Yuwen Chengdu rose in unison to pay respects.

Yang Xiangning turned to look at Yuwen Chengdu and was instantly surprised. “Hero!” she exclaimed with a smile, approaching him. She studied him carefully, confirming no mistake—the sword-arched brows, starry eyes, and heroic presence matched the man who had saved her.

To meet again so soon was a joyous surprise. She happily told Yang Guang, “Brother, this is the hero I spoke of—the one who saved me from the bandits outside the city.”

“Is that so?” Yang Guang showed some surprise.

“Indeed. At the time, I asked for the hero’s name, but he would not tell. Now I see you know him?” Yang Xiangning scrutinized Yuwen Chengdu, a refined young gentleman. She had suspected he came from a noble family, and it now seemed confirmed.

Yang Guang laughed lightly. “I didn’t expect you two to be so connected. Chengdu, introduce yourselves properly.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Yuwen Chengdu bowed to Yang Guang, then faced Yang Xiangning. “Greetings, Princess. My family name is Yuwen, given name Chengdu. On my return from training, I stopped briefly outside the city, not expecting to save Your Highness.”

“Thank you, hero. I am Yang Xiangning.” She introduced herself naturally. To her, Yuwen Chengdu was simply her lifesaver, without the distinctions of ruler and subject.

“All right, everyone please be seated.” Yang Guang spoke calmly. “Chengdu, since you saved my sister, I must reward you handsomely. Is there any gift you desire?”

“Your Highness,” Yuwen Chengdu immediately stood and bowed. “My master taught me that it is the duty of one who practices the martial way to do good and save lives, not something seeking extra reward. I require no reward.”