Chapter Fourteen: The Emperor's Arrival

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“By His Majesty’s orders, the Ministry of Rites arranged early on that the general would enter the capital through the West City Gate upon returning to report on his duties, following the same path the late emperor took when he led troops into the palace, to pay homage to His Majesty,” Liang Yuqing explained as he led Lin Zhaoyan toward the West City Gate.

“The West City Gate seldom opens easily; commoners usually enter and exit through the East City Gate. That it is now opened for the general shows the emperor’s great regard,” Lin Zhaoyan said solemnly.

The emperor held absolute power as the sole ruler, and standing before the Son of Heaven, she had to be cautious in every step.

But when they arrived at the West City Gate, it was tightly shut, with no one there to welcome them.

Prince Zhou frowned. “Where are the people from the Ministry of Rites?”

Lin Zhaoyan’s triumph should have been met with a proper reception by the Ministry of Rites.

Yet, at the gate, there was no one.

—This was quite suspicious.

Prince Zhou looked at Lin Zhaoyan warily, then glanced back at Zhou Jingxuan.

Zhou Jingxuan frowned and whispered something to Jiang Yin, who quietly retreated a few steps and slipped away unnoticed.

“Minister Liang, what is going on?” Prince Zhou asked in a low voice.

Lin Zhaoyan also looked at Liang Yuqing, who frowned deeply, clearly perplexed. “This is strange... Perhaps the arrival time was too early, and the Ministry of Rites is not yet prepared.”

He suggested, “General, perhaps you should wait a moment. I will send someone to urge them immediately.”

“Wait?” Prince Zhou objected, “If it delays the general’s reporting, what then?”

Liang Yuqing turned his gaze to Lin Zhaoyan. “General, I’ll send someone to the Ministry of Rites now. It should only take half an hour... Please decide.”

Liang Yuqing only gave her one choice—how was she supposed to decide?

Lin Zhaoyan narrowed her eyes, sensing trouble.

Could it be that someone intended to give her a warning on her very first day back in the capital, to humble her pride and temper her impatience?

…Then she would wait patiently.

“The general has traveled day and night to return so early, yet now is left waiting outside a closed gate. It seems the Ministry of Rites is treating the general with great neglect,” Zhou Jingxuan said leisurely, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Since Lin Zhaoyan couldn’t speak openly, he spoke to reveal the general’s hardship.

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“His Majesty is still inside the palace awaiting the general; we cannot delay. Please hasten the message and open the West City Gate,” Prince Zhou said thoughtfully, then added, “Or perhaps we could take the East City Gate instead; it’s just as quick.”

“No,” Liang Yuqing interrupted before Lin Zhaoyan could speak, bluntly refusing, “I believe that would be inappropriate.”

“The East City Gate is crowded with commoners; military entry would cause inconvenience. Moreover, the Ministry of Rites has already made arrangements; changing the route last minute would be improper,” Liang Yuqing argued convincingly.

With such solid reasons—no to the left, no to the right—it was clear they simply wanted to bar her from entering the city.

Lin Zhaoyan smiled meaningfully. “Minister Liang is thorough in his considerations; it seems we have been at fault.”

“Yes, Minister Liang is indeed meticulous; we are humbled,” Zhou Jingxuan teased Liang Yuqing heartily, who looked displeased.

After some back and forth, Liang Yuqing finally sent someone to inquire further, and the group waited anxiously.

Just as Lin Zhaoyan was about to lose patience, Jiang Yin rode up, reporting to Prince Zhou, “My lord! I asked many commoners, and all say His Majesty personally went to the East City Gate today to welcome the general’s triumphant return!”

Everyone’s expressions changed.

Liang Yuqing opened his mouth in disbelief. “When did this happen? I wasn’t informed… Is this news reliable? General, perhaps you should wait a little longer…”

“Oh, Minister Liang, what a mouth you have, truly good at feigning ignorance,” Zhou Jingxuan snapped sharply, and Liang Yuqing’s face fell.

Lin Zhaoyan decided immediately. “Let’s go, we’ll enter through the East City Gate.”

At this moment, she trusted Prince Zhou more.

Without giving Liang Yuqing a chance to speak, the group headed toward the East City Gate.

Ten miles from the gate, they saw soldiers lined up on both sides, stretching all the way to the gate.

Seeing Lin Zhaoyan’s party approaching, a man on horseback galloped to the gate, shouting, “General Zhaoran returns victorious!”

On the city tower stood a man dressed in a red and yellow dragon robe, wearing a towering crown, radiating imperial majesty.

His Majesty had been on the tower for some time, yet the general was still nowhere in sight.

As time passed, the onlookers inside the city began whispering and gossiping.

“What time is it now?” Su Chengyun stood calmly with his hands behind his back.

A nearby guard answered, “It’s the third quarter of the sixth hour; we’ve been waiting for fifteen minutes.”

Su Chengyun simply nodded without further comment.

Finally, Lin Zhaoyan led her troops into view. She quickly dismounted and knelt, presenting her apologies.

“I have come late; I humbly ask for Your Majesty’s forgiveness!”

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“General Zhaoran is a meritorious subject; there is no need for apologies,” Su Chengyun raised his hand. “Rise.”

Lin Zhaoyan hesitated a moment, wanting to explain the reason for her delay, but the emperor spoke again, “Stand.”

She rose and looked up at Su Chengyun on the city tower.

His posture was upright and imposing; though too far to discern his expression, her intuition told her he was unfathomable.

“The general fought against the Qiguo invaders, defending our peaceful Anchu Kingdom. Having you as my right hand is my fortune and the people’s blessing. Now that you return victorious, I am deeply gratified and have come personally to greet you, bestowing an additional ten thousand taels of gold as reward.”

“To serve Your Majesty is my honor; I dare not accept such distinction,” she replied.

The crowd applauded, their faces bright with smiles.

“As Prince Zhou aided as reinforcements, he shall be awarded a thousand taels of gold. The other soldiers who fought will be rewarded according to their merits.”

“Your Majesty’s grace humbles me greatly.”

After this elaborate display of face-saving, playing the roles of wise ruler and loyal subject, and winning the people's favor, Su Chengyun was satisfied and left with the imperial carriage.

Liang Yuqing breathed a sigh of relief, looking anxiously at Lin Zhaoyan. “Fortunately, His Majesty did not blame you. Otherwise, I would have died to atone.”

Zhou Jingxuan raised an eyebrow, ready to retort. “Minister, you should have apologized proactively, lest His Majesty think the general arrogant and self-important.”

“No need for your concern, young lord,” Liang Yuqing responded warmly. “You have been away from the capital for so long, and the girls at Liuxiang Pavilion must be missing you. I won’t disturb your leisure. I will accompany the general and Prince Zhou into the palace. Farewell.”

“What a lunatic!” Zhou Jingxuan ground his teeth. As Liang Yuqing puffed out his chest and passed by, Zhou Jingxuan stealthily tripped him with his foot.

Liang Yuqing staggered, nearly falling, flailing his hands to find support.

Lin Zhaoyan stepped back without changing her expression. Liang Yuqing missed his footing and crashed to the ground with a thud.

Lin Zhaoyan smirked slightly, then quickly suppressed her smile.

She glanced at Zhou Jingxuan, who grinned arrogantly.

“Your Highness,” he said, straightening his tone.

“You made great contributions in this campaign as well. Why not enter the palace with us?” Lin Zhaoyan invited.