On the day Fox Hu departed to return to the capital.
Langdu asked Gao Yuexing if she would return to the Medicine Valley with them.
Gao Yuexing nodded and said she would.
If she was to leave the Medicine Valley, it was only proper to formally bid farewell to the Valley Master and her senior brothers and sisters.
After several days of travel, the Fox Hu royal family was escorted entirely back to the capital. Upon reaching the borders of the Great Xu Dynasty, the Medicine Valley group and the Zheng family army parted ways. The Zheng family army dispatched a team of elite cavalry to escort the Medicine Valley group back.
The emperor had long prepared to welcome them into the capital. The city gates were wide open, and Prince Xiang’s mansion was being hastily renovated day and night. The emperor’s intention was to complete the renovations before Li Fuxiang entered the capital, but it was proving to be a difficult task.
In the court, subtle changes rippled through everyone’s hearts—not for anything else, but for the matter of the crown prince.
Now, the emperor had only two sons under his knee. The eldest prince, Li Fuqian, had been conferred the title of Prince of Xin two years ago and, with the emperor’s approval, had begun learning to manage state affairs. Before Li Fuxiang’s western expedition and subsequent military success, the position of crown prince had seemed all but decided. However, after the triumphant war report was sent back to the capital, everyone had to reevaluate the situation in their minds.
Including the emperor.
Two sons, neither of them mediocre talents—how should he choose between them?
When the Zheng family army returned to the capital, the emperor, accompanied by his ministers, personally went out to the city gates to welcome them.
When the Zheng family army’s banners appeared on the distant horizon and the triumphant group returned with great vigor and high spirits, the emperor first saw Zheng Qianye at the forefront, followed closely by Li Fuxiang at his side.
Li Fuxiang’s exhaustion was visibly apparent.
Not just the emperor, but even the ministers were secretly shocked upon seeing it.
Amid their shock, there was also a peculiar feeling—this Fifth Highness truly had an exceptional tolerance.
After this battle, who would dare claim he was an incompetent figure unsuitable for significant responsibilities?
Li Fuxiang had promised Gao Yuexing not to use medicine anymore. However, the effects of his last dose were not enough to sustain him until he reached the capital. His body, having tasted the benefits of the medicine, was now addicted—letting go was no easy feat.
He couldn’t afford to appear in a wretched state before the ministers on the day he returned to the capital.
Thus, when Gao Yuexing was not by his side, he silently apologized in his heart and took the medicine anyway.
The emperor’s gaze remained fixed on Li Fuxiang.
Li Fuxiang knelt outside the city gate, and the emperor descended from the city wall, placing a hand on his shoulder. “It is good that you have returned.”
The edict conferring a princely title was read aloud.
The emperor then asked him what other reward he desired.
In front of the assembled ministers, Li Fuxiang spoke plainly, expressing his wish to marry and requesting the emperor to grant the marriage.
The ministers were in an uproar, especially Gao Jing, whose face turned so dark it seemed water could be wrung from it, as he stood hidden among the crowd.
The emperor promptly diverted the matter, and an attendant stepped forward to offer praises and accolades, barely brushing the topic aside for the time being.
However, the news of Prince Xiang’s triumphant return and his desire to marry quickly spread throughout the capital’s streets and alleys, becoming a much-discussed topic. After all, the entire city had turned out to watch the spectacle that day.
Even after the army’s return to the capital, there was no rest, especially for the commanding general. Not only did he need to report his duties, but there was also a banquet celebrating their victory awaiting him.
Li Fuxiang had been residing in the emperor’s Qianqing Palace. This time, upon returning to the capital, since his princely residence was not yet completed, he continued living there.
When the emperor finished dealing with state affairs and returned to the Qianqing Palace, he saw that Li Fuxiang had already fallen into a state of day-and-night reversal in his sleep.
The effects of the medicine were wearing off, and the frailty of his body was gradually showing.
The emperor summoned Zheng Qianye for a discussion, planning to once again invite a medical expert from the Medicine Valley to provide treatment.
In truth, the emperor did not need to worry about this matter. Upon Gao Yuexing’s return to the Medicine Valley, she immediately sought an audience with the Valley Master, humbly requesting guidance on the medicine that had caused such harm.
The Valley Master commented that young people truly do not know their limits.
Gao Yuexing bowed her head and accepted the reprimand on Li Fuxiang’s behalf.
A few days later, the Valley Master set off for the capital, bringing along a group of medicine slaves, Gao Yuexing, and her luggage.
On the journey, Gao Yuexing thought of her parents and siblings at home, feeling a faint sorrow. Perhaps it was the unease of returning to her hometown after being away for so long—she truly hadn’t been home for years.
What the Valley Master had said years ago was correct: she was destined to return to the capital. There, her parents and siblings waited, as did her beloved. Five years ago, she had fled that place injured—not to end her journey, but to begin a new chapter. She had always been at the center of the vortex. Now, with her wings fully grown, she was destined to return to her battlefield.
The emperor’s harem had been quiet for years. Though the culprits who had harmed her back then were found—two low-ranking palace maids—the mastermind behind them remained elusive. To this day, no concrete evidence had surfaced to convict them.
In truth, the timing of the incident was highly unfortunate. Just as Gao Yuexing stumbled upon their secret, Xi Heng happened to eliminate the private army that Prince Wen was preparing for rebellion in Xu Prefecture.
The women of the harem alone could not achieve much; to carry out great schemes, they needed internal and external collaboration. Prince Wen had been their “external” support.
Once Prince Wen and his forces were uprooted, they were left isolated and powerless, forced to quietly keep a low profile.
Thus, over the years, they had made no further mistakes.
Gao Yuexing’s letter arrived at her family’s residence ahead of her. Gao Jing intercepted it. On the day Gao Yuexing returned home, a servant led her through the side gate and directly into Gao Jing’s study.
Gao Yuexing knew something was wrong. Entering the room, she didn’t even lift her head before kneeling to admit her fault.
Gao Jing stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression serious. “Raise your head. Let Father have a look.”
Gao Yuexing knew her father’s emotions were not easily discernible, so she dared not take this lightly. She responded cautiously, complying without hesitation. “Father.”
Gao Jing scrutinized her for a long time before averting his gaze. “I had thought, after five years, I would be welcoming back a female general.”
Gao Yuexing replied, “Father overestimates me. Your daughter is of shallow aptitude and unworthy of such grand responsibilities.”
Gao Jing asked, “Do you truly have such intentions?”
Gao Yuexing answered, “Your daughter dares not—only idle thoughts.”
The family letter she had carefully prepared ultimately could not escape her father’s scrutiny, as she had expected. Gao Yuexing knew her father’s meticulous nature well and understood that her clumsy tactics would never fool him.
Gao Jing lowered his head, studying her for a long time before his gaze and tone softened together. “Stand up already.”
Gao Yuexing responded, “Your daughter is unfilial.”
Gao Jing, unwilling to chastise her harshly, said, “You have always been different from children your age. Indeed, your father has worried for you, but I also know that the pain you carry is not something a person of your age should bear. These years have been hard on you.”
Gao Yuexing paused in surprise before finally letting go of her burdens.
Yes, they were bound by blood, yet why did it feel as though a veil separated the father and daughter when they spoke?
In her room, Gao Yuexing bathed and burned incense, washing away the dust of her journey. She applied makeup in front of the mirror, and only then did Madam Gao receive the news and rush over with her eldest daughter and youngest son.
—”My dear child!”
Madam Gao clung to the doorway, her legs going weak as tears streamed down her face.
Gao Yuexing hurriedly stepped forward to support her mother. “Mother.”
Madam Gao touched her face. “You’ve grown up. How are you? Has your health recovered? Did you suffer in Medicine Valley?” She clasped her daughter’s hands, but feeling the thin calluses on her fingers, her sorrow deepened, and she could hardly contain herself.
It took Gao Yuexing half a day to comfort her mother.
Only when lunch was over did the commotion subside.
Madam Gao held her hand, asking questions nonstop. Gao Yuexing patiently answered each one. Finally, Madam Gao was convinced that her daughter had lived well these past years, her health gradually improving, and she could finally set her heart at ease.
Gao Yuexing turned to her elder sister, Gao Yuemin, and asked, “I heard that Sister is discussing marriage?”
Gao Yuemin’s face turned red, and she covered it with her handkerchief, saying nothing.
Gao Yuexing knew that her elder sister had been matched with last year’s top scholar. The marriage was arranged by Gao Jing, who doted on his daughters and had put great care into choosing a match. The top scholar had lived up to Gao Jing’s trust and cherished her elder sister deeply.
Gao Yuexing simply wanted to inquire, “Has Sister met him? Are you satisfied?”
Gao Yuemin replied helplessly, “Why do you ask such things as soon as you return? You’re a young lady; aren’t you ashamed?”
Everyone naturally regarded Gao Yuexing as an unmarried young girl, but only she herself knew the truth—she was not.
Never mind, if they didn’t want to talk about it, she wouldn’t ask.
Gao Yuexing’s gaze shifted to the small child clinging to her mother’s leg.
This was her younger brother, four years old this year, round and plump like a dumpling. He was unfamiliar with his sister and not fond of closeness. When Gao Yuexing reached out to him, he immediately backed away, his eyes showing a hint of fear.
Madam Gao gently coaxed and reassured him.
Gao Yuexing said there was no need to force it.
It was said that children were spiritually sensitive. She had returned from the western border, carrying the aura of blood and battle. It was natural for children to avoid her.
Affection would be best cultivated slowly over time.
Gao Yuexing had been home for less than two days when a decree came from the Imperial Palace, inviting her to visit Consort Xian.
Consort Xian ordinarily had no dealings with Gao Yuexing. While the invitation was ostensibly from Consort Xian, it was most likely the emperor who wanted to see her—or perhaps Li Fuxiang.
Upon entering the Gao family’s grand courtyard, it felt as though her eyes and ears had been half-severed.
It wasn’t until two days later that she learned the court had been in turmoil recently.
Li Fuxiang had eradicated the Fox Hu and returned victorious, receiving rewards that went without question. The emperor was never stingy in bestowing them. But after the dazzling display of accolades, dissenting voices began to emerge.
Some court officials submitted a memorandum criticizing Prince Xiang, saying that his lone advance into Hucha Sea was reckless and defied military orders. They argued that merits and faults should not be conflated and that rewards and punishments must be clearly distinguished.
The key issue was that this opinion was not isolated; nearly half the court held the same view.
The Grand Court Assembly had been embroiled in heated debate for two consecutive days, with everyone awaiting the emperor’s decision.
Li Fuxiang was the emperor’s treasured darling, known to all. Yet some dared to provoke this reverse scale—it was clear they intended to push Li Fuxiang into the eye of the storm.
After all, could even the most favored prince disregard the nation’s laws and escape punishment for violating military regulations?
The 3,000 cavalry Li Fuxiang brought back from Hucha Sea had been reorganized into the “Xiaoqi Camp.” Within the Zheng family army, there was also growing discontent. These warriors had no patience for political schemes and intrigues. All they knew was that Prince Xiang had returned triumphant from battle but now faced punishment under military law—utterly ridiculous.
However, out of deference to Zheng Qianye, who had yet to comment, they suppressed their dissatisfaction.
The emperor allowed the court to argue for several days before issuing an imperial decree: Prince Xiang, for disobeying military orders, was to be confined for a year and have his salary docked for a year.
Confined for a year?
Where would he be confined?
Prince Xiang’s residence was still under construction, and he was currently living in the palace. If he was to be confined, it would naturally be within the imperial palace.
Docking his salary for a year? That was inconsequential.
But at least it was a punishment, and with that, the uproar gradually subsided.
When Gao Yuexing entered the palace, it was the first day of Li Fuxiang’s confinement.
The person supposedly confined was wandering leisurely around the palace’s martial training grounds.
As soon as Gao Yuexing stepped through the palace gates, a young eunuch promptly escorted her to him. As expected, the so-called summons from Consort Xian was merely a pretense.
When Gao Yuexing saw him, his body had yet to fully recover, but his energy and complexion had improved considerably.
The first thing she did upon meeting him was check his pulse.
Li Fuxiang let her do as she pleased and said, “I’ve been good, really. I threw the medicine away.”
Gao Yuexing was skeptical. “Really?”
Li Fuxiang affirmed, “Really. I won’t use it ever again.”
Gao Yuexing, slightly smug, said, “That’s more like it.”
Li Fuxiang’s confinement was essentially the emperor’s way of forcing him to rest and recover. Gao Yuexing felt the confinement was perfectly timed.
Li Fuxiang led her to see a horse and said, “We agreed long ago—one pony for each of us. The one meant for you, I’ve kept all this time.”
It wasn’t a horse selected from the imperial stables but a little red pony Zheng Qianye had later sent to the palace.
Years had passed, and the pony was no longer small.
Its temper was a bit fiery and, unfamiliar with Gao Yuexing, it snorted and refused to even glance at her directly.
Li Fuxiang said, “Look at it—it’s just like you.”
Gao Yuexing examined it from every angle but couldn’t see the resemblance.
Li Fuxiang added, “Like you when you hit me.”
Gao Yuexing retorted, “When did I ever hit you?”
Li Fuxiang pointed to his face. “You slapped me once.”
Gao Yuexing laughed, “You must have been dreaming.”
Li Fuxiang simply gazed at her quietly.
Gao Yuexing didn’t feel guilty at all but began to think back carefully in her mind.
Li Fuxiang reminded her, “Border town, the medicine shop.”
It dawned on Gao Yuexing. Half a year ago, when he ventured deep into Hucha Sea, she had pursued him with the army. In that border town medicine shop, Li Fuxiang had dragged her out to a broken bamboo basket outside.
To this day, she could not forget that narrow space, the heat of their bodies pressed tightly together, and the light streaming in through the cracks in the bamboo. That was the first time in her life she saw the adult Li Fuxiang.
A fleeting moment of astonishment, unforgettable ever since.
Gao Yuexing was bewildered, “Did I really slap you?”
From his expression, Li Fuxiang knew she was feigning ignorance. There was no way she could have forgotten.
Gao Yuexing thought to herself that it couldn’t even count as a slap—it didn’t make a sound. She couldn’t bear to hit him properly anyway.
Besides, how long ago was that? And he was still bringing it up now?
Gao Yuexing gave up, sighing, “Don’t act like you’re so aggrieved. You were the one who bit me first! I still want to ask you why you bit me!” Saying this, she rubbed her shoulder.
Li Fuxiang replied, “Because I couldn’t bear to part with you, because I like you, and I wanted to take you with me.”
Gao Yuexing was momentarily stunned and then burst out laughing. “Who taught you to say such indecent things?”
Li Fuxiang pointed to his chest and said, “I felt it in my heart, so I said it out loud.”
The emperor’s carriage stopped outside the martial training grounds, accompanied by Gao Jing.
The emperor cleared his throat. “Before Li Fuxiang even entered the city after returning to the capital, he was already asking me for a wife outside the gates.”
Gao Jing’s expression remained stoic. “Prince Xiang has indeed reached the proper age.”
The emperor said, “I can issue a marriage decree, but we should still consider the children’s wishes. I don’t want to force a match, nor do I wish to separate lovers.”
Gao Jing remained silent for a long moment before letting out a sigh.
The emperor continued, “Ah Xing is still too young. But if the two children are willing, why not set things in motion now and wait until Ah Xing comes of age for the grand wedding?”
This was essentially the emperor proposing marriage on behalf of his son to his subject.
However, Gao Jing still didn’t agree. He slowly said, “Your Majesty, if I recall correctly, before Prince Xiang left the capital, there was some unresolved entanglement with Miss Chen from the Ministry of Personnel. Shouldn’t Your Majesty settle that matter first?”