Chapter 419: Mother, I’m Back!

Chapter 419: Mother, I'm Back!

Lady Lan acted swiftly, and by the next day, Concubine Rong and Lan Shuyu had been sent away. Then, the couple, bearing gifts, visited the Duke’s residence. If possible, Lan Feibai would have preferred not to face anyone from the Duke’s residence. But his career and ambitions required him to make an apology.

This time, Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai did not turn them away but exchanged pleasantries, seemingly putting the matter to rest. However, Lan Feibai understood that this was merely a facade; in the world of court politics, one rarely shows their true feelings. He braced himself for future obstacles in his career.

After they had left, Tang Shuyi mentioned to Xiao Huai, "We had planned to travel after Yuming's grand wedding, but with Jianing pregnant, we must postpone our plans."

"Then we'll set out after the child is born," Xiao Huai suggested.

As they talked, a familiar voice came from outside, "Mother, I'm back!"

Hearing this, Tang Shuyi quickly rose and went outside, where she saw Xiao Yuming, clad in silver armor, standing heroically in the courtyard. Upon seeing her and Xiao Huai, Xiao Yuming lifted his robe and knelt, "Mother, Father, your son has returned!"

Tang Shuyi hurried to help him up and then inspected him carefully, "You’ve grown taller and more robust."

Xiao Yuming chuckled—he had indeed grown a lot over the year. Xiao Huai then said, "Come inside."

The three of them had just sat down inside when Xiao Yuzhu arrived, and soon after, Xiao Yuchen and Jianing joined them. The family sat together, happily chatting.

Most of the conversation was dominated by Xiao Yuming’s tales. His experiences over the past year were nothing short of extraordinary. He had nearly single-handedly dealt with the bandits that had risen from the chaos of war in Rouli Kingdom.

Xiao Yuming's growth was evident to all, and both Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai felt a deep sense of pride. Yet, growth always comes at a cost. Xiao Yuming spoke of his past year’s experiences with ease, but it was clear that the reality was far from simple.

With Xiao Huai no longer stationed with the Northwestern Army, would the soldiers there readily submit to this young Marshal? Certainly not. Merely establishing a foothold in the army was difficult, let alone embarking on a campaign against bandits. But these were challenges he had to face.

After dinner, Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai called Xiao Yuming into the study for a private talk.

"Are you injured?" Tang Shuyi asked.

Xiao Yuming grinned, "It's just a minor injury, nothing serious."

Tang Shuyi was somewhat skeptical but couldn't exactly undress him to check, so she said, "Let's have a doctor take your pulse tomorrow."

"Alright," Xiao Yuming agreed obediently, knowing that Tang Shuyi was concerned about his health.

"How's the situation in the northwest?" asked Xiao Huai.

"Overall stable, though there are one or two overly ambitious," replied Xiao Yuming.

"And the Mediocre King?" Xiao Huai inquired.

In the northwest, the Mediocre King is the most unstable element.

Xiao Yuming said, "For the moment, the Mediocre King seems to be without incident, however..."

"Speak plainly," commanded Xiao Huai.

Xiao Yuming revealed, "It appears the Mediocre King intends to send his daughter to the palace."

Upon hearing this, both Xiao Huai and Tang Shuyi furrowed their brows deeply. The Mediocre King held a special status; Xiao Huai's successful campaign against the Kingdom of Rouli had been largely due to the Mediocre King's internal support. Afterward, the Mediocre King's throne remained unchanged, and he still controlled a significant military force. Should he rebel, they might face a formidable battle.

After a while, Xiao Huai said, "The Mediocre King will come to the capital before the end of the year. I will meet with him then and discuss matters. If he truly is beyond reason, then we will fight."

But such a battle should be avoided if at all possible.

After more discussion, Xiao Yuming departed, and Tang Shuyi said, "Let's first see what the Emperor has to say."

Wrapping his arm around her, Xiao Huai walked toward the bedroom, reassuring her, "Don't worry, we probably haven't misjudged him."

As long as Li Jingyi remains loyal, they would be his strong supporters.

The next morning, Li Jingyi had the eunuchs summon Xiao Yuming to the palace from his residence. Without delay, Xiao Yuming followed the eunuch to the palace. Arriving at the imperial study, he found Li Jingyi poring over documents but stood up immediately, calling out, "Second brother."

Nonetheless, Xiao Yuming gave him a respectful salute, "Your subject pays homage to the Emperor."

Li Jingyi quickly helped him up, saying, "You've worked hard, second brother."

Xiao Yuming found this address of 'second brother' somewhat helpless, but what could he do? After all, Li Jingyi was the Emperor.

The two sat down, and Xiao Yuming recounted his experiences in the northwest over the past year, though not as casually as he would at home. At the end, he hinted, "The Mediocre King may bring his daughter with him to the capital this time."

Xiao Yuming's gaze remained fixed on Li Jingyi as he spoke, his implication couldn't be clearer. Li Jingyi paused, then said, "Rest assured, second brother, my intentions have not changed."

Xiao Yuming hadn't expected such candor, especially now that Li Jingyi was Emperor, a role far removed from their past. Even their conversations were no longer as direct. But this also confirmed that, at least for now, Li Jingyi remained the same person he'd always been.

After talking all morning, Xiao Yuming had lunch in the imperial study before leaving. That afternoon, he went to visit the Xie family with gifts. First, he paid his respects to Elder Mr. Xie and Second Lord Xie, who were pleased to see his growth and chatted for a long while before arranging his meeting with Xie Xihua.

Xie Xihua was taken aback to see how much Xiao Yuming had grown, then teased, "They say free-range living makes one sturdy, and it seems to be true."

Xiao Yuming chuckled and then presented her with the gifts he'd brought, a collection of trinkets he'd gathered. Xie Xihua's eyes sparkled as she examined each item; although not costly, they each were a testament to his thoughtfulness.

Xiao Yuming also shared with her the amusing incidents that had occurred over the year. Xie Xihua listened with a smile before asking, "Did you get hurt at all?"

Xiao Yuming wanted to dismiss it lightly, claiming he wasn't hurt, but the words caught in his throat. Instead, he admitted, "Just some minor injuries."

At that, Xie Xihua quickly asked, "Where were you injured?"

"Some on the body, some on the arms."

As he spoke, he rolled up his sleeve, revealing a brawny forearm and the striking scars upon it.

"Ah!" Xie Xihua exclaimed in surprise, reaching out instinctively to touch the scar, but ultimately she restrained herself.

She then inquired, "Does it hurt?"

Xiao Yuming waved his hand dismissively, "It doesn't hurt, but there was a lot of blood."

A look of concern crossed Xie Xihua's face, and she decided to prepare some tonic medicines for him. When Xiao Yuming left the Xie residence, a carriage followed, filled with nourishing herbal remedies.

A few days later, the wife of Xie's second lord, accompanied by Xie Xihua, visited the Duke Dingguo's mansion, bringing several sets of clothes and shoes. Seeing this, Tang Shuyi couldn't help but tease Xiao Yuming: "I never realized how beloved my son is by his in-laws."