Chapter 184: Damage and Loss

Chapter 184: Scars of War

Yu Zhangxing and his army did not emerge unscathed. Of the 200,000 troops, 80,000 perished. During the decisive battle with the barbarian generals, Yu Zheng had one of his arms severed, while Yu Zhangxing suffered a severe leg injury that left him with a slight limp—only visible if he hurried. Several doctors examined him, all declaring the injury untreatable. Yu Zheng urged him to return to the capital as soon as possible to seek treatment from the imperial physicians.

War always extracts its toll from both sides. For some, the cost is a kingdom; for others, a life or the loss of a limb.

The imprisoned nobles watched as the jailers feasted on meat and wine, their stomachs growling. In prison, their meals were bland and devoid of flavor, while the tantalizing aroma from the jailers' table tormented them.

"This is all your fault! When you saw the king assassinated, you should have defended the royal city to the death—there might still have been a chance. Instead, you fled in chaos and doomed all the soldiers!" one of them angrily accused.

"So you're saying we should have died with the royal city and not dragged you down? Then why didn’t *you* die?" a former official from the royal city shot back.

"I didn’t tell you to die—just to show some backbone and not surrender so easily!" the man snapped, jutting his chin defiantly.

The official wore a sneer. "If you truly had principles, you’d have died for your kingdom. Since you didn’t, don’t lecture us. Practice what you preach! We’re all the same—no one has the right to judge. If you’re so righteous, why not bash your skull against the wall to prove your loyalty to the king?"

Stunned into silence, the man seethed with fury, shame, and resentment. Finally, he tilted his head back, tears streaming down his face. "This subject has failed His Majesty."

With that, he hurled himself against the wall, his blood soaking the dry straw beneath him. The officials screamed.

"H-he actually did it?! So stubborn?!" The mocking official turned deathly pale and collapsed onto the floor.

A jailer stormed over, swearing under his breath. At the gruesome sight, he tutted, unlocked the cell, and rolled the corpse into a straw mat to carry it away. Another jailer snarled, "Stay quiet and behave, or you’ll regret it."

The nobles mumbled obedience.

The next day, the army began its return to the capital.

---

Capital

Zheng Shanci wrapped up the summer tax reports at the Ministry of Revenue and submitted the report to the Grand Secretariat. He stretched. Tomorrow was off—he was to attend the Crown Prince’s wedding banquet at the Eastern Palace.

After leaving his post, he returned home and found Old Zheng lost in thought in the main hall.

"Father, what brings you here?" Zheng Shanci asked in surprise.

Old Zheng faltered, his lips parting and closing before he finally spoke. "I received a letter from Qingxiang Village. They want you to build a clan school there. I wasn’t sure what to do, so I came to ask your opinion."

Zheng Shanci was the village’s most successful son. Years earlier, his family had feuded with the Hes over Qing Yin, but the other villagers had treated them well. After reading the letter (with Zheng Tongchu’s help), Old Zheng's chest puffed up.

Zheng Shancheng had no say on the matter, and Mr. Zheng’s husband also advised him to consult their second son. As a high-ranking official, it was Zheng Shanci’s duty to repay his roots—lest people gossip. Helping his fellow villagers advance would bring honor to the family.

Old Zheng sighed. "After you passed the imperial exams, our uncles and elders gave you silver and helped harvest the crops. Before that, when you hadn’t achieved anything, they left us to fend for ourselves."

Zheng Shanci nodded. "Father, this is something we should do. I’ll plan it out and write directly to the county magistrate. I admit I overlooked this—rest assured."

Old Zheng let out a relieved sigh, his face brightening. As Zheng Shanci’s father, he was treated with respect in the capital, and though it inflated his ego, he remained outwardly humble to avoid causing trouble for his son.

Deep down, he still held a reverential fear of the capital. A country mouse at heart, even with a son like Zheng Shanci and a younger son married to the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, he treaded carefully.

This request, too, had been partly for his own sake.

Pleased with the answer, Old Zheng was about to leave when Yu Lanyi called out, "Father, stay for dinner. I’ll have the kitchen prepare something special."

Zheng Shanci also urged, "Please, stay and eat."

Touched, Old Zheng agreed and even fetched Mr. Zheng to join them. Since it wasn’t yet mealtime, they went to see their grandson first.

Xiao Ping'an saw Father Zheng and Mr. Zheng putting away the picture book and ran over to greet them obediently.

"Are you doing your homework, Ping'an?" Mr. Zheng asked affectionately.

Xiao Ping'an nodded and then shook his head. "I've finished my homework myself. I was looking at the picture book."

The Ministry of Revenue had recently published a new volume of life knowledge picture books specifically for children, which sold very well. Zheng Shanci firmly believed that scholars' and children's money was the easiest to earn, so he kept milking the market.

Some 'cash cows' matured, while new ones sprang up.

Xiao Ping'an showed the picture book to Mr. Zheng, pointing at the words and reading them carefully. Mr. Zheng was illiterate, but seeing Xiao Ping'an read earnestly, he couldn't help but pat his head.

"Ping'an is so amazing," Mr. Zheng praised without hesitation.

Xiao Ping'an pursed his lips and smiled shyly.

In the evening, the family had dinner together. Yu Lanyi gifted a goat to Father Zheng. "We bought three goats—kept one for ourselves, sent one to the Marquis' estate, and this one is for you and Papa."

Mr. Zheng smiled and accepted it.

Yu Lanyi then handed two boxes of precious medicinal herbs to Mr. Zheng. "This ginseng can be brewed in water, and this box contains cordyceps."

Father Zheng and Mr. Zheng were both moved and worried. Father Zheng said, "This must have cost you a lot. Don’t buy these things in the future. We're just farmers—we’ve never been seriously ill in our lives, and the monthly checkups by the house physician show nothing wrong."

Yu Lanyi said cheerfully. "Papa, please take more nourishing herbs. It gives Shan Ci and me peace of mind. Besides, it’s our duty as the younger generation to provide these. Your health is more important than anything."

Yu Lanyi, with his high status, good looks, and sweet words, was naturally the elders' favorite.

Zheng Shanci stood to the side, useless on the sidelines. He had intended to persuade Father Zheng and Mr. Zheng, but Yu Lanyi had already taken care of everything.

In the end, Father Zheng and Mr. Zheng accepted the gifts.

Yu Lanyi and Zheng Shanci saw them out. Yu Lanyi had prepared two sets of gifts—the other set would be delivered to the Marquis' estate after the Crown Prince’s wedding banquet the next day.

"The day after tomorrow, I’ll have dinner at the Marquis' estate in the evening."

Zheng Shanci said obligingly. "I’ll come find you after my duties."

Yu Lanyi huffed and stalked off.

He wasn't asking Zheng Shanci to come find him.

Early the next morning, Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi dressed in their finery. Yu Lanyi wore a new outfit he had bought at the Golden Robe Pavilion, paired with simpler accessories.

Xiao Ping'an, also dressed in new clothes, was a little excited. Since he turned five, Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi had taken him to the palace for annual banquets, and their seating had gradually moved from the middle to the front.

"I’m wearing the new clothes Dad bought!" Xiao Ping'an waited for a while but didn’t see Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi, so he peered into their bedroom, curious.

Zheng Shanci was also wearing new clothes, as if the whole family had used the Crown Prince’s wedding as an excuse to buy new outfits.

Yu Lanyi hadn’t spent his own money—he had charged it to the household account without a word.

How could they not dress their best? Zheng Shanci held a cabinet post—was it too much to spend a little more on clothes? And as his family, wasn’t it reasonable for Yu Lanyi and Xiao Ping'an to dress nicely too?

Perfectly reasonable.

Xiao Ping'an sat obediently in the carriage, and Zheng Shanci, seeing how well-behaved he was, patted his head.

The carriage arrived at the palace gates, and they got out and entered the palace, guided by palace attendants to the Eastern Palace. This was Xiao Pingan's first time visiting the Eastern Palace. He walked calmly ahead, looking around curiously.

Yu Lanyi did not stop Xiao Pingan's curiosity.

His child was free to show curiosity openly.

Zheng Shanci delivered the gifts, and the wedding banquet for the Crown Prince was in full swing. Some guests toasted the Crown Prince, who accepted every offer. Xie Dan stepped in to keep Xie Cheng from drinking.

Xie Cheng smiled and said, "You're still young; drink less. I can handle a few drinks."

The court officials and imperial relatives dared not pressure the Crown Prince into drinking, merely offering token toasts. A bold Hanlin scholar pushed forward with a cup of wine, eagerly toasting the Crown Prince, who studied him for a moment before accurately recalling his name.

"Ah, Hanlin Li," the Crown Prince said with a smile, drinking the wine.

Hanlin Li was floored by the honor, touched by the recognition. He returned to his colleagues in a daze, and several Hanlin scholars patted his shoulder. "Get a grip! You’re so bold, daring to toast the Crown Prince—and His Highness actually drank it!"

One scholar spoke with a hint of envy.

"Indeed, you’re too bold. Look at the officials toasting the Crown Prince—they’re all of the third rank or higher. What business do we Hanlin scholars have joining in?" another young scholar remarked, equally sour.

The scene resembled the jealousy of the imperial harem, filled with backhanded compliments and envy.

Hanlin Li, young and bold, was thrilled that the Crown Prince remembered him and eagerly shared the news: "That’s incredible!"

"The Crown Prince knows how to charm scholars," the Hanlin scholars marveled, and the rest nodded in agreement.

By simply remembering Hanlin Li’s name, Xie Cheng had them eating out of his hand, deeply admiring him.

Zheng Shanci raised a toast to Xie Cheng. "Congratulations, Your Highness, on your joyous wedding. Wishing you a harmonious marriage."

Xie Cheng finished the wine and replied, "Lord Zheng, your blessings mean a lot."

After his toast, Zheng Shanci moved on, as other ministers were waiting to toast. Watching Xie Cheng handle the situation with grace, Zheng Shanci felt a surge of pride.

"Eat more," Yu Lanyi called Zheng Shanci over, loading his plate with meat.

Zheng Shanci ate for a while. Having drunk on an empty stomach earlier, his stomach had been uneasy, but now he felt much better. Xiao Pingan, after observing the lively scene, was drawn to the spread of royal dishes and happily picked up his chopsticks to enjoy the food.

Each guest had their own table.

Second Grand Secretary Xiao was beaming.

The crowd flattered him, though some harbored dark thoughts—hoping the old man wouldn’t drop dead from excitement.

"Teacher," Nie Yan, who served in the Court of Judicial Review, approached Zheng Shanci to offer a toast.

Zheng Shanci asked him a few questions, and Nie Yan gave orderly replies.

"The work at the Court of Judicial Review can be chaotic, but The Prince has taught me much, and my colleagues treat me well. I’m settling in well," Nie Yan replied earnestly.

"The law isn’t my field, but as long as you uphold justice, that’s what matters."

Nie Yan nodded.

Ye Yunchu, seated with Yu Shiyan and Xiao Yezi, had already toasted Xie Cheng and was now serving Ye Yucheng.

"Father, this dish is delicious!" Ye Yucheng exclaimed, pointing.

Ye Yunchu smiled. "Once we’re home, I’ll have the family chef make it just like this."

Yu Shiyan watched the interaction between father and son, his tension eased. Ye Yunchu still adored Xiao Yezi—Xiao Yezi was Ye Yunchu’s only child.

Yu Shiyan had secretly slipped medicine to Ye Yunchu to reduce his fertility, an act carried out so discreetly that no one would ever know in this lifetime. With Xiao Yezi as his only child, everyone would have to treat him well.

“Father, have some more too.” Xiao Yezi pushed the dishes Yu Shiyan liked toward him.

Yu Shiyan smiled and nodded. He took a few bites before lifting his gaze to meet Ye Yunchu’s eyes, his smile warm and genuine.

Ye Yunchu was put at ease.

……

After the Crown Prince’s wedding, Second Grand Secretary Xiao’s standing grew even greater. Yet within the Grand Secretariat, he showed no arrogance, carrying himself as always—a mark of a wise man.

Time flew by. Yu Zhangxing led the army back to the capital, and Emperor Wuming personally led the civil and military officials to greet him at the city gates. A grand victory banquet was to be held in the palace, and the officials had gathered early. The civil officials wore thoughtful expressions, while the military officers stood alert, watching beyond the city walls.

The banners of the Great Yan Dynasty appeared first, followed by the army, their advance kicking up clouds of dust into the air. Barely containing his excitement, Emperor Wuming’s gaze fixed on the leading general.

Yu Zhangxing and his troops arrived at the city gates. Spotting Emperor Wuming’s imperial carriage from a distance, he dismounted to pay his respects, but the Emperor quickly raised him up before he could kneel.

“Long live Your Majesty, may you live forever!” The army knelt before Emperor Wuming, their iron-willed presence awe-inspiring. Filled with pride, the Emperor said, “Rise, my brave soldiers.”

Noticing the several coffins they had brought back, Emperor Wuming’s face fell. “This is…?”

“Your Majesty once said in your youth that you wished to bring the tombs of the princesses and noble youths given in marriage alliances back to their homeland. I presumed and brought them back. I beg forgiveness for my presumption.” Yu Zhangxing bowed his head in apology.

Emperor Wuming recalled the days of his early reign and patted Yu Zhangxing’s shoulder with both affection and melancholy. “Only you still remember my words… my ambitions.”

Yu Zhangxing gave a small smile. “Your Majesty never told the other ministers, so only I knew.”

Emperor Wuming thought to himself—*And I will never tell another soul.*

“You have accomplished a great feat this time. No reward could be too great.” Joyfully, Emperor Wuming took Yu Zhangxing’s hand and walked forward.

Yu Zhangxing followed a step behind, walking with a slight limp. “I cannot walk beside Your Majesty. I will always follow behind you.”

Being martial-trained himself, Emperor Wuming noticed something off about Yu Zhangxing’s walk—seemingly normal, but his weight wasn't evenly distributed.

He stopped and turned to Yu Zhangxing. “What happened to your leg?”

Yu Zhangxing appeared somewhat sheepish. “I was injured in battle.”

The Emperor paused. “…Can it be healed?”

“It can,” Yu Zhangxing affirmed.

Emperor Wuming saw his eyes lower—a tell he had known since childhood, a sign Yu Zhangxing was lying.

The Emperor's chest suddenly felt hollow, his eyes burning. “Is it… beyond recovery?”

Yu Zhangxing raised his gaze and shook his head firmly. “I am fine. It will heal.”

The civil and military officials lined both sides of the path—the imperial road, where none dared tread. Emperor Wuming halted, and the officials froze in place.

Then, in front of everyone, Emperor Wuming embraced his brother.

This was his childhood study-mate, his daring young general, the brother who had taken a blade for him.