Chapter 50 Blooming

Chapter 50: Flourishing

The news of victory from the frontier finally reached the capital, loosening the knot of frustration in Emperor Yonghe's heart that had tightened for days over the grain robbery.

During the court assembly, officials led by the Wei family lavished praise on the Marquis of Zhenxi, hailing him as a god of war come to life. They also extolled the emperor's wisdom, claiming the great triumph was inseparable from His Majesty's decisive command—all intended to downplay the Crown Prince's role.

Emperor Yonghe, sharing the same sentiment, let them speak freely. However, the Marquis of Zhenxi's proposal to continue the campaign against Fengjia inevitably sparked another debate.

Some argued that with tens of thousands of mounted bandits already eliminated, it would take time for them to regroup. To press the attack further risked being seen as militaristic aggression.

The Minister of War, a staunch advocate for war, remained unwavering in his support: "It was Fengjia that ambushed our grain convoy. This score cannot be settled so easily. We must fight until they submit!"

The Wei family, having long been unable to gain influence on the frontier, saw this as an opportunity to curry favor with the Marquis of Zhenxi. However, with the Prince of Jin having borne the brunt of Emperor Yonghe's reprimands these past few days, the wisest course was to refrain from opposition.

Emperor Yonghe himself was inclined to attack Fengjia. Officials from the Ministry of Rites, adept at reading his mood, seized the moment: "Your Majesty's birthday approaches. If the frontier can deliver another military achievement, it would showcase Daqi's national strength and Your Majesty's sage virtue—a double blessing!"

This piece of flattery truly struck a chord with Emperor Yonghe. The weary lines on his face even seemed to ease a little. With an indifferent "Hmm," he took up the imperial brush and approved the campaign against Fengjia.

The court then had to discuss how to handle the two cities captured from Yarong and determine an appropriate tribute.

Watching the aristocratic families gradually crumble and the state treasury rapidly fill, Emperor Yonghe grew increasingly pleased with himself. He felt that when his time came to face his ancestors in the afterlife, he could finally give a good accounting of himself.

The crisis from years past, which had nearly turned the court into a playground for the great families, could now be considered resolved.

As for the tragedies caused by his erroneous decisions and the people's suffering and complaints, in his eyes, these were minor, inconsequential flaws that could be glossed over.

To demonstrate his diligence and frugality, he had refrained from holding grand birthday celebrations for many years. This year was the perfect occasion for a splendid celebration.

The Prince of Jin, who had remained quiet for most of the day, finally spoke up: "With your birthday near, it's a shame the Crown Prince isn't here to attend you. The Marquis of Zhenxi is mighty; little Fengjia is no cause for concern. Father, don't you think we should recall Sixth Brother to the court? It would allow us brothers to join together in celebrating your birthday."

After speaking, the Prince of Jin glanced with a smile at the Minister of Revenue.

The Minister frowned, but even he could find no grounds for rebuttal this time.

With tens of thousands of bandits eliminated, there was no longer a need for a two-front war. To deal with Fengjia, one capable commander leading the central army would suffice.

Emperor Yonghe cast a cool, sidelong glance at the Prince of Jin, who lowered his head in a show of deference.

After a moment, Emperor Yonghe said, "Since the frontier is now stable, the Crown Prince shall naturally return to the capital. The Prince of Jin should also learn from the Crown Prince and share more of Our burdens."

Everyone in the court knew exactly what burdens the Crown Prince was sharing. Yet, the Prince of Jin still smiled. "I heed your instruction, Father."

Emperor Yonghe snorted inwardly and waved his hand. Eunuch Shuang Quan immediately announced, "Court is dismissed—"

All across the land, preparations had begun for Emperor Yonghe's birthday gifts. With whispers that this year's celebration would be grand, everyone put extra thought into their presents.

The Jiang clan of Ningzhou had also written early to Jiang Yanzhou, inquiring about how to prepare the birthday gift.

Although a senior clansman had now taken up the role of clan head, regarding many matters in the capital, they clearly looked to Jiang Yanzhou for guidance.

However, Ningzhou's grain had already been diverted to the frontier. For Jiang Yanzhou, cutting ties with the Jiang clan was exactly what he wanted.

Jiang Yanzhou was reading the letter from Ningzhou.

The Jiang clan, thrilled to learn of Jiang Yanzhou's achievements on the frontier, was eager to tighten their connection. Besides asking about the birthday gift, they mentioned hearing of the Crown Princess Consort's injury and sent many medicines out of concern.

The medicines were all high-quality. Jiang Yanzhou couldn't use them all himself, so he had Mu Baicao take them to the military camp to distribute among the wounded soldiers.

Jiang Yanzhou had now earned a reputation for his virtue on the frontier—not only for his self-sacrifice but also for his generosity. When people spoke of him, they gradually ceased mentioning the Jiang family, instead viewing him as a true patriot who cared for Daqi.

Jiang Yanzhou set down the letter. Feng Lan brought over a steaming bowl of fresh milk. "Will Young Master be writing a reply?"

Jiang Yanzhou blinked, and Feng Lan fetched brush and ink—not for Jiang Yanzhou to write, but for Feng Lan to do so.

Except for letters to Xiao Yunlang, which he penned himself, all replies to the Jiang clan were written by Feng Lan. Feng Lan would expand on Jiang Yanzhou's brief notes into full replies.

No matter how elegantly phrased, the gist was always: I don't know about birthday gifts; you decide for yourselves.

Jiang Yanzhou, meanwhile, picked up the bowl and drank slowly.

Xiao Yunlang had mentioned many things in his letters that he wished to do with Jiang Yanzhou on the frontier, such as tasting local delicacies and riding horses under the moon.

While riding was off the table for now, Jiang Yanzhou had already sampled the hot milk brewed with fragrant Western Region flowers.

For his recuperation, he now had to drink a bowl every day.

It was indeed different from the dairy products in the capital—richer and more mellow, with a lingering sweetness from the flowers, its rich aroma filling the air.

Just as Jiang Yanzhou finished the bowl and set it down, Xiao Yunlang entered from outside.

"The items brought back from the Yarong cities have arrived. Come, let's go take a look."

He wheeled Jiang Yanzhou towards the inner warehouse at Wangyue Pass. Crates were being carried in one after another. The Marquis of Zhenxi, hands clasped behind his back, was inspecting them at a leisurely, almost meditative pace. Seeing them, he said, "Your Highness, come see. There are many fine things."

Jiang Yanzhou had made an appearance at the victory banquet earlier. Though he couldn't stay long due to his health, he had been on the receiving end of the generals' enthusiasm.

These generals, weathered by the frontier winds and sun, many still unmarried and used to a rough-and-ready life, had for some reason begun paying attention to their everyday attire after meeting Jiang Yanzhou.

Whether their taste had improved was another matter, but at least their clothes were clean and tidy, and they cared about their appearance.

The Marquis of Zhenxi hit the nail on the head: seeing someone like Jiang Yanzhou, reminiscent of the misty rains of Jiangnan, had finally reminded them to spruce themselves up and look halfway presentable.

Moreover, frequently seeing Jiang Yanzhou and Xiao Yunlang together had put the thought of settling down into some of their heads.

After descending from the blood-soaked battlefield and indulging in hearty drinking for days, the revelry was enjoyable, but occasionally, the vastness of heaven and earth left their wandering thoughts with nowhere to rest.

Then, turning their heads, they would see a perfect couple, having shed their armor and laid down their blades, sharing the moon. Temporarily setting aside the clamor of war and the clash of swords, they were enveloped in a peace and tranquility unfamiliar to these soldiers. How could they not feel envious?

But Jiang Yanzhou and Xiao Yunlang likely remained unaware of this.

Several laborers passed through the courtyard carrying some tall decorative pieces.

Some items were difficult to crate and were carried openly, their quality and appearance immediately visible. The Marquis of Zhenxi smiled. "Crown Princess Consort, see if there's anything you like. Pick a few pieces."

Jiang Yanzhou hurriedly waved his hand in refusal. Xiao Yunlang said, "Yarong has no taste. They have a tendency toward the garish. These two cities have no cultural depth either. The things produced there aren't worthy of him."

Jiang Yanzhou: !

Stop talking! These are treasures fit for a museum! What do you mean, not worthy of me?

If Jiang Yanzhou could turn around, he would definitely reach up to cover Xiao Yunlang's mouth... Well, actually, he couldn't.

But with the Marquis of Zhenxi present, he was too embarrassed to cover his own face. He could only let his earlobes burn crimson, nearly dripping blood, as he twisted his sleeves, wishing he could find a crack to hide in.

However, when two more men carried a stone ornament towards the warehouse, Xiao Yunlang suddenly spoke up. "Wait, put that down. Let me have a look."

The laborers complied. Xiao Yunlang examined the stone for a moment, then made a decision without much deliberation. "Have a crate made for this. I'm taking it back to the capital."

The Marquis of Zhenxi was taken aback. "You're into this?"

Jiang Yanzhou looked at that oversized ornament and figured out what Xiao Yunlang was up to.

Just as expected, Xiao Yunlang said, "The emperor's birthday is coming up, right? We can't *not* send a gift, but who's got time to put real thought into it? I think this'll do just fine."

A token gesture was good enough.

Cheap stuff wasn't fit for the Crown Princess, but for the emperor? More than enough, right?

The corner of the Marquis of Zhenxi's mouth twitched. However, Xiao Yunlang had given him an idea. This actually wasn't a bad plan at all. So he also picked an item, saving himself the trouble and expense of finding something else. Hmm, what a bargain!

Xiao Yunlang also selected several high-quality uncut gemstones to take back. Craftsmen in the capital could polish them into decorative pieces for Jiang Yanzhou, as well as make several sets of hair ornaments.

Still, pearls suited Jiang Yanzhou's hair best—round, perfect, with a fine luster and good symbolism.

Jiang Yanzhou picked up a small gemstone and held it up to his eyes. Even unpolished, its emerald-green color, like a lake of jade, was exceptionally beautiful and breathtaking.

Xiao Yunlang rested his hand on the back of the wheelchair, looking down gently at Jiang Yanzhou as he spoke to the Marquis. "Marquis, even if the court agrees to attack Fengjia, we'll probably be summoned back. When that time comes, matters in the west will still fall to you."

Finding a reason to summon Xiao Yunlang back was easy enough. Jiang Yanzhou would likely be recalled too, because Emperor Yonghe had realized he had misjudged Jiang Yanzhou's capabilities. Coupled with his injuries, he could be called back to the capital using concern as an excuse.

Truth be told, Xiao Yunlang's guess was accurate. The Marquis of Zhenxi's relaxed expression vanished. "Fengjia has already suffered significant losses this time. Securing the planned territory won't be an issue. You don't need to worry about things here. It's you two I'm worried about..."

He glanced at Jiang Yanzhou. "These are troubled times. You need to be even more careful in the capital. Also, the Crown Princess is in no condition to travel right away."

"News from the capital takes time to arrive. I'll drag my feet a little longer. In any case, we must wait until Nian Gui is well enough to travel."

Since Jiang Yanzhou's injuries had been reported to the capital, Xiao Yunlang was in no hurry at all.

They'd left the capital right when the Jiang family's building collapsed. The Wei family would surely have taken the opportunity to promote many of their own people in court. Others who'd kept a low profile would also be tempted to crawl out of the woodwork for a promotion.

Once they surfaced, it would be easier to deal with them one by one later.

A few more days passed, and the imperial edict from the capital arrived. Emperor Yonghe really was summoning Jiang Yanzhou and Xiao Yunlang back to the capital.

The wound on Jiang Yanzhou's neck was healing well, but his voice was recovering slower than expected. The life-saving drugs they'd given him earlier were strong stuff. Jiang Yanzhou could now only manage to produce a low, hoarse whisper, like a faint 'mm.'

Mu Baicao examined his injury. "The splint and wheelchair can be removed. You can walk on your own now, but be careful not to turn your head sharply. Absolutely take care."

Mu Baicao applied medicine to Jiang Yanzhou with a medicine spoon, as if making a decision. "I'm coming back to the capital with you after all."

Xiao Yunlang's focus was entirely on Jiang Yanzhou's wound. It still pained him to look at the scabbed injury. Hearing this, he turned his head. "Have you thought it through?"

Mu Baicao was a doctor, kind-hearted, and hated seeing death more than anything. That's why, when they killed Academician Zhang, Xiao Yunlang and Liu Hexuan had made sure he didn't have to see it.

Currently, the capital was in turbulent times—full of lives lost and schemes, with many scenes too ugly to behold. Jiang Yanzhou only needed to follow the prescription for recuperation afterward. Mu Baicao originally didn't need to wade into these muddy waters.

After finishing the application, Mu Baicao packed up while nodding seriously. "Although the capital isn't a great place, my friends are there. Having me look after his health is definitely better than anyone else, right?"

Jiang Yanzhou took paper and pen and wrote: Young Miracle Doctor, thank you.

His clear, sincere eyes paired with the words "Young Miracle Doctor" were more powerful than sound, with immense impact. Mu Baicao subtly straightened his spine again and coughed reservedly. "You're welcome."

Xiao Yunlang said, "I just selected some rare medicinal herbs from the Western Regions and sent them to your room. You haven't seen them yet, have you?"

Mu Baicao immediately perked up, dropping his reserved act. "What? Why didn't you say so earlier! I'm going back to check right now!"

Mu Baicao snapped his medicine case shut, swung his legs, and ran off without a trace, leaving the two sharing a light laugh.

Xiao Yunlang said there was no hurry, and indeed, he wasn't. After a few more days of recuperation, confirming Jiang Yanzhou's wound was not seriously problematic, he finally set the return date.

Delaying further wouldn't be appropriate either. Of course, not for the emperor's sake, but because the frontier climate wasn't good. For properly nourishing Jiang Yanzhou's health, the capital was more suitable.

There was still time before departure. Jiang Yanzhou wanted to see the border market, so Xiao Yunlang took him.

The border market was neither too far nor too close from Wangyue Pass, reachable by carriage in less than an hour. Jiang Yanzhou rode in the carriage, with Xiao Yunlang accompanying him inside as usual.

Originally, Jiang Yanzhou had adapted considerably better to Daqi's carriages. But perhaps because his vitality had been injured again this time, he felt unusually stifled and uncomfortable after only a short while.

He instinctively wanted to endure it, but... he remembered Xiao Yunlang's words.

Hesitating for a moment while clutching his sleeve, before his complexion became unbearable from the jolting, he finally tried writing.

"Your Highness"

"..."

"I'm feeling a bit unwell"

He wrote the last sentence slowly, but as soon as the words were down, Xiao Yunlang's eyes shifted slightly.

He seemed to be restraining his emotions, probably not wanting Jiang Yanzhou to feel awkward, so his expression turned inward. "Feeling stifled?"

Jiang Yanzhou gave a small nod.

Jiang Yanzhou stared at Xiao Yunlang's hand, momentarily lost in thought.

Until Xiao Yunlang asked, "What is it?"

Jiang Yanzhou then gently shook his head and placed his hand on top.

He used to be accustomed to enduring, afraid that causing trouble for others would make them withdraw their goodwill.

But Xiao Yunlang never considered him a burden.

Before the Crown Prince, not having to endure seemed to become a very simple matter. That high wall he hadn't dared cross shattered easily.

So... was it because he hadn't met the right person before?

Xiao Yunlang helped Jiang Yanzhou onto the horse's back, then mounted the saddle himself, encircling Jiang Yanzhou securely from behind, letting him lean against his chest.

Since they weren't in a hurry anyway, they let the horse clip-clop along at a leisurely pace, ambling over slowly.

Jiang Yanzhou had never ridden like this before and was even more nervous than when riding alone. Surrounded by the scorching warmth of Xiao Yunlang's embrace and the faint scent of cedar, he had nowhere to retreat except into Xiao Yunlang's arms.

At this walking pace, Xiao Yunlang could steady the reins with one hand. He freed his other hand and wrapped it around Jiang Yanzhou's waist.

Little Young Master Jiang's waist was not only slender but also sensitive to touch. He trembled all over instantly. Xiao Yunlang chuckled lowly, the vibration from his chest transmitting through Jiang Yanzhou's back, making him momentarily unable to distinguish between their heartbeats. He unconsciously held his breath.

Xiao Yunlang spoke up then. "Look ahead."

Jiang Yanzhou had kept his eyes lowered since earlier. Hearing this, he instinctively raised his gaze and then froze.

Just beyond a small sand dune crossed by the horse's hooves, two eroded, rugged mountain walls suddenly stretched in the distance. Amid the barren sea of sand, a burst of vibrant colors emerged. Various flags and banners fluttered brilliantly in the wind, like gems washed clean by the waves of sand, dazzling and radiant.

And outside this brilliant gem, armored soldiers stood in strict formation, heavily guarded. Two neat rows of officers lined the path, conducting strict inspections of those coming and going, protecting this star that had finally risen in the desert with great effort.

Xiao Yunlang raised his arm, pointing toward the colors of the border market, tracing a light line before Jiang Yanzhou's eyes.

"When Yarong and Fengjia exchange territories, this entire stretch will be connected, won't be plagued by so many bandit raids. More and more traders will come—from Daqi, from the Western Regions, with hair and eyes of every color—all hoping for a peaceful place where they can trade without bloodshed."

Listening to his voice, Jiang Yanzhou could almost see that scene unfolding across the vast, desolate landscape.

"I can scatter gems across these yellow sands and make them bloom into flowers," Xiao Yunlang's voice rang in his ear. "Niangui, when that time comes, you'll come back with me to see it, won't you?"

Jiang Yanzhou's heart surged, his eyes shining with a brighter light. From his still-recovering throat, he managed to squeeze out a joyful, "Mm."

Wasn't this what he most wanted to see—Xiao Yunlang single-handedly creating a golden age of peace and prosperity? Every corner of that flourishing world would be like a jade bead on Xiao Yunlang's imperial crown, the twelve tassels of the Son of Heaven as he rules the realm and receives tribute from all states.

He wanted to see it.

He had wanted it before too, but his attitude had been more detached, taking things in stride—much like his own view on life and death, without any particular attachment.

Now, though he remained just as insignificant in the vastness of heaven and earth, wrapped in this reassuring embrace, a powerful, yearning desire suddenly took root within him.

Jiang Yanzhou lifted his hand and closed it loosely around the wind.

Being alive... wasn't so bad after all.

The north wind swept across the land, the Gobi Desert meeting the sky, the chain of beacon fires visible in the distance from the walled towns. After returning from the market, Jiang Yanzhou could almost hear the soft jingle of caravan bells in his dreams.

Three days later, escorted by troops, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess's entourage set off from the frontier, beginning their journey back to the capital.