Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 191 Triumphant Return

The journey north was vastly different from the tense and ominous southward advance. Though still a march, the pace was leisurely, banners fluttering in the spring breeze, and armor gleaming with a calm luster under the spring sun. Along the way, the counties and prefectures had already received news of the royal army's victory: "forcing peace with the Southern Dynasty, obtaining a large tribute, and returning home." Crowds of people spontaneously gathered along the official roads, offering food and drink, their cheers thunderous. For the soldiers and civilians of the north, the king's personal campaign, which not only defeated the invading allied forces but also forced them to cede territory, pay reparations, and sign a peace treaty, was undoubtedly the most glorious foreign war victory since the founding of the Xing Kingdom. It was enough to wash away the long-standing, lingering inferiority complex towards the "legitimate" Southern powers, and to ignite an unprecedented sense of pride and belonging.

"Long live the Star King! May the royal army be mighty!"

"Look! That's General Dian's elite Trapped Camp! It's as solid as iron!"

"Those large carts behind, are they all loaded with gold, silver, and silk as tribute from the Southern Dynasty? My goodness, how much must there be!"

"The King is in his royal carriage! God bless our Star Kingdom!"

Cheers, chatter, and the laughter of children chasing each other mingled into a triumphant song, accompanying the procession northward. Chen Xing would occasionally lift the curtain of his imperial carriage to wave to the people lining the road, eliciting even more enthusiastic responses. His expression remained calm, but his heart was filled with emotion. The people's support was so simple yet fervent; they witnessed a resounding victory and tangible "spoils of war," enough to fill them with hope for the future and foster a strong sense of belonging to their newly formed nation, "Star Kingdom." This popular spirit was the most solid foundation for his future hegemony.

The closer they got to the capital, the more grand the welcome became. Local officials organized an even more magnificent procession, gentry and elders offered food and drink, and even students from academies recited poems praising their military prowess along the roadside. The Star Army soldiers also stood tall, displaying their best military bearing to their people, their battle-hardened spirit and sense of honor radiating from their very brows.

Finally, nearly four months after leaving the royal city, the familiar, majestic outline of the Star Kingdom's capital appeared on the horizon. And today's royal city was different from the past.

Colorful flags fluttered atop the city walls; the city gates were wide open, and clean water was sprinkled on the streets. Ten miles outward from the city gates, along the official road, imperial guards stood in solemn formation, and civil and military officials lined up according to rank to welcome them. Further afield, countless citizens of the royal city waited expectantly, shoulder to shoulder, their hearts pounding with anticipation, the air filled with a festive joy and excitement.

At the forefront of the welcoming procession stood Murong Mingyue, dressed in solemn court attire, a phoenix coronet, and an embroidered robe. She did not ride in a carriage, but instead led the ladies of the court and the heir apparent, standing solemnly outside the city gate. Months of regency, handling affairs independently, had imbued her brows with not only her former spiritedness but also a calm and capable air of authority. At this moment, her gaze serenely fixed on the approaching banners and dust at the end of the official road, a subtle, gentle yet proud smile playing on her lips.

The prince, held in his wet nurse's arms, stared at the lively scene with his big, dark eyes. He couldn't fully understand what was happening, but he could feel the joyful atmosphere around him.

As Chen Xing's imperial carriage, surrounded by his personal guards, slowly approached a hundred paces from the city gate, drums and music resounded and cannons boomed.

The imperial carriage stopped, and Chen Xing rose and stepped down. Today, he had changed into a set of military uniform that was easy to move in, and did not deliberately show off his majesty, but the composure of being in a high position for a long time and the sharpness honed on the battlefield naturally made him the center of attention.

Murong Mingyue led her entourage forward, curtsied, and said in a clear, melodious voice: "Your Majesty, I, along with all the civil and military officials, and the people of the royal city, respectfully welcome Your Majesty's triumphant return! Your Majesty personally led the campaign against the rebels, enhancing our national prestige and achieving great success. I share in your glory, and all the people rejoice!"

"Welcome back in triumph, Your Majesty! Long live the King! Long live the Star Kingdom!" Behind them, a deafening roar rose into the sky.

Chen Xing stepped forward and gently helped Murong Mingyue up. His gaze lingered on her face for a moment, seeing the deep concern and relief in her eyes, and a warmth spread through him. He squeezed her hand and whispered, "Mingyue, you've worked hard." Then, turning to the officials and soldiers, he proclaimed loudly, "Rise, my lords! This southern campaign was made possible by the bravery of our soldiers, the unity of our civil and military officials, and the stability of our rear, which allowed us to force the Southern Dynasty to make peace and temporarily end the war! This is not the achievement of one person alone, but the united strength of the entire Xing Kingdom! Today, we return in triumph, and we should celebrate with our soldiers and civilians!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" The crowd rose and cheered.

After a simple welcoming ceremony, Chen Xing and Murong Mingyue rode together in the royal carriage, slowly entering the capital city amidst the cheers of officials and the people. The streets were teeming with people, flowers and confetti rained down, and shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" filled the air. Never before had the capital city, this majestic northern city, radiated such joy of victory and vibrant energy.

Back in the palace, a grand victory banquet was naturally in order. The banquet was held in the newly renovated Qingyuan Hall, where meritorious civil and military officials, elders of the imperial family, and even some representative surrendered gentry and newly surrendered generals gathered together. Fine wine and delicacies, songs and dances filled the air. Chen Xing and Murong Mingyue sat in the main seats, receiving toasts and congratulations from the assembled officials. Chen Wei, Dian Xiong, Jia Wen, Zhao Tiezhu, Su Xiaoxiao, Zhang Heng, Pang De, and other heroes of the southern expedition became the focus of the banquet, each recounting anecdotes and perilous situations from the campaign, eliciting gasps of amazement and laughter.

Su Xiaoxiao also attended the banquet today. Although she disliked noise, as the Inner Palace Commander, her role in logistical support for this southern expedition was crucial and indispensable. She sat quietly in her seat, occasionally exchanging a few words with colleagues who came to toast her. Her gaze, however, would often inadvertently sweep over Chen Xing and Murong Mingyue in the main seats, noticing the natural understanding and warmth between them. A slight ripple would stir in her heart, but it would quickly subside. She knew her place and her mission lay there.

The banquet lasted until late at night. When Chen Xing finally returned to his long-missed palace and dismissed all the servants, leaving only him and Murong Mingyue, the kingly majesty and composure he had maintained relaxed slightly, revealing a trace of genuine fatigue.

Murong Mingyue gently removed his heavy crown and outer robe. "My husband has lost weight and gotten darker," she said softly, her fingertips brushing against the fine lines that had appeared at the corners of his eyes.

Chen Xing took her hand, pulled her into his arms, and took a deep breath—it was that familiar, comforting scent. "There are so many complicated matters at home; you've truly been working hard. You did an excellent job during your regency; Wenhe and Tiezhu both speak highly of you."

Murong Mingyue leaned against his chest and shook her head: "It's just a matter of barely managing to stay afloat and avoid any major mistakes. The one who's truly exhausted is my husband on the front lines. That water attack plan... when I heard about it, my heart pounded. And the peace talks with the Southern Dynasty—Jia Lingjun said in her secret letter that it was all a pretense?"

"Hmm." Chen Xing's gaze was calm. "The Southern Dynasty is weak, but even a centipede with a hundred legs will not die easily. In particular, its navy still has strength, and the hearts of the people in Jiangnan have not completely submitted. Forcibly crossing the river will inevitably result in heavy casualties and may provoke strong resistance, which is not good for the long term. It would be better to show weakness for the time being, offer a false peace agreement, and let them continue to fight each other in their precarious peace and lower their guard. We can take this opportunity to fully digest Xiliang, train the new army, build up the navy, and accumulate money and supplies. When the time is right, we can take Jiangnan in one fell swoop."

He paused, stroking Murong Mingyue's back: "However, I will have to ask you and the child to act in this play with me again, and we must always be vigilant against the rebellion in the south and the unrest in the north."

Murong Mingyue looked up, her eyes bright and resolute: "Husband and wife are one, sharing honor and disgrace. My husband's ambition lies in the world, and I will safeguard the foundation of this nation for you. Whether it's an act or real action, I will be with you."

A warm feeling welled up in Chen Xing's heart, and he lowered his head to place a kiss on her forehead. With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?

The clamor of victory will eventually subside, and the splendor of the grand feast will fade. But the halo of victory, the rallied morale, the tangible benefits gained, and the precious time for development won by this southern expedition have already been truly integrated into the vibrant body of the Star Kingdom. In the spring of the first year of Wuxing, amidst the cheers of victory, the Star Kingdom's capital quietly stepped into a new and more solid stage of development.