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Xiao Youcheng swiftly put an end to the spread of rumors, ordering his subordinates to drag the servant of Grand Tutor Liu's brother-in-law straight to the Shuozhou City Magistrate's office, where they publicly denounced him.
"A servant who acts so recklessly, spreading slander about an imperial official, must reflect the character of his master. From this, one can deduce that the household he serves likely lacks integrity and discipline."
The clerks exchanged knowing glances. These words would undoubtedly spread throughout the capital within days. The Liu family had provoked the ire of Prince Kang, and with this pointed remark from him, they would likely remain in disgrace for decades to come.
When Grand Tutor Liu received the news, he slapped Madam Liu that very night.
"Wuwuwu... You said Prince Kang had no interest in that female general! I thought..."
Madam Liu covered her cheek, sobbing.
Grand Tutor Liu looked utterly defeated, not even bothering to scold her further.
"Starting tomorrow, you will retire to the family temple."
As the Liu family fell from grace, the other noble families could hardly conceal their glee.
February 16th
A fast horse galloped toward Shuozhou.
"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:
Xiao Ding, Marquis of the Northwest, displayed unparalleled loyalty and courage. When the Tatars invaded and Shuozhou faced peril, he stood firm, sacrificing his life to defend the nation, safeguarding our lands with unwavering devotion. He is hereby posthumously granted the title of Duke of Ying.
Xiao Zheng led the Tiger Warriors deep into enemy territory, enduring countless battles. With extraordinary strategy, he drove the invaders beyond Shuozhou's borders... Upon receiving this joyous report, We are overjoyed. Xiao Zheng has rendered outstanding service in protecting the state and enhancing Our dynasty's prestige. His achievements are illustrious, deserving of exceptional honor. He is hereby appointed as a First-Rank Great General, granted a fief of a thousand households, ten thousand taels of gold, and a thousand bolts of silk, in recognition of his merits.
By this decree, you are commanded to return to the capital at once. We wish to welcome you in person, to discuss state affairs, reward your accomplishments, and plan for greater endeavors. May your journey be smooth, and may you return swiftly to the capital.
So it is decreed!"
Xiao Youcheng solemnly lifted the bright yellow imperial edict and handed it to Xiao Zheng with both hands. "Congratulations, General Xiao!"
Xiao Zheng stood tall as a pine tree, clasping his fists in salute. "Thank you, Your Highness Prince Kang! This humble general will remember your kindness!"
"You flatter me, General Xiao."
Prince Kang, draped in a violet robe, exuded an air of noble elegance, dignified yet restrained. He was the dream match for countless young ladies in the capital—who could have imagined that a woman would rather ruin her own reputation than marry him?
Prince Kang raised his hand slightly in a gesture of modesty, his voice warm. "General Xiao, you are too humble. Your repeated achievements speak for themselves. When the Tatar Fourth Prince is escorted to the capital, His Majesty will surely be overjoyed and reward you handsomely."
Their eyes met, and an unspoken understanding passed between them.
Xiao Zheng’s gaze flickered briefly behind Prince Kang, dimming for a moment before hardening with resolve.
Ever since Lu Chao had sent over a dozen jars of medicinal ointment to her residence, there had been no further word from him. Of course—now that the entire city of Shuozhou knew of her tarnished reputation, how could he not mind? Associating with someone like her would only drag his own name through the mud. Hadn’t she expected this? At the thought, Xiao Zheng let out a self-deprecating chuckle.
Meanwhile, inside his tent, Lu Chao was diligently writing something, wincing in pain whenever he shifted after sitting too long. He stretched briefly before bending over the desk again.
Liu Yao sighed, resigned to grinding ink for him.
The sun rose and set, casting shifting shadows on the windowsill. Lu Chao remained in his room for days, not stopping until the final stroke of his writing was complete. Only then did he set down his brush in satisfaction.
Yuxi County
Lord Lu strode briskly toward the rear courtyard, his face free of the gloom that had lingered for days.
"My lady!"
Lady Lu was poring over account books, an abacus in hand. Startled by Lord Lu’s voice, she looked up.
"My lord, weren’t you in the front courtyard? Why have you returned?"
Lord Lu laughed heartily, dismissing the servants before excitedly addressing his wife.
"The official bulletin has arrived—the northwest has achieved a great victory! Prince Kang will soon return to the capital!"
Lady Lu shot to her feet, overjoyed. "Then Chao’er will be coming home soon! Praise the heavens! Finally, some good news!"
Just after the New Year, she had watched helplessly as Lu Chao was abruptly taken away by Prince Kang. Then, after the Lantern Festival, she received a letter from her elder brother, Master Song.
Just as Lu Chao had predicted, her sister-in-law had arranged a marriage for their eldest daughter—to the younger brother of Consort Shu. With the Fourth Prince appointed as regent, Consort Shu’s family had become highly sought-after.
Madam Song had gone to great lengths to secure this match, pulling strings and calling in favors to place this crucial piece in the intricate game of power. Left with no choice, Master Song could only grit his teeth and accept the situation. In his letter, he apologized to Lady Lu, promising to continue treating Lu Yuanzhao as his own son—but with his daughter now betrothed, it was no longer appropriate for Lu Yuanzhao to remain in the Song household.
Lady Lu had been torn between worrying about her eldest son’s imperial exams in March and fearing for her third son’s life. Nightmares plagued her—visions of Lu Yuanzhao cast out onto the streets or Lu Chao covered in blood, crying out for her.
To ease her mind, Lu Yuanyi volunteered to go to the capital to care for Lu Yuanzhao, traveling there with a merchant caravan.
Yet barely half a month later, news arrived that Master Song and Madam Song had collapsed in shock upon hearing of the Fourth Prince’s sudden death. Fortunately, Lu Chao had purchased a residence in the capital. Lu Yuanyi, upon arriving, summoned physicians and managed affairs at the Song household, allowing Lu Yuanzhao to study undisturbed in the new house.
Lady Lu had never ceased burning incense before the Buddha, and now, at last, she had received good news.
Lord Lu stared fervently at the incense burner before the statue, his heart pounding.
The political landscape had become clear—the Second Prince and Fourth Prince had both been eliminated, while Prince Kang, who had once requested a fiefdom, now stood as the undeniable heir apparent.
Given Lu Chao’s close ties to Prince Kang, the Lu family was on the rise!
"My lady," Lord Lu turned slightly toward his wife, his voice brimming with excitement yet tinged with emotion.
"Chao’er has followed Prince Kang through thick and thin. For him to return safely and unharmed is nothing short of a miracle. I believe his late mother’s spirit must have watched over him. Since he’s always been filial, I think we should renovate her grave—to honor her memory and bring peace to her soul. What do you think?"
Lady Lu forced a smile and nodded.
"As you wish, my lord. I’ll have the steward arrange it."
Lord Lu laughed heartily. His eldest son had been intelligent and steady since childhood, and this year’s imperial examinations held great promise for his success. The second son managed affairs with meticulous order, while the third, though frail in health, had earned merit by following the Kang Prince. What was even more rare was the deep bond of brotherhood among them. If they could continue to stand by and support one another, the Lu family would undoubtedly rise to greatness. Their ancestors in the afterlife would surely be overjoyed!
"Lady Lu, you have raised our sons with such wisdom—truly a woman of virtue and capability. With a wife like you, what more could a man ask for?"
