Before the towering palace gates, the vermilion doors stood wide open.
The Emperor, clad in imperial dragon robes, led his civil and military officials in personally welcoming Prince Kang and the triumphant army returning from victory.
Prince Kang and his men swiftly dismounted and strode forward, their movements precise and unified as the soldiers behind them followed suit.
Approaching the high platform, Prince Kang lifted the hem of his robe, knelt, and kowtowed before declaring in a clear voice: "Your Majesty, this humble son was entrusted with the campaign and, by Your Majesty's boundless fortune and divine protection—alongside the valiant assistance of General Xiao and other fierce commanders—we have crushed the enemy forces. Now, the borders are restored to peace. I lead these warriors back to court to deliver this joyous news. May the Great Yuan dynasty stand eternal, prosperous and flourishing!"
The soldiers behind him roared in unison: "May the dynasty stand eternal! Prosperous and flourishing!"
The Emperor's face brimmed with satisfaction. He clapped his hands heartily and threw his head back in laughter.
"Hahaha! Excellent, excellent! My son has indeed proven himself a hero, living up to Our expectations! The loyalty and courage of these warriors are clear to Us. This campaign, fought with blood and sacrifice, was for the stability and prosperity of Our realm, and We are deeply gratified. Henceforth, We shall ensure that such bravery is rewarded—honor and prosperity shall be yours, and your families shall want for nothing. For now, enter the palace! A grand feast awaits to celebrate your triumphant return!"
With that, the Emperor personally reached out to help Prince Kang rise, then gestured for the other soldiers to stand as well.
As they proceeded toward the palace, the civil and military officials cast subtle glances toward Xiao Zheng. Yet she remained composed, her gaze fixed ahead as if oblivious to the undercurrents, following closely behind Prince Kang into the grand hall.
Amidst the clinking of cups and lively toasts, the revelry unfolded. The Emperor, advanced in years, offered two ceremonial drinks before retiring, leaving the vast hall divided—civil officials recited poetry, while military men played drinking games. Only Xiao Zheng sat alone, occasionally sipping from her cup, content in her solitude.
"General Xiao, let me toast you."
Prince Kang smiled. "Rarely do I meet someone who earns my genuine admiration, but you are undoubtedly one of them. We shall have many dealings in the future—I hope you won’t find my company tiresome."
Xiao Zheng knew Prince Kang was honoring her and dared not presume.
"Your Highness flatters me. This humble general is undeserving of such grace—how could I ever disdain Your Highness’s company?"
Commander Yuan, observing their camaraderie, stepped forward jovially.
"Your Highness, General Xiao, how could you leave me out of your toast? Hahaha! General Xiao, I raise my cup to you! When time permits, I hope you might grace my barracks with your presence—my dull-witted officers could learn much from your strategies and battlefield wisdom!"
A seasoned warrior who had spent his life on the battlefield, Commander Yuan cared little for formalities. Having witnessed Xiao Zheng’s decisive command and tactical brilliance firsthand, he was thoroughly impressed—and privately mused over possibilities.
If only she weren’t a woman—such a prodigious talent shouldn’t be missed. His own nephews, young and ambitious, could achieve greatness under her tutelage.
"Commander Yuan praises me too highly. My meager skills pale before yours—to boast in your presence would be laughable."
Xiao Zheng inclined her head humbly, though her eyes held sincerity.
"Who could forget your legendary feat—leading eight hundred cavalry to crush a bandit stronghold of five thousand? Such heroism remains an inspiration to us all."
She clasped her fists in salute, posture upright, radiating respect.
Commander Yuan stroked his beard, laughing heartily—yet inwardly sighed. Poised, modest, and strikingly handsome… if only she were a man! The noble ladies of the capital would be clamoring for her hand.
Others noted Prince Kang’s open admiration for the female general, exchanging meaningful glances. In the ever-shifting tides of court politics, favor from the powerful was an invisible currency.
Sure enough, opportunistic officials soon approached Xiao Zheng, cups in hand and smiles plastered on their faces.
As Xiao Youcheng gracefully navigated the ministers’ pleasantries, a palace eunuch slipped into the hall, whispering to Prince Kang behind a discreetly raised sleeve.
"Your Highness, the Emperor summons you!"
Recognizing the Emperor’s personal attendant, Xiao Youcheng gave a subtle nod, excused himself with a bow, and departed.
No sooner had Prince Kang left than a group of conservative officials began muttering disdainfully.
"Women should adhere to virtue, confined to their chambers—how disgraceful for one to flaunt herself in military and court affairs! Never in our dynasty’s history has a woman held such a role. Even if she stumbled into some minor victory, it was mere luck—how can she compare to men? This will unravel the very fabric of our nation!"
The man wagged his head, spewing sanctimonious drivel as if Xiao Zheng’s existence defied the natural order.
His equally rigid colleagues nodded vigorously, murmuring among themselves.
"Exactly! A woman among soldiers—unnatural! Just sharing quarters with men taints propriety."
"I heard she led a night raid alone—what woman would do such a thing? It’s heresy!"
"Worse! Rumor says she shared intimate contact with the enemy’s fourth prince—even poisoned him! If I were her, I’d have hanged myself in shame!"
Though hushed, their words carried, drawing sidelong looks. Some officials weighed the moment; others frowned pensively—the hall’s atmosphere grew palpably tense.
Commander Yuan and others watched Xiao Zheng’s reaction.
She took a slow sip of wine, then fixed the critics with an unflinching stare.
"Your arguments hold merit, gentlemen. I merely stumbled into victory. But if you’re so valiant, why did your esteemed selves endorse the treaty ceding Shuozhou? Why didn’t you volunteer for the front lines? Such glorious achievements should’ve been yours!"
"Oh! I see now! Perhaps you esteemed officials are talents unrecognized, with no path to serve the nation. Worry not—next time I have an audience with the Emperor, this general will surely recommend you! I’ve heard those eastern pirates have been acting rather boldly lately. Why don’t you gentlemen step in and show us what you’re made of?"
Xiao Zheng’s sarcastic remarks left the officials red-faced with fury, one of them pointing at him indignantly. "Such a sharp tongue! Truly, women and petty men are the hardest to tolerate!"
Commander Yuan tilted his chin up slightly, speaking first with undisguised scorn. "Who knew Lord Han harbored such lofty ambitions? This humble general will certainly recommend you to the Emperor at the next opportunity!"
When it came to elaborate formalities, these rough soldiers were indeed ill-equipped to defend Xiao Zheng. But the word "luck" was like a knife to the hearts of every warrior who had shed blood in battle!
Which of these military men had not risked life and limb on the battlefield, charging headlong into enemy blades, carving out their illustrious merits with flesh and blood? Every scar on their bodies, every drop of blood spilled, stood as testament to their sacrifice for the nation. And now, to hear their achievements dismissed as mere "luck" behind their backs—it was nothing short of absurd!
