Chapter 3: Returning Home

"It is indeed the grandson of Marshal Gu, at first glance, he exudes the style of the Gu family army from back in the day!"

Unfortunately, in the Battle of Jince eight years ago, the entire Gu family perished heroically for the country, except for this grandson, none of the other descendants were left.

It is truly a pity.

This tone made the Crown Prince glance at Prime Minister Guo, then he spoke gently.

"If Marshal Gu were still alive, he would surely be pleased with General Shang's achievements today."

"Yes, Your Highness!"

As the two finished speaking, the surrounding ministers also began to praise, while General Wei, standing nearby, snorted disdainfully and paid no attention to it.

However, it was the time of General Shang's triumphant return, so he was not foolish enough to seek trouble at this time.

The army arrived at the city gate tower.

General Shang dismounted from his horse, followed by the twelve vice-generals, who all knelt in unison and shouted loudly.

"We pay our respects to the Crown Prince!"

"You have all worked hard, please rise quickly!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

The wind and sand of Zhezhou added a touch of desolation to the crowd, but their eyes showed even more determination than before.

The Crown Prince was greatly pleased to see this, and he stepped forward and said.

"General Shang, His Majesty has prepared a celebration feast in the palace, waiting to congratulate you. Please come with me!"

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"

Then he ordered the people behind him.

"The twelve vice-generals will disarm and accompany me into the palace, while the rest of the soldiers will camp ten miles back and must not act without authorization."

"Yes!"

He had been in the military since the age of fifteen, and although he was the young lord of the Duke's mansion, he was also a fierce marshal admired by all the soldiers.

Therefore, his orders were unquestionably obeyed.

As they made their way from the city gate to the palace gate, the people lined the streets to welcome them.

Instead of riding in the royal carriage, the Crown Prince chose to ride alongside General Shang.

As they watched the people's jubilation and the countless handkerchiefs and sachets flying around, the Crown Prince couldn't help but jest.

"It seems that the charm of the Sixth Young Master is truly extraordinary. These young ladies are so enthusiastic, even though they know you already have a wife. It seems that before long, the Duke's mansion will have another celebration."

General Shang replied nonchalantly.

"It seems that the rumors of my wife's death are not widespread enough, otherwise, there wouldn't be such a scene today. Please forgive me for the embarrassment, Your Highness."

The Crown Prince fell silent.

"How could you say that about yourself? Are you really concerned about those rumors and gossip? Are you afraid of them, even with a sword and spear at your side?"

General Shang did not want to be entangled in private matters and remained silent.

As they continued northward, the Crown Prince talked incessantly, while General Shang remained calm.

If one didn't know any better, they might think that the Crown Prince owed him a gambling debt, given his demeanor.

After General Shang and the twelve vice-generals entered the palace, the festive atmosphere among the people dissipated.

The palace banquet was a lively affair, with cups and dishes being passed around.

Unfortunately, while the palace was bustling, the Duke's mansion was rather quiet at the moment.

Especially the Xitang Courtyard in the eastern part of the city.

When Du Jingyi returned from Yunjin Courtyard, she looked a bit weary.

Regardless, she was still the young lady of the Duke's mansion, the wife of General Shang, married with the proper ceremonies and rituals.

The Duke and Duchess of the Duke's mansion had been summoned to the palace, leaving her with only a message saying, "I'm afraid you can't handle the royal banquet due to your frail health."

It was truly a case of using people when they were needed and discarding them when they were not.

After today, everyone in Suian City would probably know that the young lady of the Duke's mansion was a laughingstock.

In the days to come, she would likely have a difficult time in the mansion. She wasn't afraid, as her dowry was ample enough to support another Xitang Courtyard.

But if this humiliation reached her parents' ears, she didn't know how they would feel.

As the sky gradually darkened, the lights in the mansion were lit one by one.

Cherry brought the meal, but Du Jingyi didn't take a few bites.

She knew her lady was feeling down, but she didn't know how to comfort her.

Du Jingyi noticed her concern and smiled faintly.

"I had some pear earlier this afternoon, so I'm not hungry."

Then she lowered her eyes, making it difficult to discern her emotions.

"Prepare the bathwater, I want to bathe."

"Yes."

When Du Jingyi was feeling down, she liked to quietly bathe for a while, as if she could wash away all her troubles.

After soaking for a while, she felt refreshed and got up.

After drying off, she lay on the nearby couch, letting the two maidservants apply the moisturizing lotion.

This was a normal routine for Du Jingyi.

But today, she spent a little more time than usual.

So when General Shang returned from the palace banquet, he didn't see anyone in the main room, but he heard some faint sounds coming from the adjacent room.

Having been trained in the military for many years, his hearing was exceptional, and he could tell that someone was bathing and grooming.

The alcohol had gone to his head a bit, so he frowned and asked the people behind him.

"Who is bathing and grooming here?"

The two people following him were the steward He and the maid Dou.

When they saw him, they were both excited and didn't expect his first question to be this.

So Dou stepped forward respectfully and said.

"Xiao Gongye... Oh, I mean, General, it seems like you're drunk. Besides the young lady, is there anyone else who can bathe and wash up in this room?"

After hearing her words, Shang Ji finally reacted.

He was a married man.

Indeed, after staying in the military camp for a long time, he had forgotten that he also had a family.

"Well, go and bring two bowls of sobering soup. This royal wine has given me a terrible headache."

"Alright, I'll go do that."

The armor on his body felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, making him uncomfortable. Luo Yuan, his personal attendant who helped him into the main room, immediately spoke up.

"General, let me help you take off your helmet."

"Mm."

His heavy breath mixed with the smell of alcohol quickly filled the entire room.

After taking off his armor, Shang Ji revealed a narrow-sleeved, moon-white satin round-necked shirt embroidered with dark cloud patterns. He wore a pair of black satin boots and a black and gold embroidered belt around his waist.

The whole outfit made him look imposing.

The usually serious and steady General Shang, at this moment, exuded a sense of relaxation and ease throughout his body.

Perhaps it was because he had returned to his familiar place, so he seemed completely at ease.

He casually picked up a celadon cup from the table and quickly poured himself a cup of tea to sober up.