The palace maids serving below dared not make a sound. The palace was full of spies, and those who served best kept their eyes, ears, and mouths shut to live long.
A senior maid beside the Empress approached and whispered a few words to her. Her previously gloomy expression suddenly brightened. Looking outside, she felt the sky had cleared and her mood had lifted.
Outside the city, the army had made camp. They had set off with high spirits, and returned weary.
The Ninth Prince, along with General Su and Xiao Muqian, led over ten deputy generals and commanders who had distinguished themselves in the Liangzhou campaign, into the palace.
Within the palace halls, the court officials were already waiting.
Emperor Qi, seated on the throne, watched the Ninth Prince stride in. For a moment, he seemed to mistake him for Prince Ding, Xiao Tingyi.
After the Southern Yue campaign, he had been gravely wounded and poisoned. How could he possibly walk in so healthy and robust?
Yet, for some reason, he saw a shadow of Xiao Muqian in him.
The affection he held for this son gradually turned into fear, then dislike, and even wariness.
He worried that one day, due to his outstanding military achievements, his son might become a formidable rival on his path to imperial power.
However, on his face, he maintained an appearance of great satisfaction.
"Your humble subject greets Father Emperor. I have finally fulfilled my mission, driving the Northern Di out of the northwest and saving Liangzhou."
His words were righteous and impassioned, even drowning out the voices of General Su and Xiao Muqian, who were kneeling behind him to offer their greetings.
"Good, good. My son is indeed the God of War of Great Jin. You have deeply comforted me."
The Emperor's words carried little discernible emotion, but the Duke of Wei frowned, which was unusual.
He had served in court for many years and had known the Emperor since childhood. He could still discern a hint of his true feelings.
There was no surprise as he had expected, but rather a hint of scrutiny and apprehension.
This was not good news.
He subtly signaled towards the Ninth Prince. The Ninth Prince immediately produced the tiger tally and raised it high above his head.
"Now that the army has returned victorious, I request Father Emperor to take back the tiger tally."
Seeing his respectful demeanor, Emperor Qi's face finally showed a genuine smile.
He gestured to Eunuch Wang, who understood and immediately retrieved the tiger tally.
Only when the tiger tally was in Eunuch Wang's hand did Emperor Qi's heart finally relax. He then said,
"Rise quickly. You have worked hard on this journey. General Su and General Xiao are also fortunate generals of Great Jin. With your efforts, Liangzhou has achieved such a great victory!"
"Your Majesty flatters us. This is merely our duty as subjects!"
The two men were never ones for ostentatious personalities. Their low-key humility pleased Emperor Qi considerably.
"The Ninth Prince, at such a young age, has shouldered such a heavy responsibility, not only rushing to Liangzhou for aid but also achieving such merit, attracting the surrounding populace to surrender. This is truly a great deed. Let my decree be known: the Ninth Prince is hereby promoted to Prince Li, and bestowed with ten thousand taels of gold and ten thousand mu of fertile land."
In a single stroke, the Ninth Prince became the second prince of the current dynasty, his status on par with Prince Ke, who had been recently elevated.
Prince Ke had anticipated the Ninth Prince's enfeoffment upon his return, so he was prepared and his expression was pleasant.
He appeared genuinely congratulatory, sparing himself the mockery of the court officials.
Xiao Muqian and General Su, standing behind the Ninth Prince, remained kneeling with honest expressions, as did the many soldiers behind them who dared not even lift their heads.
A few, unable to contain themselves, showed bulging veins on their hands, their anger palpable.
He had done nothing, yet he reaped the highest honors and praise.
The bones of the fallen below had piled up into mountains, yet at this moment, they served as stepping stones for another.
A general's success is built upon the bones of ten thousand soldiers. But the problem was, this general was hundreds of miles away, a general who had contributed nothing. Therefore, no one truly accepted his so-called princely status.
The Duke of Wei glanced at the soldiers kneeling on the ground. Where were the people he had arranged to be there?
It was not appropriate to ask now, so he could only wait to discuss it later.
After enfeoffing the Ninth Prince, Emperor Qi naturally did not forget the soldiers behind him.
He then said, "General Su and General Xiao have worked hard on this journey. Let my decree be known: all are promoted by one rank. The meritorious officials in this army will also be promoted accordingly!"
"Long live His Majesty, long live, long live!"
The kowtows at this moment were sincere for everyone.
They had poured all their sweat and hardship, their wounds and their shadows, to earn this honor today.
To receive such accolades while defending the nation was a worthy compensation for their sacrifices!
"The victory banquet will be held this evening. I shall personally reward the three armies."
"Thank you, Father Emperor!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Once again, the cry of "Long live His Majesty" echoed, this time joined by all the officials. Emperor Qi, seated on his dragon throne, felt his imperial heart greatly satisfied by the adulation from the court below.
He looked at the Ninth Prince, now enfeoffed as Prince Li, with a smile, his eyes narrowing slightly, revealing a glint that others could not comprehend.
Preparations for the victory banquet had begun as soon as the report of the great victory arrived. Therefore, even though it was scheduled for tonight, it did not feel rushed.
Noble Consort Wei had been dejected for some time due to the arranged marriage, hiding in the Hanzhang Hall and refusing to appear.
Thus, the responsibility for the victory banquet fell upon the Empress, Consort Liu Xian, and Consort Shu, who jointly managed the arrangements.
It had to be dignified but not overly extravagant. Fortunately, both the Empress and Consort Liu Xian were known for their frugality, thus maintaining the imperial dignity without depleting the national treasury.
Ministers from various families, as well as young lords and ladies, were invited to the palace to celebrate this joyous occasion.
Feng Jinxu was among them. However, just as he stepped out the door, a servant from his household rushed to report an emergency: the eldest mistress had suddenly developed abdominal pain.
The usually composed Feng Jinxu's face turned pale with fright.
He immediately ordered the carriage to turn back and sent word to the palace to request leave.
With so many people present today, his absence would not be significant. However, he worried about being targeted by those with ulterior motives.
In the main chamber of the Feng family's eldest branch.
Madam Wen was enduring the suffering of her second childbirth. Waves of pain made her unable to exert any strength. The midwife, who had been prepared, observed the situation and declared that it was still early, and the birth would likely not happen until tomorrow.
Upon hearing this, Feng Jinxu became anxious. Wouldn't that mean she would suffer through the entire night? How would Madam Wen have the strength then?
He was about to go find Divine Physician Zhang, but was stopped by Madam Feng.
"Don't rush. It's common for women to take a long time during childbirth. Didn't Divine Physician Zhang examine her yesterday? There's no major issue. It would be useless to ask him to come now. Let's wait a bit longer."