As they descended from the city wall, the last contingent of soldiers had also entered.
Feng Yinwan, walking beside General Feng, looked up and saw a long procession waiting to enter the city behind the troops. Unlike the soldiers outside the gate earlier, this group was dressed in black, unarmored and unarmed, yet their demeanor was more solemn than any of the previous arrivals.
Feng Yinwan paused briefly, then saw them slowly approach, led by several familiar faces. This was Ye Tinglan's retinue.
The opposing party had clearly spotted them as well. They paused slightly as they passed, offering a nod. Feng Yinwan then saw clearly that what the procession escorted was none other than a black coffin.
The procession moved forward in silence. She remained frozen in place, watching as Qi Xuan dropped back a step and approached her, offering a salute.
"That is..."
Her gaze followed the direction the others had gone, and she couldn't help but ask.
Qi Xuan's expression faltered slightly upon hearing her question. He lowered his head and replied, "During the battle at Luoyuan, General Li sacrificed himself for the country. His Highness has ordered his remains to be transported back to the capital."
"It's Li Chengyan?!"
Feng Yinwan was momentarily speechless. Ever since he had made indecent advances towards Yuping at the military camp, she had found him to be rather frivolous. This rigid impression had almost made her forget that he was also a general who had fought on the front lines for the nation and its people.
This was war, after all. How could war not claim lives?
Here in the capital, they had only heard of the Yue Kingdom's aggressive advance, even breaching their defenses. They were unaware of the bloody battles fought by these soldiers on the front lines, of how they had sacrificed themselves to hold back the enemy.
Even Li Chengyan had fallen. What price had Ye Tinglan paid to annihilate them in one fell swoop? She dared not imagine.
Qi Xuan withdrew after completing his salute. Beside her, General Feng and Feng Jingyuan were silently observing her.
Meeting their gazes, Feng Yinwan's heart stirred, and a trace of the heaviness on her face receded. She then curled her lips into a faint smile and said, "Father, Brother, let us return home."
The General's mansion had been unsealed yesterday. Although the Emperor had used them as bait to lure Ye Tinglan, the mansion had indeed been thoroughly cleaned.
When they returned, Yuping was already waiting at the residence. Seeing them, she immediately rushed out to greet them.
"Miss, Master, Young Master!"
Having not seen them for some time, Feng Yinwan felt a surge of joy upon hearing Yuping's voice. She reached out and clasped Yuping's hand, but the news of Li Chengyan's demise from moments ago briefly clouded her expression.
Yuping, mistaking her emotion for the sentiment of returning home, happily linked arms with Feng Yinwan and led her inside. The servants of the Feng family had been exiled when their estate was seized. Though it had been restored, only a few remained to serve.
As they reached the front hall, a figure in purple lounged lazily, emerging to greet them. Feng Yinwan paused, and Feng Wuxi spoke first, his voice preceding her reaction.
"Such a grand mansion, and not a cup of tea in sight. I must say, your hospitality is truly lacking."
While Feng Yinwan was still taken aback, Yuping stuck out her tongue and whispered in her ear, "I was just about to tell you about this."
Feng Wuxi clearly overheard this, glancing at Yuping with displeasure. "What are you saying? Did I speak incorrectly?"
Yuping pursed her lips and performed a respectful curtsy to him. "You spoke no wrong, Master. The fault lies with this servant. My water did not boil fast enough, thus delaying Wind Pavilion Master's tea."
This tone made Feng Wuxi raise an eyebrow. He scoffed, "I see. You little servant are indirectly complaining about me."
Yuping shook her head, her small face taut. "Pavilion Master Feng is mistaken. You are a man of few words and possess formidable methods. This servant would not dare."
"Heh, truly a servant reflects their master!"
"You flatter me~"
The previously silent residence became lively with their banter. Feng Yinwan chuckled, then looked at Feng Wuxi and said, "Let's talk inside."