Chapter 570: Wei Shaokuan Returns to Chang'an

Mid‑April.

Early morning.

A faint fish‑belly white spreads across the eastern horizon, and a thin mist like gauze blankets the Wilderness, carrying a hint of cool moisture.

It drifts over the newly sprouted tender grass by the road, dampening the fresh buds on the branches.

On the official road ten li northeast of Chang'an, a convoy moves slowly; ten ebony horse‑drawn wagons are linked head to tail, their wheels rolling over the Shiban road, emitting a steady clatter that breaks the morning's silence.

On both sides of the wagons, dozens of Private Soldiers in sturdy armor stand tall as pines, their steps perfectly synchronized.

Their waist‑sheathed blades flash coldly, eyes sharp as hawks, scanning the surroundings vigilantly, guarding the convoy tightly.

They are all longtime confidants of their master, agile and composed.

Every move exudes a soldier's competence and lethal resolve, clearly elite veterans of battlefield grind.

The foremost wagon is especially luxurious, its ebony body carved with intricate cloud patterns, its corners inlaid with warm jade.

The Cheli hangs low, shielding the interior; only a faint warm glow seeps through the gaps.

Arriving at a high slope, the wagon slows to a stop, the Cheli is lifted by a hand with distinct knuckles, and a tall figure steps out.

The person is Wei Shaokuan, over forty years old, broad‑shouldered and towering, his frame upright as a peak.

Though clad in a dark Brothel and without armor, his martial bearing is unmistakable, his gestures bearing the steady, fierce poise of a veteran of war.

His face is resolute, brows and eyes deep; fine lines at the corners only add the gravitas of age.

His gaze turns distant, the deep eyes swirling with mixed emotions—homesick melancholy and reminiscence of the past.

Faintly concealed is a barely perceptible discontent, as if years of circumstances have left him unwilling.

Wei Shaokuan stands on the slope, facing the cool morning breeze, his eyes scanning the faint outline of a city ahead.

That is his long‑absent hometown—Chang'an.

He watches silently for a long while, his Adam's apple trembling, then murmurs softly, his voice hoarse with emotion: "Without realizing it, it's been almost twenty years since I last returned to Chang'an..."

As the words fade, a gentle footstep sounds behind him; a slender figure steps down from the wagon—it is his only daughter, Wei Yingxue.

Yingxue is sixteen, lithe and delicate, wearing a light pink ru‑skirt.

The hem is embroidered with tiny peach blossoms that flutter in the wind, highlighting skin whiter than snow, her features picture‑perfect.

Her face is charming, brows gentle, almond eyes clear and lively, exuding a maiden's pure innocence and meekness; her gaze toward the distance is full of curiosity, she steps lightly beside Wei Shaokuan, voice soft as silk: "I've never been to Chang'an before…"

She then looks toward the vague city outline, eyes brimming with anticipation, tilts her head slightly, and asks gently: "Father, what is Chang'an really like?"

"How does it compare to Yubi?"

Wei Yingxue was born in Yubi, a frontier outpost with barren soil and desolate towns, never having seen any proper prosperity.

Wei Shaokuan hears this, slowly turns to his daughter, the complex emotion in his eyes fading, replaced by indulgent affection, his tone softening.

Recalling his years stationed at Yubi, that desolate land, his brows knit slightly, a clear disdain flashing on his face, he says with contempt: "Yingxue, Chang'an is far more prosperous than that wretched Yubi—thousands, even tens of thousands of times more!"

He pauses, as if recalling Chang'an's sights, his voice proud: "Chang'an is the capital of Great Zhou, its walls towering, streets broad, shops abundant, traffic bustling, daily a roar of voices—truly lively!"

"Street sides host all kinds of snack stalls, taverns and tea houses everywhere, plus a dazzling array of jewels, silks and brocades—far superior to Yubi's remote poverty. Once you arrive, you'll see, it won't disappoint you!"

Wei Yingxue's eyes brighten instantly, full of longing, a sweet smile blooming on her lips, her voice hopeful as she says softly: "I've heard Chang'an is the foremost land of Great Zhou…"

Her knowledge of Chang'an comes solely from books.

It is her father's hometown, with many delicious foods and amusements…

Wei Shaokuan nods slowly, his gaze returning to Chang'an's direction, drawing a deep breath as the morning wind blows, carrying a hint of his hometown's unique scent, brushing his cheek, warmth spreading gradually.

He closes his eyes, savoring the long‑missed breeze as if inhaling his hometown's aura, then opens them slowly, voice full of emotion: "Indeed, all the world's splendor gathers here…"

"Even this oncoming wind surpasses Yubi's by an unknown measure; Yubi's wind is full of sand and bleakness, never this refreshing and pleasant!"

Wei Yingxue stands quietly beside her father, nodding gently, feeling the wind's warmth, her yearning for Chang'an growing stronger.

She seems to recall something, looks up at Wei Shaokuan, a hint of doubt in her eyes, and asks softly: "Father, on this trip to Chang'an, will we stay only a few days or for a long time?"

Though she longs for Chang'an, she worries the stay may be brief, eventually returning to barren Yubi.

Wei Shaokuan lowers his head, seeing the doubt and hope in his daughter's eyes, a gentle smile appearing, he lightly rubs her crown and replies firmly: "Yingxue, once we return to Chang'an, we won't leave again…"

"Really?!" Wei Yingxue exclaims, eyes brimming with surprise, her voice higher than usual, face full of disbelief, she quickly asks again, fearing she misheard.

Wei Shaokuan nods heavily, seriousness in his eyes, saying gravely: "Of course it's true; when have I ever deceived you?"

He then straightens his back, hands clasped behind him, looks toward Chang'an, his voice ringing: "From now on we will settle in Chang'an, never returning to Yubi again…"

"After we enter the city, Father will first take you back to the Wei residence to meet Grand Preceptor and the others!"

These years on the frontier have borne far too much…

Now finally given a chance to return home, his heart full of emotion and hope, yearning only to let his daughter enjoy a stable, prosperous life in Chang'an, repaying years of debt.

Wei Yingxue hears this, excitement flashing in her eyes, nodding repeatedly, her voice bubbling with joy: "That's wonderful!"

Wei Shaokuan stands on the slope, gazing toward Chang'an, his thoughts drifting farther.

Suddenly, a thought flashes, the melancholy and discontent in his eyes largely fading.

In its place comes a measure of relief and gratitude.

He recalls Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu, who finally recognized his years of merit and toil at Yubi, and did not keep him bound to that god‑forsaken wasteland.

Not only did he grant the chance to return to Chang'an for a post, but also specially arranged an impeccable marriage for his beloved daughter Yingxue…

He keeps this gratitude in his heart.

Wei Shaokuan hums lightly, his tone mixing some displeasure over past circumstances with gratitude toward Yuwen Hu, and slowly says: "This Yuwen Hu has far more conscience than that Yuwen Xin fellow!"

"He even arranged such a fine marriage for you, finally not betraying a father's years of restraint and effort!"

When these words leave his mouth, Wei Yingxue's complexion changes sharply, pupils narrowing slightly; she quickly reaches to tug his sleeve, eyes full of tension and worry, fearing the remarks might be overheard and bring trouble, and urgently whispers: "Father, watch your words!"

"How can one utter the personal names of the Taizu and Grand Preceptor!"

Wei Yingxue truly fears her father, lest he bring disaster upon himself…

Especially, her words contain a hint of disrespect; if a schemer hears them, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Wei Shaokuan was unfazed, raised his hand and waved it, his face full of composure, and said calmly, "No problem, no problem!"

"This place is in the Wilderness; besides our people there isn't even a ghost's shadow, no outsiders either. What harm is there in saying a few words?"

Having said that, he exhaled a puff of foul air, the oppressive feeling in his chest eased considerably; when he mentioned the Grand Preceptor, his tone showed obvious respect and gratitude, "Moreover, the Grand Preceptor is broad‑minded, always tolerant, and even if he did hear it, he would not be so petty."

Wei Yingxue lightly nodded, said no more, but her gaze still held a hint of caution; she quietly scanned the surroundings, and after confirming no one was there, she relaxed a little.

As if suddenly recalling the marriage matter her father had mentioned, Wei Yingxue's cheeks flushed slightly, she bit her red lips, her eyes showing curiosity and shyness, and asked softly, "Father, what kind of person is the Grand Preceptor's chosen husband for his daughter?"

Wei Shaokuan heard the words and immediately lifted his head and straightened his chest, his eyes full of admiration and pride.

In his mind the face he had once seen in a portrait floated up…

Young and heroic, with sharp brows and eyes, exuding a calm yet fierce aura, bearing a seventy‑plus percent resemblance to the old leader.

His tone was confident, and he praised, "He is a once‑in‑a‑generation literary and martial talent of Great Zhou; looking across all of Chang'an, even the whole world, few can match him."

After a pause, he lavishly praised without holding back, his voice full of admiration, "The lad is overflowing with talent, bearing the name Poet Immortal."

"Not only that, he is a capable commander, his martial arts are superb, and his skill in leading troops into battle is even more impressive…"

"He quelled the rebellion in Qinzhou, suppressed bandits in Jingzhou, pacified Hezhou, pursued relentlessly, stormed the Tu‑gu‑hun royal court, forced Tu‑gu‑hun to send envoys for peace and sign the treaty beneath the city—truly without a single defeat, his war merits are illustrious!"

"A while ago, he was ordered to go to Shuozhou to receive the Lu clan from Fanyang relocating to Chang'an; on the way he also incidentally stirred up a great chaos in the northern border of Qi State!"

Wei Shaokuan recounted Chen Yan's deeds as if enumerating family treasures.

His words were full of praise, extremely satisfied with this future son‑in‑law.

The lad is by no means inferior to his grandfather.

He even surpasses his predecessor!

Wei Yingxue listened quietly, her eyes full of astonishment and admiration, her beautiful eyes widening slightly, never expecting her betrothed to be such a formidable figure.

The nervousness in her heart gradually faded, replaced by a touch of shyness and anticipation.

She blinked, with a hint of playfulness and curiosity, and asked softly, "And how does Father compare?"

Wei Shaokuan heard the words and burst into hearty laughter, his laugh bright and full of bold confidence, "Hahaha! The lad is young and accomplished, his abilities are indeed great, but if we truly compare strengths, only a match can reveal it!"

"However, as an elder father, I no longer possess the bravery of my youth; this world is ultimately the realm of the young!"

"Chen Yan, that lad, has limitless prospects; his future achievements will likely far surpass mine!"

Having said that, he shifted his tone, his gaze falling on his daughter's delicate face, eyes full of indulgence, his voice teasing and satisfied, "But setting all that aside, the lad is handsome and upright, towering, steady in temperament, and his appearance is proper—truly worthy of my Yingxue's flower‑like beauty!"

Wei Yingxue heard this, her cheeks turning even more crimson, shyly lowering her head, her fingertips gently twisting the hem of her skirt, her inner anticipation growing stronger.

But she immediately thought of the great families within Chang'an, whose noble ladies are all well‑educated, proficient in qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

In contrast, she herself, having lived on the frontier for years, though she studied with her father, could never match those aristocratic women, and a few feelings of inferiority arose in her heart.

She pursed her lips, her voice gentle yet tinged with worry, and said softly, "Father, Chang'an has many great families; those noble ladies are exceptionally talented and stunningly beautiful. I have spent years in Yubi, my experience shallow; do you think Lord Chen Yan would disdain his daughter?"

Wei Shaokuan heard this and immediately set his face stern, his gaze serious, and said firmly, "He dares!"

Having said that, his gaze burned as he looked at his daughter, his tone instantly softened, full of indulgence and concern, "With me supporting you, no one may cause Yingxue any grievance!"

Wei Yingxue looked at her father's steadfast eyes, listened to his warm words, and the worry in her heart vanished instantly; a radiant smile spread across her face, her brows and eyes curved, her voice full of gratitude and reliance, and she said softly, "Thank you, Father!"

"With Father here, I fear nothing!"

Wei Shaokuan looked at his daughter's bright smile, his own face showing contentment, recalled Chen Yan's deeds and reputation in Chang'an, his tone softened a bit, and he comforted with a smile, "Yingxue, you can rest assured; though that lad holds a high position and immense power, he is not the kind of person who bullies the weak or looks down on others!"

"In Chang'an he is universally praised, an upright official, compassionate to the people, deeply loved by the populace, courteous and polite, just and discerning in affairs—a rare fine young man!"

Wei Yingxue nodded repeatedly, her eyes full of reassurance and anticipation, and replied softly, "Mm‑mm!"

The wind grew stronger, whipping up dry grass and debris on the hill, brushing against their sleeves, pulling the father and daughter's thoughts of Chang'an back a little.

At that moment, a steady, urgent footstep sounded from behind; the Private Soldiers leader under Wei Shaokuan hurried forward, his figure tall as a pine.

Reaching behind the two, he halted, clasped his fists, bowed, and in a respectful yet urgent tone reported softly, "My lord, a large force of soldiers is rushing toward us, formation orderly, appears to be the Chang'an Imperial Guard, and they are less than a hundred zhang away!"

Wei Shaokuan heard this, his brows subtly furrowed, he turned to look where the Private Soldiers leader pointed, his gaze sharp as an eagle, sweeping over the distant horizon.

Wei Yingxue's heart tightened as well; instinctively she drew back behind her father, her small hand gripping the skirt hem, a hint of wariness flashing in her eyes, and following her father's gaze she saw dust and smoke billowing in the distance.

Faintly a mass of dark silhouettes could be seen charging this way, the horse hooves thudding powerfully; even from afar one could feel the chilling, fierce aura.

Clearly the arrivals were all well‑trained elite.

In a moment the cavalry drew near, led by three riders on high‑headed horses, tall and bearing an extraordinary bearing.

Behind them followed a thousand garrison soldiers in uniform armor, the ranks orderly, their steps clanging.

Reaching the foot of the hill they all halted in unison, their movements crisp and uniform, fully displaying elite character.

The three dismounted with fluid, cloud‑like motions, each exuding heroic aura; the leading young man wore a dark Brothel, waist bound with a jade belt, ink‑black hair tied with a jade crown, his face handsome and martial, sharp and deep eyes, a calm yet fierce aura—Chen Yan himself.

Beside him stood a person in a blue sturdy armor, his features bearing a hint of nobility, expression calm and respectful—Yuwen Ze.

On the other side was a handsome, modest‑tempered young man, his brows and eyes bearing a few similarities to Wei Shaokuan, his nephew Wei Heqing.

The three quickened their steps forward, stopped a few paces before Wei Shaokuan, all clasped fists and bowed, their posture supremely respectful.

Chen Yan spoke first, loudly declaring, "Junior Chen Yan, by the Grand Preceptor's order, comes to welcome Lord Wei's return to Chang'an!"