Chapter 201: Return to Wangjiang Cheng

Jiang Xiaomu rubbed his aching temples, feeling utterly exhausted in both body and mind.

The Wang Shouren case involved many parties, from investigation and evidence gathering to the final verdict; he barely rested, running around day and night, each day busy to the point of dizziness.

Looking back at these days since arriving in Jingcheng, turmoil came one after another.

After Wang Shouren was completely toppled, Jiang Xiaomu felt he too was about to collapse from exhaustion.

Having gone through numerous incidents, Jiang Xiaomu now only wants to stay away from court intrigue and leave this place of deceit and scheming.

All he desires is a modest, stable home for himself and his sister—a bowl of rice, a bowl of soup, a patch of land—peace and safety are enough.

That day, he washed his official uniform spotless, tidied his appearance, then stepped toward the Golden Throne Hall to resign before the Empress.

In the hall, the Empress sat upon the dragon throne, her phoenix eyes slightly narrowed, as if pondering something.

Jiang Xiaomu stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your subject, Jiang Xiaomu, has a matter to report."

"What is it, Jiang Aiqing?" the Empress said, her voice revealing neither joy nor anger.

"I dare to implore Your Majesty's permission to resign my post as Leader of the Imperial Guard and return to Wangjiang Cheng with my younger sister."

Jiang Xiaomu's tone was calm yet firm.

Upon hearing this, the Empress's face flickered with surprise. She fell silent for a moment, then spoke slowly:

"Jiang Aiqing, you have repeatedly achieved merit, your labors are great; I originally intended to reward you handsomely—why suddenly resign?"

"Your Majesty, I have been orphaned since childhood, relying on my little sister for survival. Now she is young, and I wish to stay by her side to fulfill my duty as an elder brother."

Jiang Xiaomu answered without humility or arrogance.

The Empress's gaze fell upon Jiang Xiaomu, as if she wanted to see through his thoughts.

The Jiang siblings live in the same residence, seeing each other every day.

This reason for resigning seems somewhat far-fetched.

"Jiang Aiqing, are you truly doing this only to accompany your younger sister?"

The Empress's voice carried a hint of inquiry.

Jiang Xiaomu knew the Empress had already sensed his true intentions:

"Your Majesty is wise; I am indeed weary of court intrigue. I only wish to live peacefully with my sister, far from these troubles."

The Empress remained silent for a long while, and the atmosphere in the Golden Throne Hall grew somewhat solemn.

Jiang Xiaomu lowered his head, quietly awaiting the Empress's reply.

He had prepared himself for rejection, after all he had earned the Empress's trust and was her most capable aide.

Finally, the Empress sighed and said:

"Jiang Aiqing, you have rendered meritorious service to Great Qian; I cannot bear to see you leave like this."

But she shifted her tone:

"The Zhao Prefect who was appointed to govern Wangjiang Cheng has been impeached repeatedly; he neglects state affairs, ignores the people, and exploits the populace."

"I permit you to return to Wangjiang Cheng as its new Prefect!"

Jiang Xiaomu felt a surge of joy and hastily kowtowed, "Thank you for your great grace, Your Majesty!"

Leaving the Golden Throne Hall, Jiang Xiaomu felt as if a great mountain had been lifted from his shoulders.

He hummed a little tune all the way, his steps light as he headed home.

He pushed open the door; Jiang Xiaoyu was sitting by the window reading a storybook.

Hearing the noise, she looked up delighted: "Brother, you're back!"

"Xiao Yu, pack up; we're going back!"

Jiang Xiaomu said with a smile.

"Where to?" Jiang Xiaoyu asked, not understanding.

"We're returning to Wangjiang Cheng! Brother has resigned; we won't stay in Jingcheng any longer!"

Jiang Xiaomu told Jiang Xiaoyu of his decision.

"Wonderful!" Jiang Xiaoyu exclaimed, jumping up and immediately began packing her belongings.

Before departure, Jiang Xiaomu bade farewell individually to his friendly colleagues in Jingcheng.

Huo Yunsheng also gave him a set of exquisite tea ware, clearly valuable at a glance.

The Empress approved a gold-silk carriage and assigned several guards to escort the two.

Jiang Xiaomu and his sister sat on the carriage's soft cushions, watching the scenery recede; the tight feeling in his heart instantly eased.

He suddenly felt an unprecedented fatigue; the carriage jolted, and Jiang Xiaomu and Jiang Xiaoyu leaned their heads together and fell asleep.

Following his sister's gaze, Jiang Xiaomu saw a mountain peak piercing the clouds, majestic and towering.

"That is Azure Dragon Mountain; it is said to harbor many rare birds and beasts, as well as thousand-year-old ginseng," he said with a laugh.

The siblings chatted and laughed all the way, time flying by.

Soon the carriage stopped; Jiang Xiaomu helped Jiang Xiaoyu alight, and the familiar streets of Wangjiang Cheng came into view.

"Lord Jiang, you're back." A familiar figure stepped forward to greet them from the roadside—it was Li Wenqing.

Seeing Li Wenqing, Jiang Xiaoyu's face flushed red.

And Li Wenqing also averted his gaze: "Long time no see, Miss Xiao Yu."

Jiang Xiaomu took in both of their reactions, the corners of his mouth quietly turning up.

Li Wenqing was genuinely delighted,

"With Lord Jiang here, the people of Wangjiang Cheng are surely blessed!"

After exchanging pleasantries, Jiang Xiaomu brought his sister back to their former residence. Though they had been away for a while, the mansion remained clean and tidy, evidently someone had been cleaning it regularly.

"Brother, this place is wonderful!"

Jiang Xiaoyu ran excitedly around the courtyard, like a happy little bird.

Jiang Xiaomu watched his sister's joyful back, and a smile unconsciously rose at the corner of his mouth.

Although the capital is nice, it cannot compare to this place, which makes him feel at ease.

After a brief rest, Jiang Xiaomu brought Jiang Xiaoyu back to Mu Yu Lou.

During their absence from Wangjiang Cheng, the old manager kept the tavern well ordered.

"Xiao Yu, from now on this place is yours to manage."

Jiang Xiaomu ruffled his sister's hair.

"Brother, I will definitely work hard and make Mu Yu Lou earn a lot of money!" Jiang Xiaoyu exclaimed, her face flushed with excitement.

Jiang Xiaomu said to the old manager:

"Today we have distinguished guests at Mu Yu Lou; tonight we'll put up a closed sign outside and clear all space to receive the VIPs."

That night, Mu Yu Lou was packed full of people.

Xiong Kuohai chewed on a leg of lamb and shouted indistinctly at Jiang Xiaomu:

"Boss, with so many people here today you're treating everyone—won't this meal bankrupt you?"

Jiang Xiaomu smiled:

"What are you talking about? Everyone here today are brothers who've lived and died together—feel free to eat and drink as you like, just make sure to eat well and drink well!"

Jiang Xiaomu's unit, when he resigned office, had requested the Empress to reassign them back to Wangjiang Cheng, where they became the City Guard Team; now the main force has finally reunited in Wangjiang Cheng.

Jiang Xiaomu looked at these brothers who had followed him in campaigns across the land, his feelings complex.

All along the way, he, Jiang Xiaomu, had gone from a mere refugee to displaying his talents in the capital, then to resigning and returning home; every hardship and obstacle along the road had been borne by them at his side, serving as his left and right arms.

In the days to come, they will still advance and retreat together, sharing honor and disgrace.

"What are you thinking about?" a gentle voice pulled Jiang Xiaomu back to reality—Ye Ying had arrived with the Ghost-Faced Army's men to attend the feast.

"Do you need me to congratulate you, Lord Jiang, on attaining the post of Prefect?"

Ye Ying unusually started to trade banter with Jiang Xiaomu.

"What are you talking about? Quickly arrange everyone's seats,"

Jiang Xiaomu laughed and patted her shoulder: "Today we have plenty of good wine and food!"

After settling everyone, Jiang Xiaomu went up to the top terrace of Mu Yu Lou.

Jiang Xiaoyu was sitting there, drinking a bowl of sweet soup.

"Brother, you've come!" Jiang Xiaoyu waved to greet him.

Jiang Xiaomu sat beside his sister, the night breeze gentle.

He raised his head to gaze at the moon; the night sky was boundless, and he suddenly felt inner peace.

"Brother, so many stars!"

Jiang Xiaoyu leaned against Jiang Xiaomu's shoulder, pointing at the sky with her finger.

"Yes, so many stars, truly bright."

Jiang Xiaomu closed his eyes, feeling the night breeze brush past; on this clear night, everything was so tranquil.

In the days to come, it will also be just like this peaceful, beautiful starry night.

Such a life is roughly what he had dreamed of. Jiang Xiaomu thought to himself.