Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 427 Return
Pei Qinghe stood there, watching Pei Feng's figure disappear into the distance, remaining motionless for a long time.

As the commander-in-chief, one must remain calm and composed, concealing one's emotions. All sorrow and reluctance must be kept inside.

Pei Yan, standing beside her, had fewer reservations. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, her voice choked with emotion: "Pei Zhi got married and went to Guangning Army with Yang Hu. Pei Xuan led troops to Fanyang Army. Now, Pei Feng is gone too. I suddenly feel empty inside."

Yes! I feel empty inside, like I have no place to settle down.

They knew perfectly well that this was the right decision for both them and the Pei family army; only by leaving could they soar high, truly mature, and become independent. But why was the separation so painful?
A glint of tears flashed in Pei Qinghe's eyes as she turned her head to the side, where she happened to be face to face with Pei Yue beside her.

Pei Yue was already sobbing uncontrollably: "Waaah, I can't bear to part with Brother Feng."

Pei Qinghe's eyes welled up with tears, and after a long while, she softly comforted him, "Since we're both in the North, we'll have a chance to meet again. Putting everything else aside, once I lead my troops back, the enthronement ceremony should be arranged. At that time, all the military generals from the North will come."

Pei Yue paused in her sobs, then looked up pleadingly, "Can we go back to Yan County sooner?"

Pei Qinghe hummed in agreement and reached out to rub Pei Yue's head: "Okay, let's wait another half month and then go back."

Pei Yue then stopped crying and started laughing.

In fact, Prime Minister Pang had already written several letters urging Pei Qinghe to lead his troops back to Yan County. Firstly, Pei Qinghe's injuries had not fully healed, and secondly, there were still many wounded soldiers in the army who needed to continue recuperating.

Half a month later, Pei Qinghe, whose injuries had basically healed, led his army on the return journey.

The army suffered heavy casualties. Gu Lian, Sun Cheng, and Pei Feng each took two thousand elite soldiers with them, while a small number of wounded soldiers, who were difficult to move, remained in the Liaoxi military camp to recuperate. At this time, about twenty thousand people embarked on their return journey.

The vanguard raised their banners and led the way. A large, dark banner bearing the character "Pei" fluttered in the wind. Five hundred cavalrymen went first, followed by the infantry, with the supply train bringing up the rear. The army marched with overwhelming force; along the way, not a single bandit or thief was seen, let alone any bandits. Ordinary civilians avoided them at all costs.

Pei Qinghe maintained a normal marching speed of forty li per day, and after marching for more than half a month, he returned to the familiar Pei Family Village before November.

Today, Peijia Village is a super military fortress, with elite soldiers and ordinary people.

After traveling about ten miles, a troop of cavalry came to meet them.

It was Mao Hongling leading her elite troops.

"Second Sister-in-law!" After more than a year apart, Pei Qinghe's heart was filled with joy at their reunion.

Mao Hongling was so excited that her eyes filled with tears. She responded first, and then led her soldiers to bow and salute: "Congratulations, General, on your great victory over the Xiongnu barbarians and your revenge for the Pei family elders."

In the past year or so, Pei Qinghe led the Pei family army to conquer Bohai Commandery and defeat the Xiongnu cavalry. His illustrious reputation shone like the blazing sun over the north and shook the entire world.

Every son of the Pei family army has the right to stand tall and be incredibly proud.

The increasingly dignified and aloof Pei Qinghe showed a rare touch of childlike pride in front of her second sister-in-law, Mao Hongling, and asked with a smile, "Second sister-in-law, am I very amazing?"

Mao Hongling smiled and said, "You're really amazing. The thought of you ascending the throne and becoming the emperor feels like a dream."

Everyone burst into laughter. The laughter was full of joy and self-satisfaction.

Pei Qinghe relaxed her brows, her eyes gleaming with a dazzling light, and spurred her horse forward. After more than a year of fighting abroad, she was now eager to return home.

The familiar winding wall came into view.

A group of children stood at the entrance of the village, led by Pei Wan and Pei Yu, while Pei Lang and Pei Wang, who were a few years younger, kept tiptoeing to look around.

"Aunt is back!"

"He should be called General!"

"That's right! Let's shout together, 'Welcome back, General!'" The children's innocent voices echoed in the bright winter sunshine.

Welcome back, General!

Pei Qinghe smiled brightly, dismounted, and strode over. Her own nephew, Pei Lang, was the first to rush over and hug Pei Qinghe's arm tightly: "Auntie! You're finally back! I've missed you every day."

Pei Qinghe pinched Pei Lang's fair and tender little face and said affectionately, "Auntie misses you every day too."

Pei Wang was a step behind, grabbing Pei Qinghe's other arm: "Auntie, have you missed me?"

Pei Qinghe chuckled: "When Auntie isn't fighting, she spends all her time thinking about you."

Pei Wan and Pei Yu, being a few years older, were much more precocious and composed, and they bowed respectfully with their hands clasped. The other children followed suit.

These children were mostly direct descendants of the Pei family, but there were also children from ordinary families. Their bright, smiling faces warmed Pei Qinghe's heart, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex emotion encompassing both joy and sorrow). She turned to the smiling Mao Hongling and sighed, "In the blink of an eye, the little dog has grown so big. I suddenly feel like I'm getting old."

Mao Hongling laughed: "After the New Year, you will only be twenty-two years old, in the prime of your youth and full of vigor."

"Twenty years from now, I won't be old," Pei Yan grinned as she continued.

Pei Qinghe smiled and, surrounded by the children, entered Pei Family Village.

Countless people lined up to cheer and welcome them along the way.

Indeed, this is her home, her roots.

The joy of returning home is indescribable.

That evening, Pei Qinghe, unusually, drank some alcohol. Slightly tipsy, she strolled leisurely around the village. She didn't return to her house until midnight.

Shi Yan stayed by her side the whole time. After returning to the room, he busied himself preparing a tub of hot water. After bathing, Pei Qinghe looked at Shi Yan with rosy cheeks and bright eyes.

They had been busy with military campaigns, and later Pei Qinghe was wounded and recuperating, so the couple hadn't been intimate for a long time. Shi Yan, his mouth dry, asked specifically, "Is your injury completely healed?"

Pei Qinghe reached out and pulled Shi Yan over: "Why are you so long-winded?"

……

Pei Qinghe finally showed up at noon the next day.

Mao Hongling smiled and said, "Prime Minister Pang and Vice Minister Qin arrived early this morning, along with Prefect Tang, who also came to see the General. I told them to wait in the council hall."

Pei Qinghe had already mastered it, and although she was a little embarrassed, she didn't show it on her face and replied with a smile, "I'll be right there."

Having waited for over an hour in the council hall, Prime Minister Pang and his entourage were filled with anxiety and anticipation. When Pei Qinghe appeared before them, even Prime Minister Pang couldn't contain his excitement: "This old minister greets the General."

Vice Minister Qin and the others followed suit and bowed.

Pei Qinghe smiled and helped the meritorious Prime Minister Pang to his feet: "Prime Minister, please rise quickly, and everyone else, please rise as well."

"I led the troops to fight the Xiongnu barbarians, and the Prime Minister and all of you have also done a lot here in Yan County. You have made my name known and enhanced the prestige of the Pei family army. In particular, the Prime Minister's 'Three Questions for General Situ' is truly brilliant. The Prime Minister's pen is worth more than a thousand troops."

"I must thank the Prime Minister first."

(End of this chapter)