It was still early in the morning when Wei Luo and Wei Xuan rode into Pingcheng.
They had returned by water, reaching the pier the previous night, temporarily securing an inn for a night’s rest before heading to Pingcheng that morning before dawn.
With wives and children in tow, their last visit had been in March of the previous year, marking a year and a half since their last appearance.
Upon entering the city, the brothers slowed down, mindful not to collide with the bustling crowd on the streets.
Mounted on horses and adorned in dragon robes, their conspicuous presence drew quick reactions from the people. Shouts of excitement echoed through the air as some recognized them, exclaiming, “It’s our lords who are back!”
At that moment, the onlookers forgot their immediate tasks.
Glancing towards the two brothers, even those unfamiliar with Prince Shu and Prince Xiang recognized them as the ones who had accompanied Emperor Yongping on his previous outing. The other three princes remained in the palace of Pingcheng. Seeing them, the people chanted, “Long live the Emperor.”
Emperor Yongping, being a vassal of Pingcheng, garnered immense support from its people. The news of his enthronement had brought unparalleled joy, surpassing even the festive atmosphere of the New Year.
Seated steadfastly on the horse, Wei Xuan maintained a cold and resolute expression, while Wei Luo, known for his affable demeanor, smiled as he looked around. A peddler enthusiastically approached, offering food, and Wei Xuan bent down to accept it. Some individuals attempted to extend their courtesy to Wei Luo, but he politely declined, directing them to Wei Xuan.
As they crossed the main street, the surroundings of the two brothers gradually became deserted.
Wei Xuan took a hearty bite of the large meat bun in his hand, swallowed, and remarked to Wei Luo, “Third brother, entering the city feels like coming home. Look at how much the people here appreciate us. It’s unlike Jinling, where common folks avert their eyes when we pass, as if we’re about to devour them.”
Wei Luo cautioned, “Don’t voice such words in public.”
The contrast in attitudes toward their father in the two cities was undeniable. During the war, the people of Pingcheng would staunchly defend their city for their father. However, in Jinling, their father’s army entered from the outside, causing great suffering for the city’s residents. With the recent enthronement, it would take time for their father to mend the city’s wounds.
Known for his steady demeanor, Wei Xuan nodded in agreement. After finishing his buns, he touched his beard and approached Wei Luo, asking, “Third Brother, could you check if there’s anything on my beard?” Despite his reluctance, Wei Luo carefully inspected and responded, “No.”
Wei Xuan chuckled, glancing at Wei Luo’s clean-shaven chin, and remarked, “Third Brother, you truly… In the past two years, you paid little attention to your appearance, but knowing you’ll soon see the third sister-in-law, you secretly trimmed your beard on the ship. People say it’s the women who aim to please, but it seems you treat the third sister-in-law the same way.”
Wei Luo looked ahead and explained, “I’m afraid Qi Lang won’t recognize me.”
Wei Xuan was well aware from his transparent smile that it had nothing to do with Qi Lang. When they returned home the winter before last, his third brother’s beard disappeared the next day, likely due to the third sister-in-law’s disapproval.
As they approached the palace, the number of idlers dwindled. The two brothers urged their horses to a gallop, arriving promptly outside Donghua Gate.
The guards opened the city gate, and the two brothers got off their horses. Even though the east harem was the closest, the two brothers still had to go to see Empress Xu first.
Anticipating their arrival in a few days, Empress Xu, upon receiving the servant girl’s report, smiled and instructed, “Go and inform the courtyards.”
The reunion after a prolonged separation brought great joy to the family.
Empress Xu first proceeded to the hall to greet them. Wei Luo and Wei Xuan knelt before her, paying their respects.
Empress Xu came over and was about to help them up, but she noticed a scar on the side of Wei Xuan’s neck with sharp eyes.
His neck was so fragile. That injury was no different from Lord Yan (King of hell, like grim reaper) passing Wei Xuan who was only twenty two years old. Something really happened…
Empress Xu’s eyes turned red, she lifted one with each hand, and said with emotion, “You two have worked hard for the past three years, and must have suffered a lot of injuries, right?”
The two brothers stood up, each taller than Empress Xu, but the care and tenderness from her also reminded them of the dangers on the battlefield. Wei Luo was older and could stand still, but Wei Xuan’s eyes turned red. He feigned composure and assured, “It’s just superficial wounds, all healed. Don’t worry about it, Empress Mother.”
Empress Xu tenderly touched the scar on his neck, her gaze then turning to Wei Luo.
Wei Luo reassured her, saying, “This son is truly fine.”
Wei Yani promptly exposed him, saying, “Third Brother’s injuries are all over his body; his clothes are just hiding them.”
Empress Xu turned away, wiping her tears. Sensing the need to lift the mood, Wei Xuan quickly stepped forward and shared something cheerful, coaxing Empress Xu to display her joy once again.
Before long, the closest concubines began to arrive one after another. A mother’s yearning for her son held a unique intensity. Concubine Guo Xian immediately took hold of Wei Xuan, examining him closely with moist eyes. Concubine Wen Shun also longed to embrace her son, but hesitated, fearing he might not appreciate such intimacy. Instead, she stood opposite Wei Luo, managing to control her tears, which fell like shattered beads.
Wei Luo took out the handkerchief in his sleeve and handed it to his mother.
With such a move, Concubine Wen Shun was very comforted, she smiled while wiping her tears, and gradually calmed down.
After another quarter of an hour or so, the brothers, sisters-in-law and children from the east harem Institute finally arrived.
Standing in the hall, Wei Luo looked sideways and saw the eldest brother’s family, the second brother’s family, the fourth younger sibling and the third younger sister who were walking quickly leading Ba Lang, followed by the Yin family and the children. Xiao Heng and Xiao Xun walked obediently beside Yin, and the fifth younger brother Wei Jing walked at the rear, holding a child in his arms.
Wei Luo’s gaze fell firmly on the girl.