The Emperor of Changwu truly felt that the young, fearless calf was more courageous than the ox. He looked at his son, brimming with spirit, and had to sigh that he was indeed getting old.
But he couldn't let him make such a fuss.
The Emperor of Changwu descended from his imperial desk, walked before his son with his hands clasped behind his back, and said, "Water that is too clear has no fish. Xiao Qi, you must understand that for those in power, balance is far more important than right or wrong."
Situ Yan was a bit bewildered.
"Go back and reflect on my words. The officialdom is far more complex than the battlefield. Plan before you move, think before you decide. Xiao Qi, you are a smart person." The Emperor of Changwu pointed to his own head, "This should not only be used on the battlefield."
Situ Yan thought for a moment, his eyes lighting up, "Your son understands."
Father Emperor means he should find a way himself. He would find someone to investigate the Minister of War later, he didn't believe he couldn't find his flaw.
He can be taught, the Emperor of Changwu was very pleased, "It's good that you understand. Come, accompany your father for lunch first."
"Father Emperor, lunch is not urgent. I have made a great contribution this time, I won't compete for the title, but the reward cannot be less."
"When have I ever treated you poorly?"
Situ Yan immediately took out a list with over ten names written on it, "Father Emperor, these are the meritorious officials of this battle. Because they followed me, their achievements were concealed. Father Emperor, you cannot let them feel disheartened."
The Emperor of Changwu: ...
Thus, these more than ten people secretly received a sum of reward silver, with Meng Changdong's portion naturally being the most generous.
Situ Yan was eager to return home. After having lunch with the Emperor of Changwu, he left the palace as quickly as possible. The little Fifth Master, who had already received the news, had arrived with the carriage at the palace gate, "Your Highness, the Princess Consort sent me to pick you up home."
"Why would a grown man ride in a carriage? Where's my horse?"
"The Princess Consort said you must be tired from your journey and specifically instructed me not to let you ride. Your Highness, please get in the carriage."
"Knowing they were waiting, you still sent a carriage? Don't you know a carriage is slower than a horse?" Situ Yan cursed, his long legs stepping forward to lift the curtain, and then he froze.
Inside the carriage, smiling at him was the wife he had been thinking about day and night.
Lu Nianfu smiled, "What? Stunned?"
Situ Yan scrambled into the carriage, lowered the curtain, and pounced on her, "Wife, I've missed you so much."
Due to the excessive force, the carriage inevitably shook. Lu Nianfu's cheeks flushed, "Don't fool around. If others see, who knows what they'll imagine?"
"Let them imagine," Situ Yan said nonchalantly, lifting her chin and kissing her.
The familiar scent filled his nostrils, and Lu Nianfu's heart suddenly pounded. The long separation made her unable to push Situ Yan away, and she could only passively accept his kiss, while also worrying about being discovered by others and her whole body tensed up.
Fortunately, Situ Yan did not go too far. When the carriage started moving, he stopped, but still held her in his arms, unwilling to let go. He even held her slender fingers and played with them.
Lu Nianfu deeply regretted it.
Why did she come to meet him? Wouldn't it be better to just wait at home?
"Your Highness has returned to the manor," shouted Xuanzi, alerting the entire Rui Prince's manor. The maids and servants of the manor were all present, lined up neatly in two rows, bowing to welcome him into the manor.
Such a grand reception.
Situ Yan, while telling them to rise, whispered in Lu Nianfu's ear, "My lady has taken great care."
Lu Nianfu was also stunned, "I really didn't arrange this. I just gave them an extra month's salary."
Situ Yan spoke a few words and then pulled Lu Nianfu back to their room.
He closed the door and latched it, the actions smooth and practiced.
Lu Nianfu saw him approaching her with a wicked grin and couldn't help but blush, "What are you doing? It's broad daylight, and your son is waiting outside to recognize his father."
Situ Yan picked her up and walked towards the canopy bed, "Why is the son's matter more urgent than mine?"
Lu Nianfu's face was as red as blood. As she was pushed onto the soft quilt, she still struggled, "Stop fooling around."
His response was Situ Yan's burning kiss. She wanted him to wait until night, but how could a man who hadn't had intercourse for nearly a year let her go? Her hairpin was removed one by one, and her waterfall-like hair spilled onto the pillow.
Situ Yan's movements were rough but not devoid of tenderness. Compared to the long-felt longing, worldly matters seemed so insignificant.
Lu Nianfu was dazed and her pushing hands turned into an embrace around his neck.
The tent fell, filling the room with passion.
Outside the room, Granny Xu, holding the child, smiled knowingly, "Tsk, young people, the reunion after a long separation is like a new marriage."
She poked the little fellow's nose in her arms, "Your father king won't be thinking of you for a while."
Situ Yan's dalliance lasted for an hour. Lu Nianfu was exhausted and fell asleep. When she woke up, it was already dusk. Outside the room, she could hear her son's laughter, interspersed with Situ Yan's coaxing. She supported her sore and weak body and got up, discovering that Situ Yan had already bathed her and changed her into clean underclothes.
She grabbed the outer robe from the bedside and put it on. Opening the door, she saw Situ Yan lifting their son high up.
Their son, who had never experienced such play, was so happy that his eyes were narrowed into slits.
"Awake?" Situ Yan saw her and said tenderly, "You must be hungry. I'll have them bring the meal right away."
Since the master had returned from battle, the dinner was naturally arranged to be extremely lavish. As Lu Nianfu wondered if she could finish all these dishes, Ouyang Wen and Ji Jin arrived.
Situ Yan muttered, "Don't you know it's a reunion after a long separation? Why are you two so clueless?"
Despite his grumbling, he still had two more sets of chopsticks and bowls added.
Ouyang Wen showed no sign of disturbing the couple's intimacy and casually poured himself a cup of wine, "Don't worry, Little Yan Yan, we're just here for a meal. We won't delay you tonight."
Ji Jin tugged at his sleeve, "What nonsense are you spouting? Don't you see the sister-in-law is here too?"
Ouyang Wen immediately fell silent and put on a virtuous gentleman's demeanor.