The moment Feng Yinwan returned to Shou Kang Palace, trouble erupted at Chang Le Palace.
The guards on duty reported that the Empress had passed away.
Feng Yinwan's hand paused mid-pulse check for the Empress Dowager, who then spoke, "This Empress Dowager knows. You may withdraw."
The Empress's death was inevitable, but since the Emperor had not yet issued a formal decree, this matter seemed somewhat presumptuous.
The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment. After the attendant had exited the hall, she turned to Feng Yinwan and said, "You need not concern yourself with this. This Empress Dowager will send someone to handle it."
Her words indicated she was already considering Feng Yinwan's position. Feng Yinwan, slightly taken aback, nodded in agreement.
The army's advance was swift. By sunset, Old General Feng had already entered the capital.
At that time, Feng Yinwan and Ye Tingyun were still accompanying the Empress Dowager in Shou Kang Palace. To avoid conflicting with the victory celebration banquet, the Empress Dowager had only sent word of the Empress's death to the Emperor in secret, and the matter was temporarily suppressed.
When Old General Feng entered the palace, the Emperor had already arranged a banquet for him in Rui Lin Hall. Under the moonlight, the palace was illuminated by countless lanterns, presenting a festive scene.
Feng Yinwan entered the banquet with the Empress Dowager. Upon reaching Rui Lin Hall, she found Old General Feng and Feng Jingyuan seated side by side.
From several yards away, Feng Yinwan's gaze met theirs, and her eyes immediately welled up with tears.
The Empress Dowager glanced sideways, her expression benevolent, and offered a comforting look to Feng Yinwan. "Go and sit with your father and brother. This Empress Dowager permits it."
Her voice was not particularly soft, and the Emperor immediately chimed in, "The Empress Dowager's consideration is truly thoughtful. Your family has not been reunited in a long time; you must have much to discuss. Let us follow the Empress Dowager's words and have you sit together."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, and the Empress Dowager."
Feng Yinwan bowed her head, performed a slight curtsy, and then walked towards Old General Feng and Feng Jingyuan.
Even though she had already heard much from Feng Jingyuan, seeing her stand before him, Old General Feng was so overcome with emotion that he was on the verge of tears.
He was advanced in age and had been on campaign for many days. His arduous journey back to the capital under the starlight was evident in his weary face. Seeing this, Feng Yinwan quickly took his arm and softly called out, "Father."
Old General Feng nodded repeatedly, patted the hand resting on his forearm with great force, and then choked back a sob as he replied, "Good."
Feng Yinwan had long since regained her original appearance. As they sat side by side in the grand hall, they attracted the attention of many court officials.
When everyone was seated, the Emperor raised his wine goblet. In the ensuing silence of the hall, he spoke with an authoritative voice.
"Previously, rebellious traitors dared to rise against the court, colluding with foreign enemies to break the borders of our Jing Dynasty, causing unrest within and without the capital, leaving the people of two prefectures displaced. This invasion was a national crisis. I, confined and lacking in ability, am deeply indebted to the Feng family and other loyal officials who served with utmost devotion and unity, apprehending the rebels, defeating the enemy, and securing our territory. This is my fortune, the fortune of the people, and the fortune of the Jing Dynasty."
"Today, I have specially arranged this banquet to celebrate with all my officials, and also to clear the name of the Zhen Guo General's mansion of past grievances. The Zhen Guo Great General displayed unwavering loyalty, and despite being subjected to slander, he remained devoted to the country. He led his troops to豫州, and at the Luo Yuan Tian Qian, he annihilated the enemy. Let us all raise our cups, toasting the Zhen Guo Great General, to the soldiers bravely fighting on the front lines, and to the eternal might of our Jing Dynasty!"
"To the Zhen Guo Great General—"
"To the soldiers bravely fighting on the front lines—"
"To the eternal might of our Dynasty—"
A resounding cheer echoed through the hall, and the clinking of wine cups created a sonorous sound that stirred the soul.
Feng Yinwan also raised her cup and drank it down in one gulp. The heavy stone of oppression that had been weighing on her heart finally vanished without a trace.