Lu Wanning followed Sheng Jinyu into the palace. She tightly clutched the jade pendant in her hand. She knew what was awaiting her ahead, but she didn't know whether she should be happy or nervous.
She gently lifted the curtain, wanting to take a look at him.
It was as if Sheng Jinyu had eyes on the back of his head. He immediately turned around and their eyes met. He gave her a gentle smile.
He was the gentle man in her dreams.
However, he used to be sharp and unapproachable. There wasn't even a hint of a smile on his face.
How come she felt as if a lifetime had passed?
When they entered the palace to pay their respects, Lu Hanchi and Lu Hannian were already waiting in the main hall. Most of the important court officials had also entered the palace. Each of them had a happy and relaxed look on their faces.
This battle had lasted for ten months. Although it wasn't the longest one, it was really not easy.
Some officials were worried that, just like two years ago, the Northern Desert was feigning surrender.
But Lu Hanchi presented the surrender letter from the Northern Desert and said slowly, "Your Majesty, this time the Northern Desert has surrendered. They have ceded five cities, submitted themselves as vassals, handed over 50,000 war horses, and the tribute has been fixed. His Highness the Prince Yu has already made the Northern Desert sign the surrender letter. Please have a look, Your Majesty."
The emperor looked at the surrender letter, clapped his hands and laughed, "Very good, very good. A Yu, you've done a great job. I've already decided to establish the crown prince as a reward. Lu Hanchi is brave and fierce. He shall be conferred the title of Marshal of the Gallant Cavalry. Lu Hannian has rendered meritorious service in protecting the lord. He shall be conferred the title of General of Divine Might."
The title of marshal was of the highest rank. In the entire Great Zhou Dynasty, only Lu Hongxi was a marshal. Now that Lu Hanchi was also conferred the title of marshal, it showed how much the emperor valued the Lu family. Moreover, the title of General of Divine Might was a second - rank general. Lu Hannian was only twenty years old now, and to be conferred a second - rank title was an unprecedented honor.
The three of them all knelt down to express their gratitude.
The emperor was very amiable and asked, "You've all made great contributions in this battle. What rewards do you want?"
Lu Hanchi was the first to bow and say, "Thank Your Majesty for your great kindness. We, as military generals, it is our duty to fight battles. Your Majesty's kindness is boundless. We are extremely grateful. How dare we ask for more rewards?"
Lu Hannian also declined, saying that the Lu family had received too many favors and didn't dare to ask for more.
The emperor narrowed his eyes. He didn't force them. Instead, he glanced at Lu Wanning behind them and asked Sheng Jinyu, "What about you, A Yu?"
Sheng Jinyu bowed seriously and said, "Father, I do have a request, but I'm not using my military merits as leverage. I've been away from the capital for almost a year. Apart from the time when I was on the battlefield, I've been missing someone day and night. I've been in love with Princess Zhaoyang for a long time. In the past, I didn't want to admit it and didn't dare to admit it. Now that we've been separated, I've finally tasted the bitterness of missing someone. When I came back, I've already made up my mind. I sincerely beg Father to grant me permission and arrange a marriage for me. I will only marry Princess Zhaoyang in this lifetime."
The emperor didn't immediately agree. He just looked at Sheng Jinyu with a half - smile.
Sheng Jinyu lowered his head. There was a hint of peach blossom between his eyebrows. His originally cold eyes flashed with a bit of slyness. Soon, he raised his head again and looked at the emperor with a hint of grievance and coquetry, "Father."
The emperor was slightly stunned. This son was the one he felt the most guilty towards and the most doting on. However, he had always been calm and self - controlled. Even when the two of them were face to face, he rarely showed such an intimate gesture.
He was really irresistible to the beauty's temptation after all.
However, if he agreed so easily, wouldn't it be too good for him?
The emperor raised his eyebrows slightly and asked, "Oh? Zhaoyang? I remember when I asked you about Zhaoyang before, your answer was not like this."
Sheng Jinyu's face changed slightly. The pleading look in his eyes became even stronger, "Father, at that time, I... I didn't understand my own feelings yet. Please... please Father fulfill my wish."
Lu Wanning was kneeling behind. Her face was as red as a cooked duck. There were so many people in the main hall at this moment. Didn't Sheng Jinyu care about his reputation?
But the emperor only thought that his son's thoughts had long been guessed by him, but his son himself didn't know it yet.
In the past, his son wasn't interested in his daughter. He was so anxious. Now he finally knew that it was just that his son's feelings hadn't blossomed yet. After his feelings blossomed, he didn't even know it himself. Fortunately, he, as a father, had protected Zhaoyang well for his son.
So, the emperor was satisfied. He waved his hand grandly, "Approved. Choose an auspicious day for the wedding of the crown prince and Princess Zhaoyang!"
Sheng Jinyu replied smoothly, "Thank Father for arranging the marriage."
Lu Wanning was still a bit dazed. She looked up at the emperor slowly, not quite able to react.
The emperor felt a pang of affection, "Zhaoyang, I told you to call me 'Father'. I've never lied to you."
Lu Wanning was extremely embarrassed. She quickly lowered her head and bowed, "Thank Father... uh, I've made mistakes. Thank Your Majesty for your reward."
The emperor was overjoyed and greeted her, "Zhaoyang, there's no need to be so formal. I've long said that you're just like my own daughter. Now that you're going to be my daughter - in - law, it's all the same."
They had won the battle and completely driven the Northern Desert out of the Great Zhou Dynasty. This was a piece of good news that would make the whole country celebrate. The emperor pardoned all criminals in the country for this.
Lu Wanning followed her father and brother back to the mansion. Coincidentally, they passed by the Prince Chen's Mansion. The mansion was the same as before, but now it looked desolate. The master had fallen, so the mansion had also declined.
From the high courtyard wall, one could see a huge tree inside. However, in spring when all things were coming back to life, that tree showed no signs of life. Its branches were withered and there were no new buds at all.
Lu Hannian chattered on and on, telling Lu Wanning about the danger of the battle. Seeing that his sister didn't respond for a long time, he couldn't help but ask curiously, "What are you thinking about, Ning'er?"
Lu Wanning came back to her senses. She pulled down the curtain and shook her head with a smile, "I'm just sighing about how things have changed."
Lu Hannian patted his sister's head, "I was in danger several times on the battlefield because of my recklessness. It was the Prince Yu who risked his life to protect me. I didn't understand why before, but now I know it all. It turns out that he loves me because of you."
Lu Wanning blushed slightly, "Second brother, don't talk nonsense. His Highness the Prince Yu is not a person who mixes public and private affairs. He saved you because of the need of the battle. Moreover, on the battlefield, if it were possible, how could one abandon a single soldier?"
Lu Hannian laughed, "Ning'er, do you know that what the Prince Yu said to me at that time was exactly the same."
Lu Wanning was stunned for a moment. She gave him a reproachful look and turned her face away, not wanting to say anything more.
Lu Hannian continued, "I know he's not a person who mixes public and private affairs. Whether it's in the battle or in the rescue, he's brave and resourceful. He will never put himself in danger, nor will he make things difficult for the Great Zhou Dynasty. Speaking of which, he and I are of the same age, but I'm far inferior to him in terms of wisdom and strategy."
Lu Wanning pursed her lips and said nothing. She just knew that Sheng Jinyu was the smartest man in the world. He was brave and resourceful, and had the world in mind.
Seeing his sister like this, Lu Hannian couldn't help but sigh, "Before I knew it, my sister has grown up. It's time for her to get married..."
Lu Wanning laughed, "Second brother, are you reluctant to part with me?"
After all, Lu Hannian was already a father. He had matured a lot after only a year's absence. He shook his head, "I'm reluctant to part with you, but there's nothing I can do. A girl has to get married. Moreover, the Prince Yu is a good man."
Lu Wanning looked up at him. He didn't say that the Prince Yu had a high status, didn't say that he was the crown prince, and didn't say that he had great power. He just said that the Prince Yu was a good man.
Because he was a good man, he was at ease. Just like before, he had written so many letters back, not allowing her to marry Fu Rongxuan.