A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated 3

21

The heavy city gates emitted a deep rumbling sound as they slowly opened. The news of the Dong Lin army's withdrawal seemed to have acquired wings as it swept through the air of the capital of Yun Chang, sweeping the unease from everyone's heart.

"Senior Official, Senior Official! The army of Dong Lin has withdrawn!"

Although he had long mentally prepared for himself, the elderly and experienced Gui Changqing couldn't help abruptly sitting up from his bed. "Have they really withdrawn?"

"Yes, the Princess herself went to bargain with Chu Beijie, and soon after, the Dong Lin army withdrew." The messenger was kneeling as he clearly and simply reported the events. "My army has sent out a significant amount of spies to closely monitor the trends in the Dong Lin army's movement. There is nothing strange at all. They really are withdrawing."

Gui Changqing dressed in the clothes that his servants had brought forth while asking, "Where is the Princess and the Prince Consort?"

"The Princess and Prince Consort are currently on the way, leading the troops back to the capital."

"We must prepare a grand welcome." Gui Changqing turned back, his expression full of delight. "Go, get the Official of Public Events to come here immediately, as well as all those officials in charge of procurement, ceremonies and entertainment. Wait..." He thought for a while before continuing his ordering, "In this battle between Dong Lin and Yun Chang, there were still a number of sons of Yun Chang that were injured or killed. Bring the official of military affairs, so we may talk about pensions and such."

The manservant, who was to pass on the message hurriedly nodded, wrote them down, and turned to go.

Rumble rumble rumble!

A few rumbling, booming sounds came, shaking the dust from the corners of the roof. All of the people in the room were shocked by this and even Gui Changqing's expression changed. "What on earth has happened in the capital? Go check!"

Not long later, the manservant quickly returned from task. "Report to Senior Official, the news of the Dong Lin army's withdrawal has reached the capital. Everyone is awake and is drinking, singing and dancing on the streets. Firecrackers have been lit everywhere and the biggest firepowder shop in the capital has taken out the most precious, biggest firecracker of the capital. Those sounds just then were from that. Would Senior Official like to arrest them?"

Gui Changqing understood the moment he heard his words. He shook his head. "Arrest them for what reason? Who doesn't have sons or younger brothers in the army? Now that the war is over, the peasants are happy, meaning that our worries can finally be put to rest too." He then ordered, "Someone go and take out one thousand and two hundred silver coins to buy alcohol. Put it all out in the square at front of the Royal Residence so the peasants may take them freely."

His servants laughed. "Senior Official, the cellar and warehouse of the Royal Residence is full to the brim. There is no need to use silver coins to buy alcohol from the peasants."

"Those are all for when the Princess and Prince Consort return to the Royal Residence. I'm afraid our warehouse will not have enough for all those generals and soldiers. Such delightful news!" Thinking of war meant a significant loss to his country, yet there were no significant casualties in the end. Gui Changqing was extremely content. Gui Changqing had contributed to Yun Chang's constant policy of no attack over the years.

Not long later, the messenger he had first sent out hurried back, report, "The Officials have been welcomed here and are currently waiting for Senior Official in the atrium."

"Okay." Gui Changqing quickly tidied his grand robes once more before stepping outside the door.

He took the main trail through the Senior Official Residence, bypassing the garden and planning continue to the atrium straight ahead. Happy, his steady pace became lighter. When he arrived by the pond with a thin layer of ice on top, he suddenly heard a familiar voice of his messenger straining his voice as he shouted, "Report! Emergency report from the army! Report!" The voice came closer as the person who yelled desperately hurried towards him.