A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated 3

31

Pingting, please stop your footsteps and don't drift around any more. Don't forget your good friend, Yangfeng. Go and see her.

I will wait for you there, catch you, hug you, kiss you and apologise to you. I beg you to forgive me – for the feelings that had spread like clear water, lingered like fragrance in the air. I look forward to our love that can be as firm as a mountain.

I already understand what is the greatest power, the end of the world and what is—to never turn against each other.

Yun Chang capital was full of singing and joy throughout the night. Multicoloured fireworks ascended to the sky with a bang, illuminating the delight on all of the peasant's faces in the capital.

The Princess and the Prince Consort returned.

The luxurious carriage had all of its curtains raised. Yaotian revealed a happy smile and was nestled in He Xia's arms. This touching and comforting scene was deeply imprinted in the hearts of the citizens.

Following behind the two were the thousands of Yun Chang soldiers, safely returned to their home. They had departed with certain death on the battlefield, but the skies had mercy on them. There was no test of war in the end.

What waited for them were cheers and a sky full of dazzling fireworks.

And finally, good alcohol.

"This cup is dedicated to Senior Official."

The colourful dance maids crossed the main hall as the hundred, somewhat drunk, officials laughed carefreely. He Xia's laughter was rich as he gulped down cup after cup of the endless cups the officials dedicated to him. He then took the jar of alcohol himself and stepped towards Gui Changqing who had been sitting at one side, smiling all along.

Gui Changqing was a bit stunned by this, hurriedly lifting his own cup. "I dare not, this cup is still dedicated to Prince Consort. Prince Consort led the troops on such a faraway expedition. It must've been tough."

He Xia drank quite a lot, his handsome cheeks slightly flushed. His dark eyes had no trace of tipsiness, however, as he said, "Senior Official is too modest. Leading troops to war is simply manual labour. Senior Official is the one who truly worked the hardest, handling affairs from the capital."

Gui Changqing had never been one to drink, but the moment the threat of war had been eliminated, it was such great news that even people who didn't like to drink had to celebrate with a couple of drinks. He collected his pride together and raised his cup, "Fine, a cup to the Prince Consort. I also wish my Princess Yaotian will be blessed with longevity, hm, as well as heirs soon."

He Xia laughed at this, "Such an honest wish, thank you Senior Official!" He raised his head to drain the cup in a single gulp.

"Prince Consort."

"Luyi?" He Xia turned around and saw Yaotian's personal maid. He looked around at the various noisily celebrating officials, bustling with activity, before taking her to one side and lowering his voice, "Did the Princess summon me?"

Luyi shoo her head, biting onto her lower lip as she smiled. "No. The Princess told me to tell Prince Consort that she had been subject to a long bumpy ride and is very tired. She took a bath before going to sleep and would like Prince Consort to see her tomorrow. The Princess also said to be careful of your own body and not to drink to much alcohol. Prince Consort has also travelled for a long time and too much alcohol can easily damage your health."

He Xia broke into a laugh. "I was worried that I wouldn't be able to last the alcohol here. Now that the Princess has given her Order, then it's perfect timing to send them all back home to sleep."