Dragon Boat Race Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Chapter Sixteen: The Journey Home

Prologue: The dust settles and the victors return; let others judge the merit of their deeds. This is not the day for success and retreat, for the roots of affection are planted too deep to be pulled out.

The first snow of the fourth year of Yonghe arrived earlier than in previous years. Fine, scattered snowflakes drifted onto the banners of the Northern Expedition Army, adding a touch of solemnity to the triumphant forces.

Outside the capital gates, civil and military officials once again lined up to welcome them. However, the atmosphere this time was distinctly different from the previous victory parade. The downfall of Su Mingyuan’s faction had caused a massive shock in the court, and complex expressions were etched on everyone’s faces.

Wu Ge and Qin Gong rode side-by-side at the very front of the procession. The Marshal in silver armor and white robes, and the refined Strategist in blue scholar’s robes, formed a moving picture against the snowy backdrop.

“Your Majesty, your subject, Wu Ge, has fortunately fulfilled his mission,” Wu Ge dismounted and bowed before the Emperor, his voice steady.

The Emperor personally stepped forward to help him up: “My dear subject, you have worked hard.” His gaze shifted to Qin Gong, “Minister Qin, you have also worked hard.”

The rewards this time were grander than ever before. Wu Ge not only had his military authority restored but was also promoted to Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, placing him among the Three Dukes. Qin Gong was formally promoted to Vice Minister of War and granted a mansion.

Yet, beneath the surface of honor and favor, undercurrents still surged.

After the celebration banquet, the Emperor summoned Wu Ge for a private audience.

“Do you know, my dear subject, why I have granted you such lavish rewards?” The Emperor’s tone was meaningful.

Wu Ge bowed: “Your subject does not know.”

“Because I need you.” The Emperor walked up to him, “Although Su Mingyuan has been punished, the power of factions in the court has not been eliminated. I need a sharp sword to cleanse the imperial administration for me.”

Wu Ge understood instantly. The Emperor intended to use his hand to continue clearing out the opposition forces in court.

“Your subject… obeys the decree.”

At the same time, Qin Gong received an unexpected visitor at his new mansion—Su Mo.

She was dressed in simple mourning clothes, without makeup, looking completely different from the radiant daughter of the Prime Minister she once was.

“Vice Minister Qin.” She curtsied gracefully, “I have come to bid farewell.”

“Where is Miss Su going?”

“Although my father deserved his punishment, the Su clan is innocent. I must take them back to our ancestral home and henceforth withdraw from worldly affairs.” Su Mo’s eyes held the detachment of one who has seen through the mortal world, “Before leaving, I wished to say a few words to the Vice Minister.”

“Please speak.”

“In the imperial court, there are never eternal enemies, nor eternal friends.” Su Mo said softly, “Today’s favor may be tomorrow’s disaster. The Vice Minister and the Marquis… must take care of yourselves.”

After seeing Su Mo off, Qin Gong stood alone in the courtyard for a long time. Snowflakes landed on his shoulders, bringing a slight chill.

“What are you thinking about?” Wu Ge arrived behind him unnoticed and draped a cloak over his shoulders.

“I was thinking about Su Mo’s words.” Qin Gong said softly, “She is right. Today’s favor may be tomorrow’s disaster.”

Wu Ge held his hand: “With me here, I won’t let anyone harm you.”

“I’m not worried about myself.” Qin Gong leaned against his shoulder, “I’m worried about you. The Emperor is pushing you into a pit of fire.”

“I know.” Wu Ge chuckled, “But some paths, even if I know they lead to a pit of fire, I must walk.”

Just then, A-Sheng hurried over: “Marquis, Vice Minister, someone from the palace has arrived.”

It was the same Chief Eunuch again. This time he brought not an imperial decree, but an exquisite brocade box.

“His Majesty said this is a congratulatory gift for the two of you,” the Chief Eunuch said with a smile, “His Majesty also said, he hopes the two of you… take care of yourselves.”

Opening the brocade box, inside were two jade pendants. One was carved with a dragon pattern, and the other with a phoenix pattern, both priceless treasures. But more important was a small note beside the pendants, bearing only four characters:

“Know when to stop.” (适可而止)

Qin Gong and Wu Ge exchanged a look, both understanding the Emperor’s meaning. This “congratulatory gift” was both a favor and a warning. The Emperor could tolerate their relationship, but the prerequisite was that they must know their limits.

“Please thank His Majesty for me,” Wu Ge said calmly.

After the Chief Eunuch left, Qin Gong picked up the phoenix-patterned jade pendant and smiled wryly: “It seems His Majesty has tacitly approved?”

“It’s a warning,” Wu Ge corrected, “He is telling us that he can give us everything, and he can also take everything back.”

The snow fell harder, covering every corner of the courtyard. In this world of silver and white, the two embracing figures stood out conspicuously.

“Do you remember the night we watched the fireflies by the river?” Wu Ge suddenly asked.

“I remember.”

“At that time, I said that once the war was over, I would take you to Jiangnan to see the fireflies.” Wu Ge’s voice was gentle, “Now, it’s time to fulfill that promise.”

Qin Gong looked up in surprise: “But the court…”

“The affairs of the court have temporarily concluded.” Wu Ge gently stroked his cheek, “It’s time for us to… take a rest.”

Three days later, Wu Ge submitted a memorial claiming illness and requesting three months of leave. The Emperor granted the request and specifically bestowed many precious medicinal herbs.

On the day they left the capital, only a few close friends came to see them off.

“Marquis, Vice Minister, take care on your journey,” Captain Sun said with red eyes.

“Don’t worry, we will be back soon,” Wu Ge patted his shoulder.

The carriage slowly started, heading towards the south of the city. Qin Gong leaned against Wu Ge’s shoulder, watching the scenery flash past the window, and suddenly felt as if all this were a dream.

From transmigrating from the modern world to this unfamiliar era, from a minor Strategist to the current Vice Minister of War, from meeting Wu Ge to becoming intimate… all of it was too incredible.

“What are you thinking about?” Wu Ge asked.

“I’m thinking about… the first time we met.” Qin Gong smiled, “At that time, you were still the imposing Great Marshal, and I was still the sickly Strategist.”

“And now?”

“Now…” Qin Gong held his hand, “You are my Wu Ge, and I am your Qin Gong.”

The carriage drove out of the capital, heading towards the distant Jiangnan. There, the fireflies they anticipated and the freedom they yearned for awaited them.

However, they both knew that this brief tranquility would not last long. The conflicts in the court, the border skirmishes, and the unresolved matter of the imperial marriage arrangement… all these were waiting for them.

But at least for this moment, they could temporarily put everything aside and enjoy this rare peace.

“When we reach Jiangnan,” Wu Ge whispered in his ear, “I will take you to the best restaurants, see the most beautiful scenery, and also…”

“And also what?”

“And also make you the happiest person in this world.”

The snow continued to fall, covering the tracks they had made. And in the distance, the spring of Jiangnan was awaiting their arrival.

(Volume Two: Autumn Review of the Troops on the Battlefield Ends)