Chapter 7
Emperor Yuan Qing threw a lavish banquet in the palace to honor the generals.
The generals, decked out in their battered armor, only took off their helmets and swords, their weathered faces radiating an unmistakable authority.
Cao Xun, the highest-ranking military official, stood apart.
Despite the brutal exposure to the sun in the heat of spring, summer, and autumn, Cao Xun's skin, naturally fair, had already restored 70% to 80% of its pale complexion during the winter, when the sun had been scarce, and his duties less demanding due to foreign affairs. This delicate fairness made his status clear and distinguished him from his comrades, all of whom were hardened by the sun.
Emperor Yuan Qing couldn't help but keep his eyes on Cao Xun.
Not just because of Cao Xun's monumental achievements, but also because the man was stunningly handsome.
Among the civil and military elite of the Dynasty, only Li Yong could rival Cao Xun in looks and stature. With Li Yong absent from the banquet due to his dismissal, it was inevitable that Emperor Yuan Qing would be drawn to Cao Xun.
After several rounds of wine, Emperor Yuan Qing rewarded each general based on their accomplishments. In addition to the usual gold, silver, silk, and other valuables, the Emperor had a special proposition for Cao Xun.
"Before Fushan left with his father-in-law for the frontier, he swore to reclaim Jiuzhou and remain unmarried. Fourteen years have passed in the blink of an eye. Thanks to your unwavering loyalty, and the sacrifices of the countless soldiers who spilled blood for the nation, Jiuzhou is ours once again. Should Fushan reconsider? What's your stance on a lifelong commitment?"
Fushan was Cao Xun's courtesy name.
The mention of his marriage made the room erupt in laughter, with some of the officials mocking him louder than others, especially those who knew him well.
"This boy, in addition to his training, is always out there fighting. Doesn't even look at the mares in the military camp. He might as well be a monk!"
This remark came from Cao Xun's uncle.
"Your Majesty, grant the Great Imperial Uncle a marriage. Maybe he'll pick one himself, but my son is already about to marry!"
This came from Cao Xun's peer.
Amid the teasing, Cao Xun simply shook his head and chuckled.
Emperor Yuan Qing raised his hand to silence the room. With a grin, he turned to Cao Xun and asked, "What do you think, Fushan? Since your return, the Empress has reminded me countless times, urging me to find you a wife as soon as possible."
Cao Xun stood to respond, but Emperor Yuan Qing motioned for him to stay seated. "Stay where you are and speak freely. Today, there are no boundaries between Emperor and minister."
Cao Xun had no choice but to sit back down, clasping his hands together. "I am deeply grateful for the Emperor and Empress's generosity. However, I have been away from the capital for far too long. I wish to spend more time with my family and friends. Once my homesickness has subsided, I will come to the Emperor with my request regarding marriage. May I ask, Your Majesty, to consider this?"
Emperor Yuan Qing chuckled, "No problem at all. When you're ready, come and tell me anytime."
A general who had placed the Empire above his personal desires until he was thirty and remained a dignified Great Imperial Uncle-Emperor Yuan Qing was determined to make sure the royal favor was crystal clear to this respected hero.
*
After the banquet, Emperor Yuan Qing summoned Cao Xun to the Qianqing Palace, just the two of them.
The air was thick with the stench of alcohol, both of them reeking of it. But Cao Xun was far worse off, having been pressured by his colleagues to drink in front of the emperor while they wisely abstained.
Having spent the entire day welcoming soldiers and feasting, Emperor Yuan Qing was fatigued. He kicked off his dragon boots, slouched back onto the couch, and allowed himself a moment to relax.
As the little eunuch drew the curtains open, Cao Xun stepped into the room, his head bowed low.
After the banquet, Emperor Yuan Qing pulled Cao Xun aside, bringing him into the private quarters of Qianqing Palace.
Both men smelled of alcohol, but Cao Xun's scent was stronger. His comrades, too afraid to drink before the emperor, had taken advantage of his position and pushed him into drinking.
After a long, grueling day of receiving soldiers and attending the banquet, Emperor Yuan Qing finally let his exhaustion show, kicking off his dragon boots and sinking into the comfort of the couch.
The eunuch parted the curtains, and Cao Xun entered, his presence commanding attention, though he kept his gaze low.
Emperor Yuan Qing reminisced with a smile, "You were but a boy when you left for the distant, frozen border. How did you grow so tall?"
Cao Xun humbly responded, "I've grown, but it's not much to speak of."
Emperor Yuan Qing gave a knowing nod, "Pity. In the capital, only the Duke of Ningguo's heir stands taller than you."
Having met Li Yao at the banquet earlier, Cao Xun couldn't help but praise the young man, "Li Yao has a stature and bearing like his grandfather. If he keeps his course, he'll become a great general. His rise is something the court is eager for."
Though Emperor Yuan Qing admired Li Yao, his concerns were clear as he sighed, "But I worry he might follow his father's path."
Cao Xun reassured him firmly, "Your Majesty, there's no need to fret. The Duke of Ningguo and his son may not have the sharpest minds for strategy, but they are fierce warriors in battle. The old Duke was renowned for his skill, and the new Duke, aware of his own limits, will surely seek out a competent strategist to guide him. Given the right advice, he'll rise above the past and turn those defeats into victories."
Emperor Yuan Qing's gaze softened, "I hope so. But enough about them. Let's talk about your marriage. Aren't you eager to settle down?"
Cao Xun smiled slightly, his tone thoughtful, "I am, indeed. But I've just returned to the capital, and I don't know the eligible women here. Honestly, I'd rather find someone I'm truly compatible with."
Emperor Yuan Qing, understanding the hesitation, nodded, "Take your time. When you find the right one, let me know."
Cao Xun acknowledged with a bow, grateful for the emperor's patience.
"The Empress wishes to see you. Go, join her in Kunning Palace. The Crown Prince and the Second Prince are there too."
Cao Xun bowed again, "Very well, I will go."
Exiting Qianqing Palace, Cao Xun followed the eunuch, who led him to Kunning Palace.
Empress Cao and Consort Shu, the Second Prince's late mother, were both Cao Xun's half-sisters. There was no deep familial bond between them, and after fourteen years of separation, Cao Xun regarded the Empress simply as the Empress.
"I pay my respects to the Empress."
"Brother, please forgive me!"
Empress Cao stormed over, grabbing her eldest brother's arm with intense energy. Her face lit up with joy, her eyes sparkling with emotion as she looked up at him, tears threatening to spill from her stunning eyes. "When you left Beijing, I was just a kid, barely eleven. Now the Crown Prince is eleven, and I've changed so much. Do you even recognize me, brother?"
Cao Xun couldn't be bothered to finish the formalities. Dropping his arms, he lowered himself to meet her gaze, the height difference clear between them.
It had been fourteen long years, and Cao Xun could hardly recall his stepmother Pan Shi's face, let alone his sister's. Still, he grinned and gave a small nod, acknowledging her presence.
Empress Cao dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, regaining control before calling for her children to come over.
The Crown Prince, well aware of his great uncle's imposing stature, looked up at him with awe and said, "Great Uncle, you're massive-taller than even my younger uncle."
Cao Xun smirked and answered, "They all take after your grandfather."
As much as gender differences shaped his focus, Cao Xun didn't care much for Empress Cao, but now he stared closely at his nephew, taking in every detail. His gaze lingered long on the Crown Prince, but only a passing glance went to the second prince.
Empress Cao caught the subtle pursing of the second prince's lips, clearly signaling that the boy still longed for his Great Uncle's attention.
But, being the son of a concubine and the product of that same status, how could he ever compete with his younger brother for the title of Crown Prince?
Naturally, Cao Xun favored the Crown Prince more, given the boy's position.
The Kunning Palace, being part of the harem, made Cao Xun's stay uncomfortable, so after a single cup of tea, he made his exit.
Outside the palace gates, Changsui had been waiting with his horse for what felt like an eternity, Cao Shao standing nearby.
Recently promoted to the third rank, Cao Shao now held the position of editor in the seventh rank of the Hanlin Academy. His rank was too low to attend the banquet, so this was the first time he'd met his brother officially since Cao Xun's return to Beijing.
"Brother!"
As Cao Xun appeared down the long road, Cao Shao eagerly shouted his greeting from the gates.
Cao Xun quickened his pace as soon as he saw him.
He clapped his younger brother affectionately on the shoulder as he stepped outside, giving him a once-over. "Look at you, grown into a fine young man. So tall."
Even though Cao Shao was also Pan Shi's son, Cao Xun treated him differently than his younger sisters.
Back when Cao Xun lived in the capital, he'd spent time with Cao Shao as a child, teaching him to write and scolding him for causing trouble.
While Cao Shao grew up at the border, they kept in touch through letters. He might've forgotten the closeness they once shared, but Cao Shao admired his brother's military success, a respect that only intensified the fading bond between them.
"I heard you won third place?"
"They're all the emperor's favorites, brother. Don't take it too seriously."
"The eighth-place candidate isn't exactly the emperor's pick."
"Even so, it's not worth mentioning in front of my older brother."
The two brothers mounted their horses and casually rode toward Duke Dingguo's estate, chatting as they went.
After a comfortable, half-hour ride, they reached Duke Dingguo's residence.
*
Pan Shi and a group of servants stormed out to greet them.
Cao Shao's initial excitement quickly turned to disappointment when his gaze fell on his mother. The smile vanished from his face.
Cao Xun acted oblivious, dismounted, and gave a stiff, respectful nod to Pan Shi: "Mother."
Pan Shi wiped away her tears with a handkerchief and approached her stepson, her voice laced with feigned warmth: "I'm so glad you're back, I'm so glad you're back. Now I don't have to worry about you anymore."
A flicker of resentment burned in Cao Shao's chest. To him, all his mother's gestures now felt insincere, and he bitterly realized how little she'd cared for his older brother over the years. Her concern had always been superficial, at best.
"Alright, brother, it's been a long journey. If there's anything to talk about, let's go to the main hall."
Cao Xun's smile was calm but calculated as he said, "Thankfully, I rested outside the city last night."
Pan Shi shot her son a resentful glance, leading the two brothers toward the main hall. As they walked, she couldn't resist remarking, "Ever since your father passed, I moved to the west courtyard. The main courtyard's been empty for years. Finally, you're back to lead the family."
Cao Xun glanced at the familiar courtyard with cool indifference, remarking, "I've been a neglectful son. All these years, you've been running the household alone-must've worn you out."
Pan Shi's expression softened, pretending to be understanding: "You've been serving the imperial court, risking life and death for a stable border. We've been safe and pampered here, so you needn't worry. But as I age, I find myself less capable of managing things. Now that you're back, it's time to find a good wife. Let her handle the household, and you can finally enjoy yourself."
The mention of marriage made Cao Shao's expression darken even further.
Cao Xun smiled, trying to deflect, "I've just returned, no need to rush. Mother, please be patient for a little longer."
They entered the main hall as they spoke.
Two prominent seats waited to the north.
One for Cao Xun, now head of the family, and one for Pan Shi, the family matriarch.
Pan Shi deliberately slowed her pace, casting a glance at her stepson from the corner of her eye.
Cao Xun, keeping his stride, sat promptly in the Grand Master's chair, the one once reserved for the two previous Dukes.
Pan Shi's eyes twitched involuntarily.
Cao Xun settled into his chair, watching as Pan Shi took her seat with a composed expression before praising Cao Shao for his achievements that spring.
Pan Shi's words were met with hearty laughter.
A maid brought tea, and Cao Xun took a slow sip, savoring it, though his face occasionally betrayed the fatigue of a man who had finally returned home after a long, draining journey.
Pan Shi wanted to discuss the celebration banquet. Cao Shao, concerned for his brother, cut in: "Mother, brother must be tired. He can rest now. If there's anything to discuss, we can do it later tonight."
Pan Shi responded with a touch of sarcasm, "Seems like I'm not as considerate as you, my son."
With a light-hearted chuckle, she led the maid away, disappearing quietly.
Cao Xun escorted her to the door before turning to his brother and asking, "Why do I feel like you're not too happy with our mother?"
Aggrieved, Cao Shao's eyes welled up as he faced his older brother, the one he'd always held in high regard.
In his heart, Cao Shao raged: if his elder brother had returned a few months earlier, the family head would've been him. If only his elder brother had made the decision for him, their mother wouldn't have dared to stand in the way of his marriage to Yunzhu.
In those three or four months, he'd almost been able to marry her!
He was on the edge of breaking down. Cao Xun snapped his fingers for him to move, then dragged his brother back to the hall and demanded with a firm tone, "What the hell happened?"
After taking a second to collect himself, Cao Shao spilled the whole story about how he'd backed out of the marriage with Yunzhu.
"Brother, it's over. Yunzhu and I are done. I'm not asking you to fix this for me or make any decisions, I'm telling you because you should know."
"The Cao family has had a solid bond with the Li family for three generations. There's no way our mother should have the power to destroy that. Now that you're back, if you get the chance, you need to do something about this. We can't afford to make enemies over something as ridiculous as this, can we?"
Cao Xun paused and nodded slowly. "I get it. Don't worry, I saved Duke Ningguo's life. I'll make it right in two days, I'll go straight to their doorstep and apologize. This mess will be fixed."
Cao Shao looked down, his expression heavy with regret.
Cao Xun's voice softened, "Or should I set up another marriage for you?"
Cao Shao scoffed bitterly, "No need for that. Even if Duke Ningguo and his wife agree to marry off Yunzhu to you for the sake of family, she won't compromise herself for anyone."
Cao Xun smirked, teasing, "With your looks, your talent, and the devotion you've shown, she might actually be tempted to marry you."
Cao Shao shook his head in disbelief. "Impossible. If our older brother saw her, you'd understand."
Crushed by his own thoughts, he turned and left quickly.
Cao Xun reclined lazily in his chair, watching his brother leave with a quiet smile. He couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
He'd never laid eyes on Li Yong's daughter as she grew up.
But he'd known for a long time that his younger brother had been utterly consumed by her, as if he'd sacrifice everything for her.
He's too damn young, still clueless that the more you indulge and flatter some women, the less they give a damn about anyone else.
---
The author adds:
Haha, Great Uncle is damn sure of himself.
Yunzhu's older brother, Li Yao, is 2 meters tall. Cao Xun is 193 cm, Cao Shao is 184 cm, and Yunzhu stands at 170 cm.