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Upon hearing Emperor Qi Ming’s words, Jiang Hong and his companions slowly rose to their feet, their eyes glimmering with smiles. However, the expressions on the faces of the court officials, gathered in the assembly, were a study in contrasts.

They had expected the Emperor to express his gratitude to the three armies on their return to the capital, but the scale of the rewards surpassed their anticipation.

Unaware of the internal thoughts of the officials, Emperor Qi Ming resumed his speech after Jiang Hong and others had risen. “Minister Jiang, you have truly labored hard. I hereby grant you three days off. Take this time to rest and spend some quality moments with your family.”

This war had spanned half a year. Jiang Hong indeed hadn’t been able to see his family for an extended period. Upon hearing the Emperor’s words, his smile deepened with sincerity. He swiftly bowed in gratitude, “My deepest thanks, Your Majesty.”

“Go. I will soon issue a proclamation for the rewards of the three armies.”

After expressing their gratitude to the Emperor, Jiang Hong and his companions exited the palace.

“Big brother, shouldn’t we go home? I’m sure mother is already waiting for us.” Standing at the palace gate, Jiang Ren looked at Jiang Hong and said. Acknowledging his words with a nod, Jiang Hong then addressed his fellow officer,” Meng Yi, you’ve worked hard this time. Rest well for the next few days.”

“Understood, General.”

Meng Yi, a man of an honest countenance, upon hearing Jiang Hong’s words, gave a nod, his face adorned with a smile. He stepped forward to pay his respects before turning to depart.

As he turned to leave, his smile faded abruptly. He couldn’t shake off the nagging feeling that Jiang Hong seemed to be maintaining a distance. In the past, Jiang Hong would have invited him to join their journey back to the Jiang family.

“Big Brother, why did you allow Meng Yi to return? Didn’t we always extend an invitation for him to visit our mansion?” asked Jiang Yuan, watching Meng Yi’s receding figure, unable to suppress his curiosity.

Jiang Yuan looked at Meng Yi’s departing back and could not help but ask Jiang Hong.

Upon hearing this, a flicker of amusement danced in Jiang Hong’s eyes. He softly chuckled, “In the past, Meng Yi was a solitary soul. Now that he has a family of his own, it’s only natural that he wishes to return home to his loved ones.”

“Let’s hurry up and head home. Our mother and children are eagerly waiting for us.”

Anticipating further inquiries from Jiang Yuan, Jiang Hong tactfully interjected. After finishing his sentence, he promptly mounted his horse. Observing this, both Jiang Yuan and Jiang Ren followed suit.

The imperial edict had already arrived at the Jiang household, so at this moment, Old Madam Jiang, accompanied by the entire Jiang family, stood at the entrance, eagerly awaiting their return.

Old Madam Jiang’s eyes sparkled with a mix of hope and excitement, her gaze frequently darting towards the road ahead.

Jiang Peihuan, gently holding Old Madam Jiang’s hand, felt it trembling slightly. In a soft voice, she suggested, “Grandmother, considering the time, Father and my uncles should only have just left the palace. Perhaps you could rest a while? When they arrive, they’ll first visit the Chrysanthemum Hall to meet you.”

“I’m fine. I’ll wait here for your father and your uncles,” Old Madam Jiang replied, shaking her head. Noticing the concern in Peihuan’s eyes, she gave a gentle pat on the back of her hand.

Zhou Rongfang and Liu Xiu, standing behind Old Madam Jiang, also watched the road ahead with anticipation shining in their eyes.

Suddenly, Jiang Sijin cheered, “Hoofbeats! I hear hoofbeats!”

As Sijin’s voice echoed, the figures of Jiang Hong and the others appeared at the intersection.

“Grandmother, Father and my uncles have returned.”

“Thank goodness they’re back… they’re back…”

Old Madam Jiang immediately descended the steps, with Peihuan supporting her by the hand.

Upon seeing Old Madam Jiang approaching, the three Jiang brothers quickly dismounted their horses. Jiang Hong, leading his two brothers, strode forward. Upon reaching Old Madam Jiang, Jiang Hong fell to his knees, “Mother, your sons have returned home safe and sound.”

“Good, good… Quickly, stand up,” Old Madam Jiang, holding back her tears, swiftly reached out, pulling Jiang Hong’s hand.

“Mother, your eyes are only for your eldest son. Don’t you see your youngest?” teased Jiang Ren, who was kneeling beside Jiang Hong. His jest eased some of the palpable tension in the air.

“Grandmother, you should rejoice. Father and the others have returned safely,” Jiang Peihuan chimed in upon hearing her third uncle’s lighthearted comment. Old Madam Jiang, wiping away her tears, smiled and replied, “Huan Er, you’re right. This is a joyous occasion. The safe return of my sons is indeed a moment of celebration for our Jiang family.”

“Deputy General Liu, make the arrangements. On behalf of our Mansion, distribute porridge outside the city for three days. It’s a gesture of gratitude to the Bodhisattva for ensuring my sons’ safe return.”

“Understood,” Deputy General Liu replied, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he swiftly moved to fulfill his duty.

At this moment, Xue Yan approached Old Madam Jiang, offering a courteous bow. “Mother, I have fulfilled your wish, escorting Brother Hong and his brothers home safely. Now, you can rest easy.”

“Dear child, it’s our Jiang family’s good fortune to have a daughter-in-law as capable as you.”

Old Madam Jiang was truly satisfied with her eldest daughter-in-law. Not only was she adept at raising her children and managing the household well, but she also possessed the courage to accompany her husband into battle.

Old Madam Jiang, having been born into a military family, understood better than anyone the trials a woman faced on the battlefield. Thus, upon seeing Xue Yan, her eyes were full of appreciation and gratitude.

Xue Yan had been part of the Jiang family for over two decades and had never had a disagreement with Old Madam Jiang. She genuinely regarded the old madam as her own mother. Upon hearing Old Madam Jiang’s kind words, she quickly responded, “Mother, you are too gracious. It’s truly my fortune to be married into the Jiang family.”

“Sister-in-law has been honored by the emperor as a First Rank Lady. We will have to bow when we meet her from now on.”

An out-of-place voice rang in the air at that moment. Hearing it, Jiang Peihuan immediately knew it was her second aunt, once again showing her pettiness. Hearing Zhou Rongfang’s words, Xue Yan slightly frowned but, considering the youngsters in the house and Jiang Yuan who had just returned, she chose to hold back her harsh words. She glanced at Zhou Rongfang and simply said, “Second sister-in-law, you worry too much. We are all family; there’s no need for such formalities.”

“But sister-in-law was, after all, personally honored by the Emperor. If outsiders knew, wouldn’t they say that people of our Jiang House…”

“How would outsiders know if you don’t say anything?”

Initially, for the sake of her second son, Old Madam Jiang hadn’t intended to intervene. However, Zhou Rongfang’s words grew increasingly irksome. Not waiting for Zhou Rongfang to finish, Old Madam Jiang cut her off.

Zhou Rongfang attempted to speak further, but Jiang Yuan quickly stepped forward, grasping her hand. “Enough. We can talk about this tonight. For now, let’s head back to the garden.”

As he spoke, Jiang Yuan turned towards Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Hong, “Mother, big brother, I’ll return to the garden first. Let’s all dine together tonight.”

“Go, get some rest.”

Seeing the exhaustion in her second son’s eyes, Old Madam Jiang softened and nodded her approval.

After Jiang Yuan’s family left, Old Madam Jiang addressed Jiang Hong and Jiang Ren, “Both of you should go and freshen up as well. Join us for dinner at the Chrysanthemum Hall tonight.”