As General Jianyu and his triumphant soldiers rode back into the capital, the city erupted in cheers and praises. The citizens hailed him as the hero of the empire, their savior returning from the battlefield. On his horse, Jianyu cut a majestic figure, his presence commanding attention and respect.
The 29-year-old prince, with his well-toned body clad in armor, possessed a charm that left the ladies of the capital blushing. The adoration he received was not only due to his bravery but also his princely qualities—handsome, brave, and with a background that made him an ideal match for any noble lady.
Jianyu, despite being the eligible bachelor that every noble family desired, had never taken a concubine. His aloof demeanor and dedication to his duties as a general made him an enigmatic figure. Ministers eyed him as a potential son-in-law, but none had succeeded in securing his hand.
However, there was one flaw that lingered—Jianyu's mother. The former empress, feeling betrayed, had made sure that Jianyu's mother, a concubine of the late emperor, faced hardships in the palace. This animosity had also affected Jianyu, and despite his stellar qualities, he bore the burden of his mother's status.
Feeling the weight of his responsibilities and not in the best of health, Jianyu called upon his trusted subordinate, Captain Liang Shao. Liang Shao, a seasoned and loyal soldier, held a high rank among Jianyu's men. Jianyu inquired about any incidents in the palace during his absence, hoping for news from the capital.
However, Captain Liang Shao reported that there had been no noteworthy incidents. The palace seemed to be in its usual state, with no signs of unrest or trouble. Jianyu, though relieved by the news, couldn't shake off a lingering sense of unease.
Meanwhile, on the second floor of a bustling restaurant, Chancellor Zhihua and his wife, Lady Mei, were enjoying a quiet dinner. Accompanying them was Lady Mei's younger sister, Xiaolian. As General Jianyu and his group passed by the road below, Lady Mei's sister couldn't help but be captivated by the charismatic figure of the prince.
Xiaolian, her heart fluttering instantly, found herself unable to look away from General Jianyu. His gallant presence and the tales of his heroics on the battlefield had stirred something within her. Unbeknownst to Jianyu, he had become the unwitting protagonist in a romantic reverie that blossomed within Xiaolian's heart.
As Jianyu continued on his path through the capital, oblivious to the silent admiration from Lady Mei's sister, the complexities of palace politics and unspoken desires unfolded in the background, setting the stage for the next chapter in their intertwined fates.