After Emperor Wu Su returned to Lin'an from the Northern Border, Wei Chi Lianping stood guard at the southern border for another six months before coming home.
The moment he stepped through the main gates of the Princess Mansion, the heart of the Great General, so long away at war, was finally at ease.
Though the magnificent mansion seemed to lack warmth, it was home to him, for his beloved was inside.
Wei Chi Lianping rushed inside, his face alight with excitement.
He stopped short at the entrance to the main hall, even taking a moment to check his reflection in the large water basin under the covered walkway.
'Not bad.'
'A bit more weather-beaten, perhaps, but still as handsome as ever.'
Princess Hua Chang was seated on a chaise lounge, sipping Longjing tea—brewed with morning dew—from a newly fired Sky Blue Porcelain Cup.
The door was pushed open, and an acrid cloud of dust and sand billowed in.
Princess Hua Chang frowned, handing the teacup to a maid at her side.
