The princess regretted it.

Chapter 271: Zhenbei Army Returns to Beijing

The people below the city gate tower also heard the loud shout from Eunuch Fuquan. The people were in high spirits and they all stood on tiptoe and stretched their necks to look outside the city gate.

Soon, the dull yet powerful sound of the galloping horses reached the ears of the people. Their excitement grew uncontrollable. Their voices rose and fell, blending into a cacophony of cries: "Here they come! The Zhenbei Army is here! General Mu has returned."

The second and third-floor windows of the teahouses and restaurants along the street were bustling with activity, their seats completely packed. In one of the rooms, Lanzhu and her mother-in-law, Mrs. Fan, sat quietly. Lanzhu was nearing labor, her swollen belly pushing up against her clothes, making movement extremely difficult. Mrs. Fan watched her belly anxiously. After all, the doctor had carefully examined her and confirmed it was most likely a boy. This news delighted Mrs. Fan, who eagerly anticipated the arrival of a new family member and treated Lanzhu with even greater care.

I didn't want Lanzhu to come out when she was about to give birth, for fear that she would be bumped into by the crowd and get into an accident. But Lanzhu was stubborn and insisted on coming. The dream she had before was always a knot in her heart, and she always felt a little uneasy.

After much deliberation, Fan finally gave in and understood her longing for her son, so she agreed. She then arranged for someone to come and book a room so Lanzhu could watch the film in peace.

At this moment, Lanzhu heard the commotion coming from downstairs and slowly moved. With one hand gently supporting her waist, she used the other, supported by the nanny beside her, to struggle to stand from the stool beside the table. Seeing this, Fan also quickly rose from the stool and walked over. She and the nanny, one on each side, steadily supported Lanzhu as they cautiously walked towards the window. All three of them had anxious expressions on their faces, their eyes fixed on the street below, waiting for the Zhenbei army to enter the city, waiting for the return of the Wu family father and son.

Elsewhere, on the third floor of Zuixian Tower, Jin'an, Hanshuang, and Ziyun had quietly left the palace early in the morning. They were now in a room on the third floor usually closed to the public. Unable to remain in the palace, she felt uneasy and had to come and see for herself. She had to see with her own eyes that her uncle was safe and sound before she could rest assured.

Arriving at Zuixianlou, Han Shuang exchanged a few words with the shopkeeper, who then led them directly to a room on the third floor. This room enjoyed a prime location, with two windows facing the street. Standing in front of it, one could take in every blade of grass, every tree, every person, and every object on the street, making it the perfect spot to witness the triumphant return of the Zhenbei Army.

Han Shuang and Zi Yun were standing by the window, watching the street. Jin An sat quietly at the table, her hands folded lightly on the surface, her fingers unconsciously rubbing against it. Beneath her seemingly calm face lay a restless heart.

The women of the Mu Xiangfu and the Huguogongfu remained at home, as the army would camp and rest outside the city as usual. Only Mu En and the generals led a team of guards into the city.

The Emperor would greet Mu En and his generals at the city gate tower. Once inside, they would cleanse themselves and tidy their appearance before reporting to the Emperor. They would then return to their own residences to bathe and wash, so they meticulously arranged everything at home, from warm bath water and clean clothes to carefully prepared nourishing meals. They waited for their loved ones, who hadn't been home for years, to return and experience the warmth and comfort of home, washing away the dust and fatigue of travel.

Finally, the dull sound became clearer and clearer, and the shadowy figures became more and more obvious in the dust raised by the galloping horses.

At first, they were just vague outlines, like phantoms hidden in the mist. As the distance closed in, I could gradually make out tall, armored figures. Their formations were neat and sturdy, and against the flying dust and dazzling sunlight, they looked like gods of war from myth and legend, exuding an awe-inspiring aura.

As they drew closer to the city gate, everyone's attention was riveted by the leader. He was clad in golden black iron armor, the material caressed by the sunlight, radiating a shimmering light that seemed to envelop him. The light was so dazzling it seemed to ignite the air around him into golden flames. The warhorse beneath him trotted with a swift and powerful gait. With each gallop, the long red tassel on his helmet danced wildly in the wind. At such speed, it transformed into a single, straight red line, like a mark of victory scratched through the air.

Behind him followed closely a dozen men, each standing tall and straight like a pine tree, all clad in dark armor. The dark armor was as profound as the night, yet in the sunlight it reflected a dazzling, cold light, like a cluster of twinkling stars in the dark sky, or a dazzling galaxy flowing slowly across the vast land, emitting a chilling, murderous aura.

Behind them, a slightly bumpy carriage lurched. Made of solid walnut, it exuded an air of rusticity and heaviness. The horses pulling it were sturdy and vigorous, their strides still strong and energetic after the long journey, and beads of sweat glistened on their bodies in the sunlight.

The carriage was surrounded by dozens of guards, also clad in fine iron armor. Their warhorses were plump and robust, tall and agile. Their manes swayed in the wind like black silk dancing in the breeze. Their hooves were powerful, and each trot raised a cloud of dust, making a dull, resonant sound.

The group soon reached the city gate. The man in golden armor at the front let out a clear, powerful "whoosh." At the same moment, his powerful arms yanked the reins, tightening them like a bowstring. The thundering warhorse beneath him, as if understanding its master's command, raised its front hooves high, tracing a graceful arc through the air before stomping heavily on the ground, sending up a cloud of dust, and finally coming to a steady halt. The entire movement was fluid and seamless, showcasing his exceptional riding skills and control, drawing the gazes of those around him and causing exclamations of amazement.

The soldiers following closely behind also reined in their horses, their steeds obediently responding to their masters' commands. For a moment, the sound of horses' hooves stamping on the ground rose and fell, echoing at the city gate like a dense drumbeat. The swift war horses, with their bodies held high, their hooves rhythmically rising and falling, creating clouds of flying dust.

They snorted periodically, their hot breath quickly condensing into puffs of white mist in the cold air, adding a touch of grandeur to the scene. The soldiers on horseback stood straight, their armor gleaming in the sunlight, their stern faces revealing the fortitude and pride of battlefield experience. They sat firmly on their horses, awaiting their next command. The scene was both spectacular and solemn.

The man in front gently lifted the reins, skillfully controlling the restless horse and calming it down. Then, he slowly raised his head, his eyes firm and deep as he looked towards the distant city gate tower.