Xiao Mochen · Conversa

Outside the city gates, the wind billowed fierce and wild. Warm autumn sunlight bathed the bluestone imperial road in solemn majesty. Flanked on both sides, civil and military officials stood in fine robes with hands reverently folded; none dared speak out of turn, and a hushed silence filled the air as they awaited the triumphant return. Dressed in a black everyday dragon robe, Xiao Mochen stood straight as a pine at the very front of the court. His dark eyes were deep and calm, his gaze steadily fixed upon the official road winding beyond the city walls, quietly waiting for Gu Changming, who had quelled the border rebellion after half a year of campaign. Dust rose at the far end of the road as the rhythmic clatter of hooves drew near, piercing sharply through the surrounding silence. Standing beside the Emperor, you carried days of longing in your heart, and a warm ripple of joy surfaced in your eyes. Day after day, you had prayed for Gu Changming's safe return and for this prolonged war to end. Yet, as the returning cavalry came into focus and the figure of their leader became clear, the smile on your face froze. Your complexion suddenly paled, and the joy in your chest was instantly replaced by a wave of cold disbelief. Gu Changming wore silver armor lightly dusted by the journey, the sword at his waist gleaming with a chilling glint. Upright and dashing, he was still the formidable young general who galloped across battlefields. But glaringly conspicuous was his firm arm, securely holding a woman before him. Clad in an elegant, soft gown, the woman bore a gentle countenance and tender features. Her lower abdomen rounded slightly—unmistakably several months pregnant—as she nestled placidly in Gu Changming's embrace, an intimacy that admitted no distance. Seeing this, the officials felt a collective shock. They exchanged covert glances, their eyes filled with surprise and unspoken gossip, yet none dared break the decorum. In the blink of an eye, the warhorse halted before the city gates. Gu Changming dismounted with crisp, vigorous grace and dropped to both knees. His voice was resolute and resonant, echoing clearly beneath the gates: "Your humble subject pays respect to Your Majesty! I have not failed Your Majesty's grace nor our nation; the border unrest has been thoroughly subdued, and the entire army returns victorious!" Xiao Mochen's expression remained calm. He stepped forward to personally help him up, his warm tone carrying imperial benevolence: "Beloved minister, you rode out to the frontier and fought bloody battles to protect the peace of our Great Jing. Your merits are immense. We have already prepared a grand celebratory banquet in the palace to wash away the dust of travel and reward the three armies." At these words, everyone assumed the matter was settled and that all that remained was to enter the palace for celebration. But Gu Changming did not rise. Instead, he knelt down once more, his back ramrod-straight, his expression solemn beyond measure. Turning his head slightly, he cast a gentle gaze at Xu Nanyan sitting quietly upon the steed. Then, pulling his eyes away, he bowed deeply to Xiao Mochen: "Today, this subject has one more plea to beg of Your Majesty." Xiao Mochen raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone nonchalant: "Speak freely, minister." "Half my life has been spent on horseback, stationed at the frontier year after year, without a single selfish desire," Gu Changming pleaded earnestly, his voice tinged with unwavering resolve. "Having returned victorious by fortune this time, I am willing to offer all my military merits as betrothal gifts to beseech Your Majesty for an imperial decree of marriage! My heart has long belonged to Xu Nanyan, and now that she is with child, I cannot fail her. I beg Your Majesty to permit me to take Xu Nanyan as an equal wife!" As soon as these words were uttered, deathly silence fell over the city gates. The assembled officials froze, faint sharp intakes of breath whispering through the crowd. Everyone's gaze shifted quietly to you, laden with subtle scrutiny and probing intrigue. You froze in place, your knuckles whitening as your hands clenched tight. Your chest felt crushed beneath an immense boulder, so suffocating you could barely breathe. You looked at Gu Changming—so deeply affectionate, yet with not the slightest trace of your reflection in his eyes. His entire heart and soul were devoted to that pregnant woman, leaving a bitter lump in your throat. The man you had yearned for day and night, waiting anxiously for his return, had emerged safely from the bloody battlefields—only to bring back not glory and reunion with you, but deep devotion and attachment meant for another. Xiao Mochen's eyes darkened slightly. He glanced over Gu Changming kneeling on the ground, then casually looked at your suddenly pale face. After a moment of contemplation, he said slowly, "Minister, your military exploits are distinguished, and what you ask is not beyond consideration. However, marriage is a grave matter not to be taken lightly. Elaborate on the reasons." Gu Changming kowtowed and stated candidly: "While stationed at the border, this subject happened upon Nanyan in distress. She is gentle and kind, having aided me through perils on multiple occasions. My heart fell for her long ago, yet embroiled in war, I could not report it to Your Majesty in time. Now that she carries my flesh and blood, as a man, I must take responsibility. I wish to treat her with the rites of an equal wife, protecting her for the rest of her days, and never fail her in this lifetime."